Check out the video below:

The following video by them also provides a great introduction to Thailand

We hope this makes you want to come to Thailand and for even more inspiration check out our bicycle tours in Thailand

Udomsak Phruttisunakorn (Natt) has been a guide with SpiceRoads for the last 5 years so we figured he would have some useful tips about bike tours and Thailand. We caught up with him to get his thoughts.

How long have you been a cycle guide and what made you decide to be one?

I have been a cycle guide for 5 years now. When I was at university I took up cycling and was cycling everyday. A friend of mine was a guide with SpiceRoads and suggested it may be something I would be interested in. I did not even know such options existed but soon discovered it is a great was to combine my love of cycling with my desire to practice my English.

Where are you from and tell us a little bit about that area?

I am from Chumphon originally. Yes I am a beach boy! Well I grew up 4 km from the beach. The province of Chumphon has about 100km of beach. It also has a lot of fruit farms and coffee and rubber plantations. It is great for cycling through as you can very between beach roads, mountains and plantations. You can cycle through Chumphon if you go on our Bangkok to Phuket road bike tour or our new Cycling Coastal Thailand bike tour.

What do you like most about your job?

No tour is the same. Even if you do the same route, the group, the weather, the unexpected are all different. I really enjoy problem solving and dealing with clients, all of whom have different needs.

What is your favourite short tour in Thailand and why?

My favourite is the Floating Markets bike tour. Despite being a day trip from Bangkok it feels like you are in nature. You get to ride through green countryside and speak to farmers, but also includes the culture and the story of the floating markets.

What is your favourite long tour in Thailand and why?

Northern Thailand by Bike. Cycling in the north can be much tougher. However, you get to experience great cultures and different ethnic groups. There are so many stories to tell!

What is your favourite Thai food?

My favorite dish is of course one from my home Town and is the Yellow Curry Soup (Kaeng Som)! It is made with yellow curry, tamarind, any meat and vegetables. Like most Thai dishes I know what it is made from and love to eat it, but unfortunately can not cook it myself!

If there is one place in Thailand that you recommend people visit where would it be?

Koh Yao Noi. I really like the people there and they are so friendly. It is quiet and peaceful and unlike a lot of places in the region it is less touristy so has a lot of Thai culture.

What is the strangest thing you have ever happened on a tour?

On one tour we were talking about GPS’s and one of the clients jokingly said he would give me one. Well I thought he was joking but a few weeks later one arrived for me from the US. This was strange as completely unexpected and amazing generosity.

If you could do a cycling tour in any other country in the world what would it be?

I would love to go cycling in Japan. I hear it is a beautiful and fascinating country. My family have been and highly recommended it.

Any tips for someone coming on their first cycle tour in Thailand?

Open you mind and bring your smile. A smile is the ticket to Thailand!

Finally, if you could have any bicycle what would it be?

I would love a Seven Cycles mountain bike. Exactly model to be confirmed but it does need to be red!

There are several factors to take into account when choosing your bike tour with SpiceRoads. Some of them may seem obvious but make sure you have at least considered the following:

• Where to go: One of the easiest ways to start is by selecting a destination that you really want to go to or at least narrowing it down to a few. One thing to remember is that even if we do not have a tour there that suits the rest of your needs, we can always see if we can do a custom tour for you.

• When to go: This may go hand in hand with the destination as seasonal differences make different destinations more attractive at different times of year. While some destinations (Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Burma) are ok to visit throughout the year, there are some times when the weather will be more suitable for cycling than others. A lot of the destinations in IndoChina are best in November – April. On the other hand destinations like China, Mongolia, Nepal, Northern India, Japan are all best from April to October. Our tours are scheduled according to suitable times for cycling and our staff can advise you on the weather.

• What type of riding: When it comes to our longer tours there are really 3 styles of riding. Firstly there is our classic touring that uses mountain bikes (and in some case hybrid) but is predominantly on paved roads although there may be some dirt track. Then there are road biking tours which are longer distances and faster speeds. Finally we have mountain bike tours where the difficulty of terrain may vary significantly from tour to tour and even from day to day. Ask our team about the terrain on the tour to make sure it matches your expectation.

• Level of difficulty: Make sure the tour you choose matches your riding level. If there isn’t enough riding you might be frustrated if you are used to doing longer daily distances, but if it’s too much cycling each day than you are used to then you might push yourself too hard. This is a holiday and you should be in your comfort zone for the best experience. If you are choosing one of the more difficult tours then we do advise you to get some training in beforehand so you can enjoy the trip

• How long for: For most people you are limited by time and you may also want to add some extra days before or after the tour. Some people simply do not want to spend there whole holiday on a group cycle tour. In several destinations we have similar tours of varying lengths although in a lot of destinations we are limited to only one or two tours. However, as with all the factors we can always customise a tour for you to suit your needs. While some people do ask to join the tour a few days late or leave a few days early this does have some impact on the group dynamics so wherever possible we avoid it.

• Who to travel with: Ask yourself whether you want to join a group where you can meet and cycle with other guests or do you want your own private trip where you can customise it as much as you want. Generally, we find that a lot of people want to join a group, and especially those who are traveling by themselves. However, often when people are booking with a group of friends family they decided to make it a private trip and if there are enough people they find it may work out cheaper.

• Level of accommodation: Keep in mind that the more remote you are going the more limited the level of accommodation. In general, where it is possible we try to use 3 or 4 star accommodation, but we also mix it up to get a good balance throughout the tour. This does mean you could stay in a homestay one night, a tented camp the next and a 4 star beach resort on another day! Ask us about the level of accommodation.

• Level of cultural activities: Every guest is different and each person has a different perception of the level of culture they want. Our tours do vary considerably in what you may see, but as you are always with a local guide there will always be some level of cultural interactions with them and they should adapt it (within reason) to the needs of the group. Obviously on some tours you will see temple after temple while on other tours you will be mainly riding through amazing landscapes! Chose the tour with your level of interest in mind.

So, above are some key factors to take into account when choosing a tour. However, probably the best tip of them all is to tell one of our lovely tour consultants your requirements and ask there advise!

Hamish Keith originally set up SpiceRoads in 2001 following many years of researching and running cycle tours in Asia. We caught up with Hamish to get his views on cycling in Asia.

Why did you decide to start SpiceRoads?

SpiceRoads was the result of a number of years experience as a tour leader and a long love affair with cycling. I had developed and set up a number of tours in Southeast Asia for various overseas tour operators but for various reasons they were not selling very well and I didn’t have much work. I knew the tours were really good and that the people who joined enjoyed them very much and felt there was an opportunity to market them directly to the public using the internet. I built the first SpiceRoads website from my home in Chiang Mai.

What was the first “SpiceRoads” trip you did?

The first official SpiceRoads trip was in 2001 in Thailand and Laos following some of what is now the Cycling Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang tour but starting in Chiang Mai and finishing in Vientiane. It departed in July 2001 and I am still good friends with everyone who joined that first tour.

What is the toughest cycle trip you have ever done in Asia?

The toughest cycle trip I have done in Asia was probably the mountain biking in Vietnam’s Northwest Mountains research trip with Struan in 1999 or 2000 when we rode from Lao Cai to Dien Bien Phu unsupported with panniers before the roads had been resurfaced. I remember watching my panniers bounce past me every time we hit a downhill.

What is you most memorable cycle trip you have ever done in Asia?

Every trip is memorable for different reasons. I am lucky enough to have cycled in dozens of countries in Asia, sometimes with groups, with friends and sometimes solo.

What is the most stunning trip you have ever done in Asia?

I still think most stunning trip visually is the ride from Sapa to Dien Bien Phu. Although riding in the Alps and the Himalayas takes some beating. I guess anywhere with mountains works for me.

Are there any places in Asia you have never cycled that you still want to go to?

Are you kidding? There are loads. I want to ride in Mongolia, Tibet, lots of places in the Himalayas. The new SpiceRoads tour “Biking Pakistan’s Karakoram Highway”  looks amazing. I would love to join one of those departures.

If you could pick your favourite SpiceRoads itinerary what would it be?

I think my favourite itinerary is the North Thailand by Bike tour as that still has many of the original routes I researched and led back in the 90′s.

Any tips for someone who is thinking about a cycling holiday for the first time?

Just do it!!!

Kyushu’s Hot Springs and Volcanoes is a 7-day bike tour in Japan that starts in the steaming caldera of Mt. Aso and ends in modern Kumamoto with a feudal past. Starting from Aso and cycling 265 kilometres in five cycling days, riders will be able to partake in the Japanese tradition of bathing in hot springs and don traditional yukata in the famous spa town of Kurokawa. Riding on to the town of Taketa to admire the feudal architecture, the landscape becomes mountainous with the turquoise water of Takachiho Gorge contrasting with the red and yellows of the trees in the autumn. Cycling to the rim of Mt. Aso caldera, which has a circumference of around 120 km, riders descend down to Kumamoto, offering a chance to glimpse into modern city life and its landmark Kumamoto Castle.To fully experience Japan the overnights are in traditional inns, of which three are also onsens, and partake in local cuisine. The riding is undulating, but the distances are manageable with time to enjoy the countryside. The tour cost is US$2,600 and bike hire is US$130. Tours are scheduled to depart November 11, 2012 and March 31 and November 10, 2013.

Our 8-day cycle tour in Japan “Cycling Colourful Kyushu Island” starts in the city of Kumamoto and then heads to the islands of Amakusa. Here we take dedicated bike paths, and even a bike bridge, along blue-green waters passing tiny harbors and fantastic rock formations as well as ancient temples and shrines. In Izumi we flush down the hearty farmer’s meal with shochu, southern Kyushu’s typical sweet potato liquor, before heading to Mt Sakurajima volcano. Magnificent views on Mt Sakurajima colour our last days, interrupted by one last soak in the unique Furusato temple onsen. The daily cycling distances are long but as they are on flat roads, are not strenuous. There are also options to extend some of the rides, so the distance can vary in total from 370 to 520 kilometres. Tours are set to depart November 17, 2012 and April 6 and November 16, 2013. The tour costs US$2,900 and bike hire is US$165.

For those who can’t decide which tour to take, they can choose both as they are scheduled back to back! SpiceRoads also offers an 11-day bicycle tour to Japan’s Noto Peninsula.

Click here or all our cycling holidays in Japan

Damian says: Get a little bit of training in. Know that you will be seeing a place in a special way that no other form of transport can provide. Practice a bit of photography and be ready to stop and get the camera out. Read some good books about where you are going. Realize that your first cycling holiday will almost certainly not be your last and you may never take another non-cycling holiday again. Understand that when people say you are crazy for wanting to do something like this take as their best attempt at admiration.

(Damian runs the SpiceRoads operation in Chiang Mai)

Patricia says: Choose the right tour for you. Decide if you want to go slowly and see lots of historical sites, if you enjoy absorbing the culture at the same time you are challenging yourself physically, love to hit the trails or want to cover lots of mileage on a road bike. We offer so many different types of tours because people enjoy different types of cycling and you”ll enjoy a bike tour more if you are going at the right pace for you and are seeing the places that interest you the most.

(Patricia is Product Manager for SpiceRoads)

Simon says: We have a great selection of tours with something for everyone. If you are unsure if a biking holiday is for you, you could always test out a short overnight tour or our new 7-day Heritage cycle tours, which will give you the opportunity to include biking as a segment of your trip. However for people who want something a bit more extreme we can also take you to places you would never have dreamt of.

(Simon is Sales & Marketing Manager of SpiceRoads)

Struan say: My main advice would be not to be put off by anything, as long as you come with an open mind and are able to put up with things that are peculiar to the destination then you will have a great time. I know that is what I do and have enjoyed everywhere I have been and still look forward to exploring more and more.

(Struan is CEO of SpiceRoads)

Hamish says: Just do it..!

(Hamish was the original founder of SpiceRoads)

So still unsure? Why not contact one of our team who can tell you more.

Biking Pakistan’s Karakoram Highway

The highlights of this tour include cycling 560 kilometres in 10 days to: Skardu, the gateway to K2 expeditions; along the Indus River, Pakistan’s longest river; on the Karakoram Highway, the highest paved international road in the world, which traces part of the Old Silk Road; the Hunza valley which has been mythologized as James Hilton’s “Shangri-La”; and to the bustling bazaar at Gilgit.  Along the whole route cyclists have a dazzling backdrop of  7,000-8,000 m snow-capped peaks of the Karakoram mountain range.

The 15-day includes camping for four nights, two of those nights are above 4,000 metres. The altitude, unpredictable weather, as well as the dirt roads and rough condition of the tarmac roads makes this a challenging tour for fit cyclists. The tour cost is US$2,650 with two scheduled departures for 2012: June 24 and August 26. If booked by March 31 SpiceRoads is offering at US$300 discount.

Read more about the Biking Pakistan’s Karakoram Highway tour.

Mountain Biking Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan

This tour in Kazakhstan also dips into Kyrgyzstan during the 600 kilometres of riding in 11 cycling days. The tour starts in Almaty and after an initial transfer the riding is from campsite to campsite, with the exception of two rides, where a helicopter is used to take riders up to 3500 m from where they will have an uninterrupted 1300 m descent. Heli-biking in the Tien Shan mountains of Kazakhstan is unique, but so are the other days of  riding across meadows of wildflowers, through gorges formed by rushing rivers and near nomadic camps under snow-capped peaks. After an ascent of Chon Ashy Pass (3820 m) the route descends into Kyrgyzstan where a night is spent before returning to Kazakhstan and ending in Almaty.

This 15-day tour is also at high altitudes, but never higher than 4000 m. The riding is primarily off road, with rough dirt roads and rocky downhills, therefore technical mountain biking skills are highly recommended. The tour cost is US$3,650 with scheduled departures for July 8 and August 9. If booked by March 31 SpiceRoads is offering at US$300 discount.

Read more about this amazing mountain biking tour in Kazakhstan.

So – are you up for either of them?

The truth is, no one can really tell you what to expect when visiting Asia so perhaps the best advice is to expect the unexpected. As the suspected location of the birth of civilization, spanning over 44 million square kilometres, containing more than 60% of the world’ population in 48 different countries, the continent of Asia has a rich and diverse history that in recent years has infused with the modern global world. It’s difficult to describe Asia without contradicting yourself. It is in reality a land of contradictions, as tradition and the modern world merge.

On the one hand Asia is the most developing continent in the world, with growing markets in China, India and Japan. It has economic capitals of the world with Tokyo, Hong Kong and Singapore. Visiting places such as these, as well as South Korea, can be a surprise for tourists from Europe or North America because they are just as (if not more) expensive as home! On the other hand, some areas of Asia have experienced little development or even extreme poverty. Don’t be surprised to see beggars on the street next to Chanel in Bangkok or donkey drawn carts passing Pizza Company in Phnom Penh as the economics of Asia become confused. The less developed areas of Asia have their perks, just as the more developed areas do too. In the cosmopolitan cities of Tokyo, Hong Kong and Seoul visitors can experience all the finer things in life with fusion Asian food, designer shopping malls and innovative modern architecture where as in some of the lesser developed countries tourists get to take a step back in time. In villages across South East Asia to hill tribes in the Himalayas visitors can take in the humble life of locals who are rich in qualities other than money. With so many ancient and diverse cultures there are many sights to see in rural Asia from majestic Angkor Wat and the Great Wall of China to entire nations, such as Bhutan which has only recently opened its doors to visitors. Asia is a spiritual place infused with the gods of past and present: the ancient spirits of the land and the family, the deities of Buddhism and Hinduism and the rules of Islam. As a result there are many wonders to be seen and it is guaranteed, no matter your interests, something in Asia will inspire you. Like Asian food the continent of Asia is eclectic, spicy and deliciously rewarding.

Take a chance – off the beaten track.

Cambodia

With its brutal history Cambodia was rarely thought of as a tourist destination until the late 1990s. However, as the country recovers it is opening up and people are flocking to explore it. The bare as beautiful as, without the tourist tide; the wilds as remote as even less explored; the cuisine as subtle as yet to be discovered; and the Khmer temples leave the shade.

Bhutan

As a nation that has only welcomed tourism for about 40 years, Bhutan is an undiscovered gem. Unfortunately, in its attempts to limit tourism, its an expensive holiday destination, with visas costing US$250 per day. Its the Himalayas country for the privileged and worth every penny. Take a step back in time with a trip to Bhutan and observe as the traditional Buddhist country, which ranks Gross National Happiness above GNP, joins the modern world.

India

Home to more than a billion people India is jam-packed with culture, history and spirit. Love it or loath it, no one can deny that India has a lot to offer. Its an intoxicating cultural cocktail with in-your-face diversity, from snow-dusted mountains to sun-washed beaches, quiet temples to feisty Bollywood and sleepy villages to booming cities.

Burma

Due to its long reigning military dictatorship and poor human rights record, Burma is not often top of the list for most tourists. However, times are changing and Burma is as safe as any developing nation in the area. With the recent media attention it has received following the release of political activist Aung San Suu Kyi Burma is an up and coming destination for the adventurous traveller. Visit Burma, look past the politics, and get to know the heart and soul of this beautiful country by interacting with its engaging inhabitants, the wonderful Burmese people.

The Big Push Team

Last October 10 riders from the Royal British Legion (RBL) in Bangkok cycled from Bangkok to Phuket for charity in the SpiceRoads sponsored RBL Big Push. Now they are planning to do their next Charity Challenge in April. We caught up with some of the team in their local pub to find out their motivations and their thoughts on Thailand as a charity challenge destination.

How did the ride from Bangkok to Phuket come about?  http://www.spiceroads-rbl-bigpush.com

The group first started talking about it in January 2011, at which point most of the riders (except for Tony) had hardly ever ridden a bike for a notable distance, let alone 100km per day. Normally in the UK the Royal British Legion organise a ride from London to Paris, so the Bangkok group decided to organise their own version – and a slightly longer one at that.

For most of the team this was the first such event so it certainly was a challenge. With about 9 months to prepare, the group undertook a rigorous training programme with gym sessions during the week and monthly rides of 70-80km, which soon turned into weekly rides. They soon discovered during their training rides that they got to see places they had never seen before (even after years of living in Thailand).

During this time they were also busy with the logistics and raising Sponsorship. We are pleased to say the SpiceRoads sponsored them by providing bikes throughout their training and the ride itself.

The team make it to Phuket

How did the actual ride go?

After 8 days of cycling (slightly shorter than the normal SpiceRoads Bangkok to Phuket bike tour) they all completed the ride and their first challenge. For some it had proved a real challenge but as Tony pointed out it was working as a team and keeping each other going which was important and proved a key to success.

We were pleased to hear that they also found a love for cycling. While most of the group were not cyclists beforehand they have all become keener since the ride and now will often go out for rides.

The ride was a great success and not only did they challenge themselves, they raised about 500,000 THB (17,000USD).

The organisers also learned that organising such a challenge for the first time is not an easy task. The challenges of setting up the ride and the logistical issues proved a great learning experience, as did the fund-raising side itself. As Peter noted, “It’s all about publicity” and the team certainly did a good job to get the event out there.

However, the experience prepared them well for their next challenge. With an understanding of what sort of support you can ask people for, and the creditability of having organised a trip before, they set about planning for “The Long March”.

The Next Challenge – The Long March (April 18-25, 2012)  http://the-long-march.com

Not soon after they completed the Bangkok to Phuket ride they started thinking about the next challenge and the idea of “The Long March” came about. For almost as long as he has been living in Thailand (14 years), Duncan, an ex Grenadier Guards whose Great Uncle was a POW on the Death Railway, had wanted to travel the length of the “Death Railway”. So the next challenge was an easy decision and Duncan jumped at the chance to organise it.

On the April 18 a six man team of mainly ex servicemen, will embark on a charity bike, canoe and walk from Three Pagoda Pass and over seven and a half days travel the 300km to arrive at Kanachanaburi War Cemetery for the ANZAC day services on the morning of the April 25l.

In November the group formed a new association called EVA (Expat Veterans Association) of Thailand, and this time they are doing this challenge for three great charities: Royal British Legion, The Returned Services League,  and the Thai Veterans Hospital. However, more importantly, the trip will  remember the men of all nationalities who worked on the Thailand – Burma railway and to commemorate the 70th Anniversary because their strength and courage should never be forgotten.

This is one challenge that they are really looking forward to and the multiple disciplines adds to the the adventure. Day 1 is all cycling, Day 2 is half canoeing and half cycling, and days 3-7 are hiking approximately 35km per day. They are finding the logistics for this trip equally as challenging with trying to plot the closest route to the railway and also getting permissions to camp in the same places that were used as actual camp sites during the Death Railway construction. It really will be a historic journey

What’s after “The Long March”?

The group have already expressed an interest to do another bike ride at the end of the year, but with so many adventure options in Thailand it was interesting to know what other ideas they may come up with.

• Dragon Boating down the Choa Praya River
• 12 day canoe trip in Northeast Thailand
• Abseiling down Baiyoke Tower (The tallest building in Bangkok)

Thailand as a Charity Challenge destination.

Speaking to the team, there are certainly lots of options for charity challenges. As Peter pointed out, “Getting out there is the only real way to see Thailand. You can come on holiday and sit on a beach or you can get out and see the country”

So hopefully the RBL members have inspired you. Firstly, that Thailand provides so much opportunity for adventure. Secondly, if you want to challenge yourself, why not consider doing it for a good cause!

For more information on doing a charity bike ride in Thailand visit out website

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The Royal British Legion

The RBL provides welfare to the whole Armed Forces family; those serving, ex-Service personnel and dependants of both groups. We also campaign on a range of issues affecting Service people, we are the Custodian of Remembrance, we organise the annual Poppy Appeal and are one of the UK’s largest Membership organisations.  In Thailand specifically we help those in need, those in distress and even in hospitalisation and repatriation to the UK.

EVA (Expat Veterans Association) of Thailand

We are a new group that has been formed from other veteran organisations in Bangkok in 2011. Our role is to run fund raising events for charity through out the year and this new group means we can select the most deserving cause for each event, without being tied to one specific Charity. Most of the members are ex forces and unlike a lot of organisations we accept members from all nationalities, who are of course willing to put in some of their time to organise, run and and take part in these events.

Struan

Struan Robertson has been running SpiceRoads since 2003 and been living in Asia for almost 20 years so we thought we would get his views on cycling trips in Asia.

How did you end up running SpiceRoads?

Hamish (who founded SpiceRoads) and I had been friends for a long time and he knew how much I had biked in Asia and how much I loved doing it. I had already helped him as a tour leader on various tours and done some research work for as well. In fact I even had some input into the SpiceRoads name (so I was there from the start), so when he asked if I wanted to help set up the company and expand the tours in Asia I thought it was the natural thing to do.

What was the first SpiceRoads trip you went on?

The first trip I went on with clients was to Cambodia in August 1999. It was the first Cambodia tour and although I was still working with Unilever, I helped Hamish run the tour. Most of the clients on that tour are still SpiceRoads clients today (in fact 2 did a private Kerala trip in Dec). 12 years ago this was pioneering stuff, vastly different from Cambodia today. The war had just finished and people were literally returning to their homes.

However the first tour I actually did was without clients in March 1999 to North Western Vietnam with Hamish as a reccie trip. This was a very hard trip we did not know where we would stay and one day we spent 12 hours on a bike and carrying our own gear. Again I might have some photos of Hamish and I on this trips. It was really was a great trip.

What is the toughest trip you have ever done in Asia?

Probably Lhasa to Kathmandu. I did this in 1999 and I was very fit. 12 years ago the road was not sealed and the accommodations were very primitive. We would cycle uphill for 8 hours and then stop. With the weather and cold really meant I suffered. Saying that it was spectacular and I am very glad I did it. During the trip we met some guys from the Basque region, who were doing it unsupported, which must have been brutal as I was utterly exhausted each night. I think our new SpiceRoads cycling trip from Lhasa to Kathmandu is much easier as we miss out a lot of climbs, but now we make it accessible for a lot of people. Going to Everest base camp was for me the highlight and when we got there the weather was fantastic and so I have a few pictures of me cycling away from Everest. I love cycling in the Himalayas but I definitely have a love-hate relationship with that trip.

What is your most memorable trip you have ever done in Asia (not necessarily SpiceRoads)?

Sikkim, India, in 1997. Maybe it was because it was my first serious biking trip, but the variety of the things we did (not just the cycling) and the people on the trip made this very memorable trip. We already have some cycling holidays in India but I would love to run SpiceRoads trips here as it really is a magical part of India.

Are there any places in Asia you have never cycled that you still want to go to?

Yes for sure. I think Pakistan is an area that would be brilliant for trips which is why we have just launched our new tour – “Biking Pakistan’s Karakoram Highway“. I am looking forward to going on this trip later this year. Also I would love to cycle in the areas of Iran and up into Uzbekistan. These ancient civilisations, cultures, scenery and history make these such fascinating destinations and would make fantastic bike trips

Also after seeing Patricia’s recent trip to Philippines that also looks superb. While we already do one mountain biking tour in the Philippines there is so many biking opportunities there.

If you could pick your favourite SpiceRoads itinerary what would it be?

Probably our Mongolia Off-Roads bike tour. I loved the place and the cycling was top notch. There are few places left in the world where you can go and experience a place like this. Be warned it is a tough place to go to but certainly worth the effort.

Any tips for someone who is thinking about a cycling holiday for the first time?

My main advice would be not to be put off by anything, as long as you come with an open mind and are able to put up with things that are peculiar to the destination then you will have a great time. I know that is what I do and have enjoyed everywhere I have been and still look forward to exploring more and more.