Chiang Mai is listed top in the World's Best Cities for a Beautiful Bike Ride, according to the research of Money Beach, a United-Kingdom bike insurer.
According to the company, the aim is to provide some outdoor, socially distanced bucket-list inspiration when international travel resumes.
Biking inside Doi Inthanon National Park. (Photo: Pongpet Mekloy)
The result was a compilation of uploaded cycling images on Instagram in 120 popular tourist cities worldwide in May. It counted the number of times that hashtags including #(city)bybike, #(city)cycling and #cycle(city) were used. The result was divided by city size to reveal the ratio of images taken versus the scale of each city.
It found that Chiang Mai provides the most picturesque cycling routes, with #chiangmaicycling used over 6,000 times alone. With a thriving cycling culture, many tourists in Chiang Mai rented bicycles to ride to mountainous areas and the city's temples. In addition, Chiang Mai is home to competitive cycling races including Tour de Chiangmai and Inthanon Challenge, which is postponed from February to Nov 7 this year.
However, tourists should be aware that road accidents involving cyclists sometimes occur.
Ranked second is Miami, followed by Paris, Beirut, Bristol, Cambridge, Barcelona, London, Dublin and Athens.
Amsterdam is in 11th place, followed by Copenhagen, Bath, Florence, Atlanta, Seattle, Taipei, Warsaw, Berlin and Oxford.
Visit moneybeach.co.uk/the-boardwalk/most-beautiful-cycling-cities.
Southern highway planned
The Department of Highways plans to build a four-lane highway to shorten the distance between Krabi and Phangnga provinces in the South.
At present, the provinces are linked with two-lane roads. Due to the increasing demand for logistics in the South, the department aims to invest 1.9 billion baht for a new 26km long highway.
The construction will start from Highway 44 in Ban Khok Chiak of Plai Phraya district in Krabi, passing Khlong Yai reservoir, Highway 4040 and end at Highway 4 in Thap Put in Phangnga. The project is scheduled to be completed in 2025.
Tourist spots certified safe
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has launched "The Best of SHA Awards 2021" vote.
SHA is the safety and health administration standard initiated by TAT as a joint project between the Tourism and Sports Ministry and the Public Health Ministry. The SHA certification was launched in May last year to ensure customers of the hygiene and safety of service providers during the Covid-19 pandemic.
At present, 9,396 operators receive the certification. They are those in the business of accommodations, restaurants, tour agents, wellness, shopping outlets and transportations.
To vote to find the best of SHA awards is available from now until Sept 15.
Voters will have a chance to win prizes including iMac, Macbook Air or iPhone 12.
Visit thailandsha.com/thebestofsha.
HOTEL DEALS & UPDATE
- Kantary Hills Hotel, Chiang Mai has launched the Mid-Year Room Sale 2021 promotion.
It offers a night stay in a 46m² Studio Suite at 1,200 baht from 2,200 baht. It is equipped with a kitchenette with kitchenware, a living corner, a walk-in shower and a separate bathtub. The price includes breakfast for two.
The last day for booking and staying is July 31.
Located on Soi 12 of Nimmanhaemin Road, the hotel is about a 15-minute drive from Chiang Mai International Airport.
Visit kantarycollection.com/kantaryhills-chiangmai/specialoffer or call 053-222-111.
- Tinidee Hotel Bangkok Golf Club in Pathum Thani's Muang district offers packages for golfers.
Prices for staying during weekday start from 3,150 baht net a night in a Superior Room (31m²). The offer includes breakfast, an 18-hole round, early check-in at 8am and late check-out at 4pm (subject to room availability), a 60-minute Thai massage and a free upgrade to a Deluxe room (38m²).
Visit tinideebangkok.com or call 02-147-5858.
- X2 Vibe Bangkok Sukhumvit offers a "Work @ Vibe" package.
Located on Sukhumvit 52 and not far from On Nut Skytrain station, the hotel will turn its rooms into an office for one or a small brainstorm meeting.
Prices are 650 baht for up to two guests and 850 baht for up to four guests. The offer includes a 24-hour stay in a Standard Room (28m²), printing service up to five pages, 50% discount on a conference room and 20% discount on food and beverage.
Visit crosshotelsandresorts.com or call 02-331-9091.
Email karnjanak@bangkokpost.co.th if you have any comments to share.
