On your bikes for a tour of Samui
Cyclists of all ages are invited to take part in the “Pan Yok Khrua Tour Ko Samui Talui Ko Taen” family rally being organised by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) over the Chakri Day weekend from April 6-8.
“The trip offers participants the chance to see Samui in a different way. Travelling around the island by bicycle allows for unique experiences while embracing an inclusive tourism approach that is part of our ‘Open to the New Shades’ marketing concept,” says Nongyao Jirundorn, director of TAT Koh Samui Office.
“As the name of the tour implies, ‘Pan Yok Khrua Tour Ko Samui Talui Ko Taen’ aims to encourage the entire family to enjoy cycling together while exploring the beautiful scenery and key attractions of Koh Samui and Koh Taen,” he adds.
The three-day trip is open to 400 families, both Thai and foreign. Registration is Bt600 per person inclusive of a brand shirt and six meals. The fee does not cover accommodation, but space for tents is available free-of-charge on Koh Taen.
The three-day programme will begin with participant registration and shirt collection at Na Thon Pier on Koh Samui from 4pm to 7pm on April 6.
On April 7, the bicycle caravan will set off along Provincial Highway 4169 and 4174 to It-viset Pier at Na Sai Bay. From here, it will travel by ferry to nearby Koh Taen, for the event’s opening ceremony and CSR activities.
Hosted by Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui and the Chumphon Provincial Office of Natural Resources and the Environment, this will see participants helping to release marine life (saltwater clams, turtles and fish) back into the sea and cleaning up the mangrove forest area at the Tan Marina Bay Resort and Restaurant.
The programme also includes time for cycling and sightseeing through Koh Taen’s picturesque scenery, and dinner along with folk songs, storytelling and a lucky draw. Participants can choose whether to stay a night on Koh Taen, or return to Ko Samui to sleep.
On Sunday, the programme features more cycling and sightseeing, this time along Ko Samui’s scenic route with stops at key attractions including the Guan Yu Shrine, the White Jade Buddha image at Wat Samret, Wat Phra Chedi Laem So, Khao Le and Bang Kao Beaches.
Following lunch, the group will cycle along a scenic tourist route back to Na Thon Pier for the conclusion of the trip.
