Introduction:
The beaches, islands and jungle trekking of Thailand are already on the tourist trail. Lesser known are the delights of the rural interior where a network of well-maintained yet quiet backroads follow cool rivers, past paddies and orchards, and through small villages where the welcome is warm. Many important ancient Thai cities were established inland - we explore some of these atmospheric historic sites on our two-wheeled journey.
 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, a legacy of the original trading caravans en route between China and Burma.
Setting out from the city, we cycle alongside rivers and canals, past lush jungle and gardens of tropical flowers. At Lampang we visit the excellent elephant conservation centre which as well as providing treatment and care for sick elephants and Mahout training, also promotes the responsible use of these gentle creatures in eco-tourism.
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 Kampheng 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 POW's 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.
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 POW's 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. |
