Ever wonder about religion and beliefs in Cambodian people? Read on to learn about the country’s dominant religions and how they are practiced in daily Khmer life. Then head to Cambodia and see for yourself!

History of Religion in Cambodia

When the Khmer Empire came to power in the ninth century AD, Hinduism was the official religion. It had been the case in that part of the world for generations. Rulers of the great empire worshipped Hindu gods such as Vishnu and Shiva, and dedicated the 12th-century temple of Angkor Wat to these beliefs. 

It wasn’t until King Jayavarman VII, who ruled later in the 12th and 13th centuries, that Buddhism was fully introduced to the Khmer people. The temple of Bayon was the first in the Angkor complex to be built in the image of Buddha. Buddhism then infiltrated Khmer society through trade and interaction with nearby Southeast Asian kingdoms. Now, Buddhism is the most popular religion of Cambodia.  

Buddhism: Cambodia’s Main Religion

It is estimated that over 95% of Cambodia’s current population practice Buddhism. Not just any form of the religion, but specifically Theravada Buddhism. The chief goal of Theravada Buddhism is personal enlightenment, and this is achieved by a strict practice of meditation and conservative ways of life. Most young Khmer boys spend part of their lives as monks. In fact, any visit to Cambodia will reveal pagodas and monasteries in even the most remote villages. 

While not all Buddhist Cambodians have a meditation practice, devotion to the religion is shown in other ways. Khmer often visit pagodas to pray at altars before statues of Buddha and receive blessings from monks. You will often see stands by the side of the road set up by monks to bless travelers on their way! Buddhism is also widely practiced with the celebration of local holidays and festivals. In addition to the Gregorian calendar, Cambodians also measure time with the Buddhist lunisolar calendar, especially when it comes to the observance of religious holidays.

Religious Holidays

While Cambodians celebrate the Gregorian New Year’s Eve and their own traditional holidays, a few days a year are set aside for Buddhist celebrations. To learn more about Cambodian holidays, visit this site. 

• Meak Bochea – this holiday falls on the full moon during the third Khmer month (typically around January or February). Meak Bochea commemorates the teachings of the Buddha on a day when he was reported to have preached to a wide audience. On this day each year, Khmer rise early to give alms and listen to talks of modern Buddhists. Then, in the evening, many participate in a candle ceremony where they walk around a temple clockwise holding symbolic items.
• Visak Bochea- This day, also known as Buddha Purnima, is the most sacred of the Buddhist holidays. Typically, this day falls during May of the Gregorian calendar, and is said to be the day in which the Buddha was born, achieved enlightenment, and then reached nirvana upon death. Cambodians celebrate Visak Bochea by visiting temples and pagodas and bestowing gifts upon monks.

How Buddhism affects Cambodian Culture

The presence of Buddhism in Cambodia seeps into the country’s culture. Since Buddhism places high value on non-violence, as a visitor you will notice right away the gentleness of Khmer people. Cambodians are often non-confrontational, as they believe that everything you do in this life affects your karma for the next one. 

Cambodians also have a culture of respect which comes from Buddhism. This can mean respect for elders, respect for monks, and respect for Buddha. In Cambodia, when greeting each other the hands are pressed together as if in prayer, and the higher you raise your hands when bowing to someone, the more respect you are showing them. This is also apparent in the different words in Khmer for addressing the elderly and monks, words that show more respect. When visiting a pagoda, it is also important to show respect to Buddha by not pointing your feet towards him. 

Respecting Buddhist Culture

When visiting Cambodia, it is important to respect the conservative Buddhist culture. This means that when touring temples, be sure to cover your shoulders and knees. It is polite to take off your shoes when entering pagodas and homes. When faced with a statue of the Buddha or shrine, it is respectful to avoid pointing your feet in its direction. Learn more about etiquette when traveling in Cambodia here. 

Islam

Islam is one of the main religions of Cambodia, although it’s estimated only around 2% of Khmer are practicing muslims. Much of this population is made up of the Cham and Malay ethnic groups, who are part of the Sunni branch of Islam. The Cham people populated a territory in Southern Vietnam called Champa until the 15th century. Malays came from Borneo and other parts of Indonesia. 

Although many Muslims were targeted and wiped out during the Khmer Rouge times, around 500,000 remain in Cambodia, most of whom live in communities in Kampong Cham province.

Christianity

Although it is estimated that less than one percent of Cambodians are Christian, this number is growing steadily. The first missions of Christians in Cambodia completely failed. Even the French colonization of the country in the late 20th century did little to convert Khmers to Christianity. Khmer of European descent or Europeans living in Cambodia make up the greatest percentage of Christians or inspired local communities. 

Folk Religion

While only half a percent of the Cambodian population officially practices folk religion, traditional animist beliefs are everywhere in Khmer daily life. Animism means the belief that all humans, objects, and animals have a spirit. Many Cambodians keep an altar in their home with which to honor the spirits of their ancestors, and often light incense and provide food for these spirits. Cambodian people are also very superstitious and go to great lengths to keep evil spirits and ghosts at bay. The Earth spirits that trade their protection for respect and honor are called Neak-ta.

Folk Traditions and Holidays

Many of Cambodia’s holidays come from traditional beliefs and celebration of nature. One such celebration is the Water Festival, or Bom Om Touk. Celebrated each year in November, the Cambodian Water Festival marks the occasion of the change in direction of the Tonle Sap River. This festival was first celebrated as early as the 12th century, with the hopes for a successful fishing season and rice crop. Now the occasion is marked with boat races and carnivals, the largest of which is found in Phnom Penh.

Pchum Ben, typically celebrated in October of the Gregorian calendar, is a holiday dedicated to paying respects to ancestors. Locals prepare meals at home and bring them to nearby pagodas to feed both the monks and the spirits of their ancestors. This holiday usually includes a significant break from work so Khmer can travel to their hometowns and honor their origins.

Religion in Cambodia for Visitors

As a tourist in Cambodia, you will come across many traces of religion. A walk through any city or town will be full of the sight of pagoda spires. You will also be sure to pass by local religious events taking place in colorful tents with speakers blasting loud music. The best way to witness the effect religion has had on Cambodia is by a visit to the awe-inspiring temples of Angkor Wat. Glimpse the colors of sunrise over the spires of sacred temples, discover the hidden secrets and grand pagodas of Phnom Penh, or see for yourself how religion affects the daily lives of locals with a countryside exploration!

Bike tours for great outdoor weekends away from Hanoi and Saigon. In 2020, these are the three Vietnamese public holidays creating long weekends. Take a look at this list to see when you have the time for a cycling adventure.

1. Tet Holiday – 7 days

24 – 30 January 2020 Friday – Thursday If you take Friday 31 January as a leave day, then you can extend the Tet Holiday by 3 more days for a total of 10 days from 24 January – 2 February. 

2. Hung Kings Commemoration Day  – 4 days

This weekend will require 1 leave day on 3 April: 2 – 5 April 2020 Thursday to Sunday

3. Reunification Day/Labour Day  – 4 days

30 April – 3 May 2020 Thursday – Sunday

The Must-do Cycling Destinations

Enjoy the long holidays and escape the bustling cities on one of these cycling trips in Vietnam and 4 more amazing destinations a short flight away from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. 

Cambodia –  the home of Angkor Wat

Direct flights to Siem Reap on Cambodia Angkor Air and Vietnam Airlines from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are about 1 hour. The same airlines also have direct service from Phnom Penh, if you choose to return from Phnom Penh. 

Angkor & The Villages 2 days cycling Spend two days exploring the temples of Angkor Wat and the surrounding countryside.

West Tonle Sap Trail: Angkor to Phnom Penh 3 days cycling On this tour go farther afield cycling the countryside between Siem Reap, Battambang and Phnom Penh. 

Myanmar – experience the mystique of Asia

Flying from Vietnam to Mandalay or Bagan you will need transit either Bangkok or Yangon. You can find connections on AirAsia to Mandalay. For connections to Bagan via Yangon check Vietnam Airlines or VietJet. 

Bagan to Salay – Off The Beaten Path 2 days cycling Cycle the ancient ruins of Bagan and then go off the beaten path to discover seldom-seen countryside near Bagan. 

Cycle Mandalay to Bagan 3 days cycling Starting in Mandalay, cycle across the plains of the Irrawaddy visiting Mount Popa before finishing off in the ancient ruins of Bagan.

Thailand – the Land of Siam

For direct flights to Bangkok from Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi check Jetstar and Thai

Bridge Over the River Kwai 3 days cycling Spend three days cycling along the River Kwai. Visit Hell Fire Pass and take a ride on the historic railway. This tour starts and ends in Bangkok. 

Taiwan – the Isle of Formosa

Its a quick 2.5-hour flight to Kaohsiung on Vietnam Airlines or VietJet before you’re on the bike.

Ride Kaohsiung to Kenting 5 days cycling This is a tour of tropical southern Taiwan. Taiwan’s deep south is a land of banana palms, pineapple fields, and fringing coral reefs. A stunningly diverse tour through Taiwan’s indigenous heartlands, from highland hot springs to the beautiful beaches of Kenting.

Vietnam – The Land of Blue Dragon

Mekong Delta in Style 3 days cycling This unforgettable bicycle tour combines delicious food, lively local scenery and the gentle bike paths in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta. This tour starts and ends in Ho Chi Minh City.  Let us know where you are staying in Saigon and we can come to pick you up. If you do not see exactly the tour would like, let us know and we can design a custom tour for you.

A trip to Myanmar is mostly a throwback in time, where life still goes at a slower pace. Internet came to the country relatively recently and old traditions live strong everywhere you visit. In the midst of the peacefulness, whether in Mandalay or Bagan, there is always a feeling of being lost in time. But that doesn’t mean the country isn’t filled with surprises at every corner.

Case in point is the Taunggyi hot air balloon festival. This annual event is a stark contrast to all the other serene festivals: it’s loud, bright and colorful. Myanmar pop music, fireworks, bright neon lights, and the main attraction: colorful hot air balloons.

Tazaundaing festival

The Tazaundaing festival marks the end of the rainy season in Myanmar. Traditionally, this happens on the full moon day of Tazaungmon in November. In the 19th century, the British brought some unusual attraction to the festival: a competition of hot air balloons.

Several weeks before the festival begins, locals in the Shan region build hot air balloons from scratch. People use Shan paper to make the balloons, a material made from Mulberry bark. The balloons are then decorated with paintings, candles and fireworks… yes you read right: fireworks!

Come festival time, balloons are released into the air, with hundreds of burning candles and fireworks shooting in all directions. After about 15 minutes of chaotic, yet mesmerizing beauty, the balloons burn in the sky, the remains falling to the ground.

If you are in Myanmar around November, this fascinating spectacle is a must. It is a great opportunity to see another side of Myanmar people, who are normally rather shy and quiet. Loud music, fireworks, and celebrations mark this unique festival. The colorful balloons shine bright in the night sky before “going up” in flames in the sky above the crowds. This certainly is an unforgettable experience you’ll only be able to experience in Myanmar.

Keep it safe

While Myanmar thrill seekers usually try to get as close as possible to the balloons, we recommend watching the spectacle from a safe distance. As you may imagine, fireworks on hot air balloons in the middle of large crowds are inevitably risky, especially for the uninitiated. Thankfully, local authorities are considerate and have set up special sections for foreigners. As always, travel smart and be safe but don’t miss out on the fun and unique adventures in each country. Much like a hot air balloon, balance is key.

Thanks to Dustin Main for these incredible photos. Check out his Instagram for more amazing pictures of Myanmar and take a look at his website too!

How to get to Taunggyi hot air balloon festival

As a visitor, we recommend staying in Kalaw or Nyaung Shwe which is closer. Accommodations at Taunggyi are very limited, especially for tourists. From there you will need to hire a car to get to Taunggyi. Private or shared cars are easily arranged for the festival and take about 45 minutes from Nyaung Shwe and 2 hours from Kalaw. Being a popular festival, traffic can be pretty dense at times as there is only 1 main road up to Kalaw.

Grasshopper Adventures Bangkok just got easier to find

After many years on Ratchadamnoen Klang Road, The Grasshopper Adventures Bangkok shop has moved to a new location. Grasshopper Adventures Bangkok is now based nearby the Sam Yot MRT station. Time is precious when you are on holiday so quick access to our shop means getting to the fun part of the day faster!

We’ve put together some quick instructions on how to get to the shop. We’ve tried to cover the most popular areas around us but you can always contact us through messenger or on the website’s chatroom if you have any doubts!

Explore Bangkok with us

From Siam center area

Time: About 30 minutes
Cost: 9 THB per person

Siam center is a major Bangkok hub and offers multiple options for reaching our shop. Take a walk to the Hua Chang Pier and grab a canal boat. This is a fun way to travel and it will only cost you 9 THB per person! Once you get off the boat at the Phanfah Pier follow the direction on the map below. From the pier to our shop, it is a 10-15 minute walk depending on your walking speed.

Click on the top right corner of the map for further details.

From Sukhumvit area

Time: About 15 minutes
Cost: 33 THB per person

If you are in the Sukhumvit area, the most convenient way to get to us is by a combination of BTS (map) and MRT (map), Bangkok’s SkyTrain and subway systems. Hop on to the BTS Sukhumvit line and head to the Asok Station. Once there, exit the BTS station and its a short walk to the Sukhumvit MRT station. Get on the blue line to Lak Song and get off at Sam Yot station. When you get off the train, got to exit 1 and it’s just a short walk from there. Watch the video below to see exactly how to get there. The Miramar hotel is the landmark to look for, which you can see as soon as you exit the station.

From Silom area

Time: About 7 minutes
Cost: 23 THB per person

Thanks to the MRT, our shop is easily accessible from the Silom area. Either walk directly to the Silom MRT station or connect via the BTS Silom line. You’ll have to exit the BTS station and walk to MRT Silom station. Once you are on the blue line, head towards Lak Song and get off at Sam Yot station. Take exit 1 and follow the instructions in the video above. The Miramar hotel is the landmark to look for, which you can see as soon as you exit the station.

By Riverboat

Time: About 30 minutes
Cost: 15 THB per person

If you are staying close to the river there is another enjoyable way to reach us if you don’t like taking the BTS or MRT. Take a riverboat (the ones with an orange flag) to the Memorial Bridge Pier and follow the directions in the map below. The Miramar hotel is the landmark to look for and a sign that you are just a minute away from us. Once you get to the music shop next to the Miramar hotel, turn right and you’ll see the Grasshopper Adventures sign.

Click on the top right corner of the map for further details.

Explore Bangkok with us

Grasshopper Adventures & Refill Not Landfill have distributed over 41 000 reusable water bottles together

Every year Grasshopper Adventures welcomes thousands of travelers from around the world. They trust us to show them the best of Asia and make the most of their holidays. As such, we have a responsibility not only to educate our customers about local customs and culture but also ensure their trip has minimal impact on the environment. 

According to Refill Not Landfill, these visitors will consume an average of two liters of water per day, many from half-liter or liter bottles. Millions of tourists fly to Asia every year, spending an average of 6.8 days,  so the math quickly becomes astronomical. In 2015, it was estimated that tourists in Cambodia alone were using about 10 million single-use plastic bottles a month!

In fact, it was out of this concern that Refill Not Landfill was founded in 2016 by Christian de Boer (Jaya House Hotels) and Dean McLachlan (JustRide Motorbike Adventures).  Revolutionizing tourists’ water consumption in Cambodia was their initial goal. Since then though, it has quickly spread well beyond the Kingdom’s borders. 

Today, Refill Not Landfill is a global campaign with partners on several continents. They all aimed at reducing single-use plastic drinking bottles and other single-use plastic waste. People carrying Refill Not Landfill branded bottles have the possibility to refill their bottles, for free, at any of the partners’ establishments. And of course, this includes all of Grasshopper Adventures Day Tour locations in Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand and Laos. 

Well aware of the ongoing plastic crisis, it was a no-brainer for us to partner with Refill Not Landfill. They approached us in 2017 and we haven’t looked back since becoming on of their most important distribution channels. In total, we have distributed well over 41 000 water bottles (and counting) across Asia. This represents a potential saving of 175,200,000 plastic bottles over the next four years* and a small army of environmentally conscious travelers.

Indeed, our efforts do not stop at handing out bottles. We make a point on each of our tours to brief customers about the negative impact of single-use plastic bottles. We encourage them to refill their water bottles throughout their stay in Asia and to stay clear of single-use plastic.

Explore Asia with us

The road ahead is still long. However, we believe that everyone has their part to play and we are glad to lead the way. Whether it is by promoting the use of refillable bottles or giving travelers the opportunity to lower their carbon footprint while traveling, Grasshopper Adventures is and always will be there to lead by example. After all, as Mandela said: “it always seems impossible until it’s done.”

Find refilling stations here.

*One refillable bottle can last up to four years or more. Even assuming a life span of just three years, a single bottle can replace as many as 4,380 plastic bottles.

Meet Dat, currently living a life behind bars in Hoi An, Vietnam. What sounds like a tragic scenario is quite the opposite, as we’re referring to handlebars of course! This is the second installation of our ‘Life behind bars’ series. It’s a chance for you to get to know the personalities and stories behind our cycle tours.

Let us introduce you to Dat – an invaluable member of the Grasshopper family who leads tours in Vietnam. After working for Grasshopper Adventures for three years, Dat recently moved from tour guiding in Saigon to Hoi An and wants to share some thoughts on what makes Hoi An such a great place to live and to visit.

“The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page” – Saint Augustine.

Dat recently had the experience of a lifetime when he traveled around Vietnam and neighboring countries. After two months in the lovely Lan Ha Bay, Dat was set to return to his home in Ho Chi Minh city when his senior tour guide asked whether or not Dat wanted to pursue another adventure in Hoi An for a month first.

Who wouldn’t?

Our guide Dat, leading the way

Dat has always wanted to experience life in Hoi An. It is a charming city with an authentic countryside feel and lovely people. Hoi An’s tourism industry is one of the most successful in Vietnam, so this is an opportunity to learn from the best.

Most of the hotels and villas in this charming port city there are beautiful and well designed. There, attention to detail is key. Unlike in some other tourist centers where homestays and three-star hotels are set up carelessly everywhere. As Dat talked to Ms. Loan – Grasshopper Adventures Hoi An shop supervisor- he learned how much effort the team has to put in to stand out from the tour agencies that you find every few steps when walking through town. The Grasshopper Adventures Hoi An team prepares every little detail for each tour with a lot of heart.

Explore Vietnam with us

It is Hoi An itself that made Dat not want to return home, however. The Hoi An Old Town at night is fascinating. All the lanterns you find everywhere light up the city and make you feel as though you’ve stepped back in time. Right outside of the town is the picturesque countryside where people live happily with what little they have. In the cities, you see a lot of people rushing without enjoying the simple things in daily life. The local people here in the countryside near Hoi An are so friendly.

Our expert guide sharing his knowledge with guests

On top of that, the environment is so clean in Hoi An. Well, compared to the 15 million people and 8 million motorbikes in Saigon, Hoi An is like a paradise. You can easily feel the fresh air here. For someone like Dat who lives in a big city, it comes as a relief to be rid of the polluted air and crazy motorbike traffic.

What Dat loves most about being a tour guide? It is the freedom it gives him to explore different perspectives and the world around him. Dat’s favorite Grasshopper tour in Hoi An to lead is definitely the Bike & Kayak adventure. On this tour, not only do you get to experience the Old Town by bike, but you also get to explore the countryside. Tourists who are not familiar with Vietnamese culture will love to stop by the homes of local families to see what they are producing in their homes, and have the opportunity to try local food and rice wine, too! The best part of the day, however, is getting to kayak along the Thu Bon River and see awesome views and local life.

Hoi An has so much in store, even for someone like Dat who grew up in the same country!

Explore Vietnam with us

The greatest concern as a parent when traveling abroad with kids is their safety. This can be especially true when visiting a country where you’ve never set foot before, a country with a vastly different culture and the environment from where you live. 

As the leading family tour experts in Asia with years of experience in providing unforgettable cycling trips to families with young children, we are here to reassure you: 

Yes, it is safe to travel with kids in Asia!

Asia is a very safe place to travel, possibly even safer than in your home country! Crime rates are generally lower than in the west and Asian countries have a culture made up of deep respect. When traveling with kids, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Traffic in Asian cities is often crazier than in the west, sometimes without traffic lights. Making sure children are accompanied when crossing streets is an important way to keep them safe. Whether you’re coming from left-, or, from right-side driving country always look both ways twice before crossing!

Most of the meals on your tour will be at some of our favorite eateries, with your guide there to help choose the most delicious dishes. If there is a free evening to go out on the town with your family for a meal, make sure you choose a restaurant that looks clean and avoids foods like raw vegetables that may have been washed in contaminated water or meat that has been sitting around all day. If needed, consult your guide before eating out to avoid food-related illnesses.

Since many marketplaces in Asia can be extremely crowded and full of pushy vendors, it is a good idea to talk to your children about how to refuse salespeople. Usually, a firm “No thank you” works just fine. But let this not repel you to try one or two of the many fabulous snacks that Asia’s markets are full of!

Although most of the countries we visit in Asia do not require vaccinations, it is a good idea to speak to a travel doctor before departing. Some may recommend certain immunizations for you and your kids or will provide malaria medication if needed. The best way to avoid mosquito-related illnesses is to bring and use bug spray! This can be brought from home or purchased in Asia.

The greatest tool you have when it comes to keeping your family safe is your common sense! After all, you know your children better than anyone else and therefore know what kind of mischief they might get up to and the best way to look after them. Good safety practices, in general, including taking care of your belongings, sticking together in crowded areas, and being cautious around traffic.

Our well-trained guides and team members are looking out for your comfort and safety at all times and will support you throughout your adventure. This means they will guide you carefully onto roadways with scarcely any vehicles around, cycling will be at a pace that is comfortable for everyone, and they will offer advice when necessary. We also choose the highest quality accommodations and restaurants available to allow you to keep your mind at ease.

Now that you can rest assured knowing you are in good hands on your cycling trip in Asia, get the kids excited about hopping on bikes to join us for an unforgettable experience!

Happy Exploring!

Steve Mojica and his daughter have returned with their latest adventure in Japan. They have once authored a guest piece about their Father-daughter ride in Vietnam and we are happy to host them on our blog again. This time they went on a self-guided adventure, Cycle Kyoto to the Coast.

Me and my daughter at Arashiyama Bamboo forest

I had much trepidation about the self-guided bike tour in Japan with Grasshopper Adventures. I ride my bike daily but not long distances, perhaps one time a week for 40km. If a tour meant 5 days in a row of 30-60km, I wondered if I could really have that endurance. Maybe that doesn’t seem like a lot to some cyclists, but for this 68-year-old who has only gone on a few long-distance rides, it was concerning. Because I live in a place where there are no hills, the idea of climbing worried me. Also, I’d always thought of Japan as being super crowded and more expensive than my budget. Thankfully, all of these fears were put to rest once I started my tour. 

Japan turned out to not be packed with people. I was riding with my daughter and often we both wondered where everyone was. Some towns and villages we rode through felt deserted. In the larger urban areas there were people, of course, but not the teeming crowds I thought we’d encounter. The food was fabulous, not expensive as I feared, and easily accessible. Yes, there were hills, but fortunately, the steep ones were not long and overall none were terribly difficult. I found if I took a short rest along the way that I could tackle the climbs without collapsing. Finally, my fear that 5 straight days of riding would be overwhelming was again unfounded. Perhaps the beauty of Japan, the food, the excellent accommodations, the quality bike, and adrenaline kept me going without feeling exhausted.  

Our 5 days of riding were just fantastic. The roads and bike paths were in excellent shape throughout the ride. The few times we rode in traffic, the cars were few and courteous. We very much enjoyed the initial ride around Kyoto, in fact, we cycled a bit longer than scheduled just to explore more of the city. Japan is so green! I loved seeing the many shades of green- the rice fields, persimmon orchards, lush hills and flora I haven’t seen before. The persimmons bought at roadside stands were delicious. Traveling by bike is such a wonderful way to visit the temples, the historic and cultural sights in Japan. I admit we wimped out of the last leg/climb to Mount Koya and took the train. I love trains so it was a treat and easy to negotiate.  

Being an old fart and technologically challenged, my daughter did most of the navigating with the Wahoo ELEMNT. However, she struggled with a bad cold during the ride and opted out of the last day of our ride. I have to admit I am proud of figuring out Wahoo without her help. If I can handle the Wahoo device, it’ll be a walk in the park for anyone else!  

I thought I would lose some weight on this ride but I did not. I blame Grasshopper. The accommodations were great, from the mountain town of Yoshino with hot springs bath to the Inn within a Buddhist temple in Koyasan-they couldn’t have been better. The food provided at the hotels was delicious and plentiful. So be careful, or you’ll actually put on a pound or two. Really I travel to eat so I was not disappointed with the many feasts provided. Unlike what I’m used to in convenience stores back at home, the many stores we encountered carry healthy, tasty snacks, and there seemed to be beverage vending machines around every corner. 

Grasshopper Adventures knows how to end the trip for riders. In Wakayama we relaxed in a luxurious hotel had a wonderful dinner in a restaurant nearby, with lots of choices in the area. The breakfast buffet was well stocked and delicious with a view of an ancient castle. We visited a museum in town and easily found our way to the train station to bring us directly to the airport.  

An absolutely amazing trip!  

Steve Mojica

Although the weather in Thailand changes throughout the year, the best time to visit is from November to February, when the tropical country enjoys its lowest temperatures and the least amount of rain. If you are looking to avoid the crowds, however, consider traveling during the rainy season from May to October (ie. low season in Thailand), when daily rain showers come as a relief and there are few tourists to be found. 

Seasons in Thailand

• • The climate in Thailand is tropical and consists of three seasons. The average year-round temperature is 86 degrees Fahrenheit, 30 Celsius.
  • Hot season. During this hot summer season, temperatures regularly rise to 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 Celsius).
    Monsoon season. Next, from the end of May to mid-October, is the rainy season, with August until October seeing the most rainfall. Sometimes the storms can be heavy, but most often, rain comes in short bursts.
  • Cold season. The last season, from mid-October to mid-February, features the coolest temperatures, with an average of 80 degrees Fahrenheit (27 Celsius). Thailand’s cold season also means flowers in bloom and green everywhere after the months of rainfall.

Low season in Thailand: Least Busy Time of Year in Thailand

Everything looks better under the sun: best time to visit Bangkok and Chiang Mai.

Rainy season in Thailand

During the monsoon season from July to October, few tourists come to Thailand. Because this season is full of rain showers, you’re pretty much guaranteed to get wet during your visit. If you can put up with an occasional storm, this is an excellent time to explore Thailand, especially by bike. Flight tickets are cheaper during the rainy season than the cold season, and all the rainfall means crops are flourishing and the country is extra green. When visiting Thailand during rainy season, expect hot, humid weather with rainfall that comes as a nice relief. If you think cycling in the wet season doesn’t sound like fun our article on bike touring Southeast Asia in the “Green Season” might change your mind

Weather in Chiang Mai

Since Chiang Mai is located in the northern region of Thailand, its climate differs slightly from that of other parts of the country. Chiang Mai’s climate is that of a savannah, as it lies above sea level and features more dramatic changes in weather throughout the year. This means that the cold season in Chiang Mai and the northern region will have lower temperatures than the rest of the country.

The best time to visit Chiang Mai is November, when the Lantern festival, Yi Peng occurs. This time of year is cool and comfortable in Chiang Mai, and the festival of Yi Peng is a fascinating cultural experience for any visitor.

Find out more about the weather in Thailand and other destination information

When considering travel in Asia, many people don’t know what to expect from Myanmar and why they should choose it as a destination. All I can say is: you should, and now is the best time to visit! As for what you should do, I would recommend joining a cycling tour because it is one of the best things to do in Myanmar! Here’s what you have to look forward to and why you should discover this country by bike.

Because Myanmar is still less-visited than many nearby countries, it is truly a hidden gem. This country features undiscovered wonders, an untouched local lifestyle, authentic experiences and incredibly friendly people!

1. Be more than a spectator

Be part of your surroundings! Exploring Myanmar by car distances you from the country you are passing through, with occasional stops here and there. Instead, if you travel by bike, you become part of local life! Feel the road beneath you as it changes from paved to unpaved and back, soak up all the exotic and unfamiliar smells of plants and flowers as well as the food when you pass villages, exchange smiles and high fives with the village kids as you cycle through their hometowns. Bike travel allows you to interact with locals in a way that most other forms of transportation don’t provide.

Explore Myanmar on a bike

2. Promote a healthy lifestyle

Cycling is a way of promoting a healthy lifestyle for yourself as well as the communities you pass through. In a developing country like Myanmar, the locals have begun to idolize cars and more advanced ways of getting around. When we pass through towns on our bikes, villagers, especially kids, are wowed and suddenly bikes become cool again. Not to mention the physical benefits you’ll feel!

3. Immerse yourself in Burmese culture

Joining one of our cycling tours in Myanmar is also incredibly rewarding. Not only can you be proud of your cycling achievements, but you will also get the chance to immerse yourself in Burmese culture. Along the way, we make sure to stop at local, family-owned restaurants and support local businesses so you can rest at ease knowing you are helping to make a positive impact.

Go off the beaten path

4. Travel off the beaten path

Get the chance to visit significant cultural sites such as the temples of Bagan or the pilgrimage destination of Mount Popa. See the famous one-leg fishermen of Inle Lake, or get off the beaten path as you glimpse both remote countryside and the remnants of a colonial world. Cycling in Myanmar allows you to visit the must-sees as well as the hidden gems!

See more of the country on to a bike

5. An intimate journey through the country

Learn what it is like to be in a developing country, far away from the materialistic cultures of the western world. See for yourself the beauty of a genuine smile and excited wave from a small child in the countryside, glimpse the reality of a way of life that continues much the way it has for centuries. Biking makes your adventure about the journey, not just reaching your destination!

These are just a few reasons to explore Myanmar by bike. Feeling inspired? Take a look at our cycle tours in Myanmar and start planning your adventure.