Cycling holidays: Cycling in Southeast Asia? Does that fit together in these climatic conditions? Of course, and really great. In Southeast Asia, the mail is off, or rather, the bike is off. Anyone on vacation in Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong or even in China's big cities will be amazed to find that professionally equipped cyclists are suddenly everywhere on the best material. Be it mountain bikers or road cyclists, you cannot miss them.
Cycling is booming. Everywhere on the streets and off-road, cyclists are riding on Highen material, which was unthinkable just a few years ago.
The climate can even be described as almost perfect, because in Thailand there are cooler zones with demanding bike routes in the north. Hong Kong is often cool anyway, and even downright cool when it comes to cycling. The big world companies are all there and the European looks amazed at the great and expensive bikes that are used here. As so often, I was traveling in Southeast Asia and in Thailand an internationally well-attended bike race was just taking place.
Thailand, the much-loved travel destination known for its beautiful beaches, cultural highlights, spicy food and ever-smiling people, has much more to offer for cyclists. Thailand has now also developed as a holiday destination for cycling holidays. Especially in northern Thailand, for example in Chiangmai, the largest city in northern Thailand, there are many bike hotels and tour operators for cyclists.
Since 2011, the Masters Tour of Chiangmai, for example, has firmly established itself there as an international cycle race. On the website www.masterstourofchiangmai.com learn everything about past and future races. The races are a wonderful addition to a holiday in Thailand and so numerous competitors and their companions came, especially from Asia and Australia, as well as New Zealand, to start in the numerous age groups. And the organizers really come up with ideas there to attract starters from all over the world. In 2014, the participants were offered a tour package for around 300 euros, which included four hotel nights, three dinners together, a sightseeing tour and even airport transfers.
What is the best way to get to Chiangmai or Thailand from Europe? Bangkok is the major hub for all international airlines. Lufthansa and Thai Airways fly non-stop to Bangkok from Germany. However, these flights have some pitfalls. So it may be that you book Lufthansa, but will be sitting in a Thai plane. And from Munich, Thai Airways unfortunately still uses aircraft that are no longer up to date and modern, especially in terms of seating comfort.
During our visit to Thailand for the Masters Tour, we used the fast and very comfortable connection with Finnair. A real insider tip. Finnair flies to Helsinki from Germany. A very modern airport with many shopping opportunities. Then it's off to Bangkok in ten hours on the fast northern route with the most modern machines. By using this northern route, you are ultimately hardly longer on the road than with a direct flight from Munich or Frankfurt. Once in Bangkok, a flight to Chiangmai or many other cities (or islands) that are interesting for tourists and cyclists is no longer a problem. For Asia beginners, however, we definitely recommend an organized trip. We will soon be presenting some travel providers on Velomotion, who not only have Mallorca or the Canary Islands in their repertoire.
