Bangkok to Phuket Backroads

Day 1

Bangkok - Pranburi Beach

20 kms / 70m total ascent

We pick you up mid morning from you hotel in Bangkok and head towards the start of our riding, 3.5 hours away.

After a brief bike fitting, we start riding along the coast for a short introductory ride to a beautiful trip!

Reaching Pranburi later in the afternoon will be the start of our daily habit of refreshing ourselves the hotel’s swimming pool or in the Gulf of Thailand. Enjoy!

Day 2

Pranburi Beach - Prachuap Khiri Khan

92 kms / 540m total ascent (option to shorten the ride for those who want)

We leave Pranburi beach at sunrise towards Sam Roi Yot (300 Peaks) National Park. This park has spectacular limestone formations and freshwater marshes in between the peaks. We ride on quiet backroads along beaches with striking limestone peaks as our background.

Today we have breakfast at a gem of a spot 22kms into the ride, before we continue towards the highlight of the day. We will stop at the park and take a short boat ride to go visit Phraya Nakhon Cave and the incredible temple it hosts.

After the park, we have a short ride on the main road, about 20 km, before heading back to the coast, passing many small villages. The final section is along the beach to Prachuap Khiri Khan.

The town is known for being a holiday spot for locals, and so we’ll feel the relaxed vibe and feast on local specialties at dinner.

Day 3

Prachuap Khiri Khan - Ban Krut

68 kms / 340m total ascent

We leave the hotel and ride along the beachfront road before hitting the main (but very quiet) road. We’ll ride through the local military airstrip before a nice early coffee stop.

We keep going well away from the main tourist areas and alternate between pleasant beach side stretches and winding roads through never-ending coconut plantations. A slow paced, contemplative ride just to be lived…

We head to our resort for the day along a serene beach. Time to relax and listen to the surf or walk through the quiet fishing village and discover the fine art of net fixing.

At sunset, you should not miss the visit of Wat Tang Sai hillside temple overlooking the beach, built to mark King Bhumibol Adulyadej's 50th year of reign. One of the most beautiful temples in Thailand!

Day 4

Ban Krut - Bang Saphan

64 kms / 330m total ascent

This is a rest day, so you can decide to ride the 30kms that take us to our next beautiful resort, or just take the van to let those legs of yours fully rest.

During the day, you can relax by the pool, at the beach or wander through the village.

You may even decide to go snorkelling nearby at the splendid tiny island of Koh Talu.

Day 5

Bang Saphan - Chumphon

101 kms / 790m total ascent

Today we ride along the Royal Coast Road, an amazing stretch giving us views of the sea and fishing villages again to one side and majestic mountains to the other. We are passing through Thailand’s narrowest part as the border with Burma is less than 20 kms away at some points.

We pedal through rubber tree and palm forests on some of the quietest roads until reaching the Kaeo Prasert Temple where we enjoy breath-taking views of the surrounding peaks.

From there we either transfer to our lunch place by the sea, or keep riding there through undulating roads to feast again on amazing local delicacies.

We end the ride in Chumphon, and enjoy the last dip of the trip in the sea or in the comforting salt-water pool.

Day 6

Chumphon - Lang Suan

101 kms / 490m total ascent

We leave Chumphon behind today and start the second part of this journey. A section that is even more remote, authentic, and where cyclists are likely the only foreigners...

Between coconut sugar production workshops, temples, and those always charming fishing villages, we'll continue to be amazed by the sights.

Tonight, we'll stay in a small, quiet yet lively provincial town, perfect for an evening stroll to see children and young couples enjoying the last rays of the sun.

Day 7

Lang Suan - Laem Sai

87 kms / 315m total ascent

A good breakfast, a coffee, and off we go through the lively morning market! We cross the river branch to make it onto small roads, then follow the coast here and there. The path is peaceful, and we get to enjoy one last day of sea air.

At Cape Laem Sai, we will visit traditional silk weaving workshops. It's amazing to see that the same techniques are still being used after centuries of practice!

We’ll be staying by the sea once again before leaving the Gulf of Thailand tomorrow!

Day 8

Laem Sai - Khao Sok

97 kms / 660m total ascent

Today, we head out on small roads and venture inland. We'll quickly feel the coast is already behind us as we notice the elevation gain getting slightly more than over the previous stages.

We are deep in rural Thailand, where tourists rarely venture, and you’ll keep surprising the locals along your way. Don’t hesitate to greet them with your best "wai" and make use of the "sawadee ka" that you've had time to perfect by now.

Tonight, you’ll be staying by the river, in the stunning Khao Sok region, famous for its many towering peaks.

Day 9

Khao Sok - Phang Nga

92 kms / 480m total ascent

Today, we leave our hotel and head straight onto small roads, passing through rubber plantarions, and endless palm trees.

This stage is a road cyclist paradise, with rolling hills, good quality tarmac (mostly) and jungle as far as the eye can see! Limited human presence and food options along the way make make the day feel adventurous despite the relative proximity to the island of Phuket.

We keep riding until Wat Bang Riang, a striking hilltop temple offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. It is renowned for its grand chedi, Phra Mahathat Chedi Phutihathambanlue, which houses relics of the Buddha.

From there, we have another 35km, a steep climb and a beautiful descent to our charming accommodation of the day.

Day 10

Phang Nga - Phuket

100-122 kms / 800-1,050m total ascent

For the last day of our cycling trip, we ride straight out of the hotel and head towards the Phang Nga bay, a cyclist's paradise through the jungle, never too far from the sea... We'll stop for coffee to take in the impressive views on the quiet waters and towering limestone peaks below that seem straight out of a movie (they indeed are, as ou may get a glimpse of what is called today “James Bond island”).

We will then cross the bridge to the big island of Phuket and celebrate! Only a few kilometers left to our hotel to relax with a glass in hand!

And for those who may want to add a challenge to this last day, we’ll make a detour via Naithon beach, Banana beach and Bang Tao beach for some short but serious climbing.

Day 11

Phuket

Our tour finishes here, and we bid farewell over breakfast. You may want to stay on the island for some more discoveries, take a multi-day diving trip to the incredible Similan islands, or fly back to Bangkok or Chiang Mai for your next adventure! Tip: we never recommend enough the island of Koh Yao Noi just a short boat ride away and yet so much more laid back than its famous neighbour - we can help you arrange your onward journey.