Author Archive for Dave Early

Chiang Mai to Hanoi – Introduction

For all the years I have been here in Thailand, it has been a goal of many to ride their own motorcycles into Vietnam and tour the Communist country. With only a couple exceptions, many have tried and most have failed……Now, with a little help (OK, with a lot of help) from my friends, it was our turn to try. And we did it!

Follow the multi-part story here……..

Scorpion Queen

Scorpions are quite prevalent in Asia, but I found this to be especially true around my home.

Have you seen scorpions glow in the dark?

Have you ever seen a “Vinegaroon”?

I hadn’t. Have a look……..

Read how I “crawled” into a strange, but quite interesting hobby.

Buddhist Hell in Chiang Mai

There are some strange displays of Buddhist beliefs in Thailand. This is only a few kilometers from my home and for my friends that live here, it is worth a visit.

Hmong Kart Racing- New Year 2011

An unusual Kart Race in Thailand. Hmong Hill Tribes race wooden karts downhill at Hnomg New Year Celebration 2011.

Shrine of Japanese Soldiers-Ban Kat

We discovered a shrine to Japanese soldiers of the Second World War in a most unlikely place, but with a fascinating history. Photos and links.

A New Zealand Road Trip

A simple camper van road trip in New Zealand, in search of snow and some fun, turns into a near disaster.

Disaster Turns to Laughter

What appears to be imminent disaster for our NZ trip, turns into a great day of fun and excitement.

On Land, Sea and Air-Taupo, NZ

We found our snow, despite natural disasters and closed roads. Jet Boats, Helicopters and Hot Springs were the order of the day.

Kachin Festival – Northern Thailand

I learned of a Kachin Manau festival being held near the Burma border, but I knew little of what it was about. It’s a nice village, with terrific views and friendly people, so I decided to make the trip.

Laos to the Vietnam Border and Beyond (Pt. 1)

We found a restaurant, but we lost Silverhawk.

It was one of those embarrassing funny ones. I was riding tail end Charley, with Armin & Joe at the front with Silverhawk in the middle, except there was no Silverhawk.
We all rode around Lai Chau eating dust looking for Silverhawk, but no one had any luck, so we gave up after 20 minutes; & had lunch.

Sapa, Vietnam (Pt. 2)

DAYS 5 & 6 SAPA playing tourist
A tweaking of the master plan – slow down, look at things, meet some people & learn something.
Arriving in Sapa after 5 days on the road in the heat & smoke was like arriving at exquisite oasis in the desert. Sapa was green & cool from the altitude 1,500 [...]

Bac Ha to Hanoi (Pt. 3)

3 nights in Sapa were a delight, but it was time to push on. Time would soon start running out on our entry permits & we needed to hit the road yet again.

Bac Ha beckoned. Silverhawk had done some intelligent research & picked up that Bac Ha was the market place to go.

Hanoi, Vietnam (Pt.4 )

Absolute chaos, maniacal traffic, but some very nice people. A couple days of semi-rest, but still locked into an unchangeable itinerary. We did the tourist sites which included the “Hanoi Hilton” prison and the John McCain memorial. We would have loved to have more free time here and a little less structure. We had some extremely nice dinners with our travel hosts, and soon were on our way again.

Mai Chau, Return to Laos (Pt. 5)

After leaving the hussle of Hanoi, we chose a much less hectic route to take us into Xam Nua, Northeaster Laos. The heat was nearly unbearable but I still enjoyed this part of the ride as we had again left the tourists behind.

Set Free in Laos (Pt 6)

When we awoke in Xam Nua and prepared to hit the road, I did feel a little like my leash had finally been removed (no offense guys). I love riding in Laos and I am fairly familiar with most areas. I had told the group prior that I was cutting across Laos Highway 1c, south of Xam Nua, to Nong Kiew. The others had business in Luang Phrabang and were headed there via Phonsavan.

Pt 7 How We Did It

In the links on this page, in post #6 you will see a full list of what was necessary to make this trip.

U.S. State Department Travel Info-Thailand

This is the current travel and country information by the U.S. State Department. Click on their link to “Background Notes” for some interesting history of Thailand.

U.S. State Department Travel Info-Laos

This is the U.S. State Department Travel Information on Laos. It is not really as bad as they make it sound………..

Funeral for 4 Fallen Heroes

4-Down. 20,000 came. The Tacoma, Washington police funeral.

Don’t Believe Your Eyes…….

What could happen to those photos of yours posted on the social networking sites and in your emails?

See the “Girls Aloud”….