Cycling for Change

Update 8

Update 7

Tuesday 03/01/23

Today we did a 42km ride, all in the morning. The ride mainly follows the coast however it did undulate keeping it interesting. We had lunch at a coffee plantation where the region's best Arabica coffee is grown, as well as orchards that produce longan, a small, sweet, and sour fruit grown widely in the south of Thailand. We got a demonstration from one of the workers on the different types of coffee beans and the way in which they hand roast them. We also stopped at Poonyaban Waterfall before heading to our overnight stay at the port city of Ranong, a Thai province that shares the border with Burma.

Wednesday 04/01/23

I think from here on for the last couple of days the distances will get more relaxed. Today we did about 25km all in the morning. It was a very interesting ride up and down through the jungle. We finished the ride at a local hot spring. There are three natural spring pools, and the water temperature remains constant at about 65 C. We then drove to a village where Muslims and Buddhists live side by side. We learnt about their local customs and traditions with a host family by making authentic Thai sweet snacks and soap. This village was severely affected by the 2004 Tsunami and started producing soap since as an alternative income to only fishing. I really appreciated this experience as something different from the bikes and it gave us another opportunity to engage with the local people. 

Thursday 05/01/23

Today we returned to the Khao Lak area where I spent some time back in 2019. We explored the old city of Takuapa, which once was a flourishing trade port known by Indians and Arabs back in the 17th century. Tin used to be the major export that brought wealth to the city, and what remains are the merchant houses built in Chino-Portuguese style. We then rode to the beachside Tsunami Memorial at Ban Nam Khem and the big fishing boat that was carried an amazing 2 km inland by the surging waters. Smaller boats were also deposited nearby, particularly in a pond we’ll pass. We only rode 30km today so we spent the afternoon enjoying the beach surrounded by typical Thai architecture. Dinner and drinks by the beach too - how luxurious!! 

Friday 06/12/23

Today was my last day of cycling Thailand! We cycled from the resort and headed inland to take a quiet backroad through small villages and shady rubber plantations and cross rivers. We stopped at a small waterfall of Sai Rung where we had a quick cool off. We then finished off our 36km ride at the beachside hotel. Tonight we are meeting up for our farewell dinner to reminisce about all the Thai experiences we have had along the way.

Overall I have done just over 1,000km down Thailand and managed to raise over $10,000. Both of these were ambitious goals that I set for myself and I am incredibly proud and grateful to see this dream realised. I am very much looking forward celebrating with the children at BTN tomorrow! 

Update 6

Saturday 31/12/22

Today we rode about 60km along the coast with picturesque fishing boats. We rode past fishing villages, schools, temples, and many coconut plantations. Following a windy road that offers some shade, we weaved through the town of Praknam Pran and saw squid drying on racks at the fish market. Afterwards we entered Sam Roi Yot (300 hundred peaks) National Park, known for numerous caves, beaches, and limestone cliffs. Then we decided to hike to Phraya Nakhon Cave, where there are two caverns which are unique in that they are naturally illuminated due to a collapsed roof. In 1890, King Rama V visited the cave and built a royal pavilion that became the symbol of Prachuap Khiri Khan province. After such a physical day I was unfortunately a bit tired and unwell so it was a quiet New Year’s Eve for me!!

Sunday 01/01/23

Today we ended up doing a decent ride of about 40mm along the coast. I was still recovering from being unwell unfortunately so it was a nice slow ride for me! In the afternoon we took a speed boat to an island, Koh Talu, where we will have a rest on the beaches.

Monday 02/010/23

Today I spent the morning relaxing by the beach, swimming and exploring the island. In the afternoon we left our island oasis and boated back to the mainland. From there we only rode about 30km with palm trees and white sand beaches on one side and green lush hills on the other as our view. That night was another gorgeous one spent by the beach. 

Update 5

Sunday 24/12/22 - Tuesday 27/12/22

These 5 days in Bangkok were a welcome rest from the bike seat and a great chance to explore one of the worlds most bustling cities. I loved meeting new people at my hostel and celebrating Christmas in a very Thai fashion. I explored Bangkok’s temples and fashion capitals, all while tasting some incredible food at the many markets and restaurants. In a way it was a shame to get back on the bike leaving this chapter behind, but I’m very much looking forward to the next cycling adventure! 

Wednesday 28/12/22

Starting from Bangkok, we drove south to the Mae Klong Delta area to start our bike tour at the Floating Markets again. From there, we embarked on a long-tail boat cruise through a maze of canals cutting through local villages and various plantations. We started riding into coconut plantations and fruit orchards along quiet backroads. We visit interesting temples, such as the quirky Wat Bang Kung, held up by a huge banyan tree, and the exceptional carved panels of Wat Bang Kae Noi. A relaxing and somewhat familiar way to start phase two of the trip with a new group. 

Thursday 29/12/22

This morning I woke up early to participate in the Thai tradition of making an offering to Buddhist monks. As we were on the river, many monks came by in their boats. Today we rode about 30km through Kaeng Krachan National Park, Thailand’s largest national park. We rode along the lake’s shoreline and across an impressive dam before heading inland along trails and quiet country roads. We stopped often in this tranquil area to take in the wonderful views. 

Friday 30/12/22

Today we rode 56km on country roads through mango orchards, sugar cane fields, and palm plantations. We crossed the Petchaburi River and rode to a reservoir. We visited the Dao (star) Cave, named for some unique formations inside. We then rode only 10 km more to our lunch stop at the Hua Hin Vineyard. From our table, we had a perfect view over the vineyard where the New Latitude grapes are grown. Subsequently, a wine tasting set was a must. We then drove to Wat Huay Mongkol, where a famous monk is revered for his protection of safety. That night we enjoyed a stroll around the busy night market in Hua Hin after a beautiful dinner by the beach. Good to finally hit the coast! 

Update 4

Thursday 21/12/22

Today we followed the River Kwai, riding through jungle, between farmer’s fields, along a mixture of jeep trails, tarmac, and quiet backroads to the town of Kanchanaburi. This meant we covered all surfaces - sand, gravel, and some smooth roads. We stop for lunch at a local floating restaurant on the river. In the afternoon we visited the Death Railway Museum and cemetery which told the tale of WWII prisoners that lost their lives creating the Thailand-Burma railway. It was very fascinating and brutal. 

Friday 22/12/22

This morning, we drove to Damnoen Saduak to visit the famous floating market. This was quite touristy but had some fascinating things to see! We then took a small boat down the river canals to start our right. We followed canal paths and small backroads surrounded by fruit orchards varying from lychees to pomelos and guavas to coconuts ripe for picking. We learnt about the different types of coconut trees and watched some of the local farmers using them to produce coconut water, milk, and oil. 

Saturday 23/12/22

This morning we drove into the busy and chaotic Bangkok. We then took a ride in the green part of Bangkok called Bang Kra Jao, just on the other side of the river away from Bangkok’s crazy roads. It was a short day so the afternoon was spent indulging in an Italian pizza and resting by the pool. This marks the end of the first half of my bike ride, so we had a fancy river cruise dinner on a converted rice barge on the Chao Praya River – what better way to end The River of Kings tour. I’m looking forward to a couple of days off the bike to explore Bangkok before heading off again! 

Update 3

Sunday 18/12/22

This morning was an early one as we headed off along the scenic roads to Uthai Thani. We were surrounded by rice paddies and water today. We arrived in Uthai Thani after about 50km in time for lunch on a charming restored rice barge while we cruised on the Sakaekrang River. Then we rode another 10km to the hotel around the Nong Khun Ma island. My favourite part of today was saying hello to all of the locals and getting a glimpse into traditional, rural Thai-style of living – from men fishing to women doing laundry to children playing. 

Monday 19/12/22

Today we did overall 60km split into 2 chucks. The morning involved us riding from the hotel past more gorgeous rivers and rice paddies scattered with birds and water buffalo. We passed through some quaint local towns saying hello to all of the locals as we rode past. After lunch we were transferred to Ayutthaya, the second capital of Thailand. Here we looked at many temples, like Wat Pa Mok, where there was a giant decking Buddha. We passed historical parks, many of which had headless Buddhas as they were stolen and sold or destroyed when Burma attacked. We crossed the river by ferry, and rode along the shady banks of the Chao Phraya river. With all the temples it was a long late day but was very beautiful. 

Tuesday 20/12/22

Today was a short day as we rode south from the hotel in full head winds on rough tracks to Bang Pa-In to visit the Summer Palace of King Rama V, or King Chulalongkorn, who regularly spent his summers there. The structures represent a variety of architectural styles, from very old Chinese handicrafts to 19th-century European ornaments and furniture. After a local lunch resting our shakey legs, we had a long transfer by van to Kanchanaburi, a gorgeous jungle where we will be spending the next couple of days. 

Update 2

Thursday 15/12/22

We really headed off the beaten track today, as we rode on some of the most secluded and beautiful roads in Thailand with a canopy of palm trees providing some natural protection from the hot Thai sun. We passed lush green paddy fields and many villages as we head towards the first capital of Thailand, Sukhothai. We rode through the Sri Satchanali Historical Park which contained some beautiful ancient ruins we could explore. Today was a long day, covering 82km which is much further than I have gone before. Being the longest day, I was happy to arrive at the hotel pool. 

Friday 16/12/22

Today was a rest day yet of course this meant that we still travelled 33km to and around the original capital of Thailand, which is now a historic park. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, there are more than 193 ruins surrounded by three moats and bridged by four gateways. The afternoon involved relaxing by the pool and a little massage to top it off! 

Saturday 17/12/22

I thought the other day was the biggest day, but I was quickly proven else wise! Today we covered 92km again along the Ping River mainly so at least it was quite flat. We really kept up the pace though, averaging around 23km the whole day! The roads were a mix of quite free ways, gravel roads, pot holes and red dust just to keep it interesting! This was alongside mountainous countryside, rice fields, and tapioca trees. I may have had a quick nap while waiting for our lunch which was just the thing to push me over the finish line. We ended at Khampeng Phet, also known as the “Diamond Walled City,” which was a military fortress used to help defend Sukhothai from invading armies. 

Update 1

Arrival 8/12/22-11/12/22

My journey began on the night of the 8th of December when I flew from Melbourne to Singapore then onwards to Chiang Mai. I arrived at Chiang Mai at 11:00am local time. I spent these first few days exploring all of the wats (temples), sampling the delicious Northern Thai cuisine, and meeting some amazing people at my hostel. It was a very welcoming couple of days that made me very excited for what else is to come. 

Monday 12/12/22

Today marked the first day of riding. We drove out of town to the countryside then rode into Chiang Mai and around the city. While it was an easy 30km touring the sites of Chiang Mai, it was a great introduction to the road rules (or lack there of) and heat in Thailand. 

After breakfast, we explored the ancient and modern city, including its old city walls, gates and moat, markets, residential areas, and Tapae, Chiang Mai´s main street. We continue our tour with a drive up Doi Suthep to Wat Phra Thad Doi Suthep, the most sacred temple in Northern Thailand. Dinner was a feast at the local night market accompanied by some Christmas shopping! 

Tuesday 13/12/22

We really starting heading of our way today. We covered a total of 59km from Chiang Mai to Lamphun. Following the Ping river the ride passed quickly due to the beautiful views and interesting conversations with the other riders from all around the world. 

Afterwards, we visited Wat Phra That Hariphunchai, built around 1044 AD, which is an example of ancient Lanna temple architecture. Dinner is at a delightful riverside restaurant.

Wednesday 14/12/22

Apparently today is the hilliest day of the trip, and I hope that’s the case! While we didn’t ride as much as yesterday, covering 53km this was mostly up and down mountainous terrain. We rode from Ban Thung Laeng to the historic town Phrae alongside the Yom River. The hills were killers, but the downhills and view made it worthwhile! 

Off we go!

The Origins