Cycling can either be a method of transport or the best way to tour. It is an ideal means to appreciate Thailand’s spectacular natural environment and the local lifestyle by riding through those narrow roads that tourist buses can't penetrate. Perfect for those who want to ride with a chance to experience rural life, nature, Thai culture and the charm of the countryside including a chance to visit both well known and new tourist attractions. It is safe, cheap and fun and also environmentally green.
Organized cycling tours can be booked from Australia (with great support for cyclists, such as trailing trucks, with food and water). Mountain-biking or road cycling are both popular options. The roads in Thailand are generally very good, making cycling much easier.
Otherwise, many resorts offer bike-hire for their guests.
Most cycling tours run out of Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Sukhothai, or Chiang Mai and cover the northern region such as Mae Hong Sorn, Petchabun. Resorts with bike hire are in most tourist areas.
For daily bike hire – approximately AU$ 8.00 per person. There are also numerous biking tour operators offering well-organized tours, most include guides, back-up vehicles, food and overnight equipments at reasonable rates.
Suggested Areas
The hilly North of Thailand is most suitable for mountain biking. The best time to visit is November to February, when the weather is cooler. A number of companies offer wellorganised biking tours, most include guides and, on certain tours, back-up vehicles carrying food and overnight equipment. Bikes are also widely available in major tourist destinations, where they can be rented at extremely reasonable rates on a daily basis.
- MAE HONG SON
The centre for mountain biking adventure is Pai District, where several bike shops rent out bikes and gear to tourists. Bike tours explore nearby and remote hilltribe villages, waterfalls and hot springs. The best time is November-May. Experienced guides are ready to lead biking parties through breathtaking back-country trails for up to a week. There are natural cycle paths through the forest, first trod by animals, then beaten by man. They range from as narrow as a single person’s stride or as wide as an elephant or ox cart.
- CHIANG MAI
The centre of biking activity, the most scenic route is from Doi Inthanon to Ob Luang George via Mae Chaem.
The first leg, a route of about 20 kilometres, is strictly for experienced mountain bikers while the second section, 30-kilometre long, is less demanding and suitable for bikers of intermediate skills and higher.
- SUKHOTHAI-AYUTTHAYA
At the ancient Siamese capital of Sukhothai, there are dedicated cycle paths to take you round the majestic ruins, temples and palaces. Further south, a bike is the ideal way to see the sprawling remains of the kingdom’s once great capital Ayutthaya.
- NAKHON NAYOK
Just north of Bangkok, Nakhon Nayok has designated off-road biking trails through the foothills of Khao Yai National Park. Khao Yai itself, with its 13 marked trails, is another magnificent mountain biking site. Other fine biking routes are in the parks of Khao Sam Roi Yot in Prachuap Khiri Khan, Khao Kichakut in Chanthaburi, Chalerm Rattanakosin and Saiyok in Kanchanaburi, and Kaeng Krachan in Phetchaburi.
- PHETCHABUN
Nature bike rides in Thung Salaeng Luang has been designed to promote a better understanding of nature and conservation. Guides are well trained and accompany participants on bicycle trips offering information of interests and safety tips. Contact Camping Bike Co, tel: 0 2873 0087.
Preparation
There are biking tours to suit all abilities and levels of fitness. Some mountainous routes are best suited to more accomplished riders. Unless you are used to long periods in the saddle, some of the longer tours will leave you a little sore! n Bikes should be in good working order and capable of handling the terrain you intend to cross. You should carry enough tools and spares to repair minor mechanical problems, as well as first-aid kits in case of a spill.
As with trekking, a small problem when you are far from civilisation can be a big headache, so make sure the tour organiser is well-prepared. In the heat of the tropics and at altitude, consume plenty of water and make sure you have hats and sunblock to protect you from ultraviolet radiation.
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