Central Thailand Explorer

Itinerary Details

1. Day 1Floating through lively markets and drifting into Thailand’s serene countryside

   That magical time is upon you. It’s the first day of your cycling adventure through central Thailand. The tour hones in on the never-ending Thai countryside and reveals the layers of culture and history that makes this an enthralling country.

   Meet up will be in the capital of Bangkok but you’ll quickly escape further south into the more peaceful climes of the Mae Klong Delta area. However, the pace and intensity quickly deepens as you visit Thailand’s largest and most vibrant floating market, Damnoen Saduak. This is a real must-see for any tourist and with such a lively atmosphere it’s guaranteed to have you tingling with anticipation for what lies ahead on the rest of this trip. You can purchase almost anything from the various ‘shops’ that vie for your attention on the river. What an experience! Once you are finished you’ll continue the long-tail boat journey, twisting through the canals that take you drifting past villages and plantations.

   After touching down at a riverside temple, you can pay a quick visit before jumping on the bike and getting those wheels spinning. The first ride takes you flying past coconut and aloe vera plantations and some fruit orchards. The terrain today is mostly quiet back roads; along the way you can stop to admire some Thai temples, while also basking in the serene nature of the countryside. Depending on what season you are riding in you may be fortunate enough to see all kinds of fruit ripe for picking, such as coconuts, lychees, pomelos and guavas.

   If all the fruit on show has got your tummy rumbling then it's the perfect time to enjoy a local Thai meal at a riverside restaurant before continuing the ride. After riding on through a maze of vegetation and along challenging but fun trails you’ll finish for the day and take a transfer to Kanchanaburi, where you will flop your head on the pillow, feeling content with an amazing first day.

   • 19.9 miles
   • Royal River Kwai Resort
   • Lunch and Dinner

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     Royal River Kwai Resort

     Riverside resort with spacious accommodations

   • 

     Royal River Kwai Resort

     Riverside resort with spacious accommodations

   • 

     Royal River Kwai Resort

     Riverside resort with spacious accommodations

   • 

     Royal River Kwai Resort

     Riverside resort with spacious accommodations

2. Day 2Absorbing Kanchanaburi’s harrowing but impressive history

   It’s your first morning waking up as part of the tour and you will be forgiven for wanting to stay in your bed forever, such is the level of comfort. But there are plenty of things to look forward to today, so following a tasty breakfast you’ll head out to see the local sites of Kanchanaburi.

   While this town is now busy and modern, it is laden with historic sites reflecting its involvement in World War II. Take the time to visit the War Museum and Cemetery as well as the renowned Bridge Over the River Kwai. Japanese forces used Allied prisoners of war and impressed southeast Asians to construct the bridge that connects Thailand and Myanmar with many dying during its construction. It is a harrowing but interesting place to visit.

   Up next you'll board the local train on the Death Railway to marvel at the beautiful views but also bolster your understanding behind this impressive feat of engineering and terrible loss of life. Following this insight into the past of Kanchanaburi, you’ll switch to more pleasant topics with lunch at the Krasae Caves before hopping on the bike to tackle some trails. Passing through small Thai villages and teak plantations, you’ll eventually come to the historical site of Prasat Muang Sing. Covering a vast 74 hectares, this impressive site protects two temples from the Khmer Empire and is renowned for having been the central trading point used on the Kwai Noi River. After a ride around this monumental location the bikes will be put way to head back via vehicle to your riverside hotel.

   • 18.6 miles
   • Pung Waan Resort
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

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     Death Railway

     Don't let the name scare you, but do find out how it earned that moniker

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     Pung Waan Resort and Spa

     Dreamy resort that's close to nature

   • 

     Pung Waan Resort and Spa

     Dreamy resort that's close to nature

3. Day 3Relaxed rural riding before venturing to the ‘Venice of the East’

   As is customary, you’ll get the morning started with breakfast before heading out. Having ticked off Kanchanaburi’s historical sites the previous day, you can use this morning to take in the natural beauty in this province. Take on quiet country trails and pass by picture perfect communities where the locals will be intrigued by your presence.

   This morning of cycling concludes as you cross over an impressive wooden suspension bridge and then break for lunch. This adventure is a real fascinating one for history buffs and it gets even better in the afternoon as you drive out to the former capital city of Siam, Ayutthaya. Situated on the banks of the Chao Phraya River it is easy to see why this ancient city is referred to as the ‘Venice of the East’. You can wander around this spectacular UNESCO-listed city before heading to the hotel for the evening. Dinner is up to you this evening but there are plenty of options available and your guides will be more than happy to offer recommendations on where to go.

   • 18.6 miles
   • Krungsri River Hotel
   • Breakfast and Lunch

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     Krungsri River Hotel

     Upscale resort close to Ayutthaya's attractions

   • 

     Krungsri River Hotel

     Upscale resort close to Ayutthaya's attractions

   • 

     Krungsri River Hotel

     Upscale resort close to Ayutthaya's attractions

4. Day 4Embracing the Ayutthaya Empire’s temples alongside gentle riding

   If you’re an early riser and fancy an extra bonus insight into the culture and heritage of this country, then today there is an optional tour to visit the local temple and donate food to the monks. This is a traditional practice for Thai Buddhists, but it is a special and spiritual thing to do even for those who do not subscribe to the religion.

   Following this uplifting start you will return to the hotel for breakfast before heading out to gather a greater understanding of the Ayutthaya Empire and this ancient capital city. The guides will lead you around the vast array of temples that still remain here. You’ll start at the Wat Yai Chai Mongkol temple. Founded in 1357 by King U-Thong, this temple acted as a center for monks returning from their studies in Sri Lanka. Next up is a photographer’s dream as you visit the much vaunted Wat Phra Mahathat, home to the famous Buddha head surrounded by tangled tree roots.

   Finally, it’s time to hop on the bikes for the last time as you ride to Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, the old palace, and Wat Chai Watanaram. After absorbing so much history and culture it’s back to the basics as you cycle out into the wonderful Thai countryside via back roads that snake along the Chao Phraya River. At this point you will probably begin to feel a tinge of sadness that this beautiful tour is reaching its conclusion, but the amazing sights will keep you gliding onwards to the final destination of Bang Pa-In, the former summer palace of King Chulalongkorn. Finish off your day here with lunch together where the group can reflect on their favourite moments of the tour before taking a transfer back to Bangkok.

   
   

   • 17.4 miles
   • Breakfast and Lunch