FAQs
When can I register?
It’s never too early to register and the earlier you register the sooner you can start fund raising. Late registrations are problematic for us because hotels tend to fill up quickly here in Thailand.
What will breakfasts be like during the ride?
Breakfasts will vary from day to day. Some hotels will have a very nice buffet with all of your hearts desires, and others will have a more basic Western/Thai breakfast.
Do you have a bicycle mechanic on the ride?
Yes, our assistant tour leader is one of the best bicycle mechanics around and any of our staff are willing and able to help with tire changing and other minor repairs.
What will happen if I cannot complete a day’s ride?
While the intent of every rider is typically to ride the complete distance each day, support vehicles will be available for transport in the event a rider elects to call it a day at any point of the ride.
What type of accommodation will we be staying in?
Accommodation (2-4 star) will be comfortable and clean with hot showers and air conditioning. Good meals will be available each night and in most cases a swimming pool for that much needed refreshing dip after a long day on the bikes.
How far are we riding each day?
On average 100 kms / 65 miles per day, but sometimes it’s as few as 70 km / 43 miles and occasionally we ride as far as 135 kms / 85 miles.
What are the conditions of the roads we will be riding on?
Approximately 95% of the roads that we ride on are well sealed scenic back roads and relatively free of debris. There are some short sections that will be on dirt and gravel roads for scenic purposes.
When do I need to pay for the tour?
There is a registration fee for the ride and a minimum fundraising requirement. Specific dates can be found on the registration page.
What will this cost me to participate as part of the support crew?
Support Crew Volunteers are welcome to join at the same price as riders only they will not need to fulfill the fundraising requirement. If you would like to be a volunteer please contact us to apply.
Will I have transfers to and from the airport organized for me?
We are happy to arrange it for you if you like but transfers are not included.
How many women have done the ride in the past?
Both men and women ride on our charity rides, however male riders usually outnumber female riders.
Do we have panniers to carry our stuff?
There is no need to carry anything other than your camera and maybe some small money for additional snacks or souvenirs. Our tours are fully supported and all of your gear will be transported from one hotel to the next.
Are tubes and tires are covered?
Rental bikes include all maintenance including tires, tubes, and the changing of. For those riders that bring their own bikes we are happy to help with the changing of tires and other light maintenance, but they will need to bring their own parts. For some repairs there may be a fee but nothing like the fees back home.
Will there be internet access available nightly?
Almost every hotel we stay in has wireless internet and/or computers with internet. If internet is a must, we can help you to find some form access.
Is most of the route hilly, flat, or a good mixture?
The route is primarily flat and gently rolling. Some days we encounter moderate hills and just a few days have more strenuous but short climbs.
Will I be able to take photos during the ride?
Absolutely, and we encourage it. You will be able to take literally hundreds of photos on any of our tours, including during our “days off”, and we ask our riders to consider sharing their digital memory cards so that everyone gets lots of great photos.
Does each day start at the same time?
Most days we have breakfast starting at about 6:00 - 6:30am and we ask that our riders check out of their hotel rooms by 7:00am to get ready to go, we Roll Off at about 7:30am.
How often are the breaks each day?
We typically stop for water and snacks every 13-16 miles / 20-25 kms, which for most riders is about an hour or less of riding.
How long do the breaks last?
We typically give the last rider arriving at the water stop 10-15 minutes to refresh before riders depart. This keeps our group somewhat compact and not too spread out over the day’s course.
It says “most meals” are included. Which meals are NOT included?
All breakfasts are included with the accommodation every day of the tour. All lunches are included on cycling days, but not on days off from riding. Please refer to itinerary for which Dinners are specifically included.
Should we have Travel Insurance?
Yes. As a touring company we carry basic medical insurance for all of our customers, but we recommend that you have a Travel Insurance Policy that will cover you for any unforeseen problems during your trip.
If we have any food or medicine allergies is it going to be a problem?
No. Many people have allergies to various foods and medicationsm, but this should not be a problem as long as you let management know ahead of time no matter how trivial it may seem.
Should we bring electrolyte drinks/mixes?
We provide plenty of electrolyte mix during the rides and suggest that you at least have one packet a day when riding to limit water loss with all the cycling in hot temperatures. Unless you have a certain brand that you have to have or a flavor that is preferable we recommend using what the mix we provide or going to 7-eleven and getting Gatorade or another local brand.
Should we bring our own supply of Power Bars?
We feel that Thai food is some of the best cycling food with plenty of carbs and proteins, but if you feel you have to have Power Bars or another type of energy supplement feel free to bring them.
What type of tires should I use?
If you bring your own bike we recommend that you use either a touring tire, or a semi-slick with a smooth center line for riding distance on roads but something that is durable enough to handle the occasional stretch of dirt and gravel roads. For those renting, we will handle your tire needs.
What other expenses will I incur?
Other expenses should be minimal and may include: souvenirs, transportation to and from the tour, massage, alcohol, other food and drinks not provided (as discussed elsewhere), and expenses that you may incur before and after the tour.
Are there any other benefits you offer to groups or teams that join the ride?
Groups can pull donations together in order to help everyone in the group meet the minimum fundraising amount.
Is there a group discount available?
For groups of 5 or more we can discuss a discount. For more information contact us directly.
Where do we meet on day one, or which is the first hotel?
Riders will need to meet up with Tour de Asia the day before the riding acutally starts and this should all be clear in the Itinerary. The hotel and other specifics will be given to riders closer to the start of the ride as some information may change depending on sponsor requests.
I saw you have a limit of 50 people, by what date do I need to register?
Registration is on a first come, first served basis. We recommend that riders register as soon as they are able to and if there are any scheduling problems or concerns Tour de Asia is more than happy to help.
How much training should I do before the ride?
Basically, if you can ride 50-60 kilometers and still have energy for a few beers with friends afterwards you will be fine doing 100-plus kilometers with us. It is much easier to ride with a group of like-minded riders that pass the time taking pictures, talking amongst each other and making scheduled stops every 20-25 km for water, snacks and Electrolyte drinks.
What are the nearest airports to get to Chiang Mai and depart from Phuket?
Both Chiang Mai and Phuket have international airports and both are serviced by one of our sponsors, Nok Air, which is bicycle friendly in case you bring your own bike.
Is there a medic travelling with the group?
We carry First Aid Kits in each of our support vehicles and we are usually less than a 1 hour drive to a local hospital.
What’s the largest piece of luggage I may pack? Is a soft backpack better?
We insist that each rider bring a maximum of 2 medium-sized pieces of luggage with a total weight of not more than 70 lbs /32 kgs. Yes, soft backpack or duffel bag is ideal as it can be easily loaded into the support vehicles.
How do I prevent saddle sores?
For starters, the more training you do the more broken in your sensitive areas will be. We recommend a seat that you are familiar with, properly padded bicycle shorts and a lubricant to minimize friction.
Will I get back pain from being bent over for so long?
You should not be experiencing back pain due to bicycle riding. If you do suffer from pain after riding you may only need to make some minor adjustments. You should speak with your local bike shop before arriving in Thailand if you plan on bringing you own bike.
What are some of the benefits of renting a bike versus bringing my own?
No extra baggage charges, no damage to your bike in transit, no packing and unpacking your bike, free basic maintenance, replacement tubes and tires, bike cleaning and lube on days off with any of our rentals, plus no travel and storage issues in Thailand before and after the tour.
What level of quality are the rental bikes?
Our bikes are in excellent condition and are well-maintained fleet of Trek hybrids FX 7 series and Trek 4500 mountain bikes that are equipped with slick tires for long distance tours.
Can I bring my own bike?
Absolutely! Some riders prefer to bring their own bikes for comfort level and/or performance. But because our rides are not races a super lightweight, a top performance machine is not essential.
What kind of bike should I use for training?
Any bike training will help, including riding a stationary bike or spin classes at the gym. Accumulating as many hours as possible in the saddle will benefit immensely during the tour.
I have rented a bike from you what should I bring for it?
We recommend bringing your own saddle, helmet, biking shoes and pedals if they’re better than standard issue.
Do we need to bring anti-malaria medication?
The Tour de Thailand does not travel through risky border areas, so malaria medications should not be necessary. Consult your local physician for more information.
What are the toilet facilities like?
Rest assured that all of our hotels have modern, clean, western-style bathrooms and toilet facilities but the local restrooms along the route can be somewhat limited. Thai’s usually use squat toilets with pales of water to rinse and flush with, tissue will always be available in the support vehicles.
Do We Need Raincoats or Ponchos?
Raincoats or ponchos are probably not necessary. Pack light, you will be happy you have room to take stuff home and not want to carry too much. If we get lucky enough to have some rain it will be very refreshing while riding and likely stop within an hour or two.
How hot will it be during the tour?
November through February are the coolest and driest months in Thailand. However, temperatures will still be in the high 20s C / high 70’s-90’s F and humidity high.
Tour de Thailand is a fully supported charity bike ride from Chiang Mai to Phuket, where riders can join us for the 
