Cycling across one of Asia's best known gems is possibly the best way to see and explore this marvelous country, by doing so you experience the real Thailand and its wonderful culture, history and spectacular scenery. Cycle the hidden alleyways of Thailand’s biggest cities, then switch gears to countryside rides in peaceful surroundings.The varied spices and flavors of Thai food are world-renowned and may be the highlight of your tour. Pedal down Thailand’s stunning coastline with sparkling white beaches and blissful swimming. Visit impressive temples and Buddhist monuments in Chiang Mai and the kingdoms of the north.
Thailand is home to many different kinds of street food and every street in every city will have various different stalls selling their wares. From Pad Thai to Som Tam (papaya salad) to grilled meats it is all available at any time of the day. Thai’s rarely cook at home as the cost of eating out is so low compared to cooking at home, when looking for a food stall to eat at a good choice is to follow the locals to see where they are eating.
Situated 12km outside of Chiang Mai, Doi Suthep is a mountain that stands at over 5400 feet. The reason most people travel to Doi Suthep is to see two things, firstly the view over all of Chiang Mai which is staggering and worth the journey on its own, but also to visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep which is a temple dating back to the 13th century. At the temple there is a large white elephant shrine which has a whole story about it which you can learn about whilst at the temple. There are many steps to climb on the mountain as well as the opportunity to take a tram, expect to spend a whole day on the mountain checking out the various things to see.
Khao Sok National Park is a unique mix of very diverse ecosystems. Home to rain forest that's older than the Amazon, the park also contains a limestone mountain range covered in karst formations, many kilometers of trails, and even a river you can explore on canoes or bamboo rafts. The park is home to Malayan sun bears, tigers, and wild elephants—and sightings aren't rare once you get deep into the evergreen rain forest.
The park is also famous for its eco-luxury camps, where tents come with en-suite bathrooms, deluxe bedding, their own kayak, and some of the best meals you'll try in Thailand.
A favorite stop for history buffs and photography enthusiasts, Sukhothai offers many lovely photo ops at a smaller scale than Ayutthaya. Ruins of this old city still stand proud despite enduring centuries of battle and exposure to the elements. Sukhothai's Old City is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and much has been invested to restore and preserve one of Thailand's most significant historical sites.
Of the many wats in Sukhothai, Wat Mahathat is the most impressive. Founded some time in the 13th century, the temple was built to enshrine Buddha relics and is surrounded by massive standing Buddha images, stuccoed sculptures, stupas, and more.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ayutthaya needs to be on your Thailand to-do list. Originally the capital of Thailand the city was founded in 1350 when King U Thong relocated to the city to escape an outbreak of smallpox. However in 1767 the Burmese army marched on the city and destroyed nearly every part of it. The kingdom collapsed and was never the same again. The ruins of the city are preserved in the historical park and are certainly worth a visit when in the country.
Khao Yai National Park was the first national park to be established in Thailand and is the third largest in the country. Covering an area of 2,168 square kilometers it is a huge site to visit. The park comprises of rain forests as well as grasslands which all adds up to the large number of animals you can see. There are an estimated 300 species of birds in the park as well as bears, elephants, deer’s, gibbons and macaques. There are a couple of waterfalls in the park which are well worth a visit as well and are easily accessible by car.