Golden Triangle
Due to the late arrival of the cars we missed our rest day in Chiang Mai, however most of the rally headed to the Golden Triangle – the point where Thailand, Burma and Laos meet. Our chosen otel was the Antanara which looks out over this point. The drive to the Golden Triangle was around 5 hours and in parts spectacular. Once there, it was voted the location of the rally so far. Steve and Janet were late away from Chiang Mai as their Mk2 Jaguar needed some attention. However, once on the road they made good time and were there in time to buy an early round of drinks at the bar.
The next morning the hotel brought a baby elephant to the breakfast room giving the opportunity for a few photos for those who had not seen the elephant reserve belonging to the hotel. Here, they bring elephants that have been mistreated or are on the streets of Bangkok.
Phitsanulok
The next morning it was a long drive to Phitsanulok, although everyone made it in good time. The first part followed the Mekong river and took us over some hills and through the countryside before we joined u with Route 1 and 11 to ensure a good arrival time at the Pattara Resort hotel, a surprising oasis in the industrial town of Phitsanulok. Here, set around a lake and an excellent pool, we had an entertaining evening, with the whole group together again. It was also the point e had to bid farewell to Next and Ric who’s wife was not well.
Kirimaya
From Phitsanulok it was a good drive to Kirimaya Resort near Khorat but unfortunately the Mk 2 Jaguar hit another problem and ran its main bearings. A roadside garage did a great job trying to sort the problem but ultimately it was beyond repair and has now been sent back to Bangkok for a slow boat back to the UK. Steve and Janet will meet us in Saigon where we have arranged for a car for them so that they can continue the journey.
Siem Reap
From Kirimaya we headed for the Thai/Cambodia border at Poi Pet and with our agents on both sides the crossing was relatively quick and painless. The road from the border to Siem Reap has now been surfaced so the potholes and dust have disappeared. From taking up to four hours in 2008, the journey time is a very reasonable hour and a half, meaning you arrive at the superb Grand Hotel d’Ankor fresh and ready for the ruins. There were two mechanical hitches on this trip; one being the Ami which had a sticking brake drum and the other the Citroen DS of Kees which lost a locking nut on the wheel upright meaning it needed constant checking. A local garage sorted these problems out admirably.
We also had our first rest day here and very welcome it was too, providing time for a bit of temple touring and R&R by the pool. Dinner at the FCC (Foreign Correspondent’s Club) was a must, followed by a visit to Pub Street, the lively tourist centre of the town.
Phnom Penh
The following day we all headed to Phnom Penh and another rest day. Here, the main points of interest are the Genocide Museum and Killing Fields. Grim but a must see.
