Koh Thepho is a fairly large island, bordered on one side by the Sakae Krang River, which flows alongside the city of Uthai Thani, and on the other by the Chao Phraya River. What's particularly remarkable is how quickly you're transported to a rural atmosphere, even near the city, passing rice paddies and coconut palms. A longer bike ride is especially appealing. There's a circular route of several kilometers with dedicated bike paths that winds through Koh Thepho and ends at Wat Tha Sung. You reach Koh Thepho after crossing the pedestrian and bicycle bridge that connects the Uthai Thani market with Wat Ubosatharam (Wat Bot). Just past the Ban Ing Nam Resort, which I highly recommend for an overnight stay in Uthai Thani (I stayed there last time), you'll find yourself in the middle of a bamboo forest, surrounded by fields, especially rice paddies, crisscrossed by small roads. Among Koh Thepho's highlights are, of course, the rice paddies in the area, which correspond to the GPS coordinates I provided for the island. It's also worth continuing the bike ride to the suspension bridge, visiting the charming little neighboring temple Wat Bum Sap, and having lunch at the Pa Samran restaurant. Be sure to order the fried Pla Ret (rhinoceros bream), a local specialty, with Nam Prik Poo Lone sauce – a real treat (the sauce, in particular, is the best I've had in Thailand so far!). You can also participate in a bamboo weaving workshop. Be sure to register a few days in advance to ensure they can accommodate you. The best way to contact the restaurant is through their Facebook page. The workshop costs approximately 350 THB.

Many accommodations in Uthai Thani offer free bicycles to their guests. Hotels on Koh Thepho, in particular, offer this service, so finding a bike shouldn't be a problem! Alternatively, tourists can contact the Uthai Thani Cycling for Health Club – although I haven't tried it myself. Their headquarters are located at Charoeun Chakayan, Shop 101-102, Tha Chang Road (Tel.: 0 5651 1991). There, you can obtain a map of Koh Thepho and Uthai Thani. Bicycles can also be rented for 50 baht per day (Tel.: 08 6216 3510).

Koh Thepho is best explored by bicycle.

How to get there

How do you get to the river island of Koh Thepho? The best way to explore Koh Thepho is by bicycle.