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The Oztent RV is truly an amazing tent. It’s fast, strong and versatile in how it can be set up, which comes in very handy for the outback tourer.

I’ve had my Oztent RV3, with peaked side panels, front panel and fly, for two years now and have come across a few things that help me get the best out of my tent.

1. Setting up the Oztent

I’ve heard a few stories about Oztent frames breaking in strong winds. I have had my tent in conditions where tree branches were falling down around us and we had 30ml of rain in 30 minutes. My tent performed brilliantly even with a couple of need to be put out and pegged incorrectly.

The pegs will then hold tight and if correctly done, the direction of the guy ropes will ensure that they will not allow the tent to twist and bend in the wind.

The guys are there to be used. So use ’em. 

3. Put a ground sheet down

Even though the floor of the tent is very strong and completely waterproof, it’s a great idea to put an Oztent mesh floor saver, groundsheet, or blog on the benefits of a groundsheet – which you can check our for more information.

4. Add the fly

Oztent offer a fly for all RV tents. It’s made from polyester and simply zips onto the top to cover the main part of the tent. It’s very easy to use and can remain on the tent permanently if you want. The fly is not essential as the tent is completely waterproof without it. However, if you’re going into frosty conditions, you may experience a large amount of condensation forming on the ceiling of the tent. So for this reason, the fly can come in very handy.

By attaching the fly, you change the tent from a single skin to a dual-layered tent. This means that most of the condensation will form on the underside of the fly rather than the tent roof.

The first time I used our tent in the Flinders Rangers, we had a lot of frosts in the morning. The entire roof of the tent was frozen and when the sun came out, we had to pack our bed up as it felt like it was raining inside the tent. After purchasing the fly, we again went to the Flinders in similar conditions. We still had a little condensation in the tent but most of it was on the fly which we were able to remove and put into the sun to dry whilst we packed down our camp.

With the addition of the fly, the tent perform better in cold areas, and makes the tent even more waterproof in the rain. It also gives you seven more tie-down points for holding the tent secure in windy conditions.

This is what the Oztent fly looks like on an RV tent.

5. Attach the ridge poles

If you purchase the peaked side panels or front panel, you will be supplied with a ridge pole for each. The ridge pole for the peaked side panels goes on top of the tall awning poles. The ridge pole for the front panel goes on top of the front awning poles

We found that these ridge poles were very useful in keeping the awning tight. Therefore, we made sure that we packed both ridge poles in with the peaked side panels and used the front ridge pole even when we weren’t using the front panel.

Make sure you put the ridge pole between the awning pole and the awning with the guy ropes on top of everything. I’ve made the mistake of putting the ridge pole on last and paid the price when it blew off and hit my car in windy conditions.

A few more tips for using your tent in stormy weather:

We’ve already talked about putting the tent up correctly, but there are a few other things you can do to give it a fighting chance in stormy conditions.

Firstly, when setting the tent up try to pick the most sheltered spot available. The tent is very strong but you’re really not doing yourself any favours if you choose to test its limitations.

As well as facing the back of the tent to the wind, position your vehicle to block as much wind as possible from the tent.

If you’ve enclosed the awning using the side panels and front panel, dig a channel for the water to run around the awning part of the tent. There is no sealed bucket floor in this part of the tent. You may find that whilst you’re nice and dry inside your enclosed annexe, the water can come rushing in under the panels making your room rather muddy!

I have really enjoyed using my Oztent and have found it to be a very strong and practical tent. It is versatile and robust enough for almost any situation found whilst camping.

The above tips are a few things I have found that help me to get the best out my Oztent. If you have any other tips or ideas for using an Oztent, feel free to let us know.

Have a look at our Oztent 30 Second Tents to put my tips to the test!

The post How to Get the Best out of Your Oztent 30 Second Tent appeared first on Snowys Blog.

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A shower in the morning can kick start your day, whilst a wash in the evening can help you to relax into the night. Whenever your preference, there is nothing like a nice hot shower, and if you’re camping this means having some sort of camp shower setup.

Just as there is more than one way to cook an egg, there is also more than one way to have a bush shower.

From a quick and simple wash to maintain hygiene, to an invigorating outdoor shower… warm water against your skin counteracting the cool crisp air all whilst standing under the listening to noises of wildlife… you don’t get that at home!

So how do you set up a portable camping shower, and what do you need? To get you on the right track, we’ve come up with three different set-up categories to meet everyone’s requirements… feel free to jump ahead to your preferred set-up:

The basic – weight is important and I just need to maintain hygiene.

The affordable – as long as I can have a warm shower I’m happy.

The luxurious – I don’t care what it costs, I will not go without a steaming hot shower!

From basic to luxury, you have a few showering options when off the grid. Image: Sea to Summit

Keeping clean at the minimum of weight

For hiking and trekking adventures, the weight of your gear is important, but so is hygiene. Try these wash options if every gram counts on your next adventure.

1. The waterless wash

This is as simple as it gets and is also a good option for chilly nights when you don’t want to get cold and wet. All you need is some baby wipes and sanitising gel. Use the baby wipes to clean your body making sure you get all the stinky bits, and the hand sanitiser on your, well… hands.

It’s a good idea to use wipes that are biodegradable, like these ones from Sea to Summit.

Wilderness wipes are the simplest way to shower outdoors. Image: Sea to Summit

2. Shower in a cup

Something an old friend of mine learnt from his Army Reserve days, used when water was is in short supply on long treks. The idea is that you can ration your shower to one cup of water, or about 250ml. Fill your cup and grab a lightweight towel and some biodegradable soap, then scrub away until your water ration runs out.

It goes without saying that this is by no means a luxurious shower.

Showering in a cup isn’t glamorous, but works when water supplies are low. Image: Sea to Summit

3. Improvised wash basin

This is my preferred washing method on long hikes, or camping where there are no showers but ready access to water. It’s a little like the cup method described above only you can use enough water to fill a here.

On longer hikes, a dry bag can be used as a basin. 

Affordable camping shower setups

These camping showers don’t do everything for you but still provide a good shower with some improvisation. If you want a warm shower you’ll need to be able to heat the water up first, and 12V power may be required.

You’ll also need to get creative for the set-up of the shower if you don’t want to do it all handheld, but with a little effort you can set up a portable camping shower anywhere at a reasonable price!

1. Canvas bucket shower

This is the classic outback shower, a canvas bucket with a shower rose at the bottom filled with hot water and hoisted into a tree. Low technology so little to go wrong but these units are too heavy for use inside a shower tent so you’ll need to be comfortable showering in the open, or improvise some sort of screen.

You will need a way of heating the water up first and don’t forget a length of rope to suspend your shower.

Solar showers are great as it’s simple, but the water will be warm for extra comfort. Image: Aaron Schubert

2. Solar showers

Another simple shower set-up. These are black or dark coloured bags with a small shower rose and hose attached. The dark colour absorbs the heat and once filled with water and left in the full sun for around 3 hours (the bonnet of your can is a good spot), you’ll have a bag full of warm water to shower with. Then you can hoist these into a tree just as you would the canvas bucket and your shower is ready to go.

are generally cheap, light and easy to use with flexible hoses and a 12V pump that you stick in a bucket of warm (or cold) water. They even give good pressure if the bucket height is close to that of the shower head. The shower rose is light enough to suspend in a shower tent or on any structure such as a roof rack or pole, or it can be used handheld.

You will still need to warm the water up first, and they can require a little more maintenance to ensure a long life, giving the pump a spray with CRC or WD40 is an easy way to help with this.

12V showers are lightweight and affordable.

Just give me the full outback spa and bush shower package

If a steaming hot shower is something you can’t (or won’t) do without at the end of the day, then I’d recommend one of these all-in-one portable hot water and shower systems for your camping adventures. With these units, you can set temperature and flow rate, and with the addition of a few accessories, you can create your own spa in the serenity of your campsite.

You will need both gas to heat the water and 12V power for the pump as well as a few batteries for the internal electrics, but the time spent packing extra gear will be long forgotten once you’re standing under a piping hot stream of water in your campsite.

There are a few different units to choose from, let’s start from the top shelf –

If you want luxury, look no further than a hot water system. Image: Smarttek

1. Smarttek Black Smart Hot Water System

This is the ducks nuts of portable hot water systems. These are great for base camp style set-ups i.e. you’re staying somewhere for a while. They are simple to use and easy to set up, especially with the optional quick connect fittings, the Smarttek Black Smart Hot Water System is the best outdoor shower for those not willing to skimp on comfort when camping.

This portable hot water unit will heat to over 50 degrees and is capable of flow rates up to 6 litres per minute and can draw water from 10+ metres away from the unit depending on your setup. There is a host of ensuite shower tent.

If the availability of a hot shower is the only thing stopping a non-camper from going bush, then the Smarttek Black Smart Hot Water Shower is probably going to make them a convert.

When you’re staying somewhere a while, a smart hot water system is ideal. Image: Smarttek

2. Aquacube

These have been around for a while now and there have been a few iterations over the years. The Aquacube also provides water up to around 50 degrees Celsius only at a lower flow rate than the Smarttek. The pump is much simpler on these and you’ll need the water supply to be nearby to your shower.

The Aquacube is compatible with portable propane cylinders as well as refillable LPG bottles making it a very portable unit. You will also need 12V power unless you get the lithium version with a built-in battery and the portability makes it ideal if you need to move your hot water supply around the campsite.

Enjoy more privacy with a shower tent. Image: Zempire

3. Shower tent

It can be quite enlivening to shower butt-naked in a remote campsite with only your loved ones in sight, but to do so in an area that is also occupied by other campers is generally considered inappropriate.

If the latter is what you are likely to encounter, then you’ll need a which work just fine. As an upgrade, we recommend using foam matting as your camp shower base. This is nicer to stand on and creates a barrier between you and the soggy ground whilst allowing the water to run away.

There are fancy portable shower trays available that catch the water and channel it away via a waste hose, but we don’t carry these at Snowys, they tend to get a little bulky and difficult to transport for camping.

Biodegradable soaps and washes help you leave no trace. Image: Sea to Summit

Don’t forget to leave no trace

Aim to leave nothing but footprints when you leave your campsite. Carry out your rubbish and have some consideration around the items you need to leave at the campsite such as wastewater. It is important that we use biodegradable soaps and washes when we are showering in the bush, as this minimises our impact on the environment.

We also need to consider where the runoff from our camp shower ends up, always set your shower up at least 100m from both wet and dry river and creek beds, the same rule applies to camp toilets.

Check out our range of environmentally friendly washing and cleaning solutions here.

  What’s your favourite method for staying clean on an outdoor adventure? 

The post How to Setup the Perfect Outdoor Camping Shower appeared first on Snowys Blog.

[shannrussell-blog1]

If you’re sick of your usual fruit and nut mix, and you’re wanting to take your adventure fuel next-level, then you should consider trying energy bars, gels, blocks or drinks.

These products are designed especially to be used for a number of activities whether it be finishing a section of your favourite trail, topping up your carb levels during a training session, or fuelling up mid-morning to get you through a long day at work.

Without getting too technical, here’s a rundown of what sort of activities you can use these to fuel up for, as well as the pros and cons of each one.

With so many choices, you can really target your needs. Photo: Erin Wescombe

1. Energy bars

What are your options?

here.

Whether you’re hiking, at work or hitting the pavement – an energy bar makes for a great snack. Photo: Erin Wescombe

What are energy bars best for?

Energy bars are probably the most versatile choice, as they’re great for snacking on before a hike, a couple of hours before a training session, or even for keeping you going at work all morning.

To get the most out of an energy bar, eat one 2-3 hours before exercise. You can also nibble on them while you’re mid-activity to keep hunger at bay.

The Snowys YouTube channel has a heap of Clif Bar taste test reviews to check out.

Pros and cons

Energy bars are usually very dense, so they really fill you up compared to a block or gel. They’ve also got a more solid texture that’s similar to a muesli bar, which can be a little more palatable. For more on how energy bars taste, check out our Clif Bars review video above.

The cons of bars are that they’re not ideal for eating when you’ve got your hands tied up, and they aren’t as fast absorbing compared to a gel or block.

Long distance hiking requires sustained energy. Photo: Coleman

2. Energy Gels

What are your options?

 – Made with ingredients such as organic maltodextrin and organic dried cane syrup, the Clif Energy gels are made especially for high-performance athletes.

Keep a couple of gels in your racing pack for top-ups. Photo: Erin Wescombe

What are energy gels best for?

Energy gels are great for riding, trail running, or any activity where you don’t have time to chew or slow down. It’s ideal to consume them once or twice an hour with water during exercise, but they can also be eaten 15 minutes before you head out.

Pros and cons

The pros of these are that there’s no chewing involved, so you won’t have to break your concentration. Gels are also made to absorb quickly, so you’ll get those much-needed carbohydrates into your bloodstream faster.

Gels are easy to eat, and fast absorbing. Photo: Clif Bar & Company

3. Energy Blocks

What are your options?

Energy blocks are an easy and compact choice for sports like running and cycling. Photo: Erin Wescombe

What are energy blocks best for?

Energy blocks are great for those who need a compact and concentrated fuel option – so they’re good for running, paddling and cycling. The ideal time to eat them is during activity, and to hydrate as you go.

Pros and cons

The pros are that they’re compact and easy to carry. You can slip them into the small pockets on your racing pack or belt really easily.

You can also eat them one block at a time. This makes it easier to eat controlled portions depending on your body’s needs. As they’re not very filling, you won’t feel too full or sleepy which could be a problem if you’re out on the water or a bike. Unlike a gel, they’re also a little less messy.

The cons are that you do have to be careful that you consume the right amount of fluids when eating blocks, as otherwise, you might upset your stomach.

You don’t want to be overly full on the water, which is why blocks are great. Photo: Sea to Summit.

4. Energy Drinks

– With electrolytes and clean ingredients such as freeze-dried fruit, plus no artificial colours and flavours, these are a healthy option.

Hydration tablets replace lost electrolytes during exercise and give you extra energy. Photo: Erin Wescombe

What are hydration drinks best for?

Hydration drinks can be used for any activity such as walking, hiking, cycling, trail running, or general training.

These drinks come in compact tablet form so they’re easy to drop into your drink bottle on the go, which makes carrying them on a hike or run really convenient. They also come in powder form which you can mix up with water before you head off. These are best for consuming during activity to keep on top of your hydration.

Pros and cons

These drinks contain electrolytes and vitamins and minerals that primarily work to keep you hydrated. However, they also come in formulations that provide carbohydrates and caffeine for an extra boost which is a pro.

The cons are that when used alone, you won’t be able to get enough energy for extended exercise. For this reason, they’re better used to supplement your energy levels.

During prolonged activity, you need to stay hydrated and keep refuelling. Photo: Grayl 

Fuelling up for your next training sesh or adventure

The next time you’re gearing up for a trip, you might want to ditch your supermarket snacks and consider boosting up with an energy bar, gel, block or drink. With a few of these snacks under your belt, you’ll be zipping along the track or trail at full speed in no time!

What’s your go-to snack for fuelling up for a long day of adventure?

The post Guide to Energy Bars, Gels, Blocks & Drinks appeared first on Snowys Blog.

[shannrussell-blog1]

If you’re sick of your usual fruit and nut mix, and you’re wanting to take your adventure fuel next-level, then you should consider trying energy bars, gels, blocks or drinks.

These products are designed especially to be used for a number of activities whether it be finishing a section of your favourite trail, topping up your carb levels during a training session, or fuelling up mid-morning to get you through a long day at work.

Without getting too technical, here’s a rundown of what sort of activities you can use these to fuel up for, as well as the pros and cons of each one.

With so many choices, you can really target your needs. Photo: Erin Wescombe

1. Energy bars

What are your options?

here.

Whether you’re hiking, at work or hitting the pavement – an energy bar makes for a great snack. Photo: Erin Wescombe

What are energy bars best for?

Energy bars are probably the most versatile choice, as they’re great for snacking on before a hike, a couple of hours before a training session, or even for keeping you going at work all morning.

To get the most out of an energy bar, eat one 2-3 hours before exercise. You can also nibble on them while you’re mid-activity to keep hunger at bay.

The Snowys YouTube channel has a heap of Clif Bar taste test reviews to check out.

Pros and cons

Energy bars are usually very dense, so they really fill you up compared to a block or gel. They’ve also got a more solid texture that’s similar to a muesli bar, which can be a little more palatable. For more on how energy bars taste, check out our Clif Bars review video above.

The cons of bars are that they’re not ideal for eating when you’ve got your hands tied up, and they aren’t as fast absorbing compared to a gel or block.

Long distance hiking requires sustained energy. Photo: Coleman

2. Energy Gels

What are your options?

 – Made with ingredients such as organic maltodextrin and organic dried cane syrup, the Clif Energy gels are made especially for high-performance athletes.

Keep a couple of gels in your racing pack for top-ups. Photo: Erin Wescombe

What are energy gels best for?

Energy gels are great for riding, trail running, or any activity where you don’t have time to chew or slow down. It’s ideal to consume them once or twice an hour with water during exercise, but they can also be eaten 15 minutes before you head out.

Pros and cons

The pros of these are that there’s no chewing involved, so you won’t have to break your concentration. Gels are also made to absorb quickly, so you’ll get those much-needed carbohydrates into your bloodstream faster.

Gels are easy to eat, and fast absorbing. Photo: Clif Bar & Company

3. Energy Blocks

What are your options?

Energy blocks are an easy and compact choice for sports like running and cycling. Photo: Erin Wescombe

What are energy blocks best for?

Energy blocks are great for those who need a compact and concentrated fuel option – so they’re good for running, paddling and cycling. The ideal time to eat them is during activity, and to hydrate as you go.

Pros and cons

The pros are that they’re compact and easy to carry. You can slip them into the small pockets on your racing pack or belt really easily.

You can also eat them one block at a time. This makes it easier to eat controlled portions depending on your body’s needs. As they’re not very filling, you won’t feel too full or sleepy which could be a problem if you’re out on the water or a bike. Unlike a gel, they’re also a little less messy.

The cons are that you do have to be careful that you consume the right amount of fluids when eating blocks, as otherwise, you might upset your stomach.

You don’t want to be overly full on the water, which is why blocks are great. Photo: Sea to Summit.

4. Energy Drinks

– With electrolytes and clean ingredients such as freeze-dried fruit, plus no artificial colours and flavours, these are a healthy option.

Hydration tablets replace lost electrolytes during exercise and give you extra energy. Photo: Erin Wescombe

What are hydration drinks best for?

Hydration drinks can be used for any activity such as walking, hiking, cycling, trail running, or general training.

These drinks come in compact tablet form so they’re easy to drop into your drink bottle on the go, which makes carrying them on a hike or run really convenient. They also come in powder form which you can mix up with water before you head off. These are best for consuming during activity to keep on top of your hydration.

Pros and cons

These drinks contain electrolytes and vitamins and minerals that primarily work to keep you hydrated. However, they also come in formulations that provide carbohydrates and caffeine for an extra boost which is a pro.

The cons are that when used alone, you won’t be able to get enough energy for extended exercise. For this reason, they’re better used to supplement your energy levels.

During prolonged activity, you need to stay hydrated and keep refuelling. Photo: Grayl 

Fuelling up for your next training sesh or adventure

The next time you’re gearing up for a trip, you might want to ditch your supermarket snacks and consider boosting up with an energy bar, gel, block or drink. With a few of these snacks under your belt, you’ll be zipping along the track or trail at full speed in no time!

What’s your go-to snack for fuelling up for a long day of adventure?

The post Guide to Energy Bars, Gels, Blocks & Drinks appeared first on Snowys Blog.

[shannrussell-blog1]

Travelling to Thailand is a cultural norm for many Australians. But the experience of Thailand doesn’t have to be limited to Phi Phi Island, Krabi and Phuket. If you want to take the path less travelled, divulge in traditional Buddhist culture, camp on the world’s most beautiful beaches and experience the remote areas of Thailand, then cycle touring is for you.

My partner and I are cycle tourists and have been travelling from Malaysia to Europe by bicycle. Thailand was our second country of “residence” and we still reminisce the beautiful smiles, beaches, food, temples and endless one-dollar coffees.

You might think cycle touring is difficult, but it is very easy in Thailand with its endless flat plains, food stalls every few kilometres and free camping everywhere. All you need to do is start pedalling!

Thailand is the perfect country to cycle tour in. 

The basic south to north route 

We took a route from the southern city of Satun, near the Malaysia border, to the northeast Laos border crossing in Chiang Khong. This is a simple south to north route where you will pass many key attractions and cities.

Our route took us through the east coast of southern Thailand towards Bangkok. We caught a ferry in Surat Thani to the Island of Koh Tao before re-entering the mainland at Chumphon. Through these areas, we were able to camp often on the beach and have leisurely swims during the day.

In the north, we cycled through some of the more remote farmland communities on small dirt roads, visiting many famous temples and national parks.

We took a simple south to north route.

Alternate routes

It is common for cyclists to fly into Bangkok or enter Thailand from one of the northern land borders. From there you can choose to head in any direction depending on what you would like to achieve. For example, the beaches in the south, animals in the north, or travel east towards Laos or Cambodia.

Many cyclists travel part of the east coast before crossing west towards Phuket and Krabi or they will head into Myanmar. Other routes might include hugging the southeastern coastline around Pattaya City to head towards Cambodia, or, there is an option to go northeast towards Vientiane in Laos.

Our advice for planning is not to think too much about it and just start riding! A great experience will follow.

Plan your route by what you want to experience. 

Climate

The climate in Thailand is basically separated by the northern and southern regions. However, in both regions, the climate consists of a dry season and a wet season. The daytime temperatures are usually between mid-20 degrees to mid-30 degrees year around.

The best time to cycle-tour Thailand south to north is between February and early May. However, it’s very easy to travel to Thailand in the wet season too (May to October or September/December in the east coast of south Thailand), as we did.

The rain usually lasts one or two hours each day and the rest of the time it’s hot and humid. It is also hot in the dry season but a little less humid.

The weather is quite warm in Thailand. 

Food

One of the best things about exploring Thailand by bicycle or backpacking is the food. Even better is that as a cycle tourist, you will have an endless appetite to eat as much of the amazing, spice-covered, carb-loaded and mind-blowing taste explosions the Thai’s serve up.

The food in Thailand is always spicy, particularly in the local areas. Be prepared to have spicy food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. As you are outside of the tourist areas, make sure you mention that you only want a small amount of spice because the food is hotter than in any other country we have cycled through.

You will be lucky enough to experience a range of local foods varying from boiled pork soup for breakfast, to spicy green papaya salad, the classic pad Thai or a range of noodles and curries. One of our favourite things in Thailand was their traditional stir-fried basil pork (Pat Krapao Moo Sap), which is usually very cheap (A$1 or $2) for a huge cyclist sized portion and incredibly tasty.

Additionally, if you are a vegan or vegetarian then Thai people can cook nearly all their meals to fit with your diet choices.

It’s easier and a whole lot tastier to eat locally instead of cooking. 

Learning the language

There will always be a Thai person in proximity to you that speaks English, even if it’s just a little. However, we would recommend that you learn some basic words because every country appreciates travellers who do this. Otherwise, it’s down to using your best hand gestures which will always get a laugh.

Note: in tourist areas, you will likely have to barter for prices in the market but outside of these areas we wouldn’t worry too much about it.

Try to learn a bit of the local language to help you get by. 

Attractions

Thailand is one of the most tourist-driven economies in the world and there is something for everyone. You can experience diving, rock climbing, white water rafting, animal encounters, massages, full moon parties, Buddhist culture or beers and cocktails after a hard day of cycling. As a cycle tourist, you can be lucky enough to experience most of the big attractions and a few lesser known ones only accessible to the adventurous.

The southern regions of Thailand are famous for the tropical Islands, beaches and full moon parties but most of all diving. The islands and towns of the west coast are the most well known such as Phuket and Krabi. However, as a cycle tourist, you may be inclined to experience the slightly less tourist populated east coast.

Scuba and free diving are just a couple of the fun things to learn. 

These areas are some of the most famous dive spots in the world and close to the cheapest place to obtain your diving tickets. We spent 7-days on the island of Koh Tao learning to both scuba dive and free-dive. We loved free-diving a little more because of the personal challenge and after two days we were able to dive down to twenty meters on a single breath!

You’ve probably heard the phrase “you’ve seen one temple, you’ve seen them all” but honestly, we loved each one we visited. Each temple is designed by a different artist or a collaboration of artists, who bring their own flair to the place, or there are also ancient temples in the old capitals of Ayutthaya and Sukhothai.

Thailand has some of the most famous diving spots in the world. 

Our recommended top five temples to see in Thailand are:

Wat Arun, (Temple of Dawn), Bangkok

Wat (Temple of the largest Reclining Buddha), Bangkok

Wat Chaiwatthanaram (Temple of long reign and glorious era), Ayutthaya

Wat Mahathat (Buddha temple head in a banyan tree), Ayutthaya, and

Wat Rong Khun (White Temple), Chiang Rai northern Thailand

The northern regions are famous for their artists, hill tribes, temples, mountains, hot springs, jungles, mountain trekking or jungle flying fox adventures and animals such as tigers, cobras and elephants. We didn’t visit the animal attractions for personal reasons and would urge you to do good research if you wish to visit any of the animal attractions to ensure they’re appropriately managed.

Finally, you must have regular Thai massages to relax those sore, tired muscles after long days of cycling. You can get a massage in most villages and they are usually very cheap outside of the tourist spots.

The temples of Thailand are a must visit when you’re there. 

Required gear

We travelled with more gear than required because we were on a long-term cycle touring trip. If you are only travelling to Thailand or South-East Asia, then you can travel very light as it’s warm and the food and the accommodation is very affordable.

Our recommendations for a basic bicycle touring (not an extended tour) list would include:

Camping

A lightweight tent, swag or just a good quality Sleeping mat and a lightweight sleeping bag.

An air or compressible Head torch

Toiletries

Medical kit

A gas or multi-fuel stove (if you really want to cook, then you will need the below items too).

One chopping knife

Utensils

Small chopping board

buff

The length of your trip will determine how much gear you’ll need. 

Electronics

Smart-phone for mapping

Small battery pack in-case you couldn’t find a powerpoint (unlikely though)

Camera or GoPro or both

Universal adaptor

Various cords and charging ports for electronics

Bicycle gear

A multitool

Spare spokes or a Kevlar universal spoke

A hand bicycle pump

Tyre repair kit

Small tyre levers

Spare inner tube

Chain lube

To carry your gear, you’ll need pannier racks and panniers. 

Extras

A book or tablet with e-books

A travel diary

Playing cards

Water bottles x2

Chocolate

Obviously, you will need a bike with pannier racks and panniers to carry your gear. If you try and pack light you might be able to get away with two back panniers only.

Costs may differ depending on how touristy the area is. 

Costs

Thailand’s currency is the Thai Baht which, at the time of our trip, was at A$1 to 20 Baht. Thailand is still one of the cheapest countries to travel to in the world, particularly when you are outside of the tourist hotspots.

Generally, we spent for two people between A$10 to $20 per day when we were able to camp and $13 to $30 per day when we paid for accommodation. It was about double that price in the tourist areas and on the Islands.

For food, you can get meals between 20 Baht to 60 Baht (A$1 to $3) with beer/wine/soft drinks/coffee costing between 10 Baht and 100 Baht (50 cents to $5) depending on where you are. We only cooked once or twice and then realised it was so cheap and time effective to eat out.

Accommodation varies significantly but we were able to find cheap, basic accommodation in most villages between 60 Baht ($3) and up to 300 Baht ($15). However, be aware that it can increase significantly in tourist areas so it’s worth researching and comparing prices beforehand.

Thailand is such an affordable place to visit. 

Camping/accommodation

Depending on your trip and budget, you can camp or find very cheap accommodation. In Thailand, you have the opportunity to camp nearly anywhere you like. We put up our tent on beaches, in temples and our favourite was camping at the friendly police stations. All these spots offer a rich experience and it’s usually worth braving the hot overnight temperatures for that beachfront sunrise or sunset.

If you can’t handle the heat at night, then there take up shelter in an air-conditioned/fan room or bungalow for just a few dollars. Accommodation can be found in any village and usually, it is very affordable.

If you are lucky you might be invited in by a family to share a meal and stories.

If you are staying in a bigger city, the accommodation will cost more. 

Visas

Australians obtain a 15-day visa free on arrival in Thailand at any of the land or sea ports or 30 days at any airport. If you need a longer stay you can apply for a visa at an embassy in another country or in Australia a month before you leave which can give you either 60-days single entry or 60-days multiple entries. It usually only takes about 2-5 business days to process this visa.

Safety

Some people worry about thievery but in our experience, the risk is usually low if you take some simple precautions such as locking your bike up at night. We were always very cautious about our valuables in tourist areas and in busy marketplaces.

The wonderful people we met was what made our trip so amazing. 

Favourite experience in Thailand 

The Thai people were our favourite experience. As in most countries, the people you meet can make or break your trip.

Towards the end of our trip, before the border crossing at Chiang Khong into Laos, we stayed at our last temple. The monks here spoke a little bit of English and we decided to give them some Australian small lightweight souvenirs that we gave to our friends we met along the way. This was to say thank you to all the kind monks that had let us stay in Thailand. However, in return, they gave us two books in English that detailed the story of Buddha and two buddha pendants that can be worn on a necklace or bracelet.

This last stay at a temple summed up the mentality of the Thai people we met while travelling. Always giving and always kind.

  Have you ever been on an overseas cycling trip?

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