Thailand is a very popular cycling destination and for many good reasons.
The food and lodging are plentiful and cheap. The roads are in excellent condition and it’s easy to find good quality maps of the country, even after you arrive.
We found some very decent maps in 7-11 convenience shops, near gasoline stations. The price is around €3. -Laetitia and Sebastien
There aren’t many hills and if Buddhism is your thing there’s a temple to visit around every corner.
The capital Bangkok is connected to the world by frequent and high quality transport links and it’s generally no problem to throw your bike on a bus or train to cover some stretches.
It’s not entirely a cycling paradise, however. The heat and humidity can be tough for some people to handle. Do as the Thais do and nap in the shade during the hot midday hours. It can also be difficult to escape the backpacker ghettos and get off the beaten track. Options for camping are similarly hard to find and not always cheaper than getting a hotel room so if you crave cycling through wilderness than much of Thailand won’t be for you.
Keep reading for general information on Thailand or jump ahead to notes on specific routes…
- Accommodation: What you’ll find and how much it costs.
- Public Transport: Getting your bike on trains and buses.
- Bike shops: Where to buy the best bikes and equipment.
- Budget and shopping: How much you’ll need to travel here.
- Seasons: The climate and when to go.
- Eat Well: Food and Drink in Thailand. It’s Good!
- Money Matters: How to get it out of ATMs.
Destinations
- Bangkok: The City of Angels. And yes, you can cycle here.
- Chiang Mai: Temples and relaxation.
- Mae Sot: A bustling border town.
- Satun: Stop in on your way to Malaysia.
Cycle This…
- Chiang Khong to Chiang Mai: From the Lao border to a classic Thai city.
- Chiang Mai to Mae Sot: Riding the Burmese border.
- Mae Sot to Kanchanaburi: Historic Temples and the Bridge on the River Kwai.
- Pratchuap Kiri Khan to Ao Nang Beach: The Beaches and Palm Trees ride from the east coast to the west