The Thailand Issue, November 2007

Sawadee Traveler,

Northern Thailand has remained one of my most beloved locations since we started riding there almost 20 years ago. Far away from the Bangkok crowds and sweltering southern heat, our trips show guests a majestic corner of Indochina that's rarely explored by the average traveler.

Imagine mist-shrouded valleys cradling expansive rice paddies, dramatic forest-covered mountains and inviting country roads dotted with exquisite Buddhist temples, and you've got one of my favorite locations to explore on two wheels. Then there's the unparalleled warmth of the Thai people—anywhere you go, you're greeted with wide smiles and the enthusiastic "Hello!" and "Sawadee!" Of course, there's also the sumptuous Thai cuisine and elegant retreats far off the beaten path!

We have such great affection for this region that we gathered 160 Backroads staff members here, from every corner of the globe, for our annual five-day staff ride earlier this November. We pedaled from just outside of the historic city of Chiang Mai to the mountainous northern border and down into the Golden Triangle, where Laos, Myanmar and Thailand meet alongside the Mekong and Ruak Rivers. Read more about our staff ride.

For your next exotic escape, consider northern Thailand, where you can find yourself pedaling through a rich Buddhism-influenced region, meeting members of thriving indigenous hilltribes, traveling the Mekong by longtail boat and meandering through dense tropical forest astride Asian elephants. Join us for a Thailand Biking Trip in 2008!

Looking for other travel options in Southeast Asia? Try our new Insider Indochina Trip and dive deep into the varied cultures of Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos; saddle up for our Biking Trip to Vietnam and Cambodia's Angkor Wat; or pedal, paddle and hike along the South China Sea on a Vietnam Multisport Trip.

Our 2008 trips are selling fast, so there's never been a better time to book!

I hope to see you there,

Tom Hale
Founder and President

P.S. Check out our holiday sale at BackroadsWear for active apparel that's sure to make your next adventure a bit more comfortable.