You will ride a total of 849 km over 9 cycling days. With the exception of a transfer out of Bangkok on Day 1 and from Sarasin Bridge to the resort in Phuket on Day 9, all of the rides are point-to-point. After an inland warm-up ride in the countryside of Phetchaburi Province, the first stage of the tour (days 2-6) takes you down the east coast where views over the Gulf of Thailand and towering coconut palms are never far out of sight. The riding is predominantly flat until you hit the second stage (days 7-8) where the terrain gets progressively more hilly, crowned by a climb and descent along the edge of Khao Sok National Park. Stage 3 (Day 9) takes you along the Andaman Coast to Phuket which, compared to the east coast, is more rugged and undulating. This journey is not just about testing your endurance on a road bike, but also experiencing the beauty of peninsular Thailand, from sandy beaches, serene Buddhist temples and lush agrarian hinterlands to towering karst formations, dense rainforests, and vibrant local markets.
In the afternoons, there is usually plenty of time for R&R in the well-appointed tour hotels and resorts, all but one having pools. The trip is fully supported, and your guide’s expert knowledge of the area and terrain means that you always know what is coming up in terms of distance and difficulty. This makes a tremendous difference, as does the constant supply of water and refreshments along the way.
Suitability
This tour is ideal for experienced road cyclists comfortable with long, back-to-back riding days. The first stage is predominantly flat with a few undulations, though you’ll encounter some false flats. Day 8 is the toughest as you'll cross to the west coast, navigating some hills, and the final day features steady undulations towards Phuket. There is no rest day, but distances have been carefully calibrated so that the two sets of 100+ km rides are cushioned by shorter ones. The main challenge of the tour is keeping up stamina and cycling in the tropical heat. Less experienced riders are welcome but should prepare for the long distances, aiming to maintain a steady pace. The support vehicle is always nearby to offer refuge to any weary cyclists.
Biking Conditions
On this tour, you will ride mostly along well-paved secondary roads that hug the coast or pass through agricultural areas, including coconut groves and rubber and oil palm plantations. Occasionally, you will also veer onto narrow country lanes where potholes, road debris, and patches of gravel can be common. There are a few sections on busier streets near towns and cities as well as time spent on main provincial roads, which can be either unavoidable or used tactfully to cover distances more quickly. There is usually a wide shoulder to ride on and, while they can be busier in more populated areas, become noticeably quieter in rural regions. While departures have been scheduled to avoid the wettest months of the year, showers can occur at any time. You will generally ride rain or shine, but based on the guide’s discretion or your comfort level, modifications to the planned route can be made. It’s all part of the adventure!
SpiceRoads Cycling
SpiceRoads Cycling
A fantastic and varied ride through some beautiful Thai country.The tour guide and support crew were brilliant - very knowledgeable, professional and great fun to spend time with on the ride.
I have just completed the Bangkok to Phuket road bike tour and would like to provide some feedback. Firstly, I cannot say enough how much I appreciated the efforts of the tour guides, Mr. Woody, Mr. Bottle, Mr. Rin, Mr. Wat, and Mr. Temple. They are a credit to the…
I have just completed the Bangkok to Phuket road bike tour and would like to provide some feedback. Firstly, I cannot say enough how much I appreciated the efforts of the tour guides, Mr. Woody, Mr. Bottle, Mr. Rin, Mr. Wat, and Mr. Temple. They are a credit to the tour operator and one of the main reasons the trip was so enjoyable. Secondly, the food was absolutely fabulous. Not just the meals at the various restaurants but also the fruit and street food provided from the back of the tour bus. Finally, the route itself was just about as good as you could expect. Warm weather, (some) sunshine, and wherever we stopped the people were friendly. Thanks, and I hope to tour with you again in the future.
Despite all of the unexpected rain resulting in massive flooding in southern Thailand, the Bangkok to Phuket trip was awesome, being my first long-distance bike ride. Eclectic participants from six countries and an awesome guide 'Bottle' and support person. Am truly impressed with the planning involved. Will definitely being doing…
Despite all of the unexpected rain resulting in massive flooding in southern Thailand, the Bangkok to Phuket trip was awesome, being my first long-distance bike ride. Eclectic participants from six countries and an awesome guide 'Bottle' and support person. Am truly impressed with the planning involved. Will definitely being doing more trips in the future.