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Phang Nga
Province Mountain Biking Tour:
a Nostalgic Journey into Rural Thai Village Life
Phang Nga Province offers mountain biking and hiking
opportunities for adventurous travelers as well as experienced
cyclists.
Phang Nga Province is just over an hour’s
drive from Phuket. But it’s a world away when it comes
to tradition Thai lifestyles, moods and scenery. Here, you’ll
bike through small villages full of charming locals of all
age groups.
Mountain
Biking Vacation
The road conditions vary from sealed concrete,
to gravel, to dirt. There is a lot of shade along the way
as well as open sunny sections. The ride takes place on gentle
slopes and short hills.
Your degree of fitness varies according to
the itinerary. We offer trips for first-time cyclist
as well as more demanding trips for seasoned mountain
bikers. This mountain bike tour can be customized
to suit everyone’s taste or desires. There are enough
roads (both sealed and dirt) to challenge those who want to
work out a bit, yet mellow enough to suit those who are more
into the scenery and cultural aspects of the tour than the
ride itself. There are also enough roads to modify the itinerary
to suit every participant.
There’s something special about visiting
a region under your own power. Silent travel is always our
first choice.
Ride
past rubber tree plantations and oil palm plantations. You’ll
also encounter Durian, Rambutan and other fruit trees. Many
of the local’s yards are ornamented with pleasing plants
and flowers. With the abundance of fruit and flowers comes
a variety of birds, both common and uncommon.
Our favorite itineraries are all in Phang
Nga Province. We do offer day
trips too.
Manora &
Raman Forest Parks
There are two lovely small ‘forest
parks’ in Phang Nga. One is called Manora
Forest Park and the other is called Raman Forest Park.
Both offer terrific trails and delightful waterfalls. You
will have a chance to hike on these trails. The creeks are
a great place cool off after a ride. The jungle is old-growth,
with several towering trees breaking through the high canopy.
Each trail is only two kilometers long, just the right length
to re-energize tired muscles. There are also restaurants in
each of the parks. Very few tourists visit either of these
parks. It’s more of a local Thai's hangout. This is
a trip for just about anyone. It's very easy.
ThaiCycle
offers both one-day & two-day mountain biking tours in
Phang Nga Province
The guesthouse we use is nestled beside a
limestone
karst mountain. The rooms are air-conditioned,
with TV, mini-frig, and an attached restroom. They have a
Western toilet and shower.
Time and energy permitting, you can go on
a ride through town. Phang Nga Town is a
quaint settlement with loads of small shops and restaurants.
Limestone karst formations surround the town.
Traditional Thai village life is
very laid-back. If it’s raining or sometime
when it’s not, rural Thais often spend a good bit of
time sitting on their front porches or sitting around in salas.
Thai style salas usually made with a thatched roof and a flat
platform where you can sit cross-legged. Life’s pace
is obviously slower here. Family is priority numero uno in
traditional Thai life. Sitting around isn’t viewed as
a waste of time—like it is in many Western cultures—instead,
it’s a way to strengthen the family bond. After all,
what’s the big rush?
Mountain Biking Loop Trail
The loop starts off on a sealed road, then
a gravel road and then it changes into a dirt road. There
are rubber plantations, farmland, open fields and small farms
along the journey. Near the end of the loop, you’ll
come upon a small wat (Buddhist temple). We can take a break
here. Then, the we’ll take the road from this area to
Raman Forest Park.
The gradient on this loop is gentle and the
road conditions are easy.

No
real mountain biking experience is required, though
you will likely enjoy yourself more if you have a bit of familiarity
with mountain biking.
Group
size: 2 to 8 guests. Larger group tours available
too.
Prices: one-day trip at
US$100 per person (2 person minimum). Two-day trip at US$180
per person. Discounts available for groups larger than four
guests.
These prices include all transfers from nearest
local airport, bus station or train station (airfare not included),
all equipment, accommodations once on the trip (two-day trip
only), all meals, all snacks, all non-alcoholic drinks, national
park fees and insurance. Plus, you'll get a complimentary
ThaiCycle shirt.
What to bring:
- Cycling shorts
- Hat (for the short hikes)
- Sun protection / sun lotion
- Personal saddle if you wish
- Shoes for cycling or general sports
- Sunglasses
- Long trousers or a sarong for when you're visiting villages
- Personal Medicines
Click here for additional information on what
to bring.
Note: Participants understand
this type of adventure tour incurs some inherent risks. We
do provide limited personal insurance. We recommend that participants
get such insurance beforehand. Paticipants must sign full
liability release before the trip begins.
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