Self-Guided Bangkok to Phuket Bike Tour
This 8 day tour invites you to explore Thailand in the most refreshing way, taking you along peaceful coastlines and through charming countryside where life moves slowly and beautifully. Every day introduces you to quiet beaches, warm-hearted villages and stunning natural spots that feel wonderfully untouched.
Most of your journey flows along smooth paved roads, with only a few light dirt stretches that add a gentle sense of adventure. Even the short sections on the main road feel safe and comfortable because of the wide shoulder.
The distances are easy to handle and the terrain is one of the flattest in Thailand, giving you the freedom to enjoy long, scenic rides without strain. You will make frequent stops that let you rest, breathe and truly take in the landscapes around you.
Suitability: This tour is best for travellers with moderate to good fitness who enjoy active days and the freedom of self-guided travel. It is perfect for those who love exploring at their own pace, knowing that help is always just a phone call away.
Self-Guided
casual hotels
Pranburi
Phuket
moderate
74 km / 46 mi
8
Min. 2, Max. 12
Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK)
Phuket International Airport (HKT)
Highlights

Phraya Nakhon Cave & the Royal Pavilion
A rare natural wonder where sunlight pours through a cave ceiling onto a majestic royal pavilion, creating an unforgettable golden glow.

Khao Sok National Park
Experience one of Thailand’s most dramatic landscapes, with emerald lakes, towering limestone cliffs, and dense rainforest all around you.

Phang Nga Bay & James Bond Island Views
Ride along a world-famous bay known for its quiet waters and striking limestone karsts rising straight from the sea. The route offers cinematic scenery, including glimpses of the area featured in the James Bond films.
Itinerary
Brief Itinerary
Meals are indicated as B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner.
Listed hotels are subject to availability and may be replaced with similar alternatives of equal standard.
| Day | Place | casual Inns | Meals | Distance | Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DAY 1 | Sam Roi Yot | Hotel La Isla Pranburi (4-star) | 33 km / 21 mi | cycling | |
| DAY 2 | Prachuap Khiri Khan | YenYen Guesthouse | B | 73 km / 45 mi | cycling |
| DAY 3 | Baan Grood | Baan Grood Arcadia Beach Resort | B | 68 km / 42 mi | cycling |
| DAY 4 | Bang Saphan | Bansaithong Beach Resort (4-star) | B | 64 km / 40 mi | cycling |
| DAY 5 | Chumphon | Chumphon Cabana Resort (4-star) | B | 84 km / 52 mi | cycling |
| DAY 6 | Khao Sok National Park | Baandin Chiewlarn Resort | B | 65 km / 40 mi | cycling |
| DAY 7 | Phang Nga | Phang Nga Origin Hotel | B | 92 km / 57 mi | cycling |
| DAY 8 | Departure | B | 111 km / 69 mi | cycling |
Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Sam Roi Yot
Your day begins mid-morning at your hotel in Bangkok. You will receive a friendly briefing that covers the basic dos and don’ts, important road safety guidance, and an introduction to your equipment and the navigation app. After that, you will be ready to start a memorable journey.
On the way, you can enjoy a relaxed lunch break or choose to have a late lunch by the beach when you reach your destination. Your first ride takes you through the peaceful coastal town of Pranburi and continues toward Sam Roi Yot, where your accommodation for the night is located.
If you feel like exploring a bit more, you can take a short detour to enjoy a beautiful optional boat ride through the lotus marshes nearby. Otherwise, you can head straight to your seaside resort and settle in comfortably.
Take some time to rest and enjoy the calming surroundings. Your trip has begun in the best way.
Elevation Gain: 70m

Day 2: Prachuap Khiri Khan
Your morning begins with a hearty breakfast before you set off toward the breathtaking Sam Roi Yot National Park, a landscape shaped by dramatic limestone peaks and shimmering lotus-filled marshes. The road starts with a steep climb, but your warm and welcoming hosts are always ready to give you a quick lift if needed.
A little ahead, the coast greets you, and from there you either take a scenic boat ride or hike your way to the legendary Phraya Nakhon Cave. Standing inside this majestic cavern, with the royal pavilion glowing under the sun’s first rays, feels like stepping into a hidden world.
Once back on your bikes, you can stop for a delicious local lunch or ride a bit further through quiet village lanes before returning to the seaside. The route opens into farmland, a gentle dirt path, and then a short stretch of smooth main road, all leading you to the serene cliffside temple of Ao Noi, where the cool cave air feels like nature’s reward.
Your journey continues to the tranquil town of Prachuap Khiri Khan. If your energy allows, climb up Monkey Mountain (Khao Chong Krachok) for panoramic views and a visit to the temple that houses Buddha’s sacred footprint. From there, your cozy guesthouse is just a few minutes away, perfect for ending the day on a peaceful note.
Elevation Gain: 210m

Day 3: Baan Grood
You begin your day with a wonderful seaside breakfast, watching the fishermen return with the morning catch as the waves gently roll in. Soon after, you start riding along quiet coastal stretches and scenic backroads that weave through endless coconut plantations. It’s a slow, soothing journey meant to be enjoyed moment by moment.
Your route leads you to a peaceful beachfront resort where you can unwind, listen to the rhythm of the ocean, or stroll through the nearby fishing village to observe the delicate art of repairing nets. As the day softens into evening, you absolutely shouldn’t miss a visit to Wat Tang Sai, a magnificent hilltop temple overlooking the beach. Built to honor King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s 50th year on the throne, it stands as one of Thailand’s most stunning sunset viewpoints.
You can choose between two routes today: a relaxed 73 km coastal ride with gentle climbs, or a shorter 62 km route that’s quicker but includes a slightly steeper ascent. Pick the one that matches your mood and energy for the day!
Elevation Gain: 320 m (option for 62 km with 420 m ascent)

Day 4: Bang Saphan
You begin your morning cycling under rows of tall coconut trees as the sun slowly rises, casting a warm glow over the Royal Coast Road. As you continue, the coconut groves gradually transition into long stretches of pine trees, creating a refreshing and almost dreamy change of scenery. With the sparkling sea on your left and peaceful farmland on your right, the ride feels calm and beautifully balanced.
Your afternoon ride is easy and partly shaded, giving you plenty of time to pause at the striking red cliffs, known for the rich soil used in local tie-and-dye crafts. After soaking in the views, you make your way to your seaside hotel, where the pool is waiting for a relaxing dip.
Elevation Gain: 270m

Day 5: Chumphon
You start the morning by leaving the Royal Coast Road and venturing onto a quieter, untouched stretch of dirt roads. The path winds through peaceful rubber plantations and tall palm forests, giving you a gentle and immersive ride through nature. Eventually you reach the hilltop Kaeo Prasert Temple, where sweeping views of the distant peaks make the climb completely worth it.
If you prefer to skip the temple, you can stay on the smaller backroads, this alternate path avoids the main road entirely and still offers a smooth, peaceful ride with almost no traffic. From here, you continue toward the tranquil fishing village of Ao Thungmaha and then pedal across rolling hills until you reach your seaside lunch stop, the perfect place to enjoy fresh local specialties.
The final stretch leads you through the serene countryside on quiet roads, taking you all the way to your riverside resort for a restful night surrounded by calm water and greenery.
Elevation Gain: 440m

Day 6: Khao Sok National Park
You begin your morning by leaving Thung Wua Laen Beach, following a beautiful coastal stretch before turning inland onto peaceful backroads that circle the edges of Chumphon. As you ride, the countryside slowly comes alive like local markets open, vendors set up their stalls, and you get a real glimpse of rural Thai life waking up for the day.
Your route leads you to Sawi, where you visit the serene and little-known Wat Khao Chedi Wisai Tri Rattanaram, a hilltop temple cherished by the local community. After the visit, you board your support vehicle for a scenic transfer west toward the legendary Khao Sok National Park. This region is known for its emerald lake, dramatic limestone cliffs, dense rainforest, and some of Thailand’s most awe-inspiring landscapes.
If time is on your side, you can choose to hop on a peaceful late-afternoon boat ride to experience the stillness and beauty of the lake as the sun begins to set.
Elevation Gain: 260m

Day 7: Phang Nga
You begin your morning by leaving Khao Sok and cycling onto peaceful backroads lined with rubber plantations and endless palm trees. The route quickly becomes a rider’s delight with rolling hills, mostly smooth tarmac, and dense jungle stretching out in every direction. With very few villages or food stops along the way, the ride carries a quiet sense of adventure even though you are not far from Phuket.
Your journey continues until you reach Wat Bang Riang, a stunning hilltop temple that offers wide panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The temple is especially famous for its grand chedi called Phra Mahathat Chedi Phutthathambanlue, which contains sacred Buddha relics. After spending time here, you ride the final section of the day which includes a challenging climb followed by a beautiful descent that brings you to your charming accommodation for the night.
Elevation Gain: 480m
Day 8: Departure
This is the final day of your cycling adventure, and you can either start riding directly from your hotel or take a short transfer to the ideal starting point. The route leads you across the beautiful Phang Nga Bay, a true paradise for cyclists with calm waters below and dramatic limestone formations rising all around you. The scenery looks straight out of a movie, and you may even catch a distant glimpse of the famous “James Bond Island.”
From here, you continue toward the bridge that connects the mainland to the island of Phuket. Once you cross it, the sense of achievement truly sets in. Only a few gentle kilometers remain before you reach your hotel, where you can celebrate your journey and relax with a well-earned drink in hand.
Elevation Gain: 800 to 1,050 m
Ready to plan your adventure? Download a print-ready detailed itinerary.
Map
Dates and Prices
Book with Confidence: For scheduled group departures, your 20% deposit is fully refundable until 60 days before departure. Solo travellers booking 120+ days in advance can avoid a mandatory Single Supplement. See terms & conditions.
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Essential Info
Inclusions
LODGING
All hotels as mentioned in the tour details or similar (subject to availability).
bike
Immaculately maintained bike with helmet, suited to a terrain.
Luggage Transfer
Transportation of luggage from one hotel to another.
meals
Meals as per itinerary. Guests are given the opportunity to dine on their own so that they discover a location independently.
Exclusions
Airport pickup
We recommend to book direclty from airport.
Airport drop
We recommend to book direclty from your last hotel.
Beverages
Beverages such as alcohol, tea, coffee, juice at a hotel or restaurant.
Gratuity
Gratuities for your guide team are not included in the trip price.
Bikes
A great ride begins with a great bike. Our tours typically include the models listed below, though in some cases—due to height or availability constraints—we may provide an equivalent alternative.

Trek FX2 or similar
Included in your trip price

Trek Dual Sport 2 or similar
Included in your trip price

Giant Escape 2 or similar
Included in your trip price

Triban 105 or similar
Included in your trip price
Arrival & Departure Details
Arrival
Your journey begins in Bangkok, where you arrive independently at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) or Don Mueang Airport (DMK). From the airport, you can easily take a metered taxi, Grab car, or private transfer directly to your hotel in Bangkok. Because this is a self-guided tour, there is no central meeting point; you simply check into your hotel, rest, and prepare for your adventure.
On the morning of Day 1, your cycling equipment, navigation app, and bikes are delivered to you at your hotel, and once your luggage is loaded into the support vehicle, you begin a mid-morning road transfer straight to Pranburi, the official start point of the route. Your cycling trip truly begins once you reach Pranburi and start your first short ride toward Sam Roi Yot, leading you to your seaside accommodation for the night.
Departure
Your final riding day ends on the island of Phuket, after crossing the iconic Phang Nga Bay bridge. Once the ride finishes and you check into your Phuket hotel, your tour officially comes to a close. From here, getting to the airport is easy, as Phuket International Airport (HKT) is well connected with taxis, airport shuttles, and Grab cars readily available. You simply choose the time that suits your onward travel plans and depart directly from your hotel to the airport. No group transfers or scheduled departures are required, keeping the journey flexible and completely self-guided.
Weather
This 8-day Thailand cycling tour is best enjoyed from November to February, when the weather is pleasantly mild with clear skies, gentle sunshine and cool sea breezes. During these ideal travel months, temperatures remain comfortable:
November stays around 23°C to 30°C, December around 22°C to 29°C, January around 22°C to 30°C, and February around 23°C to 31°C, creating perfect conditions for long, enjoyable rides.
From March to May, the region becomes hotter, with temperatures rising to 25°C to 34°C, and humidity gradually increasing. Cycling is still possible but requires earlier starts and more hydration.
The period from June to October brings the monsoon season, with temperatures between 24°C to 32°C and frequent rain showers. While the landscapes are lush and vibrant during this time, the wetter conditions may affect comfort and visibility on the road.
Overall, the tour can be done throughout the year, but November to February offers the smoothest, most scenic, and most enjoyable cycling experience along Thailand’s coastline.
January
Best
February
Best
March
Best
April
Good
May
Good
June
Mixed
July
Mixed
August
Mixed
September
Mixed
October
Offseason
November
Best
December
Best
Best
Good
Mixed
Offseason
What to Pack
Packing smart is essential for a safe and enjoyable cycling adventure. From essential biking gear to clothing and travel necessities, this guide ensures you're prepared for any terrain or climate.
Recommended Bicycling Clothes & Gear
- Bicycling shoes or stiff-soled sneakers.
- Padded cycling shorts.
- Short-fingered cycling gloves (personal gloves are ideal).
- Brightly colored cycling jerseys or synthetic T-shirts for visibility.
- Synthetic cycling socks.
- Sunglasses with UV protection.
- Personal helmet (recommended even though provided).
- Personal saddle (optional for added comfort).
- Rain jacket or windbreaker.
- Cycling water bottle (to reduce plastic waste).
Note: Helmets, gloves, and water bottles are personal items, so bringing your own is recommended for maximum comfort and hygiene.
Clothing
- Light, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen.
- Full-sleeved clothing for sun protection.
- Warm layers for chilly mornings and evenings (if traveling in winter).
- Comfortable footwear for non-cycling time.
- Bring a compact rain jacket in case of sudden weather changes.
- Ethnic or modest clothing for exploring towns and temples.
Other Necessities
- Toiletries: Basic hygiene essentials, including insect/mosquito repellent and sunscreen.
- Hand sanitizer and wet wipes.
- Plug socket adaptor.
- Binoculars for wildlife spotting or desert landscapes.
Pro Tips
- Pack light but plan for the varying temperatures: warm days, chilly evenings, and desert winds.
- Use brightly colored clothing for visibility on roads.
- Pack light to leave room for shopping.
Luggage
Please limit your luggage to one medium-sized suitcase and one carry-on bag. Mark your luggage with your name, address, and phone number.
Visa Information
Before venturing on your adventure, make sure you're equipped with essential travel advice, including security updates, local laws, and crucial passport and visa information. Start by visiting the official government website of your home country for accurate and reliable guidance:
- UK Residents: Stay informed by reviewing the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice.
- US Residents: Access vital travel tips and updates through the US Department of State Travel Advice.
- Australian Residents: Plan ahead with the latest updates on the Smart Traveller website.
- Canadian Residents: Find comprehensive travel and visa guidance on the Government of Canada's Travel Advice and Advisories.
- New Zealand Residents: Get practical travel advice on the New Zealand SafeTravel website
- Residents of Other Countries: Check with your government or local consulate for tailored travel advice and requirements.
Note: Passport and visa regulations can change at any time. Stay proactive by checking for the latest updates to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey.
Insurance
Medical insurance that covers medical costs in case of an accident during the trip is mandatory to participate in our tours.
We recommend to purchase adequate travel insurance in order to participate in our tours and protect yourself from unforeseen events. Our experience shows that guests who purchase travel insurance—including coverage for all activities on the itinerary, trip cancellation, interruption, delay, baggage damage, loss or theft, personal accident, death and repatriation costs, medical and emergency expenses (including Covid-19), and personal liability—travel with greater peace of mind.
Is proof of medical insurance required?
Yes. You must provide your insurer's name, policy number, and emergency contact via our reservation form. This is mandatory. If you cannot provide proof, you’ll need to purchase insurance before traveling with us.
Can I use my credit card insurance?
Yes, as long as it meets our requirements and provides adequate coverage. Ensure you have an emergency contact number and policy number available.
When should I buy travel insurance?
Purchase travel insurance as soon as you've paid in full or booked your flights.
Does Art of Bicycle Trips sell travel insurance?
We do not sell travel insurance directly, as we believe our customers should have the freedom to choose a policy that best suits their needs. However, we recommend Insured Nomads as a great starting point.
Frequently Asked Questions
A guided bike tour includes a professional local guide who rides with you throughout the trip. The guide handles navigation, manages daily logistics, ensures safety, and shares cultural insights. In addition to the guide, you also have a support vehicle that transfers luggage, provides water/snacks, and offers on-route assistance or a lift whenever needed. You simply follow the guide and enjoy a fully supported experience.
Your guides are local cycling experts, fluent in English, with deep knowledge of the region’s history, culture, and food.
On our guided tours, we ensure you begin your ride feeling comfortable and well-supported. Your guide and local team play an active role in getting your bike properly set up.
Before Your Tour
When you book, we ask for your height. This allows our local partners to select the correct frame size and prepare the bike in advance so it’s close to your ideal fit when you arrive.
At the Start of the Tour
You’ll receive a full in-person bike fitting with your guide or local representative. This typically includes:
- Adjusting saddle height
- Moving the saddle fore–aft (small adjustments to move the saddle forward or back for better balance and comfort)
- Fine-tuning handlebar height and reach (where adjustable)
- Confirming pedal preference — flat pedals are provided by default. If you bring your own clip-in pedals, our guide will help install and adjust them
- A short test ride to check comfort
Your guide will ensure everything feels right before the tour begins.
During the Tour
Throughout the trip, your guide will make additional adjustments whenever needed. This is especially helpful if you discover new comfort preferences after a few hours of riding.
What to Expect
Our guided tour bike fitting is hands-on, comfort-focused, and practical, ensuring you ride safely and enjoyably each day. It’s not a detailed workshop-level fit, but it covers all essential adjustments for multi-day touring.
Our support vehicle is always close by to make your ride worry-free. It carries your luggage, water, snacks, and spare parts, and is there if you need a quick lift or just want to rest for a while. You’ll see it at regular intervals along the route and during meal or refreshment stops. The vehicle is also used for scheduled transfers and to ensure safety and comfort along the route.
For guided tours, we do not provide GPX files separately, as navigation is handled by your guide. On certain occasions, if you prefer more independence, we may offer app-based navigation access with the daily routes loaded. However, please understand that this may not always be possible and depends on the specific tour setup.
Airport transfers are not included unless specifically mentioned in your trip inclusions.
For airport pickup, we recommend booking directly from the airport upon arrival — most airports have reliable taxi, shuttle, or app-based options.
For airport drop, please book a transfer through your last hotel — they can easily arrange it for you.
We focus on delivering exceptional experiences during your tour. For logistical simplicity and flexibility, we do not handle pre- or post-tour hotel bookings. However, we’re happy to share a list of recommended hotels near the starting and ending points of your trip so you can plan your stay independently.
The fitness level required for each trip is indicated by the "level" of the tour, which in turn is mentioned on each tour page right next to the price and the trip duration.
Easy: The terrain is mostly flat with a few gentle climbs.
Moderate: The terrain is either mostly flat or consists of rolling hills with a few challenging climbs. There could also be a few days with longer riding distances of up to 75 kms (45 miles)
Difficult: The terrain is mostly hilly with strong elevation gains and/or has long days on the bike. Such trips are recommended for intermediate to advanced cyclists.
Please note that we usually bike around 4-5 hours per day irrespective of the level of the trip.
Yes, your trip leader will carry bottled water or RO water in a camper in the support van for guests' use.
Yes, please communicate your dietary preferences to your trip leader and they'll ensure that the food you eat is spiced as per your requirements.
Yes — we do our best to accommodate all dietary requirements. Thailand offers a wide range of vegetarian-friendly dishes, and many restaurants can prepare meals without meat upon request. However, please note that fish sauce, oyster sauce, and shrimp paste are commonly used in Thai cooking, even in vegetable dishes. Vegan and gluten-free options may therefore require extra care and clear communication, especially in smaller towns and rural areas.
If you follow a strict vegan or gluten-free diet, we recommend carrying a few essential staples, as availability can vary by region.
Please inform your tour guide at the start of the tour, and we will make every effort to arrange suitable meals and assist you in finding appropriate items from local markets or grocery stores whenever possible.
We are happy to pass on your room preference for a twin or double setup, and our hotel partners do their best to accommodate these requests. However, room configurations are always subject to availability at each property.
On some of our trips—especially those that travel through remote regions or small boutique inns—room types may be limited. In such cases, despite our best efforts, you may need to stay in a double room instead of a twin, or twin instead of a double, depending on what is available.
Given the nature of our journeys and the unique places we visit, we kindly ask for your understanding and support if such adjustments are required.
We will always inform you in advance wherever possible and work closely with our partners to ensure the most comfortable arrangement for your stay.
The road surface is mostly good. 90% of the cycling on this bike tour happens on paved roads.
We've designed this itinerary such that most of the cycling happens on quieter countryside roads far from busy traffic. The shuttle transfers on this tour have been strategically planned to bypass busy vehicular traffic.
We are not medical advisors, and as such are not qualified to dispense medical advice. However, we recommend consulting the resources below for advice on vaccines and medications:
- CDC portal for travelers from the US
- NHS' Fit For Travel portal for travelers from the UK
- Smart Traveller portal or travelers from Australia.
In addition to the above, you may also refer to the travel advice issued from time to time by your government.
While your tour price covers most common expenses, a few meals are not included in the itinerary. This allows you the opportunity to dine independently and explore the local cuisine at your own pace. Your guides will be happy to provide recommendations if desired. As a general guideline, you can budget approximately US $100–200 per person for additional expenditures over the course of the trip.
Tips are not included in your tour price.
As a general rule, you may tip US$ 15-25 per person per day.
This figure is for the entire crew including the trip leader, the driver, and other support staff.
However, you are not obligated to tip, and you can always tip less or more than the above amount depending on the level of service you received on tour.
It is usually the norm to tip the tour guide, who then distributes the amount among the entire crew. However, you can also tip each individual member of the crew if you so desire.
In case you want to tip the staff at a hotel such as porters, you may pay them US $2-3 per day.
The meeting time on Day 1 is mentioned in your travel planner shared with you. You can arrive either on the morning of Day 1 depending on the meeting time, or book a pre-tour night to arrive a day earlier.
We don't have anything planned for the last day, so you are free to depart at your discretion.
Yes, you may wear riding shorts while riding your bike. When not cycling, it would be advisable to wear comfortable full-length pants. We recommend keeping a pair of comfortable pants handy in you support van.
When visiting temples and monuments, visitors should wear full-length, loose-fitting pants. Holy places of certain religions may also require covering your head. Your guide will inform of the dress etiquette required for visiting specific religious places.
You can exchange currency at the airport itself, or at ATMs in larger cities. Most commercial establishments will accept international credit cards for payments, though its good to carry some local currency with you at all times.
Farmers in northern Thailand and Laos typically burn crop residue from late-March to early-June. We do not recommend this as a good time to go cycling in northern Thailand and Laos.
This does not, however, impact the air quality in southern Thailand.
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