The classic Thailand tour taking in vibrant Bangkok, the lush River Kwai, historic Ayutthaya and charming Chiang Mai. Round it all off on Koh Samui’s lovely beaches.
It wasn’t all that long ago when Katja, our digital design specialist, visited some of the southern Thai islands. She thought she had already experienced Thailand. However, on her most recent tour to Thailand in April of 2025, she quickly realised that Thailand is a place worth visiting time and again. This time, she discovered a new and far richer side to the country, especially when she spent an early morning exploring the streets of Bangkok on two wheels.

One of the highlights of my tour to central Thailand was exploring Bangkok’s vibrant streets and colourful hidden corners by bike. There’s something unique about the sense of freedom cycling gives you – being able to set your own pace and discover sides of the city that most travellers will never see.

We were picked up early from our hotel and taken to a small cycling centre in the heart of Bangkok. As the city gradually came to life, we were kitted out with bikes, helmets, water bottles, and given a thorough briefing on the day’s route and the traffic conditions. We stayed highly alert in the traffic, and thanks to our excellent guide, we felt safe throughout the whole experience.
At the same time, Bangkok’s flat landscape made cycling around the city both easy and enjoyable.

Our route took us through bustling streets, vibrant markets, impressive bridges, as well as tiny alleyways and local back gardens, giving us a real taste of authentic daily life in Bangkok.

The cycling tour lasted about four hours and featured several exciting stops along the way. Among other things, we visited ancient temples and small shops where locals sold Buddha figures in every size and material imaginable. We also stopped by Bangkok’s iconic landmark, ‘The Giant Swing’, and dropped into a local bronze workshop, where we could witness the traditional processes behind this beautiful craftsmanship.

En route, we also stopped at a food market to sample the local speciality: mango sticky rice. At the end of the tour, we took the ferry back with our bikes to our starting point, taking in the stunning views as we reflected on the array of impressions the city had given us.

My bike ride through Bangkok reminded me of everything I love about travelling: discovering new places, experiencing different cultures, and meeting fascinating people along the way. If anything, I’m now even more captivated by Thailand!
Katja,
TourCompass – From tourist to traveller
Are you dreaming of discovering what a holiday in Thailand has to offer?
The classic Thailand tour taking in vibrant Bangkok, the lush River Kwai, historic Ayutthaya and charming Chiang Mai. Round it all off on Koh Samui’s lovely beaches. Visit three of Southern Thailand’s heavenly islands, with views of iconic, vertical limestone cliffs and traditional longboats – giving you that perfect background. Do you dream of lazing in paradise surroundings while discovering Thai culture and unspoiled island life? Experience 2 islands with everything from picture-postcard beaches to waterfalls and local landmarks. Look forward to relaxing at Thailand’s No. 1 beach holiday destination, Phuket, and experiencing the country’s most scenic national park, Khao Sok. Round off your tour in the quiet, authentic beach paradise that is Khao Lak. Look forward to combining the absolute highlights of Thailand in Bangkok, the River Kwai, Ayutthaya and Chiang Mai with a fantastic beach holiday in the holiday paradise that is Phuket. Look forward to experiences and relaxation on the coconut island of Koh Samui and head out on an adventure in Thailand’s most beautiful national park, Khao Sok. Round it all off in the authentic holiday paradise of Khao Lak. Come and experience Thailand from north to south with charming Chiang Mai, vibrant Bangkok and the lush Khao Sok National Park. Round it all off on Phuket’s fabulous sandy beaches. Discover Krabi’s beautiful beaches and look forward to island-hopping adventures in the Andaman Sea. Enjoy Koh Lanta’s laid-back atmosphere and unwind completely on Koh Ngai’s paradisiacal beaches. Look forward to city life in Bangkok, a lively island vibe in Phuket and wind right down on the charming, peaceful island of Koh Yao Yai in Phang Nga Bay. Experience Bangkok’s vibrant city life with an exciting street food excursion in tuk tuk, explore untouched nature and wild elephants in Khao Yai and enjoy a relaxing beach holiday on Koh Samet’s white beaches. Discover all the shades of Thailand: the lively streets and delectable street food of Bangkok, the calming atmosphere and ancient temples of Chiang Mai, and the adventures in the Golden Triangle in Chiang Rai. Explore the vibrant city of Bangkok and its culinary delights on a tuk-tuk street food tour. Conclude with an adventurous island hop between the tranquil serenity of Koh Kood and the lively atmosphere of Koh Chang. Look forward to experiencing the wonder of the world, Angkor Wat, enjoy the view over Luang Prabang from Mount Phousi, and fall in love with the charming city of Chiang Mai. Be enchanted by Hanoi’s ancient streets and sail between the soaring limestone islands in Ha Long Bay. Experience the eighth wonder of the world Angkor Wat, and finish in the charming city of Chiang Mai. Join us in Northern Thailand and experience Chiang Mai and the picturesque Mae Hong Son loop. The tour is for those who have explored Thailand’s highlights and are now looking for new adventures off the beaten track. Experience Bangkok’s striking contrasts and fantastic food scene, while diving into history by the River Kwai. Explore the impressive temple ruins of Ayutthaya and conclude your journey on the beautiful beaches of Koh Samet. Experience the contrasts of Bangkok, the jungle of Khao Sok, and the emerald-green Cheow Lan Lake. Conclude your tour on Krabi’s delightful sandy beaches with opportunities for relaxation and exciting excursions.