17-day cycling the Southern of Thailand tour

Upon arrival at Suvarnabhumi International Airport, Sonasia’s guide & driver will pick you up and transfer directly to the hotel in center of Bangkok
Same same, but different. This Thailish T-shirt philosophy sums up Bangkok, a city where the familiar and the exotic collide like the flavors on a plate of pàt tai.
Free for the rest of the day for your own exploration.
Overnight in Bangkok.

This morning, after breakfast, be picked up at the hotel for an approximately 2-hour transfer to the start of the ride in Petchaburi. This ride is a gentle start to the trip.  Head out of Petchaburi and into rural Thailand, along roads flanked by paddy fields and palm trees. 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. The last 20 km is on a main road, but there is a wide shoulder to ride on. If the traffic proves to be too heavy, this section can be done by vehicle transfer. Top off the day with a seafood dinner in the center of town.
Overnight in Hua Hin

Today, head out of Hua Hin towards Sam Roi Yot (300 peaks) National Park. Part of the way, take advantage of a new cycling lane. This park has spectacular limestone formations and freshwater marshes in between the peaks.
Ride along quiet backroads along beaches with striking limestone peaks in the background. After the park, take a short ride on the main road (about 20 km) before heading back to the coast, passing many small villages. The final section is along the beach to Prachuap Khiri Khan. The selected hotel has some great views and the town is well known for having some of the finest seafood in Thailand. This evening, feast on local specialties at dinner.
Overnight in Prachuapkhirikhan.

Today, leave the hotel and ride along the beachfront road for about 12 km before hitting the main road. This section is 9 km. Now well away from the main tourist areas the riding conditions are quiet and good.  Head towards a serene beach and disembark the bicycle and spend some time to relax in a hammock and listen to the peaceful sound of waves.
Overnight in Ban Krut.

Free day at leisure and overnight in Ban Krut.

With a day of rest, it’s time to clock in some serious kilometres. Today’s ride is 112 km on quiet side roads with very little traffic. The coastal route offers spectacular views of the sea to the left and rugged mountains on the right.
Ride pass Thailand’s narrowest part of the border with Myanmar less than 20 km away at some point. End the ride just north of Chumpon at another secluded and quiet beach.
Overnight in Chumpon.

Today, cross the Isthmus of Kra, which separates the Gulf of Thailand from the Andaman Sea and is just 44 km wide at its narrowest point.
Head west for about 60 km on an undulating road that cuts through the lush jungle-clad mountains that surround this area. The hills and the twists and turns in the road make for some varied riding. As there are few roads through the mountains, spend most of today’s ride along the main road where there is a wide shoulder to ride on.
Expect a climb of about 3 km starting at the Pun Ya Ban Waterfall before a downhill and flat roads all the way to the town of Ranong.
Ranong is known for its spas, fishing and border town which makes for an interesting vibe.
Overnight in Ranong.

Today, ride through valleys where the smooth rolling roads offers no extreme climbs and just the right amount of ascents and descents to make for an entertaining ride. Pass many villages where foreigners are not commonly seen and be greeted by the smiles and waves of friendly locals.
Enjoy the lovely views of the countryside before the end of the ride at the resort.
Overnight in Khuraburi.

Today, continue the journey south by riding from valley to valley towards the picturesque Khao Lak. Take the main road for half of today’s cycle. The roads flatten out on arrival to Takua Pa, a former Portuguese settlement where it was famous for being a tin-dredging centre in the first half of the 20th century. Get to see the little remains of the mining industry that is now taken over by rubber plantations.
Ride through one of the areas that was devastated by the 2004 tsunami and be amazed to see how quickly this area has been rebuilt over the years.
Arrive at the hotel for check-in in the afternoon. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight in Khao Lak.

The last leg of the tour is to the tropical paradise of Phuket, the largest island that is also a province of Thailand. There are a couple of small hills to conquer when leaving Khao Lak but the road flattens out all the way down to Phang Nga and Phuket. This is an excellent road for riding. 
Phuket is connected by a bridge to the mainland. Here, stop for a celebratory picture before riding on to the hotel.
Overnight in Phuket.

The ride has come to an end. After breakfast, be picked up and transferred to Phuket Airport for the onward flight back home.