Wednesday 1 August 2018

The Great Mekong Bike Ride 2018

There is a growing interest in cycling along the Mekong River, especially in the northeastern provinces of Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan and Sakon Nakhon. Cyclists can enjoy the pleasant scenery as they cycle along roads and paths that follow the course of the river. 

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) this year teamed up with Thailand Tri-League for an eco-friendly ‘Great Mekong Bike Ride 2018’ that was held 17 to 20 May 2018. The race elevated provinces along the mighty Mekong River, putting Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan and Sakon Nakhon front and centre as leading sports tourism destinations in Thailand’s Northeast Region.

The Great Mekong Bike Ride 2018 featured three categories including a three-day long-distance triple stage road race starting at 7am.

Stage one was the ‘King of Kong’ 127 kilometre of highway cycling along tarmac that snakes alongside the Mekong River from Phaya Sri Satta Nakarat, Nakhon Phanom to Mukdahan Tower, Mukdahan.

Stage two challenged entrants along the 150 kilometre ‘King of Endurance’ stage cycling again along the main highway inclusive of some hilly climbs into Khong Phing Ngu, Sakon Nakhon. 

Stage three ‘King of Speed’ saw cyclists pedal down at maximum speed to Phaya Sri Satta Nakarat, Nakhon Phanom.

Participants were invited to participate in one, two or all three stages or chose to ride in a one-day 10-kilometre fun race that was staged as non-competitive fun for the whole family.

Rewards for cyclists ranged from a cycling jersey, souvenir t-shirt, trophy, medal and e-certification depending on category and finishing time.

Nakhon Phanom is known for the huge Wat Phra That Phanom temple, Wat Maha That, Phaya Sri Satta Nakarat and Wat Si Thep Pradittharam temples It is Thailand’s most northeastern province bordering Laos on the Mekong River.

Mukdahan is located on the west bank of the Mekong River. Here visitors can enjoy various attractions including Mukdahan National Park, Mukdahan Tower, Phu Manorom and Wat Si Mongkhon Tai temple.

Sakon Nakhon, located not too far from the great Mekong, has various attractions including Wat Phra That Choeng Chum Worawihan and Wat Tham Phae Dan temples, Ban Tharae Catholic Community and Phra That Narai Cheng Weng.

Official Tourism Websites: 

No comments:

Post a Comment