Cycling Coastal Thailand

This Thailand bicycle tour offers a unique insight into the life and traditions of Thais along the beautiful southern coast. The route stays off main roads as much as possible, exploring long stretches of beach, the island of Koh Talu, and the scenic areas around Koh Kho Khao and Khao Lak, with a true Thai experience venturing off the beaten track to stay overnight with a traditional fishing community.

The tour meets in Bangkok and transfers to quiet roads for a first glimpse of traditional canal life, including a boat trip past wooden houses at Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. From there, the route heads south through the coastal provinces of the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea, visiting friendly fishing villages on leisurely rides.

Riders cycle through the mountain scenery of Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, take a speedboat to the tranquil island of Koh Talu for beachside snorkelling, spend an evening with a fisherman catching squid, and boat through mangrove forest. An overnight stay with a Muslim-Buddhist fishing community near Ranong adds cultural depth, including a hands-on Thai snack-making session with the host family.

The tour ends on the Andaman coast at Khao Lak, where the beaches run seemingly endless. Cycling Thailand's coastline, riders discover the history, culture, scenery and beaches of this beautiful country, supported throughout by an air-conditioned support vehicle and experienced local guides.

Highlights:

• Boat through canals at Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and visit quirky riverside temples
• Ride the mountain scenery, caves and cliffs of Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park
• Snorkel and kayak on the private island of Koh Talu
• Overnight with a traditional Muslim-Buddhist fishing community, learning local customs and snack-making
• Visit a Takua Pa tsunami memorial and the historic Chino-Portuguese old town
• Finish along the endless beaches of Khao Lak on the Andaman coast

Surface and terrain:
Mostly tarmac with some hard-packed dirt and gravel sections, no off-road experience required. Terrain is mostly flat, with a few small hills and one day of gentler undulating coastal riding (Day 7). Average climbing is 241m/day.

Weather:
Tropical, humid climate year-round. Hot and dry March–June (27–40°C days, 20s°C nights), rainy July–October (short heavy bursts), cooler dry season October–February (20–30°C), the most pleasant time to visit.

Suitable for:
Rated "Moderate" difficulty by the operator. Suited to riders with even a moderate level of fitness; no distances are overly long, and hills are minor. Group size 2–16, minimum age 18.