South of the capital, Bangkok, Thailand extends for hundreds of kilometres along the Thai-Malay Peninsula, with the Gulf of Thailand to the east and the Andaman Sea to the west. Covering a total distance of around 810 kilometres and crossing from the east side to the west side of the peninsula, this classic road tour traverses traditional rural areas, with many quaint little villages, colourful Buddhist temples and several attractive national park areas. Well away from the main tourist areas, the roads are well maintained and generally flat and fast with some undulating hills thrown into the mix. This is your chance to get to know the locals, wiggle your toes in Thailand's warm sand and absorb a slower pace of life. ROAD CYCLING. Starting out in Petchaburi, after a short transfer from Bangkok, the total distance of this tour is 810 kilometres which we complete in 8 days of cycling. These distances will be readily achievable by any regular weekend road cyclist. Furthermore, the trip is fully vehicle supported and your guide's expert knowledge of the area means that you always know what is coming up in terms of distance and difficulty. This makes a tremendous difference, as does the constant supply of cold drinks, ice and fresh fruit. Stage 1 on the east coast takes us along mostly well-paved secondary roads that hug the coast or pass through agricultural areas, including coconut groves and rubber and oil palm plantations. Occasionally, we also veer onto narrow country lanes where potholes, road debris, and patches of gravel can be common. There are a few sections on busier main roads, especially near towns and popular attractions. On day 7 and 8 as we cross to the west coast we ride long sections on the shoulder of excellently paved main provincial roads, which can be busier in more populated areas but become noticeably quieter as we enter more rural regions. BIKE HIRE AVAILABLE LOCALLY. No other UK operator offers a road cycling holiday in Thailand, with its palm-fringed roads, superb cuisine, beach-side accommodation and refreshing end-of-day swimming potential.
Meet at the group hotel in Bangkok.
D1
Transfer to Petchaburi. Ride through rural Thailand to the beach resort of Hua Hin.
D2
Cycle under the limestone peaks of Sam Roi Yot National Park to Prachuap Khiri Khan.
D2
Coastal ride to the serene beach at Baan Grood. Afternoon to chill out and watch the surf.
Free day in Ban Krut to kick back and enjoy Thai beach life.
D3
Cycle on coastal roads to the Chumpon.
D3
Cross the Isthmus of Kra and ride jungle clad mountains to the spa town of Ranon.
D2
A superb day of undulating rural riding to Suk Samran.
D3
Cycle through rubber plantations to the beautiful beach town of Khao Lak.
D3
Ride on to Phuket Island via Natai Beach to our accommodation at Nai Yang Beach.
Your holiday ends after breakfast. Take a taxi to Phuket Airport for departure.
Hotel