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RIVER OF KINGS RIDE
This is a tour through Thailand’s beating heart. Cities that have laid quiet for a thousand years open their doors and expose their history. The Kingdom’s ancient history and colorful culture will be revealed as you ride from one ancient city to the next. The River of Kings Ride offers you an intimate look at Thailand's history and an opportunity to gain a thorough understanding of its culture.
This tour rides south from Chiang Mai, the capital of north Thailand, and follows the Chao Phraya river valley where Thai civilization began. It continues south through Lampang, Sukhotai and Ayutthaya to arrive in Bangkok.
The route follows quiet backroads where you will be amazed at how little traffic is encountered. You will also be pleasantly surprised at how few tourists are on this path. Although we do visit many of Thailand’s world famous attractions, by cycling well off the beaten-path, you avoid the masses and get the opportunity to see the real Thailand.
Not only will you visit the magnificent ruins of Ayutthaya and Sukhothai, the temples of Chiang Mai and Bangkok, but you will also visit the lesser known towns of Pa Mok and Uthai Thani, where you will at last – find the “land of smiles."
The scenery is ever changing as it starts in the mountainous north, then continues through the emerald paddy fields of the central rice belt, and then to the rugged jungles of the Kanchanaburi area before arriving in the vibrant metropolis of Bangkok.
TRIP PROFILE
The riding is not hard, mostly on flat terrain covering an average of 50 km per day. We spend a fair amount of time sightseeing on this tour, and throughout the Ancient Thailand tour we have a team of two guides. One is a specialist biking guide and another one who specializes in Thailand's history and culture. This is the ideal tour for first time visitors to Thailand or repeat visitors who want to see the country from a different angle.
We stay at the best available hotels en route. All of which are clean and comfortable and mostly very charming. In Bangkok and Chiang Mai, we use 4-star city hotels well situated for sightseeing excursions, shopping, and fine dining.
| ITINERARY (14 days / 13 nights finishing in Bangkok) | |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive, meet & greet in Chiang Mai. |
| Day 2 | Sightseeing in Chiang Mai. |
| Day 3 | Ride to Lamphun / transfer to Lampang. |
| Day 4 | Ride to Uttaradit. |
| Day 5 | Ride to Sri Satchanali. |
| Day 6 | Ride around Sukothai and historical parks. |
| Day 7 | Ride to Kamphen Phet and historical parks. |
| Day 8 | Ride to Uthai Thani and boat tour. |
| Day 9 | Ride to Ayutthaya. |
| Day 10 | Temple ride in Ayutthaya / transfer to river Kwai. |
| Day 11 | Ride to Khanchanaburi. |
| Day 12 | Ride to the world famous Floating Market. |
| Day 13 | Transfer to bangkok and ride in the green part of bangkok you never knew existed. |
| Day 14 | Transfer to airport for onward travel. |
| FACTS & FIGURES | |
|---|---|
| Tour Cost | USD $1700, Single Supplement USD $350. |
| BIke Rental | USD $150 |
| Total Distance | 525 Kilometers (some rides optional) |
| Number of Days | 14 days / 13 nights |
| Number of Cycling Days | 8 full days / 1 half day |
| Road Surfaces | 96% on paved surfaces |
| Group Size | 2 minimum - 16 maximum |
| Vehicle Support | This tour is fully supported by a dedicated support vehicle. |
| Staff Support | An English speaking guide leads this tour. On tours with 8, or more, people and additional local guide joins the tour. |
| Accomodations | A wide variety of styles on this trip from povincial hotel to 4 star - but all very comfortable. |
| Meals | All meals are prvided starting with dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 14, except lunch on 2,13. |
| Biking Grade |
(3 out of 5) This tour is suitable for the entire family.
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| Scenery and Culture |
(5 out of 5) This is a dedicated cultural tour with a specialized cultural guide.
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