Thailand's Royal Road South; Bangkok to Phuket

† Explanation of BAC Ride Fee – This fee is not included in the Estimated Cost and is non-refundable once submitted. The Ride Fee for US and Canada is $85 and $100 for all other countries, both are per participant.

Ride Description

Ride Coordinator Comment:  Bangkok to Phuket (B2P) is a great early season ride and a repeat of the successful 2016 BAC Tour.  At the conclusion of this tour, participants will then have the ability to connect to a new BAC tour that will travel through the deepest south of Thailand and into Malaysia, finally concluding in Singapore. Together, the two tours will last a month and cover approximately 1,500 miles of breathtaking scenery and fascinating cultures.

OVERVIEW: As an ideal winter escape and superb early season training tour, this is perhaps one of the best-designed tours of its kind in the world. In terms of appeal, B2P ticks off all the boxes: fabulous start hotel convenient to the airport, time to visit the bustling city of Bangkok, a shake out ride on the popular Blue Loop and 13 glorious riding days.  Along the way, we will experience beautiful beaches, emerald jungles, phenomenal food, exotic islands, ancient ruins and, of course, great BAC happy hours.  The tour is well supported and includes local guides with expert knowledge and cycling experience. The price of the tour is highly favorable, in fact, a self-contained, English speaking independent cyclist, flying into Bangkok on their own, could NOT replicate these ‘insider’ experiences or match this price.

Thailand is Southeast Asia’s most accessible and modern country and this 15-day/14-night tour will make use of the well-paved roads that connect cosmopolitan Bangkok (Airport Code BKK) and the island resort of Phuket (Airport Code HKT). In between, we will cycle across the rich alluvial plains south of Bangkok, the gorgeous seacoast along the Gulf of Thailand, and over the verdant inland mountains en route to Phuket and the Andaman Sea. The quiet roads are 100% tarmac and January is the ideal time weather-wise to cycle Thailand’s southern paradise. The accommodations range from beachside resorts with refreshing swimming pools, an overnight on a private island and even a night on a remote raft nestled between limestone cliffs on a pristine lake.  

RIDE RATING: The Quick-Look Rating is 3C as a result of one long 69 mile day but SpiceRoads will have its support vans near by at all times. We will cycle approximately 650 miles over 13 days.  There are no grades over 6% and no steep descents.  For specific information on the daily ride, see below or contact the ride leader.  We will have cold drinks, fresh fruit and other local items available to keep riders fueled and hydrated. The cycle guides are trained in basic bike mechanics and first aid.  Regardless, participants should be prepared and well trained and arrive with a proper, well-geared road bike, or rent a high-end road bike from SR. Because the roads are in good condition, riders could use 23 CC tires but 25 or 28 CC tires are more comfortable over long distances. SR has Trek Domane and Emonda road bikes for rent for $325.00 USD (note that members doing both tours will retain the same bike). In addition, tandems can be accommodated on this tour; in fact, this is an ideal tour for tandems and if a number of tandems do sign up, we may designate a dedicated SR guide to ride with them, as the fairly flat terrain will generate tandem break-a-ways from the main field.  This is also a good tour for Bike Fridays but please bring spare tires and any special tools that might be required. We will have a SR bike mechanic along

WEATHER: Southern Thailand has a tropical climate but January is the cooler season with average temperatures between 68 F and 85 F. As the 2016 Tripper Report made clear, “Our daily routine was simple and consistent: breakfast at 7 AM, bags out at 7:45 AM, rolling at 8 AM, arrival at the day’s destination before 3 PM allowing time to enjoy the facilities, which usually included a quiet beachfront and/or swimming pool.” In addition, we often have a sit down Thai lunch on the road as a group. This sometimes results in a relaxed and hot – last hour on the bike as we spin into the overnight resort.

LODGING: Accommodation is included from Friday, January 19th (Day 1) through Thursday night, Feb. 1st (Day 14). The tour concludes after breakfast on Friday, Feb. 2nd (Day 15) with a group transport to the Phuket Airport (HKT) for those leaving or connecting to our next tour. Overnights will range from deluxe hotels to pleasant and friendly guesthouses and one night at a secluded island and another on a floating raft. 

LOGISTICS: The tour begins at Happy Hour at 5 PM on Friday, Jan. 19th at the Novotel Suvarnabhumi International Airport Hotel (BKK) (www.novotelairportbkk.com) with introductions, a safety discussion, a tour briefing, Happy Hour and dinner to follow. We have selected this beautiful hotel because of its proximity to the airport. For those with bike cases or who are just jet lagged (most US flights arrive late in the day), the hotel has a free 24-hour shuttle, otherwise the hotel is only a short indoor walk away. Arriving a day early is highly recommended and SR can assist with pre-tour hotel bookings. SpiceRoads will assign a company representative to assist the BAC leader with meeting the needs of members who sign up, i.e., pre-and post tour hotels, bike rentals etc.

GETTING STARTED: The plan is have SpiceRoads staff available on Saturday morning, Jan. 20th to assist with bike build-up and fitting for those renting. Next to the airport is the car-free 23.5-km ‘Blue Loop’ where we can test our bikes and legs. The remainder of the day is free to explore Bangkok and its electric atmosphere, perhaps joining us in the afternoon for a ride aboard the Skytrain (BTS) into Old Bangkok and the famous Chatuchak Weekend Market.  With so many group meals ahead, the market offers many small local restaurants for us to pair off in smaller groups to enjoy the local food and culture.

On Day Three, Sunday, Jan. 21st, we will transport the group two hours to Phetchaburi, the true start of the Thai Royal Road and for us, the beginning of our nearly 1000km journey. From this day on, ALL meals (B, L, D) and Happy Hour are included each day. Also included is bike case transport to Phuket.  SR support consists of English-speaking cycling guides on the road and a custom-made air-conditioned vehicle with easy on, easy-off bike racks.  The support vans will carry water and drinks along with an interesting variety of local fruits. Here’s the 2016 Tripper Report; “frequent ‘Water’ Stops, in addition to water and ice, usually featured 5 or 10 kinds of fresh fruit, sticky rice treats wrapped in banana leaves, frozen snickers bars and, in some cases, iced Latte. We were really roughing it.”

CYCLING ITINERARY:

Day 1 (Fri. Jan 19th 2018): Bangkok Arrival                                                              (-/-/D)  

Meet up for dinner and tour briefing at the Novotel Suvarnabhumi Hotel at 5 PM. SR staff will be there to hand out your shirts and water bottles (included) and they will have some additional SR hats, jerseys, and gear for sale.  Accommodation:  Novotel Suvanabhumi Airport Hotel (Superior Room)           

Day 2 (Sat. Jan 20th 2018): Bangkok Warm Up Ride (B/- /-)           

Today we'll spend the morning building our bikes up with the assistance of your guides and a mechanic.  Once we are all ready to go we'll head out for a spin on a nearby 23.5 km track, also known as the Blue loop, that circumvents the airport. It is a perfect way to make sure that all is working smoothly before we start our true riding. Do as many loops as you like, as the afternoon and evening are on your own to relax and recover from jet lag. Enjoy the pool at the hotel, have a massage or take the airport link into the city with us.  Ride:  23 km (each lap).  Accommodation:  Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel (Superior Room)

Day 3 (Jan 21st 2018): Bangkok – Petchburi - Hua Hin                  (B/L/D)                                           

We meet at the Novotel Suvarnabhmit Airport Hotel after breakfast (starts from 5:30 AM) at 07:30 am and load up and transfer to the start of our ride in Petchaburi (approximately 2 hours). This ride is a gentle start to the trip as we head out of Petchaburi and into rural Thailand, along roads flanked by paddy fields and palm trees. We then ride along the beach into Cha-am and on to the beach resort town of Hua Hin. The town is closely tied to Thai royalty and the royal family currently resides at the summer palace located just outside town. The last 20 km is on a main road but there is a wide shoulder to ride on. We’ll top off our day with a seafood dinner on a pier in the center of town.  Ride:  67 km/ +236 m or 42 miles / +774 ft.  Accommodation:  Putahracsa Resort (Silksand Room)

Day 4 (Jan 22nd 2018): Hua Hin – Kui Buri                                       (B/L/D)   

We leave our resort and ride around a reservoir and after some more flat country road we’ll challenge our legs with a short and steep climb up to a dam, a perfect place for a break. A canal road takes us to Pranburi and then on to Sam Roi Yot (300 hundred peaks) National Park. Spectacular limestone formations and freshwater marshes in-between the peaks are the highlights of this park. Our next section is on the main road, about 20 km, before heading to the coast, passing many small villages on the way. The final section is along the beach to Kui Buri and our beach resort.  Ride:  105-km/ +1200 m or 65-miles/ +3937 ft.  Accommodation:  Dhevan Dara Villa Beach Resort (Studio Room)

Day 5 (Jan 23rd 2018): Kui Buri – Ban Krut                                                    (B/L/D)                          

We are now well away from the main tourist areas and the roads are quiet and in good condition. Our route sticks to the coast today giving us views of the sea to the left and rugged mountains on our right. We are passing through Thailand’s narrowest part, as the border with Burma is less than 20 km away at some points. We will pass numerous bird condos; these are built to collect the nests of swiftlets for bird’s nest soup. We end the ride at our beach side hotel in Ban Krut.  Ride 100 km/ +804 m or 62 miles / +2638 ft.  Accommodation:   Baan Grood Arcadia Resort (Standard Room)

Day 6 (Jan 24th 2018): Ban Krut – Koh Talu                                                       (B/L/D)                

This morning we cycle to the pier where we'll board a speedboat that will whisk us away to own private island, Koh Talu. The afternoon is free to snorkel and see the colorful coral and fish, to kayak around the island or to clamber up to the viewpoint. Dinner tonight is at our resort on the island.  Ride:  30 km  Accommodation:  Koh Talu Island Resort (Manila Chalet at Big Bay and Home at Pearl Bay)

Day 7 (Jan 25th 2018): Koh Talu – Saplee                                                          (B/L/D)  

There is time to go for one more snorkel before we take leave of our island oasis and boat back to the mainland. Our bikes will be waiting for us and ready for us to ride. Our palm tree lined route will take us past white sand beaches on one side with a backdrop of green lush hills on the other.  Ride:  94-km/ +999m or 58-miles/ +3278 ft.  Accommodation:  Nana Beach (Standard Room)

Day 8 (Jan 26th 2018): Saplee – Arunothai Beach                                              (B/L/D)     

A relatively flat route today as we cycle through shrimp farms and along coconut palm plantations and mangrove forests. We’ll also ride through numerous fishing villages with their colorful boats and in the distance we’ll see limestone islands in the China Sea. We’ll stop for a break to see a shrine to the Prince of Chumphon who is the founder of the modern navy in Thailand. A 6 km-ride along the coast takes us to our hotel, which is a perfect jumping off point to explore by boat some of the beautiful islands just off shore. An afternoon snorkeling trip will highlight some of Thailand’s underwater wonders.  Ride:  100-km/ +586 m or 62-miles/ +1623 ft.  Accommodation: Rungaroon Resort (Bungalow)

Day 9 (Jan 27th 2018): Arunothai Beach – Laem Thong Beach              (B/L/D)      

Another day, another beach! We continue riding south and are now truly off the beaten track with endless sandy beaches completely empty of tourists. We are riding to Chaiya, one of the oldest cities of Thailand, dating back to the 5th to 13th centuries when it was a regional capital in the Srivijaya kingdom, based in Sumatra, Indonesia. Our accommodation tonight is a bit more rustic as it is where local Thais stay, making it an authentic experience. For those with energy in the evening a squid fishing excursion can be arranged.  Ride:  105 km/ + 398 m or 65 miles/ +1306 ft  Accommodation: Laem Sai Resort (Run of House)

Day 10 (Jan 28th 2018): Laem Thong Beach – Cheow Larn Lake                       (B/L/D)    

Today we head inland and trade the beach for lush green jungle.  We'll pass rubber and coconut plantations and countless villages as we ride through the rural landscape. There will only be one short, steep climb to the top of Rajjaprabha Dam where we'll see the refreshing waters of Cheow Larn Lake. Once we reach the pier we'll take a 30-minute boat ride to our rafts where we'll overnight on the lake. You can go for a swim directly from your raft set amidst karst cliffs.  Ride:  111 km/ +1060 m or 69 miles/ + 3478 ft.  Accommodation: Keeree Warin Resort (Run of House)

Day 11 (Jan 29th 2018): Cheow Larn Lake – Khao Sok                                       (B/L/D)     

Today is a semi rest day. The morning is free to go for a kayak, for another swim or to just relax. After lunch we'll head out for our ride on the only road that undulates and winds through a series of magnificent limestone cliffs and green jungle along the edge of Khao Sok National Park. This park comprises the largest area of virgin forest in Southern Thailand and is home to 5% of the world’s species.  Ride:  58-km/ +826 m or 35-miles/ +2710 ft.  Accommodation:  At Home Resort (Run of House)

Day 12 (Jan 30th 2018): Khao Sok – Khao Lak                                                    (B/L/D)     

This morning we’ll ride along the edge of Khao Sok National Park to the outskirts of Takua Pa. Here we’ll ride through the old town and see traditional wooden buildings intermixed with Portuguese colonial buildings. We’ll stop en route to visit the Tsunami Victim Cemetery, which memorialises the victims from 39 countries. We then take a quiet back road through small villages, shady rubber plantations and across rivers as we cycle to the small waterfall of Sam Rung. There’s a dipping pool at the base perfect for cooling off. Then it’s a short 10 km more to our next beachside hotel.  Ride:  76 km/ + 716 m or 47 miles/ +2349 ft.  Accommodation:  Apsara Beachfront Villa Resort & Spa (Superior Room)

Day 13 (Jan 31st 2018): Khao Lak - Phuket                                                        (B/L/D)        

We ride back roads, along canals, past palm and rubber plantations, shrimp farms and along the beach to the bridge that connects the island of Phuket with the mainland. We'll have to ride on the main highway for a stretch as there is no alternative and then we'll ride with views of the Andaman Sea with some tough hills thrown in just before we reach our resort.  Ride:  80-km/ +515 m or 50-miles/ +1690 ft.  Accommodation:  Nai Yang Beach Resort (Oriental Wing Room)

Day 14 (Feb 1st 2018): Phuket Loop                                                                 (B/L/D)  

We'll go for a ride to see the resort island of Phuket. There will be plenty of hills as we ride through rubber tree plantations and along endless beaches on this island tour.  Ride:  90-km/ +1162 m or 56-miles/ +3812 ft.  Accommodation:   Nai Yang Beach Resort (Oriental Wing Room)

Day 15 (Feb 2nd 2018): Phuket - Departure  (B, -, -)

The tour ends after breakfast and we will transport participants to the airport for those catching a flight from Phuket international airport (HKT).  SR can help with post- tour hotel bookings if you choose to stay longer and enjoy the beaches of Phuket. Otherwise, join us for the next tour and cycle more of Thailand, then through Malaysia and conclude in Singapore! For those members doing the next tour, SR is providing free group transport to Krabi and the start of the next section.

NAVIGATION & PACING FREEDOM: Spiceroads will provide each member with detailed GPX files and a complete hotel list, should there be updates from this published Ride Description (RD). In addition, all riders receive paper cue sheets. We review the route each night at our rider meeting and Happy Hour. We also use Route Arrows, construction lime and/or chalk to mark the route when necessary.  We strive to create a ‘support bubble’ with a lead vehicle and a rear vehicle and cycling guides on bikes.  The rest stops are frequent but short with a longer, sit-down lunch, to reduce the ‘accordion effect’ and bring the group back together. Note that along with this level of organization comes freedom – if a member wishes to ‘stretch his or her legs’ and ride ahead of the lead support, that’s fine. Like-wise, if a member wishes to ride behind the rear support and maybe take a bunch of photos or increase local engagement away from the group, that’s fine as well – just tell us. Experience matters and we are very open to variation. 

RIDE PARTICIPANT RESPONSIBILITY:  Please remember that BAC Ride Leaders are volunteers, and that successful tours depend on participants providing much of their own support.  Participants are expected to come to the ride well trained, in good health and ready to accomplish the required daily riding using well-maintained bicycles.   All participants should accept responsibility for a safe and enjoyable tour.  We encourage you to read the ride description carefully and respond to requests from Ride Leader.  While on the ride, support your Ride Leader with offers to help with various tasks such as happy hour preparation and cleanup.  Please do not interfere with the ride by inviting non-participants onto any portion of the ride or tour.  Please keep the Ride Leader informed of any special request you might have and respect the Ride Leader’s decisions.

COST & ADMINISTRATION: The tour cost is $3,900 USD per person, double occupancy. The price includes 14 nights lodging with breakfast, 12 lunches, 13 dinners, commemorative cycling shirt, water bottle, portage (including bike box transfer), BAC Happy Hours, guiding and administrative costs. The price does not include airfare to Bangkok or from Phuket (the tour termination city), tips, fees to optional activities and alcoholic drinks outside the BAC Happy Hours. The remainder of the balance after the initial deposit will be due on Sept. 1, 2017. To register use the sign-up links below. You will be contacted by the Ride Coordinator to help determine your ability to complete the ride. Members with questions may contact the coordinator by clicking the name at the top of the page.

Solo Travelers: The BAC encourages solo travelers and the leader will attempt to arrange for you to share accommodations with another traveler of the same gender. If you prefer not to share a room, a single supplement is payable to guarantee your own room. The cost of the single supplement is $1,100.00 USD.

CANCELLATION POLICY: The $100 Overseas BAC ride fee is nonrefundable unless the tour is cancelled. The cancellation policy is based on the usual BAC premise that a cancelling rider will not increase the cost of the ride for others. If we are able to fill your spot from the wait-list, you will receive a full refund minus the non-refundable BAC fee. If a single sharing a room is forced to cancel, he/she may still be liable for the amount of the single supplement for the remaining roommate.  If the canceling participant can't be replaced, any refund will be determined after the ride and final expense report is completed.

In addition to the BAC Cancellation policy, those who cancel may be subject to SpiceRoads’ cancellation policy: If the participant cancels, then the following penalties will apply.

90-plus days: possibility of Admin. Expenses incurred, especially for additional services where bank fees and third party cancellation fees come into play, 60-89 days: 30% of tour price, 45-59 days: 50% of tour price, 15-44 days: 70% of tour price, 0-14 days: no refund. Please consider travel insurance.

HEALTH: Thailand is malaria-free but one should always check in with their health care provider. Travel insurance is highly recommended. Thai food can be spicy and most meals will feature noodles, rice, soup, and curries. We may be able to meet special dietary needs within reason.

PASSPORTS & VISA: For most western nationalities, visas are granted upon arrival with proof of an outbound flight. Please ensure that your passport has at least two pages and is valid for at least six months from your date of entry.

MONEY: Please alert your banks and credit card companies that you’re traveling in Thailand. The Thai currency is the Baht. In Bangkok and Phuket, ATMs are widely available whereas in many of the small villages they are not, so please carry some cash, especially small bills for tipping and drinks and paying for massages.

SIGN-UP: To register for this ride, use the sign-up links just above the Ride Description.  After preliminary acceptance, you will be moved to the pending list and receive an email requesting you to go back to the BAC site to digitally accept the Release of Liability (ROL), and pay the non- refundable BAC fee ($100) and tour deposit ($1,000) by credit card.  As soon as your deposit has been processed, your name(s) will be added to the Participation List.  Final payment of $2,900 is due no later than Sept. 1, 2017.  BAC members with questions may contact the RIde Director by "clicking" the name at the top of this Ride Description.