Europe

The active travel company with the funny name, Pedalers Pub & Grille (PP&G), calculates that a 7-day bike tour of Thailand is so much more reasonable than a comparable tour in France that there’s money enough left over for an extended stopover in Bangkok or Hong Kong plus a few beers and souvenirs.

“Contrary to popular belief, a bike tour in Thailand is far more economical than one in Europe,” says Tom Sheehan, PP&G founder and general manager. “Our seven-day Thailand cycle tour including the airfare from North America actually costs less than a similar bike tour in France before you even factor in the airfare.”

Sheehan is quick to point out, “You can also throw in the costs for a few ice cold Thai beers at dinner each night, some local handicrafts for souvenirs, plus a decent tip for your guides and still come out way ahead.”

Based on pricing for September 2008 departures, a comparable week long tour through the Dordogne or Loire regions of France begins at $3,055 plus air. A PP&G tour in Thailand starts at just $1,595 plus air. These rates reflect similar quality for hotels, meals and support services.

“And with the money you’ll save by not going to Europe, you can enjoy a weekend bike tour back home or perhaps explore more of Asia’s wonders with an extended stopover in Bangkok or Hong Kong or perhaps an add-on sea kayaking adventure in Ha Long Bay in Vietnam,” adds Sheehan.

PP&G has developed a web page detailing their price study and comparison. Please visit: www.pedalerspubandgrille.com/extras/thai-france.htm

PP&G offers its Thailand – Northern Highlights tour at $1,595 per person, double occupancy with departures scheduled the 1st and 3rd Sunday, monthly from September thru March. A single supplement is $375. Tours begin and end in Chiang Mai. See: www.pedalerspubandgrille.com/bike_tours/thailand/Northern_Highlights.htm

The rate includes accommodations in luxury hotels, guesthouses and resorts, all meals, bilingual guides, ground transportation, daily route directions and maps, sightseeing and cultural activities, plus airport transfers.

Tour highlights feature Wiang Kum Kam, ancient ruins from the first settlement of Chiang Mai; the expansive temple complex of Wat Baan Den; the towering limestone outcroppings of Chiang Dao; and the villages of the Paduang tribe (long neck women).

The PP&G website features a variety of similarly valued cycle tours of Thailand, including a week long multisport adventure exploring the Andaman Coast and a two-week Ancient Kingdoms Ride that takes in the ‘best’ of Thailand from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.