Tailand - Time to Discover Asia
I was kind of resisting to go to Asia under the impression that I will do it first by bicycle.
It turned out…that no. I made it first time by plane.
It does not really count, as I was already in Turkey, right?
Exploring the Turquoise Coast by Bike
A Journey Through Turkish Riviera by bycicle.
Adventure 01-09-2021
The Arrival
First Impressions of Thailand
Conclusions of Thailand
Water sports
WakeBoard near Warsaw - WakeLove
Summer is the perfect season to dive into activities with sinergy - WakeBoarding and biking. Discover WakeLoveKonstancin with the freedom of cycling to Konstancin Jeziorny from Warsaw
Poland-by-Bike 04-08-2024
My favourite Tai food
FAQ
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Esim - Airalo worked for me. We can both get 3$ discount if you use my referal:
JESUS4593
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Sun Cream - Better to take from Europe (better price and quality control)
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Mosquitos - Get Deet Spray once you are in Tailand
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For moving around in taxi, you can use Grab
What do I bring for Bike Packing Trips?
My Checklist before going to any adventure. ''To do's and to bring's''.
Preparing a Trip to Asia
Recommendations from a friend
For a 3 months trip, starting in ~January.
My friend, who is an expert about Asian culture, told me:
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Flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai (or train, the train ride is very beautiful, but about 12 hours)
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Chiang Mai is wonderful, very beautiful with many mountains nearby for trekking, seeing elephants, and coffee plantations.
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Pai, a beautiful small town in the mountains, 3 hours by minivan from Chiang Mai.
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Lampang, 2 hours by train from Chiang Mai, super beautiful, both the journey and the small city.
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The best experience of this trip will be what you see in blue in the photo: take a bus from Chiang Rai to Huay Xai (this is already in Laos), and take a Slow Boat, two days traveling on the Mekong River, a true wonder. You stop one night in the picturesque small town of Pak Beng and the next day continue to the most beautiful city in Southeast Asia, Luang Prabang.
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From Luang Prabang take a very modern train to another incredible city, Vang Vieng.
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In Laos, you could spend a month; it is recommended to skip the capital, Vientiane, as it’s not worth it. Go from Vientiane to Pakse, stay one night, and then to the best place in the world, the 4000 Islands, Don Det.
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Located on the border with Cambodia, so you can also cross there and start your visit to Cambodia, from north to south, and then you can enter Vietnam, traveling from south to north, from Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi.
Additional places highlighted:
- Luang Prabang
- Don Det, in the 4000 Islands
Preparation Checklist for Thailand
Category | Item | Details/Considerations |
---|---|---|
Travel Documents | Passport | Ensure it is valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay. |
Visa (if required) | Check if you need a visa based on your nationality. | |
Driver’s License (for motorbikes) | An International Driving Permit (IDP) may be required. | |
Health & Safety | Travel Insurance | Ensure it covers cycling and motorbike riding. |
Vaccinations | Recommended: Hepatitis A/B, Typhoid, Tetanus, Rabies. | |
First Aid Kit | Include bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, etc. | |
Insect Repellent | Preferably with DEET, as Thailand has mosquitoes. | |
Bike Gear | Helmet | Essential for safety; check local laws. |
Cycling Gloves | For comfort and protection. | |
Sunglasses | Protects eyes from sun and dust. | |
Water Bottle or Hydration Pack | Stay hydrated in the tropical climate. | |
Panniers or Backpack | To carry your essentials while riding. | |
Bike Lock | Secure your bike when parked. | |
Clothing | Lightweight Clothing | Breathable, moisture-wicking materials for hot weather. |
Rain Gear | Waterproof jacket and pants; consider a lightweight poncho. | |
Comfortable Footwear | Cycling shoes or sturdy sneakers. | |
Hat or Cap | For sun protection when not wearing a helmet. | |
Navigation | Smartphone or GPS | With offline maps or GPS; Google Maps works well. |
Power Bank | For charging devices on the go. | |
Local Essentials | Thai SIM Card | For data and local calls; available at airports and stores. For peace of mind, you can setup an esim before you arrive |
Cash (Thai Baht) | Many places may not accept cards; small denominations preferred. | |
Language Phrasebook/App | Useful for basic communication; Thai is the official language. | |
Miscellaneous | Sunscreen | High SPF to protect from intense sun. |
Snacks and Energy Bars | For quick energy during the ride. | |
Camera or GoPro | To capture your adventure. | |
Lightweight Towel | Handy for unexpected rain or sweat. | |
Emergency Contact Information | Keep a list of important numbers (embassy, local contacts). | |
Copy of Travel Itinerary | Share it with a trusted person back home. |
Health Stuff for Asia
The only mandatory vaccine for travel to Thailand is the yellow fever vaccine.
This is required for travelers aged 9 months or older who are arriving from or have transited through countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission.
Consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice based on your specific itinerary, activities, and health history. They can recommend additional vaccines that may be suitable for you, such as:
- Hepatitis A: A viral infection spread through contaminated food and water. Â
- Hepatitis B: A viral infection spread through blood and bodily fluids. Â
- Typhoid: A bacterial infection spread through contaminated food and water. Â
- Tetanus: A bacterial infection that causes muscle spasms. Â
- Diphtheria: A bacterial infection that affects the throat, nose, and skin.
- Rabies: A viral infection transmitted through the saliva of infected animals.