From the calm waters of the Gulf of Thailand, to the dramatic limestone landscapes of the Andaman coast, this journey from east to west takes us to the jungle clad karst mountains of Khao Sok National Park and nearby Ratchaprapa Dam, to the pristine beaches of Khao Lak and onto Krabi. The route winds through jungle and plantations, past friendly farming and fishing villages, where life remains little changed over the decades.
Our journey is on back roads and trails, with a terrain of mostly gentle hills, in addition to a few flat sections. With most days covering distances of 70km or over, the ride is a challenge, however the pace is relaxed and the support vehicle is always on hand to rest tired legs. Being off the beaten track for parts of the tour, the accommodation is composed of a mixture of a couple of nights in rustic lodgings (although still clean and well run) with the remaining nights in comfortable resorts and 4 star hotels in the more established tourist locations.
The Gulf of Thailand to the Andaman Sea on Two Wheels itinerary
Day 1: Meet in Surat Thani 10km
Arrive in Surat Thani and check into the hotel. We will pick you up either from your Koh Samui hotel, Surat Thani Airport or Surat Thani Train Station. This evening we show you the back streets of the town by bike, before returning to the hotel for our first group dinner. After dinner an optional boat trip is possible.
Meals: D
Day 2: Surat Thani to Ratchaprapa Dam 74km
Heading inland today, a mildly challenging and enjoyable ride brings us to the Ratchaprapa Dam, an important part of the Thai water supply, neighbouring Khao Sok National Park. The dam creates the lake that is a feature of the park. There is a golf course next to our hotel for tonight so, time permitting, those so inclined can enjoy a game before dinner.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 3: Ratchaprapa Dam to Khao Sok 72km
Today’s journey takes up through rubber plantations and forests, and past impressive limestone karst formations, with the ride becoming more challenging as we begin to cross the low range running down the peninsula. Tonight is spent in a tree house or riverside bungalow in Khao Sok, a memorable but also comfortable experience.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 4: Khao Sok to Khao Lak 76km
Cycling out of the forests and hills of Khao Sok we head to the ocean today, and onto some easy coastal roads, along the shores of the Andaman Sea. Our destination is the beautiful seaside resort of Khao Lak, with its pristine sands and wide beaches. This is one of Thailand’s quieter beach destinations, without the bustle and noise of some of the more famous resorts, and it is our base for 2 nights for some well-deserved relaxation time, in top class luxury accommodation.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 5: Khao Lak Free Day at the Beach
Today is at leisure for you to enjoy the beach or pool, take a massage or head into the local town to do some shopping.
Meals: B
Day 6: Khao Lak to Phang Nga 50km
Leaving Khao Lak with inevitable regret, we return to rolling hills, or rural surfaced roads, through forest, orchards and rubber plantations. The day’s ride ends at a temple in the forest where we walk through the trees to discover a hermit’s cave. Continuing by vehicle we visit a local Muslim fishing village to learn about their traditional livelihood before heading to our night’s accommodation.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 7: Phang Nga to Krabi 70km
Mostly riding inland again today, we traverse a wide range of landscapes, with rural scenes and beautiful vistas. After many kilometers of riding our adventure ends on Ao Nang beach, from where we will transfer you to your hotel in Krabi, or Phuket if that is your preference.
Meals: B, L
While Thailand is hot and humid year-round, temperatures are slightly lower over the months of November to February. The main wet season on the west coast is from May to October, while on the east coast the rainy season is September to mid-December, with the summer months of June – August being generally sunny. In the tropics, rain showers are heavy but generally only last a couple of hours.
Best time to go
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Base price per person $1950
Single supplement $520
Services
An air-conditioned support vehicle is always on hand for tired riders. Groups are accompanied by an English speaking local tour leader and a bike mechanic will also be provided for groups of 5 people or more.
What is included
High quality mountain bikes and helmets
A refillable water bottle
All transportation in air-conditioned vehicles
Backup vehicle for cycling
Snacks, water and fruit during cycling
Twin share accommodation (single room option available at a supplement)
All meals as listed (including water)
Entrance fees at sights visited as part of the itinerary
A truly epic journey! The Roof of the World on a bike – what better way to explore Tibet and Nepal, meet the locals, experience the amazing culture and stunning scenery!
