Thailand is an ideal destination for combining physical challenges with beach and spa holidays. Local hotelier THOMAS TAPKEN has for the past four years organised bike tours to Asia and told TTN about his latest adventure
Apart from Thailand offering excellent value for money with services and facilities to match, the airlines from Dubai are also accommodating when it comes to 25 bicycles, passengers and accompanying luggage, according to Tapken.
“We have worked with THAI International and Etihad – both offering superlative service for group travel and specialised luggage handling. This makes Thailand an ideal and cost effective destination for those wishing to enjoy active holidays,” he said.
The 2008 Dubai Roadsters Tour left Dubai for Bangkok on October 24 for a 10 day tour encompassing Khao Yai National Park, Angkor Wat (Cambodia), Chantaburi (Thailand) and Pattaya a distance of some 1,000 km. He worked closely with local Thailand sports tours organiser Spice Roads to select suitable routes and hotels, ensuring that the tour offered not only excellent riding opportunities but also a taste of the countryside and local culture.
“The Tourism Authority of Thailand is always very supportive of such group activities, and hosted a dinner with Thai Cultural Show on the second night. This was followed by over 20 local bikers joining the group for 80 km of the next day’s 150 km ride to the Cambodian Border,” he said.
He suggested those wanting to arrange such tours must work with a recognised local agent to get around countryside areas where little English is spoken. “Everyone is very hospitable and welcoming, but when you need to find a spare inner tube in the middle of the jungle, you need local knowledge,” he said.
Crossing the border from to Cambodia was an experience as bikers had to change buses and push their bikes and luggage across the border in heavy rain to get another bus headed for the Angkor Village Resort, Cambodia. A visit was arranged to the ancient ruins of one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Angkor Wat, where its temples are spread out over some 40 miles around the village of Siem Reap, 192 miles from the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh. Entrance tickets are purchased on site, and hiring a mountain bike is the best way to see the area. There are few crowds, and visitors can peacefully soak up the atmosphere, despite the presence of kids selling souvenirs around the entrance – once inside the site apparently visitors are not bothered further.
Continuing from Cambodia back to Thailand, the group passed through Chantaburi – famous for its abundance of tropic fruits, forests and gemstones, finally arriving in Pattaya for two nights at the Amari Orchid Resort & Towers.
“There are many luxurious hotels in Thailand,” said Tapken, “but once you leave the popular tourist areas, you should be prepared for basic but clean accommodations serving mostly Thai food. It is ideal for sports groups and adventure seekers, but perhaps not so convenient for families with small children. Wherever you go, you can expect to be greeted with a warm smile, a welcome drink, and a level of hospitality seldom found anywhere else in the world.”
Cost for the trip which would take between 4 to 6 months to arrange were around Dh12,000 per person and included economy Etihad airfare, hotels, meals, beverages, support vehicles, guides, bike rental in Angkor Wat, visa fees to Cambodia, bike packing and transportation.
Moevenpick Hotels & Resorts & Wolfgang Hohmann from Wolfi’s Bike Shop plus Tapken were the Dubai organisers.