About us
It was back in 1998. My friend
and I were eating "al fresco" off St.
Christopher's place in London's West End. Two
couples sat beside us at another table, planning
their trip to Thailand. We couldn't help but
eavesdrop. The names were too familiar. "Let's
allow three days in Bangkok" one said. "OK, then
overnight train to Chiang Mai for two days
maybe" agreed the other. "And from there fly to Koh Samui; a week on a beach..." added the
third. We glanced at each other and smiled,
shook our heads slightly and ignored further
conversation. We had both toured Thailand
extensively by then and asked ourselves: "Is
this what visiting the country is all about - a
succession of cities and main tourist resorts?"
Well it is not if you choose to see Thailand by
motorcycle.
Touring on two wheels
While riding you see people working
in rice paddies and you actually smell the crop,
you are amazed when you see a Thai farmer trying
to get water buffaloes out of a pond, village
people sitting in front of their houses watching
passers by and being greeted by barefooted
saffron robed monks walking along side of the
road far away from any town. The wildlife of
rainforests is right there, you can stop at
historical monuments, forest temples, and
elephant training camps, take boat trips and
enjoy vistas not seen by many. In the late
afternoon you arrive at a comfortable hotel,
finish a day with a swim in a pool, a massage
and a good Thai meal with drink. No, you will
not "see it all" if you travel by motorcycle.
Instead you will see the best. And you'll see it
well.
History of tours
In 1999 our first Grand tour “took off". Since
then we have constantly improved the quality and
added new tours. Now our tour program includes
five itineraries. Our three 15-day guided tours
of Thailand take you to three distinct areas of
this country, each with its individual charm and
interest. For those who can afford to take a
month off and wish to ride around all regions we
organize a 29-day Three in one tour. We have
also added an 11-day tour to neighbouring
Cambodia to our program. Due to bad road
conditions this tour is for experienced riders
only. Our clients say that touring with us is
like travelling with a group of friends. And
this is the way we would like to keep it. We
stick to the motto "quality not quantity". A
group of up to six motorcycles
works perfectly. It is easy to keep visual
control and stick to the itinerary thereby
getting the most out of the day. In the evening
the whole group can eat together at one big
table and conversations can be held without
anyone being left out.
Our base
One hour and thirty minutes drive from Bangkok
and five kilometres away from Pattaya is where
our tours start and end. Jomtien Beach is highly
recommended to those who seek a resort, where
the golden sand, palms, bright sun and blue sea
are always pleased to welcome all vacationers.
It is a good place for relaxation with modern
comforts and accommodation. Its long straight
coastline of six kilometres with a fringe of
coconut palm trees and offers pleasant
atmosphere for relaxing and viewing sun setting
in the sea. Its calm sea is suitable for
swimming and all kinds of water sports all year
round.
Two countries
It is easy to fall in love with Thailand and
Cambodia once you have met their people;
experienced the colour and excitement, the heat
and vitality, the sounds and smells of a region
that is second to none. The overriding
impression is one of timelessness, of traditions
unchanged through centuries, of a harmonious
place. Old sits serenely by new, simple enhances
elaborate, and an innate gracefulness touches
all facets of life. Cambodia torn by Khmer Rouge
War in the past is a peaceful country now and
the former Siam is the present ‘land of smiles’,
where the locals are charming and visitors are
charmed… again and again...Join us and we are
going to show you both countries the way nobody
else will. You will not only see SE Asia, you will live it !
B. J. (Avalon Tours)
