• By GROVE
  • | Aug 19, 2016

Ride a bicycle all the way to Ayutthaya 

Escape the city with a day-long bike tour with Spice Roads, who challenge bikers on a 75km route from Bangkok to Ayutthaya that promises a smooth ride along the back roads. The tour starts in Bangkok and ends in Ayutthaya’s Wat Chaiwattanaram, a UNESCO World Heritage site, while passing through canals, villages and paddy fields. The tour costs B3,950/head, with bikes included. 

Explore the mangroves in Samut Sakhom

Back in June, the governor of Samut Sakhon Manrat Ratanasukhon led a campaign to plant 770 mangrove trees to celebrate His Majesty the King’s 70th anniversary on the throne, adding to the already massive 1,600-acre mangrove area now at Ao Mahachai mangrove forest. The research area offers a nature trail around the Tha Chin River where travelers can spend the day exploring a well-constructed bamboo path that takes you deep into nature. Those feeling a bit more adventurous can make a weekend out of it by camping out at the on-site camp grounds.
Ao Mahachai Mangrove Forest Natural Education Center, Bang Ya Praek, Samut Sakhon, 080-459-3164
 

Live life on the fast lane in Sa Kaeo Province 

Designed by world mountain bike champion Claudio Caluori, this BMX track is located in the only bicycle-themed hotel in the country and features a series of smooth asphalt bumps which simulate riding downhill. The track is open to the public and entirely free to use for those who bring their own bike, while rentals are available for B200/hour including a helmet.  It’s not just reserved for bike riders, either: skateboarders, rollerbladers and other extreme sports get to have a go, too.
Velo Hotel & BMX Track, 8 Thetsaban 10 Road, Sa Kaeo. 037 231458-9. www.fb.com/velohotel
 

Go whale-watching in Petchaburi

It may come as a surprise to you but Bang Tabun offers one of Southeast Asia’s top whale-watching experiences—and August is the best time of the year for it. Just make sure you choose an ethical whale-watching company. Check out Wild Encounter Thailand, founded by cetologist Jirayu Ekkul, who operates whale-watching trips every week just a 45-minute drive away from Bangkok. Each one costs B2,300 per person (or B1,900 for women during August). From the pier, you’ll head out on a whale-watching vessel into the upper gulf of Thailand—popular territory for the majestic Bryde’s whale. 
Wild Encounter Thailand, 091-105-1778. www.fb.com/WildEncounterThailand
 

Relive the Hunger Games  in Nonthaburi 

This little war zone littered with haystacks, targets and obstacles invites friends and families to have an active day out with an afternoon of archery. At District 13, you’re divided into two teams and the aim is simple: shoot everyone on the opposing team. There’s also a separate range, where you’ll be taught some basic archery and can hone your shooting skills before entering the arena.  It’s all safe as well—arrows are rubber-tipped to ensure no one gets hurt. Day packages cost B350 on Wed-Fri and B450 on weekends, with discounts for students and members. Booking by the hour is B190 per person. All prices include equipment and basic training.
District 13, 69/399 Srisaman Rd., 083-084-2850. www.fb.com/district13archery

With MTL Six Packs App, Get Rewarded for Protecting Yourself

Check out the Smart Health plan from Muang Thai Life Assurance PCL (MTL) in order to ensure that even if any hospital expenses should occur in the future, you will still be able to enjoy your active lifestyle. Collect up to 20,000 E-stickers a year for buying selected life, health or critical illness insurance products from MTL and be upgraded to the premium user status in the MTL Six Packs app. You will be able to enjoy more benefits in terms of privileges and discounts from partner shops.
 
Check out selected products at www.mtlsixpacks.com/protection-pack.
 
       
 
Download the MTL Six Packs app now and register for free to get your first 2,000 E-stickers for free. 
 
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