@Graham *****

Thank you for the response! ☺️ I’m trying to get in touch with some visa run agencies to see my options, but apparently, someone here in the group says it’s for “dodgers” trying to stay here longer… I’m worried it will affect future visits in the upcoming years (not in the near future)…

@Kim ******

Thank you so much, it’s such a valuable response coming from the cycling community here. I’m truly grateful! 🥰❤️

And thank you for the kindness you offer to cyclists here as well! I haven’t gotten the chance to head further south into Trang, furthest I’ve done down south is Surat Thani, since I’m not headed to Malaysia for this trip, but I’m sure it’s a lovely route as well!

Stay safe! 🥰🚲

@Leong **********

Thank you so much for the vote of confidence! ☺️ Appreciate all the help! ❤️

@Osian *******

bitch what??? 🤣 It’s fucking hilarious how you think I’m making this all up. Like bro… do you think I have all the time to make up this lore? Like what do I gain from making up a story like this?

I’m literally cycling my way in Isaan right now.

My boyfriend isn’t Thai, he’s French, and he’s also a traveler. It’s easier for us to visit each other in third countries due to the tedious Schengen visa application, which I have to apply from in my home country.

I’m still a solo cyclist. It’s possible to have a long-term relationship while doing solo trips and fulfilling your dreams. That’s called a healthy partnership built on trust, understanding, love, and support. ❤️

If you’re in a relationship and you travel with your partner from time to time, it doesn’t remove the fact that you’re still a solo traveler.

I treasure my friendships all the same.

It’s possible to have truly good friends in a short span of time, if the connection is genuine and if you really build it with trust, and quality time with each other.

Even if I pass only a few days in their town or city (or in the case of Nong Khai, I spent a week or so there to map out this trip and to get ready), I’m proud to say I’m in touch with local friends I’ve made and local friends who continue to morally support me on this trip. I value this so much.

Knowing the warmth of Thai people, it’s easy to find love, care, and understanding from the locals you meet along the way in your trip. I’m not here to use this kindness, but to really create and maintain these connections I’ve made.

As for border agents, I’ve never used one or tried so I have no idea if it’s just for dodgers 🤷🏽‍♀️ That’s why I’m in this group, asking

Me thinks you’re a lonely person on the Internet who doesn’t believe things like this can exist because your worldview is too small, and this attitude and perception of yours is what repels people from you.

I genuinely wish you the best of luck, and advice you to stop generalizing and bringing other people down. ❤️

@Leong **********

That’s what I’m worried about.

I never planned the trip to be this long, but cycling is truly slow travel. I’ve never taken busses or trains to complete the loop / route I’ve set, and this is the first time I’ll be putting the bike in a freight carriage.

Cycling is much easier in Thailand as well, compared to neighboring countries (better roads, more campsites, more bike shops, food for fuel everywhere) and honestly, as a solo female traveler, I feel much safer here. ❤️

My trips were not consecutive though, they’re a month apart, and I don’t only stay in “free” accommodations. I’m not strong enough to camp every day, especially in rainy weather. ⛈️ (as much as I’d love to!)

I book a hostel bed or a room from time to time to take rest. I can present receipts at the border. Plus, I can also show national park tickets + tourist attraction tickets that I’ve accumulated for camping and visiting.

I document everything—photos, tickets, receipts—just in case a situation like this arises.

I also have friends living near Nong Khai who are ready to pick me up after reentry and who are willing to help me and wait for me to cross back (translating, vouching for me to the immigration officer). I know it’s not the friendliest crossing, but I also feel safer knowing I’m not alone and I have “family” watching out for me and hoping for the best. ❤️ They’re a bunch of amazing people, and I truly treasure them.

Glad to know the passport won’t be an issue. It’s not the same case for other countries that continue to discriminate Filipinos and stereotype us as all as illegal immigrants. I understand why it happens, and I understand why some Filipinos have to do it, but generalization hurts those who aren’t affected.

Thank you for taking the time to reply! 💖

@Wannikea ********

Thank you so much for your response! ☺️ Yes, I’m actually planning to spend a few days or even a week or so in Laos before coming back. Ideally, only a few days, since I would like to attend a meditation retreat, and it’s only scheduled once a month. 🧘🏽‍♀️

I’ve been hearing about some reentry denials at the Nong Khai border when browsing through Reddit mostly. Someone also replied to me that it might be the worst border to cross, but I would really like to cross and reenter there because I have really, really good local friends (they’re like family ❤️) who are living nearby who can pick me up once I’ve reentered and help me sort out potential immigration interrogation. They would really like to see me again before I end the trip. Plus, the train makes it easier to cross for just a border bounce.

Yes, it’s the final leg of my trip, and I won’t be using up all 60 days of visa exemption. I’d even be happy to get just 30 days. The main priority is completing the route I’ve set and attending this retreat to close the chapter of this amazing adventure. ❤️

Thank you again for the kind words! I wish you luck and safety as well! 🥰

@Martin ********

Thank you so much for the kind words! 🌺❤️ Cycling is such a great way to immerse in Thailand’s nature and experience the authentic culture, so I’m really grateful I’m doing it, despite the challenges! ☺️