Wild Thailand, Get Active!

Thailand in Southeast Asia is currently vigorously promoting the concept and itineraries of ecotourism. With its abundant natural and cultural resources, coupled with modern trends and fashion, Thailand’s tourism has taken on a richer and more colorful new look.

• Photos & Text: Jasper Chou
• Assisted by: Tourism Authority of Thailand, Taipei Office & Thai Airways

With global warming becoming a hot issue and environmental awareness sweeping the world, travel concepts and themes related to natural ecology have gradually gained popularity in recent years. Beyond the traditional luxury and pleasure-focused tours, outdoor activities, adventure exploration, and nature observation have slowly moved from niche communities toward the mainstream market. Travelers can not only enjoy the inspiration of nature but also experience the wild charm of the natural world beyond urban life—truly achieving multiple benefits at once.

On this trip, I chose to visit Bangkok as well as eastern Thai provinces such as Chanthaburi, Prachinburi, Rayong, and Chonburi to explore the joys of ecotourism. For my future vacation and travel planning, this land of Thailand has given me a new alternative choice for my love of outdoor activities.

• Riding a Segway (two-wheeled electric vehicle) through the streets of Bangkok

After arriving in Bangkok, I first tried the Segway (two-wheeled electric vehicle) that I had long wanted to experience. The Segway is a unique electric vehicle with two wheels positioned side by side. It is equipped with special solid-state gyroscopes that allow it to maintain balance while stationary and detect changes in the rider's posture to move forward, turn, brake, or reverse. Compared to regular bicycles, it's both flashy and cool—you really have to try it yourself to appreciate its wonders.

Upon arriving at the rental location of “Segway Tour Thailand,” the first step was to watch a safety briefing video to understand the basic operation of the Segway and potential risks. But since I was there to join in, I wasn’t afraid at all. After watching the video, I hopped on for a test ride. I found that as long as I kept my feet steady and my upper body relaxed, the Segway would naturally balance itself. Then, by leaning slightly forward, the vehicle would slowly move ahead, and turning my body left or right would steer the Segway accordingly. Once I got the hang of it, it felt like an extension of my own body—absolutely amazing. After mastering the basics, our group set off together, weaving through the bustling streets of Bangkok. The Segway can be used not only on regular roads but also on sidewalks or in parks, which gave me a deeper appreciation of the city. The scenery, landmarks, and daily life along the way were all seamlessly connected through this fresh riding experience.

I believe the biggest advantage of riding a Segway is the increased interaction with locals. Whenever pedestrians see this magical mode of transport, they respond with friendly smiles or greetings, and some even run over to take a group photo. The way people look at the Segway is like how kids react to a new toy—their eyes wide open. In an instant, this expensive big toy brings everyone back to a childlike atmosphere of innocence and friendliness.

The Segway is quite expensive, with each unit costing over NT$200,000, so it’s not easy for most people to buy one as a toy. But if you have the chance to visit Bangkok, it’s worth considering riding one for two or three hours with the mindset of “trying it at least once in a lifetime.” The cost for a one-hour session starts at around 1,500 Thai baht and includes a guide (with English commentary), safety equipment, a walkie-talkie, drinks, and snacks. The price varies depending on the riding area and duration, but from a novelty perspective, it’s definitely worth trying.