The 2024 tour
Main tour from 1 to 10 November 2024
The main tour took us through the Isan region with the provinces of Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon, Kalasin and Khon Kaen in north-eastern Thailand. Along several reservoirs with a detour to the Mekong River, we ended our tour with a stopover in Khon Kaen. In the additional week, we travelled from Khon Kaen to Pattaya.
The main tour took us through the Isan region in the north-east, including the provinces of Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon, Kalasin and Khon Kaen. Along several reservoirs, we made another detour to the Mekong River, where we spent a rest day in Nakhon Phanom visiting some sights.
1 November: Arrival in Udon Udon Thani
2 November: Udon Udon Thani – Huai Luang Dam – Kumphawapi (107 km, +817 m/-820 m)
We headed west to visit the Huai Luang Dam and then south through the countryside to the Kumphawapi district, near the famous Red Lotus Lake.
3 November: Kumphawapi – Red Lotus Lake – Phang Khon (115 km, +637 m/-680 m)
We started with a drive near the shore of Red Lotus Lake. The lotus flowers are not in bloom in November, but the area is very beautiful all year round. We continued through the countryside and reach the district of Phang Khon.
4 November: Phang Khon – Nam Un Reservoir – Sakon Nakhon (94 km, +640 m/-646 m)
We headed south and reach the Nam Un Reservoir, a beautiful artificial lake in Nakhon Sakhon Province. From here, we rode uphill and downhill on a wooded road in Phu Phan National Park until we reached the provincial capital.
5 November: Sakon Nakhon – Nakhon Phanom (119 km, +548 m/-562 m)
We cycled from one provincial capital, Nakhon Sakhon, to the next, Nakhon Phanom. The route took us through the vast agricultural areas of the Mekong floodplains.
6 November: Rest day
We enjoyed a day at leisure in Nakhon Phanom, where you can explore the rich cultural heritage by visiting historical sites such as Wat Phra That Phanom and the house of Ho Chi Minh. Stroll along the picturesque Mekong promenade, sample local delicacies at the markets or take a leisurely boat trip.
7 November: Nakhon Phanom – Na Kae (92 km, +465 m/-464 m)
We headed south on roads that run along the Mekong River. Then we dived back inland and spend the night in the small town of Na Kae.
8 November: Na Kae – Somdet (124 km, +790 m/-740 m)
We continued inland towards the province of Kalasin. Along the Phu Pha Yon National Park, the road gradually climbs and then descends again to reach the plains around the district of Somdet.
9 November: Somdet – Khon Kaen (130 km, +730 m/-766 m)
On our last ride, we crossed the enormous Lam Pao Dam via a long bridge. We then rode through the rice-growing areas of Khon Kaen and reached our hotel in the city centre.
Epilogue from 10 to 17 November
During the additional week, we travelled from Khon Kaen to Pattaya. This is a very diverse region characterised by rice cultivation. The tour ends at a very good beach resort, and those who wish to can extend their stay directly on the Gulf of Thailand.
10 November: Khon Kaen – Pho (105 km, +502m/-490m)
We rode south from Khon Kaen and follow the Chin River, one of the most important waterways in the region. We spent the night in the small town of Phon.
11 November: Phon – Nakhon Ratchasima (129 km, +574m/-571m)
We rode through rural areas to Nakhon Ratchasima, or ‘Korat’ as the locals call it. This is the gateway to Isaan and the largest city in the region.
12 November: Nakhon Ratchasima – Pak Chong (98 km, +803m/-603m)
We left Isaan and swaped the rice-covered plains of Korat for the fruit and vegetable orchards of Pak Chong. This is a beautiful area and a popular weekend destination for Bangkokers.
13 November: Pak Chong – Prachinburi (88 km, +1,031 m/-1,389 m)
The ride took us through Khao Yai National Park! Once we reached the summit, the descent was well worth the effort. There was only one road through the national park, and for many road cyclists in Thailand, tackling the challenging climb is a rite of passage.
14 November: Rest day in Prachinburi
A well-deserved rest day after our climb the day before. Our resort is located on the edge of the Khao Yai jungle and is the perfect place to relax. Excursions to waterfalls can be arranged.
15 November: Prachinburi – Chachoengsao (93 km, +313m/-328m)
We reached central Thailand and rode through vast plains full of rice fields. We rode along the Bang Pakong River, which is known for a small population of Irrawaddy dolphins (it is very rare to see them!). We spent the night in the provincial capital Chachoengsao.
16 November: Chachoengsao – Pattaya (118 km, +570m/-570m)
Our last ride took us to the shores of the Gulf of Thailand and the electrifying city of Pattaya with its famous beaches and legendary nightlife.