You don’t need a lot of time for a biking adventure. There are plenty of day trips that can help satisfy the need for a two-wheeled tour, be it through the city or countryside, on or off road.
Not all of us can take a week or two, much less four or five days, to devote to bicycling to and from and through cool destinations. But, for those who have a day free or those who just want to check out what this bike tour stuff is all about, there are a few destinations that are perfect for a day-long exploration.
Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam all have unique spots that are easily accessible but offer different types of experiences to satisfy the casual day tripper or the intense mountain biker needing a quick fix.
Thailand
Bangkok Countryside: Experience life along the canals, cycling by rice paddies, visiting the home of giant flying foxes, and taking a boat ride for a close-up view of Thai village life.
Koh Kret: Travel back to a simpler time for a bike ride around on the car-less island of Koh Kret and try your hand at the potter’s wheel to make your own ceramics.
Khao Ito: If you’re a mountain biker but don’t have time to go too far then these trails just outside the capital Bangkok are for you! Enjoy single track trails, some technical sections, stunning scenery and great food, all in one day!
Historic Ayutthaya: Cycle through the crumbling ruins of Ayutthaya, the former capital of Siam and a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1991.
Lanna Countryside: Escape the Chiang Mai tourist traps into the fertile valleys of Sankampaeng, have a dip in a natural mineral hot spring, visit the famous Samkampaeng market and try their favorite local noodle dish, Kao Soi.
Chiang Mai Bike and Raft Adventure: A full day adventure — a superb morning of cross-country mountain biking followed by an exhilarating afternoon of white water rafting.
Chiang Mai XC Challenge: Escape Chiang Mai for the hills! Spend an exhilarating day on dirt trails cycling through jungle and bamboo forests, on elephant paths, and fire roads for adrenaline pumping single track fun.
Chiang Mai Classic Stage Ride: Cycle on good tarmac roads to complete a stunning 90-km loop around the mountain and back to Chiang Mai. The undulating terrain and the lush green scenery make it a perfect way to explore the Lanna countryside.
Cambodia
Koh Dach Explorer: From Phnom Penh escape to the serene life on Koh Dach in the middle of the Mekong River.
Oudong Escape: A day-long cycling retreat from Phnom Penh into the countryside, the Oudong trail reveals Cambodia’s ancient beauty.
Mountain Biking Kirirom’s Jungle Trails: Leave a busy Phnom Penh behind and head to Kirirom. Cycle on challenging jungle trails while enjoying nature’s lush forest greenery.
Cycling Siem Reap’s Countryside: Nestled along the river and surrounded by countless paddy fields, Siem Reap is a perfect place to explore Cambodia’s rural way of life.
Laos
Luang Prabang Explorer: A day trip that suits all riders who want to explore the local life in the countryside surrounding Luang Prabang.
Vietnam
Hanoi Explorer: Escape the chaos of Hanoi as you cycle through the farmlands and villages surrounding the city.
If you’re interested in short jaunts in other locations, contact SpiceRoads for suggestions.