Biking in Thailand

It's becoming more and more popular for travelers to bring their own touring bikes to Thailand. But in places like Thung Salaeng Luang, you will probably find mountain bikes more appropriate. Customs require no special permits, but they do frown upon visitors selling their bikes in-country. Upon arrival, you may be required to register your bike, which means that if you leave without it, you'll be subject to heavy fines. Also, be sure to have every possible repair tool and replacement part you may need, as Western gear is hard to come by.

Bikes are allowed on buses, where they'll usually be tied onto the roof. Also, you can take a bike on a train for about the price of a third-class ticket.

Renting a bike, even a good one, is possible in Thailand. Many guesthouses rent jalopies, but better cycles can be rented from bike shops. Check the condition thoroughly, as you may be responsible for damages. Bike clubs are often a good source. Members may have extras, or know of a friend that isn't on that trip. Thais are very giving people and will go out of their way to accommodate you, even to the point of duct-taping your bike on their van for the trip out to the ride location.

The Rise of Cycling
In a country that has rapidly graduated from the bicycle to the moped and is now clogging its roads with automobiles, cycling is a new sport, born in part because of the Southeast Asian economic fallout.

Thailand has about 100 bike shops, most of which opened in the last few years, and bike clubs are sprouting up around the country, often as a way for stressed-out professionals to get out of the city. They won't be something you'll see advertised at the hostels; you'll have to do a little investigation once you're there. Most towns have at least one club, and during the biking seasons, they're sure to be going on trips in their respective regions.

In addition, Blue Planet Mountain Bike Club, an Internet-based information association (in Thai), and Siam Bike, a national club, are well known to Thai bike enthusiasts, who are friendly like bikers anywhere. Another resource is the Thailand Cycling Club, around since 1979, in Bangkok: (02) 241-2023.