That's very disappointing, Andrew. In particular as it's less than a year since I visited.

Hi Frank. We just had dinner at the same restaurant. Our expectation of eating that delicious looking squid was shattered when it arrived on the table. A half cooked jumble of tiny squid pieces. Even the cats begging for food weren’t sure about it! Maybe the cook has changed.

Rich,
As Frank wonderfully describes, this section of Thailand is a gem. Andrea and I love it down there. I suggest anytime between the middle of Nov. to the end of Feb. Earlier is probably better (before smoke from the incessant burning of fields in the north filters down south). The food and colorful sights, cheap guest houses and gentle, peaceful friendly people all make for a great trip. It is hot and humid. Frank doesn't talk about that much. He must be not as affected by it as I am. It just makes a person drink more coconut juice!

Thank you very much for your kind and positive feedback, Rich. I was initially very hesitant drafting a journal on this ride, as I have written about the same route at least a couple of times before, if not more often. In the end I thought: If I could inspire at least one cyclist who hasn´t been down the Gulf yet.... Mission accomplished, I would say! Please don´t hesitate to ask any other question that hasn´t been answered in my blog.

Thanks for this journal! It was a great introduction to an area I know nothing about. I’m now thinking we might try to tour here someday. Beautiful pictures too!

I agree, Chris, natural fibre seems to be the key whereas I basically live on soups and white rice meals while on the go. Fortunately it's malakor and ma muang season now....

I find having some fruit before bedtime helps. Esp papaya. Definitely not a junk food or snacks. The little intake during the day is going to your muscles, not bowels :-)

Thank you, Mark! And I haven't even been up to Nan..... Would love to do some cycling up there before I leave in March though.

Your kind words are much appreciated, Bruce! It feels to me like Andrea and you have been close friends for years and we never sat at the same table yet. Has to be changed! May I suggest Thailand as neutral territory?

Great tour once again. I really enjoy your colorful, happy photos. They have really helped us this winter. Thank you, Frank. I always enjoy your journals. We will meet someday, in Thailand.

Good tour, great report and pics, Frank. You made me quite homesick. :)

I need sympathy not telling-off, Helmut!!!! But you are absolutely right and I got quickly back to my former and very sensible routine: One drink stop every hour

Som Tam may indeed have avoided this situation, Andrew. But rice noodles or joc for breakfast and then white rice again in the evening is a silly beginners mistake. And yes, all back to normal....Fruit and cereal tomorrow morning by the way

I cant beliebte that an expirienced traveler Like u has such a Situation. Southern hemisphere there's one rule : Drink like a camel
Good luck :,-)

Sorry to hear about your regularity issues Frank. Have you not been taking your daily dose of som tam?
Hope programming returns to normal soon.