How Safe is it to Ride in Thailand

There are several things assuring our safety as we ride. 

I have only seen one texting driver, a teen on a scooter. 

About a quarter of the vehicles are low powered scooters. They weave in and out from the shoulder and the car drivers make adjustments for them. Truck drivers seem the most observant but all drivers make adjustments for the slower vehicles moving in and out of the slow lane. 

We are the strangest thing on the road these people have ever seen. The amount of attention we get is overwhelming.  We act as if we are invisible and ride accordingly. To drivers we are anything but. 

There are periodic, random traffic checks to catch non-documented travelers. We have always been ushered through but at a check south of Nang Khai we were asked to pull over. We both carry passports and visas with us at all times but there is still that moment of pause. We were greeted buy two smiling officers with cell phone cameras lofted asking politely if they could take a picture of us. Here I am with my new best friend border agent. 

There are many beautiful temples but this one stands out. 

A large Buddha statue stands guard of the temple lands. 

This is a typical "food court" in Thailand. They pretty much look the same and they are pretty much everywhere. 

The chicken was outstanding. 

Sticky rice is the most common type of rice served. It is a different varity of plant and you have to tug to get a wad. It is commonly served with a sauce to dip in. 

This is the closest thing to salad they serve. It has red and green tomatoes, a type of green bean, grated green papaya and a fish sauce, lime juice, garlic, peanuts and palm sugar called som tom. Quite tasty and refreshing. 

The Nakhara International Hotel is worth mentioning. It boasts clean, modern rooms with a touch of class you would expect in finer US hotels. 

Look at the detail on the origami bath and hand towel. 

The room rate of $42 includes WiFi and breakfast.