Ride/Road - Pedaled 10 k east on the side road out of
Bang Ben Beach back to highway 4.
The side road is primarily sealed with no shoulder,
some pot holes and places where the asphalt has
deteriorated, but easy to maneuver. Traffic very light to
non-existent.
Highway 4 south is sealed and has a narrow shoulder
sometimes non-existent.
Opportunities for food are scarcer, but you can still find
small convenience shops, limited gas stations with
toilet and a few restaurants. Past small villages with a
varied livestock in the yards mostly goats, sheep and
plenty of annoying dogs chasing and barking at us.
Stopped for our first lunch at mile 32 (kilometer 51)
around 9:15 a.m in the small town of Suk Samran.
Weather/Scenary - Started the ride early at 6:03 a.m.
to avoid most of the humidity and heat of the mid-day
sun. We are wearing head scarves around our
helmets to keep the sun off our neck and face.
Beautiful tropical scenery. Very lush, very green
forested mountains. Several rivers crossings.
Mosques are gradually replacing Wats, and monks in
robes are now local men with little pill box beanies hats
and women wearing head scarves.
Hills - This ride is hilly with two very steep climbs. The
first is at mile 16 (kilometer 26) and it is steep and we
found it hard. The second is around mile 23 (kilometer
37) Not so steep, but a good climb.
The rest of the ride is undulated. Up and down.
Kuraburi is a small town mostly concentrated along
hwy 4. It has a two good public markets. One is
across the street from Boon Pija Bungalows and the
another is at the south end of town. There are several
restaurants in town along hwy 4 surrounded by shops
and food stalls. Kuraburi is a pleasant enough stop
with nice surroundings to break up a long riding day.
Slept - Boon Pija Resort. Nice owner. Speaks
English quite well.
Location - Entering from the north highway 4. Pass the
gas station. Cross over the bridge. The bungalows
are 300 meters after the bridge on the left side.
There's a sign.
Cost - 500 b ($13.51)
Amenities - Tastefully decorated bungalow with dark
wood furniture, large deck with chairs and table. Room
included a/c,TV, bath with hot water, western toilet.
Other accommodations in town - Hotel Extra, near the
gas station, charges 500 b ($13.51) for a room with
a/c.
7.5 miles (12 kilometers) south of Kuraburi on hwy 4 is
the Green View Resort. Luxurious accommodations
perched in the jungle mountains with a recommended
restaurant. Plus all the great amenities expected in
this price range of up to $67.00.
| Day 10 Bang Ben Beach (6 k N of Kapoe) to Kuraburi 80 Kilometers / 50 Miles |
| Cycle Touring Routes > Thailand > Bangkok to Phuket > Day |