We started off from Penang on 3rd (Wed) morning, spending the night in Hatyai. Early Thu morning (0630 hrs local time) we headed for Krabi. The route northwards from Hatyai along Highway 4 to the Pathalung Junction was about 95 km. Being that early there was no food or drinks available even at the bigger gas stations which do have food stalls and cafe sheds, but these usually open only for lunch onwards. So if one needs a hot drink to keep alert for the early morning ride, one would be well advised to bring along packet drinks. At some stations there are 7-eleven stores that provide hot water for the instant cup noodles they sell.
On reaching the Pathalung junction, instead of following Highway 4 and turning westwards towards Trang and then past Wang Wiset and then Nuea Khlong and Krabi, we continued northwards along Highway 41 up to the Thung Song junction and on along Highway 41 for another about 25 km before turning westwards onto Route 4019 towards Thung Yai (TY). At TY there is a cross junction with traffic lights. We headed straight and then at a T-junction, we turned right onto Route 4156 towards Khao Phanom (KP). Approaching KP we reach another T-junction where we turned left towards Nuea Khlong (NK).
I have detailed above my route to Krabi for the benefit of those travellers to Krabi or Phuket who wish to take this route instead of the usual route pass Trang and Wang Wiset on to NK. I now compare the distances and the riding conditions between these two routes.
The distance from the Pathalung junction to the Thung Song junction (where there is a Shell - take the underpass) is about 90 km along the 2 or 3-lane Highway 41. Ride on for about another 25 km before you turn westwards onto Route 4019 and Route 4156. These two routes (4019 and 4156) are about 55 km across nice countryside. They are not as winding and congested as the other route bypassing Trang. On reaching KP (having taken the left turn at the 2nd T-junction, you ride another 22 km of straight country road to reach NK. The total distance for this route is, from the Pathalung junction to the TY junction about 113 km along Highway 41, and another 77 km of country road to reach NK, making a total of about 190 km.
The distance from the Pathalung junction to Trang where I stop for dim sum is 54 km of narrow winding road. From this point to NK is another 113 km of winding, hilly terrain which is usually congested and is a problem overtaking. This makes a total of 167 km. So the difference is about 23 km further using the Thung Song route. But I prefer this route, all things considered. It may even be a quicker one.
Below is a road map showing the 2 points from the Pathalung junction to Nuea Khlong where you can chart out the two routes described above.
In Krabi we stayed in Aonang Beach which I find a more interesting area than the town, which is about 15 km away. We checked into Aonang Beach Terrace which I had pre-booked online - deluxe room on 1st floor at only RM110 nett with breakfast. Here are some photo shots:
No covered carpark - convenient place for our machines, in front of reception
Eugene in his de luxe room
Panoramic view of Aonang Beach
At the Black Crab Viewpoint in Krabi town where the dinner was held
One of the mean machines
Renting one of the local bikes to move around - 150TB for 24 hrs.
The powered boats that take tourists island hopping (half day) - charges from 1,000TB to 1,500TB
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