The green season in Southeast Asia is the time of year when the heavens open to feed the rivers, nourish the mountains and forests, and replenish the rice paddies and plantations. The thought of biking during this time might put off many a rider. However it is an excellent time to get on a bike to explore the countryside.
Why?
- Because the mornings are normally beautifully clear with a downpour late afternoon.
- Because when the rain does comes, it is heavy, warm, doesn’t last for long and leaves a freshness in the air, and
- Because it is also a great time to explore Southeast Asia if you want to avoid the crowds.
Here are a few tantalizing we’ve picked…..
This taster of northern Thailand journeys through the spectacular limestone mountains of Chiang Dao and the scenic village of Mae Salak, straddling the Mae Kok River. We follow remote trails and back roads that have little traffic and fantastic scenery and stay each night in charming, Thai-style lodges with swimming pools to enjoy at the end of our rides. Green season means the waterfalls and rivers will be in full flow, making this a perfect time to experience this lush ride. Find out more.
Green season brings northern Thailand’s landscape even more to life, providing a vibrant backdrop to this scenic and awe-inspiring ride. Thailand’s north offers cyclists variety, from forested mountains that provide shade on twisting roads to smooth flat tarmac along the Mekong River. On this 830 km ride you’ll cycle on paved roads in good condition through farming villages, pass Buddhist temples and waving children as you absorb the slower pace of life of the relaxed and friendly locals. Find out more.
T
his tour is a wonderful way to explore the area known as Sop Ruak, where the Nam Ruak and Mekong Rivers meet. This area has for centuries been the crossroads for border trade between Thailand, Burma and Laos. Taking you into the heart of the countryside to areas usually overlooked by most visitors, this tour allows you to really see and feel what living in this part of Thailand is all about. Following the Mekong River towards Chiang Khong, you can enjoy expansive views over the Mekong, soaking in all the shades of green of the Golden Triangle. Find out more.
The rainy season adds a mystical, romantic ambiance to this singular wonder. There are few biking experiences that compare with cycling beneath towering fig trees among a thousand years of Khmer history at Angkor. We offer an interesting, exciting and a totally different way to visit Angkor, as well jaunts through the bustling Khmer countryside community. Our cycling exploration allows us to see more than the incredible legacy of the Khmer empire but also affords us a glimpse into rural Cambodian life! Find out more.
The Khmers of Cambodia have a rich and varied history that bloomed between the 9th and 14th century during the Angkor period. Left behind are an impressive array of reminders of the grandeur of Khmer arts and culture that we explore on this cycle tour through ancient temples. Cambodia has been influenced by a succession of kings and by French colonists. Imagine life in long ago days, waiting for the green season rains to cool you off as we ride from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap past palaces and villages, esplanades and rice paddies. Find out more.
Our Thailand to Cambodia adventure is a fantastically varied week-long cycle odyssey. We cross from the seaside in Thailand over into Cambodia to the foothills of the Cardamon mountains. From there we discover the colonial outpost of Battambang, journey by boat across the Tonle Sap and ride through the world renowned temples of Angkor. See more than the incredible legacy of the Khmer empire and get to glimpse into rural Cambodian life and meet the extraordinary and beautiful Khmer people. Find out more.
Vietnam’s long history is an ever present companion on our cycle tour through this land imbued with sites of ancient civilizations and kingdoms which flourished long before the French colonialists, communism and the tragic war of the more recent past. On this adventure, we visit three UNESCO World Heritage sites, indulge in the delicious local specialities and cycle through scenic landscapes, witnessing traditional rural life of villagers tilling the land under their conical hats in the patchwork paddy fields, of children riding their water buffaloes home from the fields at the end of the day. Find out more.
Kanchanaburi has a rugged, beautiful landscape of mountains, waterfalls, caves, and tranquil riverside settings that is a treat for nature-lovers and cyclists, making it an ideal destination during green season. We visit many famous sites including the Bridge Over the River Kwai, the Railway Museum, the Kraset Caves and Wat Prasat Muang Singh, a 12th-century Khmer temple, but we also see some places off the beaten path to expose you to true Thailand as we ride along amazing trails through the jungle, teak plantations, and villages and along the famous River Kwai. Find out more.
Green season is also a great time to go to the beach! But this short trip is packed with so much more! We begin at Damnoen Saduak floating market, a canal packed with small boats selling just about everything, then we explore the maze of canals and its countryside. We past fruit orchards and plantations, villages and temples before we head into the hills along the border with Burma, travelling over the Kaeng Krachan Dam before cycling along the gorgeous Pranburi coast for stunning seaside views. Find out more.
