Cycle Bangkok to the Islands, Self-Guided

Day 1

Bangkok - Pranburi - Sam Roi Yot

20 kms / 70m total ascent

Your journey begins mid-morning at your hotel in Bangkok.

We give you a general briefing on do’s and don’ts, what if’s and safety on the road, we introduce you to your equipment and to our navigation app, and set you off for a trip to remember!

You will stop en-route for a nice lunch break or decide to have a lunch late at your destination by the beach. And off you go for a first, short ride through the coastal town of Pranburi towards Sam Roi Yot, your accommodation for the day.

Relax and enjoy, this trip is off to a great start!

Day 2

Pranburi Beach - Prachuap Khiri Khan

89 kms / 270m total ascent (this stage can be split into 2 beautiful, shorter stages to stay mid-ride at the amazing Khun Jum's house - ask us to know more)

You hit the road right after breakfast and head towards Sam Roi Yot National Park (300 peaks), filled with spectacular limestone formations and stunning marshes covered with lotus flowers. The first few hundred meters out of your guesthouse are steep, but your lovely hosts will surely help you up with their vehicle upon request.

You soon stop by the beach and take a boat (or you may decide to hike) to visit the majestic Phraya Nakhon cave and the incredible temple it houses.

Back to your bikes, you can decide to have lunch in the many options around or ride for another hour or two, before heading back to the coast, passing many small villages.

The road ahead goes through villages until you reach a small portion of easy dirt road waving through farmland, followed by 4km of main road. You keep riding towards Ao Noi temple, a beautiful Buddhist place tuck into the cliff.

After a well-deserved break admiring the vista – and enjoying the relative coolness of the cave – you head again towards the laid-back town of Prachuap Khiri Khan. You may climb up Khao Chong Krachok or Monkey Mountain to admire both the view from and the temple hosting Buddha’s footprint at the top.

You are only a few kilometers away from your guesthouse of the day and it is soon time to unwind before dinner.

Day 3

Prachuap Khiri Khan - Ban Krut

73 kms / 320m total ascent

After a great breakfast overlooking the sea, watching fishermen boats head back to shore, you get going on your bikes 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…

You head to your 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 / 270m total ascent

You start the day with an amazing road stretch, right under the coconut trees, watching the sun rise. You ride along the Royal Coast Road, and soon coconut trees give way to pine trees, making for an interesting change of atmosphere. The shade is pleasant as you keep going with the sea to your left and farmland to your right.

The way left in the afternoon is relatively short and partially shaded. You may stop by red cliffs, and finally head towards your seaside hotel for a nice dip in the pool!

Day 5

Bang Saphan - Chumphon

96 kms / 440m total ascent

Today you leave the Royal Coast Road for a little while to take the (dirt) road less travelled. You pedal through rubber tree and palm forests on some of the quietest roads until reaching the Kaeo Prasert Temple where you can enjoy breath-taking views of the surrounding peaks.

From there you keep riding until the quiet fishing village of Ao Thungmaha, and then on hilly roads to reach your seaside lunch spot and once again indulge in delicious local specialties.

The rest of your ride is on quiet roads through the countryside, until reaching your charming riverside resort for the night.

Day 6

Chumphon - Lang Suan

101 kms / 490m total ascent

You 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, you'll continue to be amazed by the sights.

Tonight, you'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 sun.

Day 7

Lang Suan - Laem Sai

87 kms / 315m total ascent

A good coffee, and off you go through the lively morning market! You cross the river branch to take small roads, then follow the coast here and there. The path is peaceful, and you get to enjoy one last day of sea air.

Before or after arriving at Cape Laem Sai, you can visit traditional silk weaving workshops. It's amazing to see that the same techniques are still being used after centuries of practice!

You’ll be staying right by the sea once again — enjoy!

Day 8

Laem Sai - Khao Sok

97 kms / 660m total ascent

Today, you head out on small roads and venture inland. You'll quickly realize the coast is behind you as you notice the elevation, a bit steeper than in previous stages.

You 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 - Koh Yao Noi or Phuket

84kms / 480m total ascent

For your last day of cycling, you leave your hotel and head straight onto small roads, passing through rubber plantations, until you reach a local spring with crystal-clear water. Popular with local families on weekends, it is very quiet during the week and offers a lovely spot for swimming in the heart of the jungle.

Take a refreshing dip, and then head towards the beautiful temple perched on Dharma Hill, which offers a 360-degree view of the surrounding countryside. The climb is relatively long, but the view from the top is well worth the effort!

You keep riding afterwards to the little-known temple of Wat Tham Prasat Nalakiring, from where you'll finally transfer to the pier and then to the islands!