Mountain Biking

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Mountain Biking

Mountain biking is a sport increasing in popularity in Thailand, both among Thais and young international tourists. It is an ideal means of touring Thailand’s spectacular natural environment; safe, cheap and fun, and environmentally green. Mountain biking in Thailand is a blend of high-grade exercise and natural, cultural and historical discovery.

The hilly North of Thailand is most suitable for mountain biking. The best time to visit is November to February, when the weather is cooler. A number of companies offer well-organised biking tours, most include guides and, on certain tours, back-up vehicles carrying food and overnight equipment. Bike are also widely available in major tourist destinations, where they can be rented at extremely reasonable rates on a daily basis

Cycle Tours in the Ancient City of Ayutt...
Starting from TAT Tourist Information Centre at the old city hall, the suggested 11.82 km cycling route is flat and paved, passing over a concrete bridge. It is ideal for families and amateurs, and can be enjoyed year-round. Bicycles are for rent at several locations (see below).

Suggested Cycle Tour Itinerary:

1. Start at TAT Tourist Information Centre where bathrooms are available.

2. In the morning, visit ‘Khum Khun Phaen’, a splendid Thai traditional house which is more than 100 years old. Visitors will be fascinated by the uplifting charm of this wooden house as it showcases ancient Thai wisdom and craftsmanship in adapting their accommodations and way of life to suit their natural environment.

3. Pay homage to ‘Phra Mongkhon Bophit’, a gigantic bronze Buddha image sitting in a posture which indicates that the Lord is subduing demons (mara). The statue is 12.45 m tall and the lap size is 9.55 m (Buddha images are measured in terms of the size of the lap). ‘Phra Mongkhon Bophit’ is one of the largest Bhuddha images in Thailand.

4. Visit Wat Phra Si Sanphet. This is the most important and outstanding royal temple of Ayutthaya Kingdom, and is located in the Grand Palace compound. As at Wat Phra Kaeo of Bangkok, royal ceremonies were held at the Temple.

5. Travel back in time in the ruins of the once heaven-like Ancient Royal Palace of the thriving Ayutthaya Kingdom. The Palace was once the greatest and magnificent Grand Palace of Ayutthaya, one of the wealthiest and thriving cities in all of 18th century Asia. The Palace was served as the Kingdom’s royal residence for 417 years. It was razed by the Burmese in 1767 and has been left as a historical ruin. Start from the Outer Palace in which formerly Sanam Luang and Chakkrawat Phaichayon Hall were situated.

6. Continue to the Middle Palace in which Wihan Somdet and Sanphet Prasat Halls are situated. Wihan Somdet Hall was used for coronation and royal tonsure ceremonies, while Sanphet Prasat Hall was for welcoming foreign envoys and visitors. In addition, Suriyat Amarin Hall, a four-gable roof with the faces of the Hindu god Brahman, was sacred chapel which once enshrined the royal corpse of King Narai the Great. In addition, Trimuk Hall, once an intricate wooden pavilion, is located nearby.

7. Continue to the Inner Palace where Banyong Rattanat Hall is located. Formerly known by the name of ‘Phra Thinang Thaisa’, the Hall was built on an island in a pond. Also situated in the same section is Song Puen Hall, used as a Meeting Hall for Councils of State. Next to Song Puen Hall is Chakkrawat Phaichayon Hall which was used to view processions, military practices and performances.

8. The next historical spot is Bueng Phraram, a big lagoon, which marks the site where King U Thong, the first king of Ayutthaya, established his royal Kingdom and built a palace called ‘Wang Wiang Lek’. Visitors will enjoy cycling in the park, passing ‘Phra Thinang Yen’, a royal pavilion which was used to view water plays and performances.

9. Visit Wat Mahathat, which was built according to the traditional belief that a temple housing the holy relics of Lord Buddha should be located in the royal capital city. The Temple was once exhibited Ayutthaya’s superb craftsmanship. Despite severe damage, the Prang, a Khmer-style tower, is still impressive. A very popular photograph site of the Temple is a Buddha head around which the roots of the Bodhi tree have grown.

10. Visit Wat Ratchaburana, which was built in the reign of Chao Sam Phraya for the royal cremation ceremony of Chao Ai and Chao Yi. These two princes were engaged in a war, fighting from elephant’s back, and both were killed. The Temple once housed priceless golden ornaments belonging to the royal family, in the crypts of its principal Prang tower. Unfortunately, a robbery took place, and the Kingdom’s treasures were stolen. Nevertheless, more than 100 kilograms of gold still remain to be exhibited at Chao Sam Phraya National Museum.

11. Predict the future at Wat Thammikarat. The Temple houses a Reclining Buddha built by Somdet Phra Boromtrilokkanat’s queen. She followed a wish she made for her daughter’s recovery from an ailment. Consequently, people visiting the Temple also ask a boon of Luang Po Khao, the Temple’s sacred Buddha image. Then they forecast whether their wish will come true or not by attempting to lift a 10 kg bronze elephant. If you can lift the elephant with just one finger, then it is likely that your wish will come true.

12. Stop at Wat Na Phramen Temple for refreshment from shops at the Temple. Visitors should not miss the Temple’s Ubosot, or central sanctuary, because it is the only piece of Ayutthaya architecture which was not destroyed by the Burmese in 1767. During the invasion, the Temple was chosen as the site from which to fire cannon at the attackers. The Ubosot design is of typical Ayutthaya style, featuring fortress-like walls with no windows, but only thin slits to allow for sunlight and ventilation. Visitors will undoubtedly be impressed by the principle Buddha image, exquisitely decorated in regal attire, which dates from of Ayutthaya Era.

13. Visit the clay pottery community at Klong Sa Bua Village. The route to reach it leads along a tiny road paralleling serene Sa Bua Canal which was once the royal barge route when the kings traveled to the elephant camp. The community has manufactured earthen jars since ancient times.

14. Take impressive photos at Wat Choeng Tha (also called Wat Kosawat), an ancient temple dating back to 1357. Situated on the left bank of Lopburi River opposite Thai Sanom Fort, King Taksin the Great was once studied at this temple during his childhood. Visitors will enjoy taking photos of themselves and their friends crossing a wooden bridge in front of the Temple carrying their bicycles on their shoulders. These will be some of the most attractive photos of this memorable trip.

15. Have lunch at Wat Lokkayasutha. Pay homage to a large reclining Buddha image, which is 42 m long and dates from the middle of Ayutthaya period. The picture of this Buddha image is popularly published by guidebooks around the world. Furthermore, the beautiful floor was covered with tiles from Ban Ko Noi kiln in Sukhothai, which was the most significant pottery manufacture of Thai history, dating back more than 700 years.

Bike rental shops:
Lung Piak, tel. 08 9037 0143
Good Luck, tel. 0 3532 3379
Ban Chantha Guesthouse, tel. 08 9785 4216
BJ Guesthouse, tel. 0 3525 1526

Taphong bike route in Rayong
Bikers can explore agro-tourism in Tambon Taphong with a homestay service. The Subdistrict Administration Organisation of Tambon Taphong, Amphoe Mueang, Rayong offers a tour package including accommodation and meals at 400 baht per person/night. Call 0 3866 4053 for more information.

Cycling tours/ Mountain biking in Chiang...
Cycling tours/ Mountain biking in Chiang Mai

Cycling tours/ Mountain biking

An increasing number of travel agents provide full-day cycling tours to several interesting destinations. Chiang Mai's mountainous terrain and scenic destinations make the province perfect for both cycling and mountain biking. Many tour companies offer biking tour programmes that include guides, food and overnight equipment. The tours usually head north from the 700 Years Stadium through the Mae Sa Valley. Alternatively, it is possible to experience the scenery along Mae Ping River, which flows peacefully through villages, past old temples, farms and fields of rice. For those who are serious about cycling, a longer route to Chiang Rai is available which includes visits to small villages of Lahu, Lisu and Akha hilltribes. For further information please contact any licensed travel agent or TAT Northern Office: Region 1 Tel. 0 5324 8604 or 0 5324 8607.