Thailand - Heart of Thailand (14 days)
Explore Thailand's rural interior and discover the ancient temples of Old Siam before enjoying vibrant Bangkok & a relaxing stay on Gulf Coast beaches.
Temples & Elephants:In the northern hill town of Chiang Mai we discover both ancient and modern Thailand; the sacred heights of the Doi Suthep temple, the old city's walls and moat, and the smells and sounds of the bustling night bazaar. We cycle alongside rivers and canals, past lush jungle and gardens of tropical flowers. At Lampang we visit the excellent elephant conservation centre, which provides treatment and care for sick elephants and Mahout training.
Capitals of Old Siam: Through forests of teak, emerald green paddies and quiet villages we head south on quiet roads through Thailand's rural heart. Our destination is Sukhothai, capital of the first Thai Kingdom in the 13th century, it's now a World Heritage site. The atmospheric ruined temples are scattered over a large area and best explored by bike. Past the crumbling and overgrown temples and Buddhas of Khampeng Phet, we cycle through rich, fertile lands of fruit, rice and forest to the historic temples of Ayutthaya where the royal court later moved for the reign of 33 kings.
River Kwai, Beaches & Bangkok: Peddling towards Burma we reach Kanchanaburi and the famous "Bridge on the River Kwai", part of the infamous "Death Railway", constructed by POWs and local labourers as part of a Japanese supply route. We hope to take an evening cycle ride to the pretty Khmer temple, Prasat Singh. From here we visit the ever-vibrant floating market at Damnoen Saduak and cycle overgrown canal ways before heading for some relaxation on the sands of the beautiful Gulf Coast. Our final stop is Bangkok with its glittering palaces, impressive temples and shops and markets galore.
- Day 1: Depart home
- Day 2: Arrive Chiang Mai; orientation on foot
- Day 3: City tour
- Day 4: Cycle Lampang via elephant sanctuary
- Day 5: Cycle and drive Uttaradit via Prae
- Day 6: Drive Sri Satchanalai; cycle to Sukhothai
- Day 7: Cycle around Sukhothai historical site; optional ride along canals
- Day 8: Cycle Khampeng Phet; visit site
- Day 9: Drive Nakhon Sawan; cycle Uthai Thani
- Day 10: Cycle Chai Nat; drive Ayutthaya via Wat Po Mok
- Day 11: Cycle Bang Pa; bus Kanchanaburi via Bridge on the River Kwai
- Day 12: Drive Damnoen Saduak floating market, cycle canal ways; drive Pranburi beach
- Day 13: In Pranburi
- Day 14: Drive Bangkok; sightseeing
- Day 15: In Bangkok
- Day 16: Fly home
Operated by Explore Worldwide (COS)
Departures: November to February
- Contact us for more information, current costs and to make a booking on this small group cycling adventure