Cyclewild Thai-style
Cyclists with a passion for Asia will be delighted to learn about Cyclewild's seven-day trip to Thailand, the last one of which took place from Saturday, 25 November - Sunday, 3 December 2006. Covering 30-70 miles each day - at up to 5,900 feet above sea level - it's not a holiday for the faint-hearted. But the all-inclusive price* won't leave you breathless, including as it does: provision of an all-terrain bike; accommodation (where possible, in three- and four-star hotels); meals; internal flights and transfers, and a dedicated tour leader, guide and driver.
The holiday commences with a two-day stay in Bangkok, comprising
- a part-day cycle ride, taking in a number of 'must-see' landmarks (whilst dexterously avoiding the worst of the choking traffic);
- accommodation at a luxurious hotel, where you will be treated to an authentic Thai banquet;
- a full-day accompanied tour, visiting the many opulent temples and palaces, bustling bazaars, waterways, parks and the world-renowned floating market.
- In the evening, you will be free to experience the city's electrifying night life, before jetting off to Chiang Mai - Thailand's 'Rose of the North'.
The flight itself will provide your first insight into the spectacular terrain that awaits you. After checking in to your hotel, and preparing your bike, you will embark on a short ride through the city's narrow byways and busier highways - taking time to browse the unique yet inexpensive arts and crafts for which the Thais are rightly renowned.
Then, the 'main event' - your five-day, 230-mile ride - begins, with an early morning transfer to Sop Poeng near Mae Taeng, approximately 40 miles to the north. There you will mount-up for a 55-mile ride through the magnificent Huai Nam Dang National Park - stopping for a swim and an al fresco meal below the Mok Fa Falls.
The day concludes in the upper reaches of the National Park, where the spectacular views to the borders of Burma offer ample reward for your efforts - with more and better to come.
At dawn the next day, you will witness what has been described as 'a sight to make the Angels weep': a 'heavenly light' illuminating the mists in the valleys, as the sun rises above the neighbouring peaks.
Inspired by this spectacle, you will embark on the longest (thankfully, mainly downhill) ride of the trip: 70 miles, to Soppong, where you will enjoy dinner and the distinctive hospitality of the Lisu hill tribe.
Messing about in boats
The following morning you'll take to the water, drifting downriver on a bamboo raft via the awesome Lot Cave - home to some of the most spectacular stalagmites and stalactites in the world. From there, you will commence a 50-mile ride though glorious verdant forests, to a comfortable resort just outside Mae Hong Son.
Awaiting you: a deliciously diverse Thai meal and an early night - preparation for the upcoming day's 30-mile ride, and longboat cruise down the Pai River. At journey's end: the remote village of the Karen (long neck) people. And the internationally regarded elephant conservation reserve, where the mahouts offer accompanied rides and regular demonstrations.
The home straight
Your last cycle day begins with a pleasant ride through the Pai valley, followed by a dramatic ascent - of over 4,000 feet - through spectacular and varied countryside, and concluding with a relaxing night at your resort hotel.
Next morning, you will fly back to Chiang Mai, then on to Bangkok for a valedictory dinner, sightseeing and shopping: your opportunity to pick-up traditional Thai Christmas gifts from one of the city's vibrant late-night bazaars. Then it's time to trade two wheels for four: a short taxi ride to the airport, and home - wearier, yet wiser; bolstered with memories and anecdotes that will, undoubtedly, last you a lifetime.
