14 days
From US $3,695
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
easy to moderate
65km or 40mi
10
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 | Asira Boutique Hua Hin | 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 | Saphli | Nana Beach Resort | B,L,D | 60km / 36mi | cycling |
| DAY 6 | Lang Suan | Ban Lae Resort | B,L,D | 80km / 48mi | cycling |
| DAY 7 | Laem Thong Beach | Laem Sai Resort | B,L,D | 80km / 48mi | cycling |
| DAY 8 | Cheow Larn Lake | Laguna Chiew Larn | B,L,D | 60km / 36mi | cycling |
| DAY 9 | Cheow Larn Lake | Laguna Chiew Larna | B,L,D | ||
| DAY 10 | Khao Sok National Park | Khao Sok River Lodge | B,L,D | 50km / 30mi | cycling |
| DAY 11 | Khao Sok National Park | Khao Sok River Lodge | B | ||
| DAY 12 | Khao Lak | The Leaf on the Sands | B,L,D | 60km / 36mi | cycling |
| DAY 13 | Phuket | Nai Yang Beach Resort | B,L,D | 90km / 54mi | 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
Our guide greets you in the hotel lobby at 7:30 am, and we transfer for about two hours before the cycling adventure begins. Today, we pedal through vast expanses of paddy fields and palm trees. Conclude the day with a ride along the coast to a magnificent crescent beach located in the midst of an airbase.
Day 3: Kui Buri
Traversing a flat terrain and encountering some hills on the way to a dam leads us to Sam Roi Yot National Park, known for its breathtaking limestone mountain views and freshwater marshes. The final stretch of the ride follows the beach to Kui Buri.
Day 4: Ban Krut
Following a satisfying breakfast, we kick off our journey, venturing off the conventional paths to enjoy breathtaking sights of winding trails, wooden fishing boats, coconut groves, and palm oil plantations.
Our path hugs the coastline, offering sea vistas on the left and rugged mountains on the right. Along the way, we pass several bird condominiums designed to gather swiftlet nests for bird's nest soup. The ride concludes at our beachfront hotel in Ban Krut.
Day 5: Saphli
Today, enjoy a leisurely bike ride along the deserted coastline, passing through a quaint fishing community, tropical countryside, tree-canopied rice farms, and vibrant green fields and paddies.
Day 6: Lang Suan
Today's bike route is predominantly flat, taking us through shrimp farms, fishing villages, and alongside coconut palm plantations and mangrove forests. During our journey, we pause to visit the shrine of the Prince of Chumphon, the pioneer of the modern navy in Thailand. Afterward, we resume our coastal cycling route to Chumphon.
Day 7: Laem Thong Beach
Proceeding south, we find ourselves truly off the conventional routes, surrounded by endless sandy beaches. Our destination today is Chaiya, one of Thailand's oldest cities with a history dating back to the 5th to 13th centuries, serving as a regional capital in the Srivijaya kingdom based in Sumatra, Indonesia. Our lodging for the night has a more rustic charm, reflecting the accommodations preferred by local Thais. For those with evening vigor, an option to arrange a squid fishing excursion is available.
Day 8: Cheow Larn Lake
Today, we pedal in the direction of the petite inland town of Ban Ka Khun, veering away from the Gulf of Thailand that has been our route so far and exchanging the beach for the verdant embrace of the jungle.
En route, we pass through rubber and coconut plantations and picturesque villages. A brief yet steep ascent leads us to the summit of Ratchaprapa Dam, offering breathtaking vistas of the waters of Cheow Larn Lake.
Get ready for a one-of-a-kind experience — tonight, we’re staying in a floating hotel on a secluded lake surrounded by the wild beauty of a national park.
Day 9: Cheow Larn Lake
Today is a free day to immerse yourself in nature. You can join optional sunrise and sunset boat safaris in search of wildlife — past groups have spotted everything from playful monkeys to majestic wild elephants.
You can also unwind at Little Guilin, a scenic spot with inviting waters, ideal for a refreshing swim.
For those craving more adventure, an optional excursion to Coral Cave is available at an additional cost. This memorable outing includes a boat ride across the lake, a short jungle hike to a hidden lagoon, a bamboo raft journey to the cave entrance, and a guided exploration of the cave’s stunning calcite crystals and unique rock formations — before retracing your steps back.
Day 10: Khao Sok National Park
Experience an undulating terrain today that meanders through a succession of breathtaking limestone cliffs and vibrant jungle along the periphery of Khao Sok National Park, recognized as one of the world's oldest rainforests. The ride is enveloped by towering rock outcroppings, vivid cliffs, and the rich embrace of the tropical forest.
Day 11: Khao Sok National Park
Feel free to enjoy a leisurely day or engage in diverse activities within the park, including options like elephant bathing, jungle river canoeing, and trekking through the jungle.
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
Today marks the final day of our cycling journey along the Thai coast, and it's a lengthy ride, so savor every moment.
Pedal alongside canals, through palm and rubber plantations, and past shrimp farms, tracing the shoreline until you reach the bridge linking Phuket island to the mainland. Parts of the route lead through the main highway, with the last stretch offering vistas of the Andaman Sea.
Relish your time in Phuket at your own pace. Consider extending your stay or proceed with your onward travel plans.
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 $850
E-Bike Upgrade
From US $275
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.
