Khao Yai Da is not a name most people will be familiar with, although anyone who has been to Koh Samet is likely to have seen the hills behind the pier, which is the location for this great downhill track.
This is a highly technical course not suitable for beginners, unless you want to spend much of the time pushing around jumps, steep drops and large boulders, skilled mountain bikers can complete it in just 3 minutes, the standard rider in around 10 minutes.
The trail starts by a small pond which is good for parking cars and there is also a small shelter. A steep descent will take you along a road on course for the Channel 5 and Channel 3 TV masts on the top of the hills. Follow the road to the right when you reach a junction, which is signposted for Channel 3 and you are soon at the start of the trail.
Riders are greeted with a huge jump at the start of the trail, around 8ft in height you will need to clear a dried up stream bed to clear the other side - about 3metres in width, should you land this then a sharp turn is required unless you want to disappear into the jungle!
There are several other large jumps to navigate through the jungle, eventually you will come out near the pond by the car park. The gradient remains steep throughout. Although well known amongst cycling enthusiasts in Rayong, chances are you will have the place to yourself giving you a chance to brush up on your cycling skills!
For more information on cycling in Thailand please visit Action Sport Asia.
