Spiceroads
SpiceRoads endeavors to offer high-quality, educational, and adventure filled itineraries that highlight and focus on the diversity of landscapes found in Southeast Asia and its people. As a specialized “niche” bicycle tour operator for over 15 years, the company provides the most authentic, unique and exciting adventures in the Southeast Asian bicycle tour industry.
These are some of their cycling tour programs in Thailand
1. River of the Kings Ride
Tour Cost USD: $1700
Total Distance: 525 Kilometers (some rides optional)
Number of Days: 14 days / 13 nights
Number of Cycling Days: 8 full days / 1 half day
Road Surfaces 96% on paved surfaces
Group Size: 2 minimum - 16 maximum
Accommodations: A wide variety of styles on this trip from provincial hotel to 4 star - but all very comfortable.
This is a tour through Thailand’s beating heart. Cities that have laid quiet for a thousand years open their doors and expose their history. The Kingdom’s ancient history and colorful culture will be revealed as you ride from one ancient city to the next. The River of Kings Ride offers you an intimate look at Thailand’s history and an opportunity to gain a thorough understanding of its culture.
This tour rides south from Chiang Mai, the capital of north Thailand, and follows the Chao Phraya river valley where Thai civilization began. It continues south through Lampang, Sukhotai and Ayutthaya to arrive in Bangkok.
The route follows quiet backroads where you will be amazed at how little traffic is encountered. You will also be pleasantly surprised at how few tourists are on this path. Although we do visit many of Thailand’s world famous attractions, by cycling well off the beaten-path, you avoid the masses and get the opportunity to see the real Thailand.
Not only will you visit the magnificent ruins of Ayutthaya and Sukhothai, the temples of Chiang Mai and Bangkok, but you will also visit the lesser known towns of Pa Mok and Uthai Thani, where you will at last – find the “land of smiles.”
The scenery is ever changing as it starts in the mountainous north, then continues through the emerald paddy fields of the central rice belt, and then to the rugged jungles of the Kanchanaburi area before arriving in the vibrant metropolis of Bangkok.
Itinerary (14 days / 13 nights finishing in Bangkok)
Day 1: Arrive, meet & greet in Chiang Mai.
Day 2: Sightseeing in Chiang Mai.
Day 3: Ride to Lamphun / transfer to Lampang.
Day 4: Ride to Uttaradit.
Day 5: Ride to Sri Satchanali.
Day 6: Ride around Sukothai and historical parks.
Day 7: Ride to Kamphen Phet and historical parks.
Day 8: Ride to Uthai Thani and boat tour.
Day 9: Ride to Ayutthaya.
Day 10: Temple ride in Ayutthaya / transfer to river Kwai.
Day 11: Ride to Khanchanaburi.
Day 12: Ride to the world famous Floating Market.
Day 13: Transfer to Bangkok and ride in the green part of bangkok you never knew existed.
Day 14: Transfer to airport for onward travel.
http://www.spiceroads.com/thailand/river_of_kings
Just across the Chao Phraya River, a short hop from busy Sukhumvit, is an extraordinary place known to the locals as Bang Kra Jao. This amazing wilderness in Bangkok can only be reached by boat as no bridges span this part of the river, and incredibly it has been left untouched by developers.
Crossing the river is like taking a journey back in time. You will find a peaceful place with lush vegetation, a maze of waterways, small villages, temples and real tropical jungle. If it wasn’t for Bangkok’s skyline, you would never believe you were so close to the city. And, there is no traffic!
What do we see?
We ride through the local communities passing villages, schools and temples (there are over thirty temples in this area) and a delightful floating market (open on weekends only). We will also take you to visit an incense workshop where we have refreshments and see how this local cottage industry operates. And visit a fascinating temple, built in the Ayuthaya period, that is more than 250 years old and has a unique roof made of teak wood.
What is the riding like?
We ride about 25 kilometers in total. The ride starts on Sukhumvit Road and there is a short section in the city before we cross the river. We then ride along very minor roads, pathways, through alleys, temples, gardens and tropical jungle. There are no hills. Some of the canal paths are elevated and quite narrow and we advise caution on these sections but otherwise it is a nice easy ride.
Facts & Figures
Tour Cost: Baht 1000 per person
Number of Days: 1/2 day
Start: Please be at the meeting point before 12h45. We leave at 13h00.
Finish: Usually around 16h30 at the meeting point.
Children: Children aged 12-17 years are welcome on this trip and receive a 25% discount.
Bike Rental: High spec mountain bike, helmet and water bottle are all included in the tour price.
Total Distance: 25km
Insurance: Accident insurance is provided by SpiceRoads. Click here for information.
Group Size: Minimum 2. Maximum 12.
http://www.spiceroads.com/thailand/bangkok_jungle
Travel 20 kilometres north of Bangkok along the Chao Phraya River and you soon reach the island of Koh Kret.
In 1722, during the reign of King Thaisa of Ayutthaya, the island was cut from an ox bow in the river and was previously known as “Khlong Lat Kret Noi” which means a shortcut to Kret canal. The island has always been populated by the Mon, a people that dominated the area that is now Thailand from the 6th to 10th centuries. The Mon of Koh Kret are famous for their craftsmanship and skill at the potters wheel and still make all kinds of terracotta and earthenware products. The main village is a thriving market place where you can see the pottery making process and shop for pots, mortars, and flowerpots.
What do we see?
Riding alongside the Chao Phraya River, passing numerous small villages, we see temples, fruit and flower plantations, local villages and very friendly Thai people. We then head away from river life and pass into the rural surroundings where we ride among rice paddies and fruit plantations before finishing the first part of our journey back on the banks of the river at Ban Bua Thong. On Ko Kret, we see the pottery village and visit the island’s Ancient Mon Pottery Centre, Wat Paramai Yikawat or Wat Mon, which contains a Mon styled marble Buddha.
What is the riding like?
This is a very easy 25 kilometre ride along nice flat roads and paths. The beautiful thing about riding on Koh Kret is that there are no cars allowed on the island so you have the road to yourselves.
Anything else?
The ride ends at great riverside restaurant where you can relax before crossing the river to Wat Klang Kret and the short bus ride back to Bangkok.
Water, soft drinks and snacks are all included all day and SpiceRoads supplies a TREK mountain bike and helmet. The trip is supported for most of the ride by our air conditioned minibus, fully equipped with a two-way radio and Thule bike rack.
Facts & Figures
Tour Cost: THB 2500 per person
Number of Days: 1 day
Pick up Time: 07h30 to 08h30 at your hotel
Drop off: Usually around 16h00 at your hotel.
Departure Days: Every Wednesday and Saturday
Children: Children aged 12-17 years are welcome on this trip and receive a 25% discount.
Bike Hire: TREK mountain bike, helmet and water bottle are all Included in the tour price.
Total Distance: 25km
Insurance: Accident insurance is provided by SpiceRoads. Click here for information.
Group Size: Minimum 2. Maximum 12.
http://www.spiceroads.com/thailand/kokret