Day 2: Pak Bara to Trang

The start time for second day was probably misread. By right, we should have rolled away at 6.30 a.m. local time, but we set it an hour late. Hence, we had to waste an hour of daylight. The plan was to ride all the way northward to Trang, all 110 km of it. 

But first we have to fuel up with a good fuel which was actually indulging out taste buds with local servings. We rode out of Pak Bara towards Lamgu where we should find better variety of breakfast,  Langu is a town with surrounding villages, which mostly Muslim settlers. Finding a good spot is hassle free, you just need to pick one. The town area is totally commercial.

Already we were mesmerised by the food table out on the counter. Cakes and rice with loads of options. We were not hesitant with the bill since we trust that it won't be killers. I had rice with a fried chicken and curry and tea worth 400 Thai Baht. That would be equivalent to a lunch portion. Not forgetting, we were again stuck with language crisis. I took the initiative to learn a few basic words like ordering ice tea, hot tea, coffee, sugar, no sugar and something similar.

Key Plan (click to enlarge) - Still a long way of Segenting Kra

As soon as we hit the road, the sun have already brighten up welcoming the journey. The road leading to Trang opens up right after leaving Langu town. It was wide with ample road shoulder for cyclists, smooth asphalt without any evidence of pot holes and manholes. The sky opens up as well when the tree line lay a distance away from the road. It will be a very long day on the saddle.

Leaving Langu, we were lead into a quieter zone with local homes started to scatter wider apart. As the sun grew stronger, so was the discreet feeling engulfed in each of us. We attempted an hour ride before each stop for water refill and regrouping. The next town in the middle of the way was Thung Wa, the last town before entering Trang District.

Crossing this district border, we had to succumb a huge climb. A very large limestone outcrop that provided a beautiful view across the navigating inclining road. The surrounding flat terrain of padi fields add significant contrast to this geological scene. It was simply awesome.

I was still blind of what awaits ahead of us after crossing the pinnacle. I have no idea of how Trang would look like. Will it be like Hatyai? Google images from my earlier homework won't do justice since the actual scenes and climate would be totally different. I don't even bother to check on the distance counter as I was busy observing the vast sceneries. It was basically the rurals. 

We had another stop at Yan Ta Kao. A pertrol station attached with 7E and Amazon Cafe. The smell of fresh brewed caffeine in the middle of a sleepy noon was tantalizing. I never had second thought about coffee. It's always a punch for me. And the price for a cooling ice blended is half we paid in KL. With the air-conditioned room, it was temporary heaven. Allah most merciful.

Leaving Satun District means we had to leave the vast variety of Muslim food. Here in Yan Ta Kao, we had a some difficulties in finding a lunch spot. A stall near an alley served the only Muslim food. Chicken noodle soup was perfect. It was hot, exhausted, dry and thirsty. The best menu to swallow.

In the middle of our food digging, the sky turned dark. Originated from Satun, strong cold wind and thunder lead the sudden climate change. I was playing the guessing game whether they would wait the storm out or push through. Most came prepared with rain jackets and all other waterproof stuff.

Tour Tips:

1. Shower cap from hotels are used to cover your head under the helmet.
2. Those with leather saddles e.g. leading brand Brooks need to cover them to protect the leather.
3. Those without mud fenders, opted to a more natural Bear Grylls survival skill by using tree branches fixed to the rear rack.
4. The location of your rain jacket in the most accessible pannier pocket at this point is crucial.

They lead out into the starting rain. The idea was to push through the distance is too unbearable and there's no place to spend the night around this area. I knew that riding with the rain jacket will eventually become hot since the body produces heat from the cycling movement. The rain jacket prohibits heat and moisture in and out. Thus, the released body heat accumulate and you become uncomfortable. After 10 minutes, I decided to ditch the rain jacket and just enjoyed the pecking rain.

Village houses and plots of rubber plantations. There was a stretch of road where we passed by under cooling rubber trees for almost 15 km.

It didn't rain heavily but it was enough to make me shiver upon stopping for breaks and regrouping. Eventually it stopped and the road dried up creating a film of warm humidity. The sun was nowhere to be seen once the rain clouds passed away, indicating that daylight is nearing end. We continued on towards Trang suburbs as more signs appear on both sides of the road that a town is coming our way. Roads become wider, more lively commercial plots and the most obvious is the traffic volume.

More and more food joints appear along the way, and Trang population just about to start their dinner feast. The roads were mostly busy. We had a few detours due to mistaken direction finding our hotel. I just followed the trail of bikes while enjoying myself to this new setting. Not as much motorcycles as Hatyai but enough to drove us outsiders some chills when they passed by in speed. Easily from my first observant, Trang is almost similar to Muar. However, my perspective may differ when daylight come.

Nightlife in Trang is kicking. Dinner was uncomplicated as we just need to walk across to the restaurant. Best Tom Yam Seafood Fried Rice I have ever tasted. We went for a stroll after dinner to Trang train station for night market.

Queen Hotel was perfect for the best rate and location, easily accessible to many nearby attractions.

Pinch from the lens...

The only super climb indicates Trang-Satun border

My 400 Thai Baht breakfast...this is labour's day

Will never miss this food joint if I ever come again

Now on full belly, we need to move before I fall asleep...wuuuaaaargh!

Trang - one of those monument at a roundabout

Trang population are busy at night market

Yan Ta Khao one of many breaks

Not too shabby for a good rate & location