River Of Kings Ride

This bike journey — much like Thailand's geography and history — is shaped by the flow of rivers. In the north, the Ping descends from the mountains into Chiang Mai. In the Central Plains, the Yom meanders through the ancient landscape of Sukhothai, while the Ping and Nan rivers converge to create the mighty Chao Phraya, the River of Kings. In the Mae Klong Delta, the rivers fan out and spill into the Gulf of Thailand. Along these valleys and plains, expansive rice paddies, villages, towns, and remnants of once-powerful empires come to life. Over 14 days, we wind along scenic backcountry roads for an in-depth exploration of what has made Thailand — the so-called “Land of Smiles” — the vibrant country it is today. With manageable daily distances, limited climbing, and plenty of off-saddle exploration, plus delectable Thai cuisine and cosy accommodations (many along rivers!), this is the ideal tour for those seeking an active yet immersive Thai holiday.

We start in Chiang Mai, exploring this storied city and its rural hinterland before heading south through the rustic countryside of “Lanna” (the local name for northern Thailand). Along the way, we discover glittering temples, charming heritage towns, and an agrarian world shaped by Buddhist and animist beliefs. Next, we venture into the heartland of the ancient Sukhothai Empire, visiting its UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the grand capital and its pottery-producing satellite city of Sri Satchanalai, as well as the military fortress of Kamphaeng Phet. Riding through Thailand’s rice basket, we follow the Chao Phraya River, flanked by expansive paddy fields stretching to the horizon. By day 9, we reach Ayutthaya, where the UNESCO-listed ruins of the former Siamese capital offer a faded reminder of past glory. We then veer west into Kanchanaburi, where jungle-clad mountains loom over the plains of the historic River Khwai. The last leg of our journey takes us to the Mae Klong Delta, home to Thailand’s most famous floating market and endless coconut farms. Afterward, we transfer to Bangkok for a final ride through an urban oasis before bidding farewell over dinner aboard a converted rice barge cruising along the River of Kings. The tour concludes in Bangkok.