14 days
From US $3,895
Southern Thailand: Bangkok to Phuket Bike Tour
Southern Thailand is synonymous with sun, sand, and Phuket.
We’ve designed our Bangkok to Phuket bike tour so that it takes you along Thailand’s southern coast from Bangkok and all the way down to famous Phuket.
Along the way we go off-the-touristy track and take, quite literally, the scenic route to Phuket. We bike through lush paddy fields, quaint fishing villages, and skirt the periphery of the Khao Sok National Park, recognized as one of the world's oldest rainforests.
We also explore numerous little known beaches that are arguably prettier and quieter than Thailand's more popular ones.
Bangkok | 17:00hrs
Phuket
casual hotels
moderate to challenging
65km or 40mi
11
BKK
HKT
Highlights
serene landscapes
Energize you mind, body and soul in the serene hills, springs, beaches and islands of South Thailand
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 | Bangkok | X2 Vibe Bangkok Sukhumvit Hotel | D | ||
| DAY 2 | Hua Hin | Bann Duangkeaw | B,L,D | 60km / 36mi | cycling |
| DAY 3 | Kui Buri | Kuiburi Hotel and Resort | B,L,D | 60km / 36mi | cycling |
| DAY 4 | Ban Krut | Baan Grood Arcadia Resort | B,L,D | 75km / 45mi | cycling |
| DAY 5 | Bang Saphan | Bansaithong Beach Resort | B,L,D | 50km / 30mi | cycling |
| DAY 6 | Saphli | Nana Beach Resort | B,L,D | 75km / 45mi | cycling |
| DAY 7 | Lang Suan | Ban Lae Resort | B,L,D | 75km / 45mi | cycling |
| DAY 8 | Surat Thani | Janthara Resort | B,L,D | 75km/45mi | cycling |
| DAY 9 | Cheow Larn Lake | Laguna Chiew Larn | B,L,D | 60km / 36mi | cycling |
| DAY 10 | Cheow Larn Lake | Laguna Chiew Larna | B,L,D | ||
| DAY 11 | Khao Sok National Park | Khao Sok River Lodge | B,L,D | 50km / 30mi | cycling |
| DAY 12 | Khao Lak | The Leaf on the Sands | B,L,D | 75km / 45mi | cycling |
| DAY 13 | Phuket | Nai Yang Beach Resort | B,L,D | 70km / 42mi | cycling |
| DAY 14 | Phuket | B |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Bangkok
Arrive in Bangkok and settle into your hotel. Plan your own day exploring some of Bangkok's classic highlights. Our guide meets you at 17:00 in the hotel lobby for a tour briefing. Tonight, we gather to celebrate the beginning of our incredible journey on a bike.
Day 2: Hua Hin
Begin your journey with a drive from Bangkok to the historic town of Phetchaburi, where you'll visit Wat Yai Suwannaram—an elegant temple known for its teak wood architecture and cultural significance. From here, hop on your bike and ride toward the coast, cycling past salt flats, aquaculture farms, and serene coastal scenery. The day winds down with a delightful seafood dinner by the shores of Cha Am Beach.
Day 3: Kui Buri
Today’s ride takes you through the stunning Yod Sam Roi Yot National Park, a landscape defined by dramatic limestone karst formations and coastal wetlands. Along the way, stop to explore hidden caves and soak in the natural beauty of the region. The day ends at a peaceful resort in Kui Buri, where you can unwind and reflect on the day’s adventure.
Day 4: Ban Krut
Ride along the scenic Gulf of Thailand, with sweeping views of the sea on one side and mountains on the other. En route, pass by unique swiftlet nest farms, known for producing the prized ingredient used in bird’s nest soup. Your journey concludes at a tranquil beachfront hotel in Baan Krut—perfect for a well-earned evening by the sea.
Day 5: Bang Saphan
Begin the day cycling along the serene sands of Baan Krut Beach, then continue through the coastal beauty of Ao Sayam National Park. The route winds past shrimp farms, tidal basins, and peaceful fishing communities. End the day at a quiet beachside resort in Bang Saphan, where the calm rhythm of the sea welcomes you.
Day 6: Saphli
Today’s ride follows a dedicated bike path along the scenic Royal Road through the narrow Kra Isthmus—Thailand’s slimmest stretch of land. Highlights along the way include a visit to the striking Red Cliffs, a dramatic natural formation overlooking the coast. Your day concludes in the quiet seaside town of Saphli, where you’ll settle in for the night.
Day 7: Lang Suan
Continue your journey along the Royal Road, with a visit to the Grand Sand Dune Park—an expansive coastal landscape shaped by wind and sea. The ride offers a peaceful rhythm through rural Thailand, weaving past mangroves, farmland, and lush palm orchards. Arrive in Lang Suan and wind down with a relaxing evening on the beach.
Day 8: Surat Thani
Your final coastal ride traces the Royal Road toward the outskirts of Surat Thani, offering one last stretch of sea views and gentle rural landscapes. After a relaxed lunch, you’ll be transferred by vehicle to a peaceful riverside resort nestled inland—an ideal setting to reflect on your journey and unwind.
Day 9: Cheow Larn Lake
Cycle through a landscape of rubber and oil palm plantations as you make your way toward the emerald waters of Chiew Larn Lake. Along the route, stop to soak in natural hot springs and explore Wat Tham Singh, a 700-year-old cave temple steeped in history. In the afternoon, board a traditional long-tail boat for a scenic transfer to your floating hotel—an unforgettable stay surrounded by the lake’s limestone cliffs and tranquil waters.
Day 10: Cheow Larn Lake
Enjoy a free day on the serene waters of Chiew Larn Lake. Begin with a boat ride and short hike to a nearby cave adorned with stunning crystal formations. In the afternoon, choose to paddle through the calm waters by kayak or simply unwind and soak in the peaceful atmosphere at your floating hotel.
Day 11: Khao Sok National Park
Return to the mainland by boat and continue your ride through the lush landscapes of Khao Sok National Park. Cycle beneath towering limestone karsts and dense jungle canopies, with a visit to the serene Fish Cave along the way. The day ends at a cliffside resort, offering sweeping views and a peaceful retreat amid nature.
Day 12: Khao Lak
Today cycle along the periphery of Khao Sok National Park towards the outskirts of Takua Pa. Explore the old town, where traditional wooden structures harmonize with Portuguese colonial buildings. Along the way, visit the Tsunami Victim Cemetery, a memorial for victims from 39 countries.
Subsequently, navigate tranquil backroads, passing through small villages, shaded rubber plantations, and crossing rivers en route to the Sam Rung waterfall. Continue along the mountain road, eventually reaching the coastal road, where we head south to enjoy a relaxing beach experience at Khao Lak.
Day 13: Phuket
Your final day of cycling takes you through quiet rural backroads and vast oil palm plantations, ending at the golden sands of Natai Beach. In the afternoon, a shuttle brings you onto Phuket Island to Nai Yang Beach, where you’ll have time to unwind by the sea before gathering for a memorable final Thai dinner.
Day 14: Phuket
If you have time, we recommend to visit Ko Phi Phi island which is about 2 hours boat trip from Phuket.
Ready to plan your adventure? Download a print-ready detailed itinerary.
Map
Dates and Prices
Single Supplement
From US $900
E-Bike Upgrade
From US $300
Couldn't find a trip with convenient dates?
Open your date as a join-in tour or customize further as a private one.
Essential Info
Inclusions
LODGING
All hotels as mentioned in the tour details or similar (subject to availability).
trip leader
Expert Trip Leader(s) who look after your every need and add meaning to your vacation.
bike
Immaculately maintained bike with helmet, suited to a terrain.
shuttle
A Van support follows the group of riders and carries all belongings.
meals
Meals as per itinerary. Guests are given the opportunity to dine on their own so that they discover a location independently.
refreshments
Refreshments and mineral water while cycling.
entrance
Entrance fees to most of the monuments and temples.
Exclusions
Airport pickup and drop
We recommend to book direclty from airport or 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
When you have a road and the thrill of a journey ahead of you, it’s imperative to have a good bike to enjoy it. Our fleet majorly consist of the below bikes as a part of this tour. However, sometimes due to height or availability constraints, we may provide a different but similar quality bike.
Merida Speeder T3 or similar
Included in your trip price
Kaze or similar
Available at a surcharge
Arrival & Departure Details
Suvarnabhumi Airport Bangkok
Taxis are found on the 1st floor of the airport (arrival is the 2nd floor).
All taxis are dispatched through the same system. Passengers go to the ticket machine at the entry to the taxi lines, get a ticket and find the taxi parked in the corresponding slot. You can't choose a specific taxi company.
Taxi fare is metered by distance and time, plus a 50 baht airport fee.
The driver may give the option to go by the toll roads (quicker) for which the passenger pays tolls. There is also an optional bag fee for luggage, but rarely charged unless you have too many bags. Taxi fare to hotels in town runs up to about 350 to 500 baht (10.5 to 16 USD).
AOT Limousine also offers transfer from the airport to hotels in town, with options for cars, luxury cars, SUVs and vans. They have several desks both in baggage claim and in arrivals lobby and always have cars available. You can also prebook online at https://www.aot-limousine.com/ Prices are higher at 800 to 1500 Thai baht ( 24 to 45 USD) , but cars are always clean and in great shape, and the drivers well trained.
Don Mueang Airport Bangkok
The same procedures as Suvarnabhumi airport apply to the Don Mueang Airport as well.
Please note that all over Thailand, most taxis are small sedans, suitable for two adults, with a couple of suitcases. They run on compressed natural gas (CNG) and part of the trunk space is taken up by the gas cylinder. SUV taxis are available but you may need to wait longer for these.
Weather
Southern Thailand is coastal and mostly flat. The cycle tour season here runs from November to March when the weather is sunny and pleasant. April to June are the hot summer months and July to October is the rainy season when southern Thailand receives considerable rainfall.
- The best time of year is winter (November through February). It is the dry season and temperatures are cooler. The south gets a scattered shower every few days. Temperatures in the South are in the low 30s.
- March through May in the South is warmer, but only fluctuates a couple of degrees during the year.
- June through October is the rainy season (or green season as the hotels like to call it). September and early October peak in the south. Rain tends to be short but heavy tropical downpours, then clearing out, usually happening in the afternoon or evening, so cycling tours are still possible.
In a nutshell, winter is great (Nov - Mar), and the rest of the year is ok in the South.
January
Best
February
Best
March
Good
April
Offseason
May
Offseason
June
Mixed
July
Mixed
August
Offseason
September
Offseason
October
Mixed
November
Good
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.
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.
Is proof of travel 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.
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
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.
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.
For answers to broader questions, please visit our Comprehensive FAQs section.
