Looking for a different way to experience Thailand—one that lets you explore at your own pace, and off the beaten path? While cycling might not be the first thing that comes to mind, it has become a popular choice for exploring. With more bike paths popping up and rentals now easier to find, cycling is a great way to experience Thailand’s local charm and natural beauty up close and personal.
Check out these cycling destinations that are perfect for the casual cyclist.
For the Time-Crunched
Once home to a bustling tobacco factory, Benjakitti Park is now Bangkok’s largest green space. It’s the perfect getaway for time-crunched city dwellers to reconnect with nature. The park first opened in the 1990s as one of the city’s first designated green spaces. In 2022, it reopened after a massive expansion, transforming into a self-sustaining ecosystem. The park now boasts serene wetlands and 8,000 newly planted trees. There is also a natural trail, an elevated walkway, and a 3.4-kilometer cycling path.
The park is connected to Lumpini Park via the 1.5-kilometer Green Mile, an elevated walkway open to cyclists. It offers a scenic view of the city, featuring all aspects of Bangkok—from towering skyscrapers to centuries-old wooden houses. Beverages and light snacks are available at a makeshift stall near the entrance to Lumpini Park. There are also several street vendors on the Northwest corner of the park. A new Hawker Centre is being built, which will give these stalls permanent coverage in early 2026. You can also visit the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Benjakitti Park for lunch or artisanal coffee.
Rent a bike at Bangkok Forest Cycling, located inside Sethiwan Apartments, just a few hundred meters from the entrance of Benjakitti Park down Sukhumvit Soi 4.
Basic rentals start at 350 baht for two hours, plenty of time for a relaxed ride through Benjakitti and Lumpini Parks. It’s the perfect escape for less experienced cyclists who need a nature-infused respite.
Getting There
Benjakitti Park is easily accessible via the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center MRT Station on the Blue Line or by a short walk from Asok BTS Station on the Sukhumvit Line. If you’re heading to Bangkok Forest Cycling first, go to Nana BTS Station—it’s just a 10-minute walk from there.
Links
Benjakitti Park: https://maps.app.goo.gl/rgHCG2twVynJYedh8
Bangkok Forest Cycling: https://www.bangkokforestcycling.com
Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre: https://maps.app.goo.gl/6ytpLGdvoK1Pz6dz8
For the Day Trippers
Bang Krachao unintentionally became an island back in the 1800s when a small canal was created to ease boat traffic. Since then, it has managed to elude the same level of development as its neighbors. It earned the moniker “Bangkok’s Green Lung” for its 16 square kilometers of mangrove forests. Located south of Bangkok across the Chao Phraya River in Samut Prakan, it’s the perfect day trip to escape the urban sprawl.
Once you cross the Chao Phraya and arrive at Bang Krachao, you’ll notice plenty of bikes to rent—no need to book in advance. It’s a popular weekend outing for locals and expats, who enjoy cruising through the greenery with nowhere to be.
Bang Krachao is full of life. Mom-and-pop shops scatter themselves throughout the island—people still live here, but cars don’t so much. The mostly paved pathways, just wide enough for a scooter to speed by as you struggle to keep your balance, will take you on an unexpected adventure through a lush green jungle. Don’t miss the 59-acre Sri Nakhon Khuean Khan Park and its 2.2-kilometer bike path. The park is also a well-known hotspot for bird watching.
If you’re cycling on the weekend, make time to stop by the Bang Nam Phueng Floating Market, a lively local spot where you can enjoy street food, handmade crafts, and plenty of community charm. Beyond the market, Bang Krachao is also home to smaller sustainable communities like Bang Korbua, where visitors can take part in local experiences such as textile dyeing, canal kayaking, and, of course, cycling through the village itself. These community-led activities not only provide a deeper connection to the area but also support eco-friendly tourism initiatives.
Stop by Coconut Lane for a coffee or grab some lunch. It’s a tranquil escape with lovely views, excellent food, and the perfect pit stop to recharge and rest your legs.
Remember to stay hydrated along the way and be sure to circle back to drop off your bike. Bang Krachao is a maze of paths—easy to get lost, but in the best way. For your first visit, consider a tour. Thailand Biking offers many tour options for day trippers, including a half-day tour of Bang Krachao.
Getting There
Take the MRT to Khlong Toei Station. From there, grab a quick 5-minute taxi ride to Khlong Toei Port and follow the yellow signs marked “Bang Krachao.” Hop on one of the free motorized floating boats, and in about a minute, Bangkok will feel hours away.
Links
Thailand Biking: https://thailandbiking.com/
Coconut Lane: https://maps.app.goo.gl/gjmDRMtwo68ejK796
For the Escape Artists
Experience everything Northern Thailand has to offer at a nice, leisurely pace. The ride from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai is a hidden gem that will satisfy all of your cycling cravings. The journey ranges anywhere from 150 to 220 kilometers, depending on your chosen route, and takes approximately three to four days. It will require more planning, but fortunately, many online resources and tour companies are available to help.
Cycle along Thailand’s back roads while passing through quiet farming villages where you can pull over for an ice-cold coffee or grab some fresh pineapple to snack on. Coast through rice paddies and groves of teak trees as you breathe in the crisp mountain air. It’s a glimpse into life in rural Thailand and a chance to get off the beaten path while embracing the rhythm of the locals. The mostly paved route features a mix of flat stretches and gentle hills, with the occasional steep incline.
Make sure to schedule a night in Chiang Dao. The village sits at the base of Thailand’s third-highest mountain, Doi Chiang Dao, and features outdoor hot springs—the perfect way to end a long day of cycling. The facilities are modest, but they only add to the charm. Don’t forget to join the local tradition of boiling an egg in the hottest pools.
Finish your journey at Thailand’s iconic White Temple. Designed by Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, the temple’s design draws on traditional Buddhist symbolism and values infused with a contemporary artistic flair. Visually, it’s unlike any other temple in Thailand. Spiritually, it is a place of reflection, growth, and wisdom.
If you’re looking to rent a bike, hire a guide, or join a tour, check out Chiang Mai Bicycle.
Links
Chiang Dao Hot Springs: https://maps.app.goo.gl/CSTFqHJs78fCLSbA9
White Temple: https://maps.app.goo.gl/PbdKSPALKGhLmvoN8
Chiang Mai Bicycle: https://www.chiangmaibicycle.com
Spice Roads Cycling: https://www.spiceroads.com/tours/chiangmai_chiangrai