Self-Guided Cycle Tour of Thailand - A Scenic Bike Ride Along the Coast to the Islands
The term 'Southern Thailand' evokes different images and ideas for different people, but for cyclists, it means enjoyable riding on well-made traffic-free roads along beautiful coastline. All fueled by some delicious Thai food. Enjoy all this and more on this self-guided cycling ride along the coast and finish by either kicking back on the beach in Koh Samui, Phangan or Tao, or if you are in a hurry, zip back to Bangkok on a short flight.
Quality Bikes
Merida Matts 40D or E-bike
Your Guide
Self-guided
Group Size
1-14
Accommodation
Comfortable Accommodation
Activities
Bike/Hike/Walk/Swim
Minimum Age
14+
Overview
This is what cycling holidays were meant to be! This ride will take you along both the Gulf of Thailand to the islands on quiet back roads through the photogenic countryside and along sleepy shorelines. Along the way, using the audio guides and recommendations on our self-guided app as well as the language basics in order to connect with locals, you’ll have an immersive, independent experience. Sun, sand, sea and cycling - what better way to enjoy 7 days of bike touring?
358 Km/222 mi riding. This bike tour is predominately on rural back roads with the occasional dirt road and a brief unavoidable stretch on the highway. The route varies from flat terrain to gently undulating hills and is suitable for all cyclists who can cover the distances involved.
Pedal-assist e-bikes are an available option on this tour for $175
Solo rider option: $990
Highlights
- Pedal along the coast and then back roads through the countryside to the charming beach town of Pranburi.
- Visit the “monkey temple” of Prachuap Khiri Khan full of Langurs and stunning views of the bay and countryside.
- Bike to secluded Phaya Nakon Cave and its vast illuminated chamber
- Eat fresh crab on the beach in Hua Hin
- Learn about local aquamarine life with a stop at the Waghor Aquarium.
INCLUSIONS
- 6 nights in premium hotel accommodation.
- 6 x breakfasts
- Quality well maintained bike and helmets
- Luggage transfers though out the tour
- A Jersey and a water bottle as mementos
- Boat transfer to the island
- Itinerary
- What’s Included
- Accommodations
- Trip Extensions
- Reviews
- FAQs
- BOOK THIS TOUR
Day to Day
B
Once you arrive in bustling Bangkok, you will travel by train to Hua Hin, a charming seaside resort town about 3.5 hours away. A Grasshopper Self-Guided representative will meet with you on your arrival. The representative will deliver your equipment, conduct a briefing on the road and travel conditions in Thailand and explain how to use the technology provided. From there you can take a warm-up ride inland along secondary roads to get comfortable with your bike. Tonight, you can go to the night market in Hua Hin and enjoy some delicious Thai food!
58km
36mi
B
This morning, try to check-out not too late as the activity at the end of the day closes at 3 pm. It's time to saddle up for the first leg and set off from Hua Hin on a short, coastal ride to Pranburi. There is a small section to ride along the main road before you turn off to pedal pleasant backroads with small and picturesque hills through the countryside and along the waterfront. Pranburi is a small beach town with some holiday homes and coconut farms. Our ride this morning will continue after Pranburi to reach Sam Roi Yot National Park, home to the unique Phraya Nakhon Cave. If you arrive on time for lunch, you can have it on the beach not far from the start of the short trek that takes you to the cave. Cycle back to the hotel after the visit, which is a lovely place to spend the night.
85km
52mi
B
After being woken up by the cool sea breeze, you’ll begin your second day of cycling in paradise. The riding today is on flat terrain, and by mid-morning you will pass through a particularly beautiful stretch where you will have towering limestone karsts off to your right and the sea to your left. The riding concludes in Prachuap Khiri Khan, home to a Royal Thai Air Force base that was invaded by the Japanese in WWII. You will get to see a colony of Langur monkeys and hike the mountain nearby! Your Self-guided App will hold all the recommendations for this day's picturesque ride. It’s up to you to choose which tickles your fancy.
63km
39mi
B
From Prachuap Khiri Khan, it is just a short ride to another point of interest, the Waghor Aquarium, which showcases the local aquatic life of this area. The cycling today features many turns and a variety of roads, making for an interesting day on the bike. There’s plenty of riding along the coastline, with just a short section on the highway to help you really appreciate those back-roads! Ban Krut is a serene little beachside town with just a handful of guesthouses and hotels.
62km
38mi
B
From Ban Krut, you will ride along more beautiful coastlines and along some low hills through fruit and rubber plantations. You’ll park your bikes for the day in Bang Saphan Noi, a transit town where the south of Thailand begins. You will check in at a delightfully secluded resort for the evening - the perfect place for a rest with an ocean view.
90km
55mi
B
Today is the longest day of cycling for this tour. Starting from the hotel, we spend the first part of the day riding along the shoreline with lovely ocean views. The scenery changes quite a bit throughout the day, as we pass through the deep green shade of rubber plantations, where we will stop and see the process of harvesting and drying the rubber. The ride concludes in Chumphon where you have reached your beach resort for the night.
B
This morning, after enjoying the last breakfast on the mainland, we will transfer you to the Pier in Chumphon where the boat for the islands awaits. Once you arrive at your destination, we can recommend an elegant resort or assist with further transport bookings if required. If you would prefer to fly back to Bangkok, there are flights from Chumphon and we can assist with the booking and further arrangements. Tour concludes.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Hopper App
- Great Wheels
- Good Beds
- Cycling CPU
- Freedom
- Self-Reliance
- Bag Transfer
- Go E-Bike
- Wahoo ELEMNT
- Tour Extension
- Extra Support
- Safety
- Gifts
Hopper App
Our dedicated Grasshopper Self-guided Adventures app combines navigating technology with visual and audio descriptions of points of interest along your routes and can be hosted on all Android and iOS devices. The app contains your detailed tour route, podcasts with background information on the regions you will pass through, plus an audio commentary describing points of interest along the way. It also provides dining suggestions along your routes as well in destination locations, with translated menu recommendations. Furthermore, it will provide a and voiced glossaries of common phrases and words, which you can use to find rapport with locals.
On request, we can provide iPads if you don’t wish to use your own mobile device.
Great Wheels
Quality, well maintained Cannondale Quick 1 Disc bikes in a full range of sizes are included in the price of your tour.
The Cannondale Quick 1 Disc bikes are fixed fork (no suspension), flat handlebar hybrid bikes with mid-width fast rolling tires and hydraulic discs for braking confidence. The Quick provides a smooth ride, with a lightweight frame and a reliable and performance geared Shimano 105 drivetrain.
Good Beds
We choose hotels not just based on star ratings, but for their character, comfort, charm and their ability to work with us to make your journey as seamless and enjoyable as possible. Self Guided gives us booking flexibility that we don’t usually have with large group tours, so this offer is expanded with some really unique venues. In prominent locations or cities, we generally use hotels in the 3-4 star range. In the minor towns, we use the best available accommodation. At the bare minimum, you can expect air conditioning, a private bathroom and a comfortable bed.
Cycling CPU
Exclusive to self-guided tours, our bikes come fitted with top of the range GPS navigation units. These biking computers have remarkable customization capabilities and can easily be ported with all major biking software, such as Strava, RidewithGPS or Kamoot, for all fans of cycling data. Never fear if you are not technically minded, as we've made them accessible to all riders. The device will be customized for you and we will upload the most accurate maps and routes. Furthermore, you will be well briefed on putting it to good use. You can download a free companion app and play around with its setup, download results of a day’s ride, or set yourself daily workout goals.
Freedom
We provide the technology, travel planning and attention to detail so that you can just focus on enjoying the ride. You'll have your pick of great places to eat plus endless opportunities for local interaction as you cycle through regional communities. This is true independent touring without the hassle. It will take you to places you'd never reach any other way and allow you to explore new locations at your own pace.
Self-Reliance
Before you ride out on your Self-guided adventure, you will be given a set of essential tools to handle all possible minor repairs, or you can turn to local mechanics for help. However, in the unlikely event of a breakdown, you just need to reach out to our representative who will either talk you through basic repairs or organize support in your location or will help you handle a transfer to your destination.
On request, and for an additional fee, we provide a premium transfer service, to pick you up anywhere on the road, if you feel you can’t make it to your ride’s destination.
Bag Transfer
We provide secure luggage transfers between each of your hotels. This way you can enjoy the ride knowing that when you arrive, your bags will already be waiting in your room. We will also call ahead to ensure that everything is ready for your arrival.
Go E-Bike
While not included, you can opt to use an e-bike on this tour for a surcharge ($175).
The Cannondale Trail Neo is a durable, high quality and supremely comfortable e-bike. It's a great looking bike too, with a battery integrated into the frame and a subtle color scheme.
Large tires offer comfort by absorbing the road chatter, providing a smooth, stable ride over virtually any surface. Front suspension prevents wrist pain that can occur with e-bikes due to the slightly different weight distribution. Hydraulic disc brakes give reliable stopping power and avoid any braking fatigue in your hands.
The Trail Neo features a reliable power pack and drive unit from Bosch and is equipped with Shimano gearing with plenty of range for all conditions. The bikes come in several sizes, so will suit riders from 165cm to 186cm in height.
Wahoo ELEMNT
On this tour we provide Wahoo ELEMNT bike computers for navigational support. These are the latest in user-friendly navigation tech from Wahoo Fitness. With Wahoo devices you will be able to track your progress and monitor your route. Beyond their basic setup, the geek-cyclists will find Wahoo ELEMNTs to be excellent data mining devices allowing to measure almost any aspect of the ride.
Tour Extension
Our itineraries are carefully crafted to make the best of your time while touring and to balance out cycling and off-the-saddle activities. However, on this tour, there are locations which are ideal to spend an additional day to go on a trek, kayak one of national park's reservoirs, enjoy the hotel facilities or just to slack around while taking in gorgeous sights of rural Thailand.
Reach out to our expert team to learn more about extending your adventure in Thailand.
Extra Support
The routes of this tour have been selected from among the safest in Thailand and were designed to be achievable by riders of some experience.
For additional fee, and on demand you can opt for additional van support. This service will allow you to hop on the van each time you feel a bit too tired to continue, or if you just want to cut your cycling short on a given day.
Reach out to our expert team to learn more about additional support.
Safety
We are proud of the skills of our mechanics and put our full trust in the quality of our bikes, but we are always ready to act if something goes wrong. Self-guided touring requires that you can perform minor repairs yourself, but for any tough repairs you can count on our staff to provide assistance.
Your safety on a self-guided tour is our top concern as you ride without a local guide to offer immediate help. For this reason we provide means of contacting our Representative anytime, so if an urgent situation arises they can assist with translation, arranging transportation to medical facilities, or obtaining documentation required by your insurer.
Gifts
A beautiful souvenir Grasshopper cycling jersey is yours to wear and take home. We also provide a Grasshopper drink bottle as an extra memento.
ACCOMMODATIONS
The Peri Hua Hin Hotel
The Peri Hua Hin Hotel brings a rustic charm to the beaches of Hua Hin. Located just south of the town's centre it's far enough to enjoy the beaches without downtown's hustle and bustle, but it's also a short walk away from the night market and the many dining options. Arriving at Peri is a great way to be introduced to southern Thailand!
Bansaithong Beach Resort
The 500 meters beachfront land hidden amongst tropical surrounding within 100 acres of breathtaking natural beauty of coconut farm. The resort is renowned for its privacy and tranquility and be also the great escape, its passionate love for providing the best Thai hospitality and service.
Baan Grood Arcadia Resort & Spa
A picturesque resort with a wide variety of things to enjoy for a real pleasure during your entire stay here. It’s nestled away in the most unsuspected location in Bankrut village. Walking distance from the beach, convenience stores, bistros, an directly to other nearby towns by bike.
Novotel Chumphon Beach Resort and Golf
Set in a large luscious green area, Novotel Chumphon Beach Resort and Golf offers chic accommodations and stunning views of the Gulf of Thailand. With contemporary style, wooden furnishing rooms, the resort provides the perfect hideaway to really relax and unwind after your day of experiencing off the beaten path in the Gulf of Thailand.
Trip Extensions
Bangkok Explorer
Delve into the fascinating boiling pot of food and culture that is Bangkok on an optional 2-day/2-night guided tour extension of this Asian mega-city and its hidden highlights.
Includes: Guided bike, food & city tours, all entry fees, accommodation, snacks on tours, and most meals.
Koh Yao Noi Explorer
Savor 3 nights & 4 days in tropical island paradise! On a tour extension based in Koh Yao Noi and spectacular Phang Nga Bay, Southern Thailand.
Includes: 3 nights secluded beachfront resort stay, island hopping, spectacular karst kayaking, jungle walk, and plenty of well-earned beach time in this stunning natural setting.
PRIVACY POLICY
GUEST REVIEWS
Grasshopper Adventures is a quality and professional cycle touring company and I love that they offer a self-guided tour option.
What was the High Point?
It was all a high point.
What was your Low Point?
I was sad when the trip ended.
-Lindsey
If you want to cycle tour in Asia but don't have the money, time, and energy to organize all your gear, research your routes, book your hotels, and transport your bike across the world, a Grasshopper Self-Guided tour is ideal.
They planned everything for us so all we had to do was hop on the bikes and ride – yet, since we were on our own for the whole tour, it was still a great adventure.
-Jane
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a self-guided cycle tour like?
Take a moment to look at our blog: Is Self-guided for you? You can also find more answers to your questions on our Self-guided FAQ page.
2. What is travel in Thailand like?
Click here to see our Thailand Travel Guide.
Here is some general travel information for Thailand.
WHAT MAKES US STAND OUT
GRASSHOPPER STYLE
The beauty of a self-guided tour is that, though the exploration is on your own, we’ve taken care of all the details for you. This means that the route is planned out and programmed into a GPS system and app and your luggage will be waiting for you at one of our chosen accommodations. This bike exploration of Thailand combines all the fun of an independent adventure with our expertise and knowledge of the area, the must-see sights and best places to eat in order to make your experience more directed and enjoyable.
