Bicycle Touring in Thailand

In previous articles I have shown what roadside kilometer markers look like in Thailand, and also advised cyclists on how to recognize a local shop capable of repairing flat tires. So now that you are rolling happily along on your bike trip it is time to start thinking about where you are going to lay your head at the end of the day's ride. Being able to recognize a sign indicating the offer of a … [Read more...] about How to Recognize Hotel Signs while Bicycle Touring in Thailand

Planning your very first bicycle touring adventure. What an exciting endeavor indeed! At this point you've probably read through websites, magazine articles, and maybe even a bicycle touring book or three documenting, in beautifully colored photographs, how cyclists have traveled to far-flung places and exotic locales that truly whet the adventure appetite in us all. And now that your … [Read more...] about How to Plan Your First Bicycle Touring Adventure in 6 Easy Steps

I have discovered that there is one very important concern in the mind of every touring cyclist, F-O-O-D. Over the years, the many cyclists I have had the privilege of encountering on the roads of Thailand have always found it necessary to share their particular experiences of failure and success when attempting to order Thai food. Understanding the language barrier that faces many foreign touring … [Read more...] about Touring Cyclist Menu: How to Order the 7 Most Common Dishes in Thailand

In my opinion, I think there are 4 things that need to be prepared in order to be fully ready to embark on a long distance cycling trip: - Prepare your heart (mind) - เตรียมใจ People need to be able to step outside of their own comfort zone and begin to embrace new experiences and be willing to meet new people. This different way of thinking requires preparation of both your mind and heart. … [Read more...] about The Way of Preparing for a Long Distance Bicycle Trip

WHAT ARE THE COSTS INVOLVED WITH TAKING A BICYCLE TOURING TRIP IN THAILAND? Before your trip, you should find the current exchange rate of your country's currency to the Thai Baht (THB). For a current, up to date, exchange rate go to www.exchangerate.com Upon arrival at any one of Thailand's international airports (Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, etc.,) you'll have plenty of opportunity to … [Read more...] about Thailand Bicycle Touring Information: Costs, Visas, Communications, and Medical

WHERE CAN I BUY GUIDEBOOKS AND MAPS IN THAILAND? If you will be starting your cycling trip in Bangkok, the capital city has several well-stocked chain bookstores. Some, but not all, of these chain bookstores can also be found in other major cities such as Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Khon Kaen. In Bangkok you'll be able to find Asia Books and Kinokuniya. Both of these well-stocked stores are … [Read more...] about Thailand Bicycle Touring Information: Maps, Accommodation, Transport, and Food

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO TAKE A BICYCLE TOUR IN THAILAND? The best time to take a bicycle tour in Thailand is during the months between October and April. Thailand's rainy season ends towards the end of October and "cooler days" begin. Thais celebrate Songkran (the Thai New Year) during the first week of April, this holiday marks the beginning of the hottest time of year as well as the rainy … [Read more...] about Thailand Bicycle Touring Information: Times, Roads, Hazards, and Safety

Tips for Comfortable Touring and Keeping Healthy While on the Road Embarking on a bicycle tour of Thailand can be an exciting and daunting prospect, and even though Thailand is well suited for cycle touring, there are quite a few ways you should prepare for your trip before you set off. Making sure you have a comfortable ride throughout your trip is important, but on a more serious note you … [Read more...] about Tips for Comfortable Cycle Touring in Thailand