Itinerary - South Thailand

The Perfect Balance Of Activity And Relaxation

Day 1: Arrive Bangkok

The Southern Thailand cycling tour with redspokes commences in Bangkok. Upon your arrival, you will be transferred to our designated joining hotel. An introductory group meeting is scheduled for this evening, followed by an opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere and dazzling lights of the Thai capital city.

Accommodation: Hotel

Day 2: Bangkok city tour by bicycle

This morning we take a city bicycle tour of Bangkok. Navigating back alleys, we sidestep the hustle of traffic to uncover the historic core of the city. A highlight of our journey is a pause to explore the breathtaking Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun), a majestic structure that rises above the Chao Phraya River, adorned with intricate facades.

Known as "The River of Kings," the Chao Phraya River serves as the lifeblood of Bangkok. Our route along its banks and the network of canals branching out offers a unique glimpse into the daily lives of the locals. While some tourists opt for longtail boat tours, we witness thousands of people relying on ferries for their city commute. Slow-moving barges transport cargo, and at the water's edge, children engage in playful activities. Wooden dwellings, juxtaposed with towering skyscraper hotels, temples, churches, and European architecture, create a fascinating tapestry of urban life.

As the tour concludes before lunch, you have the freedom to spend the remainder of your day exploring shops and landmarks or simply immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of local street restaurants and charming cafes, savoring the delectable cuisine on offer.

Accommodation: Hotel (B)

Day 3: Bangkok - Hua Hin - Sam Roi Yot - Kui Buri

We start the day with a 3.5-hour transfer (depending on traffic) to our cycling start point at a local temple south of the bustling beach town of Hua Hin. Our route begins on gently rolling terrain, riding along minor paved roads lined with pineapple plantations for the first 15 km. Upon reaching the Gulf of Thailand coast, we are then accompanied by blissful scenes of Pacific waves, palm-fringed shores, and fishing boats bobbing in the bay.

Around the 30 km mark, we turn inland towards Sam Roi Yot, or in English, "Three Hundred Peaks"— a fitting name for this picturesque landscape of craggy, limestone massifs jutting out of coastal plains filled with an expansive patchwork of shrimp farms. Our ride concludes at a prominent headland for lunch, after which we take a quick boat ride and a 30-minute jungle trek to reach Phraya Nakhon Cave. This isn't just any old cave, but a deeply revered chamber housing a royal pavilion installed by one of Thailand's most beloved former kings. After trekking and boating back to our starting point, we transfer around 45 minutes to tonight's seaside accommodation in the district of Kui Buri.

Cycling Distance: 42km (26miles)
Total Climb: 230m (754ft)
Total Descent: 224m (734ft)
Accommodation: Hotel (B,L,D)

Day 4: Kui Buri - Coconut Farm - Baan Grood

Starting from the hotel, we head down the shore and quickly find ourselves on a secondary road that runs parallel to the historic railroad connecting Bangkok to the southern provinces. After around 25 km we are greeted, once again by the stunningly blue waters of the Gulf of Thailand and cycle around the twin bays of Prachuap Khiri Khan. After passing through the small coastal town of Klong Wan, at around 40 km, we make our way inland through coconut plantations which, from here on, become noticeably more prominent! We then have an unavoidable 10 km along the main road with a wide shoulder before again dipping onto quiet back roads that press up against the coastline. We end our ride at an organic coconut farm where we learn the process of growing and harvesting this energy-rich fruit so central to the lifeways of coastal Thailand. And, of course, trying some accompanied by a tasty local lunch. In the afternoon we transfer around 30-minutes to our lovely seaside resort on Baan Grood Beach, a quiet stretch of golden sands inviting us for some well-deserved relaxation!

Cycling Distance: 82km (51 miles)
Total Climb: 252m (826ft)
Total Descent: 256m (840ft)
Accommodation: Beach Resort (B,L,D)

Day 5: Baan Grood - Chumphon - Saphli

From Baan Grood, a 45-minute vehicle transfer brings us to the next province of our journey, Chumphon. Saddling up near a small beach, today’s ride follows predominantly well-paved secondary roads that wind through a seemingly endless world of coconut and palm oil plantations. The smooth asphalt and gentle terrain allow for a fast-paced journey if you wish, while also offering a chance to reflect on the immense scale of two of Thailand’s most lucrative agricultural products. After about 50 km, we reach Ao Bo Mao Bay, where we'll break for lunch at a beachside restaurant. We’ll then cross a bridge with scenic views of fishing boats before completing the final stretch to the beaches of Saphli, where we'll spend the night at a simple but cosy Thai-style retreat nestled in a lush estuary.

Cycling Distance: 70km (44 miles)
Total Climb: 272m (892ft)
Total Descent: 276m (905ft
Accommodation:  Beach Resort (B,L,D)

Day 6: Saphli - Pharadonphap Beach

Today is a shorter ride, with the aim of arriving at our next beach resort in time for lunch and a relaxing afternoon. For the first 20 km, we continue along the coast, crossing several scenic bridges that arch over estuaries and cycling past Pak Hat Beach, which is infamous as the landing place of the Japanese army during World War II. We then arc around the town of Pak Nam, situated at the mouth of the Tha Taphap River, before arriving at the shores of Pharadonphap Beach. Its name may be hard to pronounce, but translating to "brotherhood," it commemorates the signing of a peace treaty here between Thailand and Japan at the end of the Second World War. Today, the area remains a beautiful and peaceful location, tucked away from the usual touristy beaches that most international travelers flock to. We spend two nights here at an elegant seaside resort.

Cycling Distance: 37km (23 miles)
Total Climb: 380m (1,246ft)
Total Descent: 379m (1,243ft)
Accommodation: Beach Resort (B,L,D)

Day 7: Pharadonphap Beach - Rest Day

A well-deserved rest day. You can explore the local area by bike or enjoy a leisurely day on the long sandy beach. Whether lounging under the shade, exploring the local surroundings, or taking a dip in the clear blue waters, the rest day becomes a rejuvenating break – a chance to recharge our bodies and minds before we resume our cycling journey through this serene slice of Thai paradise.

There are many options for water sports such as snorkelling, diving and kayaking. You have the choice of dining in a variety of restaurants from traditional Thai to European cuisine.

Accommodation: Beach Resort(B)

Day 8: Pharadonphap Beach- Pak Tako

We take it up a notch today, cracking a century ride into the tour’s next southern province Surat Thani, though the terrain is very forgiving with predominantly flat, smoothly paved roads. From Pak Tako, the first 30 km are mostly inland before we are back on coastal roads, whizzing past maritime scenes of local boats and fishing contraptions dotted along the shore. A few kilometres of roads lined with palm trees and shrubs then bring us to Lamae Beach before heading back inland where, once again, oil palm and coconut plantations reign supreme. In the distance, towering karsts begin to appear above the plains and, by around 75 km, we are pressed right up against these jungle-clad massifs. After a dash through palm oil plantations we gradually return to the ocean, saddling off at the quiet Laem Sai Beach where we stay at a rustic yet cosy Thai-style resort.

Cycling Distance: 104km (65 miles)
Total Climb: 360m (1,181ft)
Total Descent: 351m (1,151ft)
Accommodation: Resort (B,L,D)

Day 9: Pak Tako - Laem Sai Beach

This is our last day of coastal cycling as we follow the Gulf of Thailand riding sometimes beachside, sometimes through small fishing villages, sometimes through rubber plantations and groves where trained monkeys clamber in the trees harvesting coconuts. Tonight we stay in a quiet beach side guest house.

Cycling Distance: 103km (64 miles)
Total Climb: 319m (1,046ft)
Total Descent: 320m (1,049ft)
Accommodation: Guest House (B,L,D)

Day 10: Laem Sai Beach - Chaiya - Cheow Lan Lake

Our route today marks an important milestone, transitioning from powdery white sands to dense green jungle as we head west across the peninsula towards Khao Sok National Park. We begin the day with a quick transfer to the ancient city of Chaiya, home to one of the south’s oldest Buddhist temples, dating back more than a millennium to a time when the Srivijaya kingdom ruled this region. From here, we transfer another 30 minutes to bypass some particularly busy roads on the outskirts of Surat Thani City. Once we get in the saddle, we are immediately immersed back into a rural landscape of rubber and palm oil plantations – the backbone of the region’s agriculture. We stop for a break at an intriguing cave temple at around 20 km before settling in for the remaining distance towards the edge of Khao Sok National Park, with its rugged, rainforest-covered mountains drawing ever nearer. Before rolling into the day’s hotel, we make a worthwhile detour to the top of an embankment overlooking Cheow Lan Lake, a massive human-made reservoir with karsts rising out of the emerald green waters.

Cycling Distance: 60km (37 miles)
Total Climb: 319m (1,046ft)
Total Descent: 320m (1,049ft)
Accommodation: Hotel (B,L,D)

Day 11: Cheow Lan Lake - Ko Yao Noi Island

Our final ride on the Thai mainlands leads us through picturesque villages and lush countryside, home to the world's oldest evergreen rainforest. The excitement builds and after 65 km, we'll take a short vehicle transfer to a pier where we'll trade our bikes for a ferry ride to Ko Yao Noi Island. Cruising across the Andaman Sea, we soak in the coastal views before arriving at Ko Yao Noi. From the small harbour, a brief ride takes us to our beachside resort, offering a perfect end to the day. The relaxed setting of the resort provides a welcome retreat, allowing us to unwind and enjoy the island's tranquil beauty after an exhilarating day of exploration.

Cycling Distance:  65km (40 miles)
Total Climb: 857m (2,811ft)
Total Descent: 882m (2,893ft)
Accommodation: Resort (B,L,D)

Day 12: Ko Yao Noi Island - Phuket

This morning we have a short but sweet ride on Koh Yao Noi, cycling across the hilly interior before a zip down the west coast to reach the pier to Phuket. Away from the beach resorts, the island is defined by rural southern Thai Muslim communities tending to rice paddies, rubber trees, coconut palms, and fisheries. After crossing to Phuket by boat, we'll get back in the saddle for the tour’s final ride. We'll explore the island’s quiet northeast, where rubber plantations and craggy headlands line our route. We'll conclude with a local lunch and then transfer to our resort on Phuket’s lively west coast. The afternoon is free for relaxing before we meet for a farewell dinner.

Cycling Distance: 42km (26 miles)
Total Climb: 892m (2926ft)
Total Descent: 893m (2930ft)
Accommodation: Hotel (B,L,D)

Day 13: Phuket - Home 

The redspokes South Thailand cycling tour wraps up today with a transfer to Phuket International Airport, signaling the end of our incredible journey through the stunning landscapes of southern Thailand.

(B)