Coastal Thailand

Overview

This exotic cycling adventure will provide a unique insight into the life and traditions of Thais and the beautiful southern coast. Long stretches of beaches, the beautiful island of Ko Talu, and scenic areas around Koh Kho Khao and Khao Lak are highlights. The tour begins in mystical Bangkok, capital of Thailand, and then heads south through the beautiful coastal provinces on the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea, ending on the coast in Khao Lak, where the beaches are seemingly endless. The emphasis on this bike tour is Thailand’s history, culture, scenery, and, of course, the beautiful coastline. The tour begins in mystical Bangkok, capital of Thailand, and then heads south through the beautiful coastal provinces on the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea, ending on the coast in Khao Lak, where the beaches are seemingly endless. The emphasis on this bike tour is Thailand’s history, culture, scenery, and, of course, the beautiful coastline. Day 1: Bangkok - Ampawa, 22 mi. (35 km) From Bangkok, the included transfer heads south to the Mae Klong Delta area. The cycling begins at Damnoen Nam Saduak floating market, the biggest and most colorful in Thailand. Embarkation on a long tail boat follows with a cruise through a maze of canals cutting through local villages and various plantations. This astonishing boat ride offers a glimpse of the Thailand of old where the canal is the focal point and way of life for the local people. Once back on the bikes, the route leads through coconut plantations and fruit orchards along quiet back roads. Stops will include interesting temples such as the quirky Wat Bang Kung, held up by a huge banyan tree, and the exceptional carved panels of Wat Bang Kae Noi. The night is spent in a traditional wooden Thai house by the river. (L,D) Sample accommodation: Amphawa Riverfront Hotel Elevation gain/loss: +140 m/-141m Day 2: Ampawa - Kaeng Krachan, 16 mi. (25 km) After a short transfer, the cycling begins in the Kaeng Krachan National Park on the edge of a large reservoir with lovely views and breezes. The route leads along the shoreline and then inland through a tranquil area. Accommodation this evening is in a secluded and landscaped resort beside the river. (B,L,D) Sample accommodation: Boathouse Paradise Elevation gain/loss: +434m/-397m Day 3: Kaeng Krachan - Hua Hin, 31 mi. (50 km) The morning cycling is on country roads through mango orchards, sugar cane fields, and palm plantations. Lunch will be at the Hua Hin Hills Vineyard where there will be wine tasting for those who want to sample Thai wine. Back roads lead then to Wat Huay Mongkol where a famous monk is revered. Overnight this evening is in the resort town of Hua Hin. (B,L,D) Sample accommodation: Putahracsa Hua Hin Elevation gain/loss: +395m/-382m Day 4: Hua Hin - Sam Roi Yot - Ban Krut, 31 mi. (50 km) You follow a flat route to Sam Roi Yot (300 Hundred Peaks) National Park, with its stunning mountainous backdrop, as well as numerous caves, beaches, and limestone cliffs. After a lunch by the sea, the climb up to Phraya Nakhon cave to visit the two caverns will be well worth it. An afternoon transfer will end the day in Ban Kurt, a lovely seaside resort. (B,L,D) Sample accommodation: Baan Grood Arcadia Resort Elevation gain/loss: +223m/-216m Day 5: Ban Krut - Ko Talu, 13 mi. (20 km) Optional ride south along the coast through fishing villages to Bang Saphan Noi. Here a speedboat will transfer to the private island of Koh Talu. The afternoon is free to snorkel and see the colorful coral and fish, to kayak around the island, or to clamber up to the viewpoint. (B,L,D) Sample accommodation: Koh Talu Island Resort Elevation gain/loss: +92m/-95m Day 6: Ko Talu - Chumphon, 19 mi. (30 km) Enjoy a morning swim and snorkeling before a boat transfer back to the mainland. The palm tree-lined route today is along white-sand beaches on one side and green lush hills on the other. As the sun sets this evening, there is an opportunity to board a local fishing boat to see how squid is caught! (B,L,D) Sample accommodation: Nana Beach Resort Elevation gain/loss: +143m/-139m Day 7: Chumpon - Ranong, 25 mi. (40 km) This day begins on the bikes with another coastal ride, however, the terrain will start to undulate, making it a bit different from earlier rides. Overnight is at the port city of Ranong which is also on the border with Burma. A visit to a coffee plantation is on the agenda as well a visit to orchards that produce long-gong and langsa which are small, sweet, and sour fruits grown only in the South of Thailand. Before continuing to the overnight port city of Ranong, there will be a stop at a waterfall for a refreshing dip. (B,L,D) Sample accommodation: Numsai Khaosuay Resort Elevation gain/loss: +224m/-178m Day 8: Ranong - Suk Samran, 13 mi. (20 km) A morning visit to the local hot springs (three springs with temperatures at a constant 65°) is on the agenda before a drive to the next Thai experience at a village accessible only by boat. Local customs and traditions are experienced by spending the afternoon with a local family and participating in a memorable dinner before heading back to the mainland in the late evening. (B,L,D) Sample accommodation: I-In Resort Elevation gain/loss: +317m/-267m Day 9: Suk Samran - Takua Pa, 16 mi. (25 km) A short transfer will be provided to the old city of Takua Pa, once a flourishing and wealthy trade port. A leisurely cycle through the town is scheduled, followed by a ride to visit the beachside Tsunami Memorial at Ban Nam Khem. There will be ample time to enjoy the beach, pool, or spa at the seaside resort. (B,L,D) Sample accommodation: Thai Life Resort Elevation gain/loss: +133m/-133m Day 10: Takua Pa - Khao Lak, 25 mi. (40 km) Heading inland on quiet back roads, through small villages, and past rubber plantations, the destination is the small waterfall of Sai Rung, a perfect spot for cooling off before lunch. Then it's a short cycle to the beachfront bungalows for the evening. A farewell dinner is scheduled, which is always a highlight as all the experiences are recounted! (B,L,D) Sample accommodation: Apsara Beachfront Resort & Villa Elevation gain/loss: +313m/-309m Day 11: Khao Lak, departure Departure after breakfast. Transfer from Khao Lak to Phuket Airport (can be arranged on request) or extend your stay in Khao Lak. (B) A wonderful mix of local homes, beachside resorts, and luxurious lodges. On each day’s itinerary, you will find the preferred accommodation listed. If for any reason, a change is necessary due to availability or other circumstance, the alternative will always be of the same standard or better. Hybrid Bike Dual Sports 3 Gen 5: Alpha Gold Aluminum frame with internal cable routing, rack and fender mounts, post-mount disc, kickstand mount, and 135×5 mm quick release Shimano CUES U6000 shifters with optical gear display, 10-speed No front derailleur Shimano CUES U6000 GS rear derailleur Prowheel alloy crankset with 40T narrow-wide ring Shimano CUES LG300 LINKGLIDE cassette, 11–48, 10-speed Shimano hydraulic disc brakes with MT201 levers and UR300 calipers Bontrager Comp Lowriser alloy handlebars Bontrager Elite stem, 31.8 mm, Blendr compatible, 7° Bontrager alloy seatpost, 27.2 mm, 12 mm offset, 330 mm length Bontrager H1 saddle Bontrager Kovee double-wall rims Bontrager GR0 Elite tires, wire bead, puncture protection, 60 tpi, 650×50 mm In sizes XS, S, M, L, XL Pedals not included Electric Bike Giant Explore E+3: ALUXX SL aluminum frame with Overdrive head tube and integrated KS18 kickstand mount Shimano SL-M2000 shifters No front derailleur Shimano Deore rear derailleur Forged alloy crankset with minimal Q-factor and 42T chainring Shimano CS-HG201 cassette, 11–36T, 9-speed Shimano BR-MT200 hydraulic disc brakes with 180 mm rotors Giant Connect XC Riser handlebars Giant Connect stem Giant 30.9 mm forged aluminum seatpost with 2-bolt micro-adjust Giant Contact Comfort upright saddle Giant eX 2 aluminum rims, tubeless ready, 700c, e-bike optimized Giant Crosscut Gravel 2 tires, 700×45c, tubeless ready In sizes S, M, L, XL Pedals not included Accommodations for 10 nights Meals as per the itinerary (B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner) Fruit, healthy snacks, water, & electrolyte drinks during the rides English-speaking tour guide (two guides if the group is larger than 9) 24 to 27-speed Trek hybrid bike Support vehicle Complimentary water bottle and bike jersey Transfer to/from the airport Alcoholic drinks Visa fees Gratuities Bike Protection Travel Insurance (proof of insurance will be required) Rates are per person, based on double occupancy Tour prices are based on the fuel costs at time prices are set, often months or years in advance. In rare cases, additional fees may apply for fuel cost increases. Information to read before you book We recommend purchasing trip insurance † Currency exchange rate set 90 days before travel Please see our FAQ This is a fully supported and guided tour that covers 325 kilometers in ten cycling days on a mixture of tarmac and dirt roads, mostly on flat terrain. You can expect a fairly gentle ride each day with none of the distances being overly long. There are a few small hills and some dirt trails, but these can be tackled by anyone with even a moderate amount of fitness. The emphasis on this tour is Thailand’s history, culture, and scenery, all off the beaten track. An air-conditioned support bus travels behind the group to support us, and participants can cycle as much or as little as they like and still enjoy the same views as the rest of the group. Fly into Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) - Bangkok's main international airport. Depart from Phuket International Airport (HKT). Take a taxi to/from the start/finish points. The tour starts in Bangkok and ends in Khao Lak. Southern Thailand has a tropical climate with fairly high humidity. There are three seasons: from March to June it is hot and dry, with temperatures between 27 C (80 F) and 35 C (95 F), with night temperatures in the 20s (68 F). The rainy season is from July to October, but temperatures are slightly lower, because of the effect of the rain. During this time it will not rain continuously, but in sharp bursts, and the sun can come out quickly. The cooler season is from October to February, with average temperatures between 20 C (68 F) and 30 C (86 F). This trip is fully supported. An air-conditioned support bus follows the group and riders can skip the tougher sections. There are also optional rides scheduled. Wearing a helmet is required and is non-negotiable. If you do not wear a helmet you will not be allowed to cycle. Your tour leader is trained in first aid and emergency rescue, but to a large degree, you are responsible for your own safety while riding. You will be required to provide proof of travel insurance. All nationalities require a passport for entry into Thailand. Please ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your stay in the country. If staying less than 30 days then a visa in advance is not required by European, North American, Australian, and many other nationalities. Please check this page to see if you qualify. You will need proof of an onward flight out of Thailand to be eligible for the visa on arrival. This is strictly enforced! It is your responsibility to research entry requirements and to secure the necessary documentation before travel. This tour is run by Spice Roads. We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide. We are not a broker. We do not inflate tour prices. We are simply travelers helping travelers.

Daily Ride Schedule

Accommodation & Services

Accommodation

Hotel

What's Included