Cycling Thailand

Thailand is a country of changing landscapes, warm hospitality and vivid everyday life.

For cyclists, that means a ride can move from mountain roads and forested climbs to rice fields, temple towns, coconut plantations and quiet coastal lanes.

Still under the radar?

Thailand’s appeal lies in the variety it offers cyclists. The north offers hills, cafés and serious climbs. The centre brings flatter routes, heritage sites and rural backroads. The south adds sea views, fishing villages, islands and beaches.

Here’s what makes Thailand such an interesting place to explore by bike:

• The mountains of northern Thailand are the headline act for riders who want climbing. Doi Inthanon, Thailand’s highest mountain at 2,565 metres, is one of the country’s most notable climbs for cyclists. Our guide to cycling Thailand explains more.
• Chiang Mai, sometimes considered the “Girona of Asia” as it offers a lively and beautiful city with considerable heritage sites and nightlife, and quite a few classic cycling routes.
• Thailand’s smaller rural roads are another major draw. Away from the main highways, carefully planned routes can lead through rice paddies, canals, coconut groves, fruit orchards, villages, temples and farmland. These are often the roads that show Thailand at its most memorable.
• Bangkok, Thailand’s capital, is the main international gateway and a useful start or finish point. While cycling in town is generally not a good idea because of the traffic, there are beautiful short-ish escapes right out of town.
• Phuket can work well for cyclists looking for a warm-weather training base. While there are still pockets of charm and some good riding with careful planning, parts of Phuket are now very developed and busy.
• UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Ayutthaya and Sukhothai add a fascinating cultural thread to cycling in Thailand. Their temples, ruins and historic parks are spread across areas that are easier to appreciate when explored slowly.
• The Gulf of Thailand and southern coastline bring a different feel again. Routes can include fishing villages, coconut plantations, sea views, beaches and island connections. This makes it possible to combine riding with a more relaxed holiday feel, especially for cyclists who want coastal scenery rather than big climbs.
• Thailand’s food culture is a big part of the cycling experience. Roadside stalls, markets and small restaurants can become some of the most memorable parts of the journey.
• Cycling events also help showcase Thailand’s climbing terrain. The Inthanon Challenge is a mass-participation ride up Doi Inthanon, usually associated with the long climb from Chom Thong towards the summit.

Want to understand how Thailand works for a cycling trip and where to go? Read our full guide to cycling Thailand.