Itinerary - South Thailand

The Perfect Balance Of Activity And Relaxation

Day 1: Arrive Bangkok

redspokes Southern Thailand cycling tour begins in Bangkok. On arrival, you will be transferred to our joining hotel. There is a group meeting this evening and then time to experience the bright 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. Travelling on quiet back streets we avoid traffic and explore the historic heart of the city. We can make a stop to visit the famous 17th Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) one of Thailand's most recognised landmarks, with the largest bronze Buddha image in the country.

The tour is also an opportunity to experience the rhythms of everyday city life. At the heart of Bangkok is Chao Phraya River, the 'River of Kings' and a network of waterways. Whilst tourists take tours by long tail boats, thousands of people still use ferries to get around the city. Slow barges transport cargo and children play at the water's edge. You will see humble wooden dwellings perched along the river bank, as well as sky scraper hotels, temples, churches and European architecture all within close proximity.

Later today there will be time for shopping and sightseeing, or you can or simply enjoy the atmosphere and the delicious food of the local street restaurants and little cafés.

Accommodation: Hotel (B)

Day 3: Bangkok - Pretchuapp Khiri Khan

This morning we transfer by vehicle to Pretchuapp Khiri Khan. This is a friendly town with a night market and a few bars. This afternoon we'll transfer to the outskirts of Hua Hin and begin cycling, following a coastal path as we ride through fishing villages, passing temples and coconut plantations.

After about 30km we will reach Khao Kalok (Skull Mountain), a white sand beach set against a hill with a rock formation resembling a human skull that separates one bay from another. You can walk up to the hill top for splendid views of the area.  We ride on back to Pretchuapp Khiri Khan.  Brightly painted fishing boats bob in the waters of the natural harbour set amidst soaring limestone formations. This evening you can wander along the water front promenade where seafood is sold at waterside stalls lit by colourful lanterns.

Cycling Distance: Short optional ride
Accommodation: Guest House (B,L,D)

Day 4: Pretchuapp Khiri Khan - Ban Krut

This morning we set off again on the bikes discovering more of the South Thailand coastal cycling route. Shortly after leaving Pretchuapp Khiri Khan we visit a lovely cove located in an air base, where we can stop for a dip in the sea. Cycling on we follow a mix of sealed roads and hard packed dirt trails as we ride on winding our way through coconut and palm plantations.

Ban Krut is a small beach town with teak wood houses and a sea front road where you will find a cluster of restaurants and shops. It is a popular weekend getaway for Bangkok families. This evening you can stroll along the seemingly endless sandy beach or take it easy looking out at a warm azure sea right next to our beachside accommodation.

Cycling Distance: 71km (44 miles)
Accommodation: Guest House (B,L,D)

Day 5: Ban Krut - Bang Berd

We have time to relax on the beach this morning before setting off for a gentle 57km ride, cycling along a beautiful coastal route. The sea views are never far away. Tonight we will stay in accommodation located in front of the beach in the little fishing village of Bang Berd. Much of the bay of Bang Berd is tree-lined, unspoiled sandy beach. A distinctive rock known as Bang Berd Mountain juts out of the sea at one end of the beach. 

Cycling Distance: 57km (36 miles)
Accommodation: Guest House (B,L,D)

Day 6: Bang Berd - Thung Wua Laen

Today as we set off cycling on well surfaced road. There are a few climbs and descents on our route and the road winds away from the coast in places. We cycle though pine forests, banana and rubber plantations and past sand dunes. We come across a large temple with a mix of Buddhist and Hindu statues around it. After time to have a look around, we continue cycling on quiet coastal road to reach Thung Wua Laen (Beach of the Running Bull) our stop for this evening. Thung Wua Laen is a small Thai style seaside town.

Cycling Distance: 73km (45 miles)
Accommodation: Guest House (B,L,D)

Day 7: Thung Wua Laen - Rest day

A well-deserved rest day. Thung Wua Laen town is nearby if you need to access a cashpoint or want to sample street food from the local stalls. You can explore the local area by bike or enjoy a leisurely day on the long sandy beach. 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: Guest House (B)

Day 8: Thung Wua Laen - Pak Nam Lang Suan

redspokes South Thailand cycle tour continues south along the Gulf of Thailand following road and track as we make our way riding along the path less travelled. Circumnavigating the provincial capital of Chumpon we cycle first on dirt road and then asphalt towards Pak Nam Lang Suan. Tonight's destination is a small Thai- style resort.

Cycling Distance: 93km (58 miles)
Accommodation: Guest House (B,L,D)

Day 9: Pak Nam Lang Suan - Chaiya 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: 90km (56 miles)
Accommodation: Guest House (B,L,D)

Day 10: Chaiya Beach - Ban Tha Khun

We leave the Gulf of Thailand behind us following a rural road winding through palm forests and rubber plantations with views of karst cliffs rising through the jungle. Our destination for tonight is near Rachabrapha Dam. This evening, if time allows, we can take a 20 minute drive to the Dam to watch the sun set over this stunning lake and have dinner at a local restaurant.

(The busy national highway is unavoidable for a short distance of 3km. But you can opt to transfer in the support vehicle.)

Cycling Distance: 102km (63 miles)
Accommodation: Guest House (B,L,D)

Day 11: Ban Tha Khun - Ko Yao Noi Island

This morning we have our final ride following coast again, before we depart the mainland and take a boat trip, sailing off through the karst cliffs to Ko Yao Noi Island. Just a short distance from one of Asia's premier tourist destinations this beautiful little island is remarkably quiet and unspoiled by tourism. From the small harbour we have a short ride to our beachside resort. This evening we can enjoy sundowners with stunning views of magical karst rocks jutting out of the sea. A spectacular end to a wonderful day's cycling and sailing.

Cycling Distance: 60km (37 miles)
Accommodation: Guest House (B,L,D)

Day 12: Ko Yao Noi Island - Phuket

Our island hop continues. We make a short ride to the harbour and take a one hour boat trip to Phuket. On arrival here we cycle across the island to our hotel. After a quick shower and change of clothes you can head down to Nai Yang beach for a splash in the sea and sunset drinks. Tonight you can enjoy some fine Thai cuisine with your feet in the sand to celebrate the end of our trip.

Cycling Distance: 67km (42 miles)
Accommodation: Hotel (B,L,D)

Day 13: Phuket - Home 

redspokes South Thailand cycling tour ends today.  You will be transferred to the Phuket International airport for your flight home.