An early start after packing overnight belongings into new Kriega luggage (US30 waterproof drybag / tailpack and Hriega R20 rucksack - see www.kriega.com and easily fixing the US30 tailpack to the motorcycle passenger seat. Was soon stopped by Police along Sukhumvit Road to check the motorcycle papers because no license plate fitted yet. Stopped by Police a second time for riding on the highway rather than the frontage road. All papers were in order and had no further problem. Took wrong turn at Bang Kaeo junction and had to travel 20 kilometers to Prawet before a suitable U-turn. Ride took approximately 6 hours including rest stops and unplanned detours! Clearly much to learn about motorcycling in Thailand.
Arrived safely in Pattaya, found the Kawasaki dealer, bought and had fitted some accessories, and found a good hotel for a much needed night's sleep. The hotel, Marriott Resort and Spa, is centrally located and comfortable. The room was newly refurbished but the bathroom small. The high price did not reflect the perceived value but given it was a holiday weekend, other hotels contacted were full, and this was a last minute booking, it was difficult to complain.
The return to Bangkok the next morning was uneventful and significantly quicker. Followed Garmin Zumo 220 GPS directions but these navigated a route over the King Bhumibol bridge - motorcycle access is prohibited (even though the GPS was set to motorcycle mode). However, by following other motorbikes, fortunately came across the Talat ferry river crossing. This was a high-light of the return journey and cost less than 25 Thai Baht. Look forward to the opportunity to use this ferry crossing at sometime in the future.
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