Here’s a fun introduction to a fascinating way to travel in Thailand.

Previously called the Mekong Challenge, organisers renamed this annual bike ride “Tour of the Mekong,” in 2008.
Whatever the name, it is a testament to the growing popularity of recreational cycling in Thailand and this year’s event splits into two distinct routes that have already attracted a record turnout.

Tourism Authority of Thailand’s office in Chiang Rai organises the event with the Bike Club of Thailand assisting with the logistics.

The objective is to follow a scenic route as close as possible to the Mekong River that forms the border with Thailand, but takes an extensive diversion east through the steep mountain valleys to Luang Prabang in Laos. It ultimately meanders its way back to the border with Thailand near Chiang Kham in Loei province.

That explains the international and domestic categories. The more intrepid riders, who pay a flat Bt7,000 to join, can follow the river through the heartlands of Laos, while the domestic route ( Bt1,000 ride fee) concentrates on  country byways in northern Thailand through Chiang Rai and Phayao provinces.

Scheduled to start in Chiang Rai, 21 October, the riders head for Chiang Saen and Chiang Khong  where the international group crosses the Mekong River to  Huaysai in Laos, leaving the domestic group to head south through some very picturesque but tough mountain country to Phayao.

The group heading into Laos will board boats for some sections of the journey. Whether on roads, or river, they will travel to Luang Prabang, Pakmong, Udomchai, Luang Namtha and Vieng Phu Kha all in Laos.  They will be on the road from  24 October 1 November, while their domestic counterparts will end their trip 24 October in Phayao, Thailand.

The joy of this experience is that you don’t have to be a professional cyclist to arrive at the finishing line. This is a fun event for all levels of skills and fitness. Bikes are mainly the mountain genre, tough and comfortable, but there a few riders who join the event on more fancy road machines.

Whatever, the choice the organisers offer a service van, back-up and support to make the ride manageable.

There are two objectives for the ride. One is to promote leisure cycling as a fitness sport in Thailand, while the other is to demonstrate the ease of travel between Thailand and Laos.

Perhaps there is just one concern for foreign visitors who might consider a trip of this kind in Thailand. “Is it safeω”

The answer is an emphatic, yes, from hundreds of happy cyclists, who pedal along the nation’s country roads every day.  Thailand is an amazing destination for all kinds of cycling. It has an extensive network of sealed, but quiet country roads, Thai drivers are courteous towards cyclists and there is bountiful fuel stops – restaurants and hotels where ever you decide to roam.

The top spots for cycle touring are in the North from bases in Chiang Rai, Nan, Chiang Mai (outside the city) and the entire Northeast following roads bordering the Mekong River.  Approximately 70 km north of the capital, Bangkok, cycle country begins in earnest at Ayutthaya on a route north that follows the Chao Phraya River basin all on secondary roads.

The Tour of the Mekong is an ideal way to start a love affair with cycling in Thailand.

Call Mekong Bike Club at Tel; 053 791 234 and 083 208 2280.