2 replies to this topic

[Davoja]

Hi, Im planning for a bicykle trip between Chiang Mai and Cha am in december and would highly appreciate tips on a suitable route. Im not an experienced bicyklist (but enjoy challanges) and would therefore prefer a route excluding narrow roads with heavy traffic and terrains with to much elevation.
If someone has suggestions on alternative routes that for some reason would be more suitable (scenery etc) as Nong Khai - Cha am or others im all ears. I would like to start in the north and head south though.

Cheers /David

[Mike Hammers]

Hello David,

 

Well, first off, if you want to avoid elevation... don't go to the North of Thailand. Ha! Just joking.

 

Riding from Chiang Mai to Cha am is a much better plan than riding in the opposite direction, for reasons of wind and elevation.

 

Nong Khai is in Northeastern Thailand and while it is possible to ride from any point to any other point in Thailand, I do feel like you're much better off starting off in Chiang Mai if your final destination is Cha am.

 

While I can't give you turn-by-turn directions here, I can inform you of the preferred route and cities used by most cyclists traveling this way.

 

Chiang Mai to Chom Thong (You could also go to Lampang instead of Chom Thong)

Thoen

Tak

Kamphaeng Phet

Nakhon Sawan

Suphanburi

Kanchanaburi

Ratcahburi

Phetchaburi/Cha am

 

You will be able to see on Google Maps how all of the cities are connected by one major Highway, Number 1 for most of the way. But, there are always a separate smaller road that connects all of these cities as well, usually they are 3 and 4-digit route numbers. Like Route 106 that connects Chom Thong and Thoen. Or 1102 and 1107 that connects Thoen to Tak. These are all better options than riding down Highway 1.

 

Resist the urge to use a route that takes you near or through Bangkok and its outlying areas.

 

If you use GPS, here is the route from Chiang Mai down to Chom Thong

Also, here is the route from Dan Chang to Kanchanaburi

And, Kanchanaburi to Amapawa

 

All the best!

[Davoja]

Thanks Mike, I have read about "Spiceroads" and Mr Pumpy's tours to and from Bkk, and their way past Lampang seemed to be the best way until I spoke with the guys at Hua hin bike tours. I would say that the recommended route they gave me is exactly the same as you posted above. Im grateful that you took your time and helped me out. My ride from Chiang Mai to Cha am begins on thursday and your post will make things easier for sure!

David