Cycling around Thailand has become a popular way to explore the country, and it is apparently safer than most other countries. Find out what our cycling guests had to say!
After a discussion with our guests about cycling around Thailand, we gained interesting insights from our guests at Baan Farang Homestay Phra Saeng, who informed us that Thailand is the safest country for cycling.
Our homestay, Baan Farang Homestay Phra Saeng, located between Surat Thani and Krabi, has seen many cyclists booking our simple, low-budget rooms as a place to stop over before cycling to their next destination.
After living in Thailand for 14 years and exploring the country by car and scooter, the positive stories from our guests inspired me to write this blog.
The rating for cycling in Thailand seems to surpass that of any other country in the world, a revelation that may come as a surprise to you if you’ve ever driven on Thai roads.
The World Health Organization ranks Thailand among the top 10 most dangerous places to drive in due to a high rate of road accidents. The World Health Organization (see link)
Having witnessed and experienced a few close calls myself, the topic of cycling around Thailand captivated me. The primary challenge I encountered as a British license holder was the lack of consideration on the roads, particularly on high-speed routes.
I was riding my scooter when large lorries and trucks sounded their deafening horns directly behind me, almost causing me to fall from my scooter. They were also driving directly behind me at high speed, and the cars were so close to the rear of your vehicle that it was frightening to know that in any emergency stop, the vehicle would most definitely be parked on top of you.
However, my guests at Baan Farang Homestay Phra Saeng are enthusiastic about their experiences cycling around Thailand. My guests, who come from a variety of countries, have a wealth of cycling experience, some of which I was shocked to learn were the worst.
Mexico, Spain, and France. Germany, Dubai, Paraguay, Chile, Canada, America, Singapore, Laos, Hong Kong, Cambodia, Vietnam, Japan, China, and Azerbaijan were on the list of countries. Yet Thailand topped them all.
It seems that cycling around Thailand, all vehicles on the high-speed roads show fantastic consideration to cyclists, especially the large lorries. Wow, were my initial thoughts.
Thailand not only excels in road consideration compared to most other countries but also stands out for its friendliness towards cyclists and its exceptional roadside amenities.
In Thailand, it isn’t too far before you will find locals selling fruit, drinks, and food roadside. Petrol stations serve as an ideal stopover for energy conservation and a quick wash. The popular choices include Air Con Amazon coffee shops, 7/11 convenient stores that sell almost everything you desire, restaurants that sell cheap Thai food, and toilets that offer shower facilities.
Therefore, cycling around Thailand will leave you refreshed and energy restored to carry on through those hot sunny days.
The roads apparently are far better than most of the countries listed below. I wanted to share some of the fascinating stories that my guests from Baan Farang Homestay Phra Saeng told me.
Nationalities from all over the world have made their presence known, often with red faces and tired legs. After check-in and a shower, they join us in our well-stocked western-style bar for a cold beer and stories. However, some individuals delay their check-in until they have had a few cold beers.
Our cycling nationalities include the UK, Germany, Mexico, the Netherlands, Portugal, Canada, France, and America.
The best story yet was told by our Canadian guests in their 70s. Whilst cycling on a high-speed road, a 4×4 vehicle drove slowly alongside and a head pulled in. The Thai driver waited until they were alongside and he asked for them to pull over. They did and he handed them a big bag of snacks and water – Now, being British, I am 99% sure that no one would do this in the UK 🙂
In Bangkok guests told me that they had to cycle through crazy roads to get to their accommodations. Now this one had me on the edge of my seat because for anyone who has been to Bangkok or had the unfortunate task of driving will understand this cyclist pain 😉
Finding himself and his girlfriend stuck in a heavily congested area, he had to cross 4 lanes to get over to the other side. Sweating with anxiety I suspect and exhaustion, the task ahead was daunting, but still they tried to dodge the traffic as quickly peddle as possible then… cars stopped to allow them to pass.. OMG how amazing is that?
Lorries, driving as far as possible away from cyclists so as not to alarm them and sounding a gentle horn to say hello—this was a common story!
Locals slow down to shout hello and those who speak a little English ask where they are going.
Most of my cycling guests proudly display their country flag and with it a Thai flag; this puts you into VIP status—a big hello and a tooting of the car horn as they pass slowly past.
These stories will continue to amaze me but make me very proud to live in a country with so much consideration for cyclists exploring their country, which the Thai people are very proud of.
For all you cycling lovers out there, try it. Cycling In Thailand is an awesome experience.
Maybe you’re looking to join a cycling group tour; if so, check out these links below of fabulous Cycling Tours joining like-minded people whilst exploring Thailand.
Krabi to Koh Lanta – Pearls of Southern Thailand
Thailand Cycle Tours
And for those leisure cyclists around Krabi:
Half Day Cycling & Waterfall Tours Krabi
Half Day Cycling Tour Around Ao Nang
And even Bangkok:
Bangkok Bicycle Tour 3 Hours
Bangkok Bicycle Tour 5 Hours
If you’re traveling to Surat Thani or Krabi, consider staying at Baan Farang Homestay Phra Saeng for a refreshing drink and engaging conversation. Visit our rooms below for pricing and images. It’s a peaceful garden retreat in a rural Thai village set amongst rubber and palm oil plantations.
You find our Google reviews from previous happy guests here!
Jack & I hope to see you Cycling dudes soon. Happy travels…
