My OperaRoad Cycling Bangkok to Phuket 10Days
Monday, June 17, 2013 3:35:09 AM
This is a scenic and awe-inspiring adventure with seemingly endless beach views. Riding down the narrowest part of Thailand this tour snakes along the east and west coast of Thailand, giving you the opportunity to compare the beauty of the beaches on the Gulf of Thailand to those on the Andaman Sea.
On this 850 kilometre road ride you’ll cycle on smooth tarmac through quaint little villages, pass Buddhist temples and waving children as you absorb the slower pace of life of the relaxed and friendly locals.
Our cycling starts just outside Bangkok and ends on the beach in Phuket. In between we ride along some spectacular coastline scenery and are awed by the spectacular limestone cliffs jutting vertically out of the landscape.
Crossing the Isthmus of Kra will prove to be hilly but offer up great scenery as a reward. We overnight at a hot spring resort and continue down Thailand’s west coast to the rugged beauty of Khao Lak before crossing the bridge to the island of Phuket. We overnight at beautiful resorts where you can take a refreshing dip in the pool before indulging in some fresh off-the-boat seafood.
Varied riding, spectacular coastline scenery, statuesque peaks and the warm and hospitable Thai culture will be among the many highlights of this adventure.
Day1:Day in Bangkok
Bangkok, the pulsating metropolitan capital of Thailand, offers endless choices for excursions, adventures and shopping. Visit the Kings’ Palace, stand in awe before splendid Temples, or discover historical Bangkok on a river tour. Look forward to culinary treats and endless shopping in a price paradise. Take the opportunity to visit the huge Chatuchak weekend market on the Saturday before the tour starts. We suggest that you stay a couple of days before the tour in this exotic, fascinating city. We gladly offer you our services to book your accommodation in Bangkok and provide you with further information to make your visit more enjoyable.
More information can be found at: www.tourismthailand.com
Information Evening before Tour Start
The participants check in to their rooms in the elegant 4-star Hotel on Sukhumvit Road in the heart of Bangkok. In the evening we will welcome you in a meeting in this exquisite Hotel. You will receive all information regarding the tour, and you will learn useful details about your host country and afterwards we will hand out the team jersey and backpack to all participants. While sharing a sumptuous buffet dinner we will have the opportunity of getting to know each other before the ride.
Day2: Phetchaburi (Start) – Hua Hin = 73 km / 45 miles
In a comfortable minibus we leave Bangkok traveling southwest to Phetchaburi. The drive outbound from the very heart of Bangkok to our start location takes about an hour and a half. After checking out the fit of our bikes, we depart on our starting stage, rolling along flat sideroads and shoreline to Cha-Am, where we pause for lunch. The last miles to Hua Hin we ride along the low traffic main roads. In Hua Hin, an older seaside resort, Thailand welcomes us with plenty of good restaurants, shops and a 5 km (3 miles) long white sandy beach. Arriving in the afternoon, we will check in to our hotel where we can refresh ourselves in the large pool.
Day3: Hua Hin – Prachuap Kiri Khan = 111 km / 69 miles
After a splendid breakfast we ride the first 13 km (8 miles) on main road before turning off onto quiet, scenic rural roads. Numerous shrimp farms are spread through the countryside. We pass among the arresting limestone karsks of Khao Sam Roi Yod National Park and ride towards the sleepy town of Prachuap Khiri Khan. Passing along a seaside promenade, we ride to our Hotel on the seawall with its stunning view of the bay and only 4 km (2.5 miles) distance to the romantic beach at Ao Manao for a good swim. Very close by, you’ll find a beautiful hilltop Buddhist temple with a spectacular view; the temple is very popular with the local monkeys. In the evening we will enjoy excellent dining with plenty of local specialties.
Day4:Prachuap Kiri Khan – Haad Baan Krut = 72 km (44 miles)
In the first 20 km (13 miles) we cross the military airstrip and ride delightful sideroads through charming towns before continuing for a stretch on the main road which has excellent paved shoulders, an opportunity for the sprinters. We leave the highway and ride the last approximately 15 km (9 miles) once again on sideroads, to the beautiful beach of Haad Ban Krut – our finishing point for the day’s stage. The tiny, dreamy village is situated on a stunning beach – a Thai secret! At the north end of the idyllic beach a spectacular modern temple overlooks the bay – worth a late afternoon excursion. Riders will be thrilled by the ride along the palm-studded beach backed by the green foliage of the lush hinterlands. The resort, located directly on the spectacular, nearly deserted sandy beach with excellent swimming, also features two lovely pools in jungle settings and a stunning spa offering excellent Thai massage, a welcome invitation to relax.
Day5:Haad Baan Krut – Chumphon = 122 km / 76 miles, rolling
Starting off riding along the beach road colonnaded with palms, this day we’re cycling this rolling stage on quiet sideroads displaying a rich variety of Thai life. We pass numerous plantations, rice paddies and palm groves. In the little villages we are always greeted with a hearty “Hello”. The beach of Ao Tha Wua Laen is our finishing point for the day, a serene eco-resort sequestered near a quiet fishing community on an exquisite beach, located 15 km (9 miles) north of Chumphon.
Day6:Day of rest in Chumphon
The day of rest offers the opportunity to sleep in, relax or stay by the Hotel pool. Nature lovers may prefer the white sandy beach and the warm sea water and perhaps later, treat themselves to an excellent massage. The restless may enjoy an optional ride down the coast on the bikes past other fishing and farming communities and beaches. Chumphon is considered to be the gateway to the south of Thailand and therefore offers plenty of opportunities to see and explore with the tour bus. Others may opt to just enjoy a quiet day on this beautiful beach, which still seems like a secret Thai destination.
Day7: Chumphon – Ranong = 140 km / 86 miles, rolling
We will make an early start and after 16 km (10 miles) enter Chumphon, the capital of the province beyond which the road gets a bit steeper, hillier and very curvy. We will see splendid fruit orchards and tall palm trees with fan like tops as we climb over the height of land dividing the Gulf of Thailand from the Andaman Sea. On the way we will pause to taste local Dim Sum specialties. We pass the marker for the Isthmus of Kra, the narrowest part of the Malaysian peninsular, lunch at a floating restaurant, refresh at the pool beneath a breathtaking waterfall before descending to Ranong, located on the Indian Ocean and bordering Burma. Here we check into a lovely Hotel which offers Hot Spa/ Thermal pools and swimming pool. The thermal waters are highly regarded for their healing effects and may be just the thing after our longest stage. Riders may relax in the thermal pools or swim in the outdoor pool. The wellness facility offers us a well earned massage.
Day8:Ranong – Kuraburi = 127 km / 78 miles, rolling
From Ranong, our route turns south again, riding rolling roads along the shoulder of hills covered in rain forest with spectacular waterfalls appearing on the slopes above. There is always something to see, whether it is monkeys jumping around in the tree tops or elephants clearing the undergrowth – a strenuous work. The last miles of our stage finish with a climb up to our Hotel, nestled like an oasis in the middle of the jungle. Set in a splendid garden with a small lake and a swimming pool among amazing tropical plants, birds and butterflies, riders breathe the fresh mountain air and let the feeling of the lush rain forest sink in.
Day9:Kuraburi – Khao Lak = 74 km / 46 miles, rolling
Our stage today begins with an invigorating descent before leading us through rubber plantations, coconut groves and little villages. After Takuapa we will reach the coast of the Andaman Sea. Khao Lak is located at the foot of the splendidly verdant Lamru National Park. The resort’s swimming pool and the beautiful white sandy beach compel us to swim. Jungle fans can explore the National Park on the back of an elephant.
Day10:Khao Lak – Phuket = 90 km / 56 miles, rolling
We will ride on the main road to our finishing point, south towards – Phuket. After 60 km (37 miles) we cross the famous Sarasin bridge and reach Thailand’s biggest island. We finally arrive at Choeng Thale / Laguna and dismount at the Siam Bike Tours shop. Proud of our achievement, but a little melancholy that this wonderful road bike tour is already over, we lift our glasses with a refreshing drink to propose a toast to the tour.
On this 850 kilometre road ride you’ll cycle on smooth tarmac through quaint little villages, pass Buddhist temples and waving children as you absorb the slower pace of life of the relaxed and friendly locals.
Our cycling starts just outside Bangkok and ends on the beach in Phuket. In between we ride along some spectacular coastline scenery and are awed by the spectacular limestone cliffs jutting vertically out of the landscape.
Crossing the Isthmus of Kra will prove to be hilly but offer up great scenery as a reward. We overnight at a hot spring resort and continue down Thailand’s west coast to the rugged beauty of Khao Lak before crossing the bridge to the island of Phuket. We overnight at beautiful resorts where you can take a refreshing dip in the pool before indulging in some fresh off-the-boat seafood.
Varied riding, spectacular coastline scenery, statuesque peaks and the warm and hospitable Thai culture will be among the many highlights of this adventure.
Day1:Day in Bangkok
Bangkok, the pulsating metropolitan capital of Thailand, offers endless choices for excursions, adventures and shopping. Visit the Kings’ Palace, stand in awe before splendid Temples, or discover historical Bangkok on a river tour. Look forward to culinary treats and endless shopping in a price paradise. Take the opportunity to visit the huge Chatuchak weekend market on the Saturday before the tour starts. We suggest that you stay a couple of days before the tour in this exotic, fascinating city. We gladly offer you our services to book your accommodation in Bangkok and provide you with further information to make your visit more enjoyable.
More information can be found at: www.tourismthailand.com
Information Evening before Tour Start
The participants check in to their rooms in the elegant 4-star Hotel on Sukhumvit Road in the heart of Bangkok. In the evening we will welcome you in a meeting in this exquisite Hotel. You will receive all information regarding the tour, and you will learn useful details about your host country and afterwards we will hand out the team jersey and backpack to all participants. While sharing a sumptuous buffet dinner we will have the opportunity of getting to know each other before the ride.
Day2: Phetchaburi (Start) – Hua Hin = 73 km / 45 miles
In a comfortable minibus we leave Bangkok traveling southwest to Phetchaburi. The drive outbound from the very heart of Bangkok to our start location takes about an hour and a half. After checking out the fit of our bikes, we depart on our starting stage, rolling along flat sideroads and shoreline to Cha-Am, where we pause for lunch. The last miles to Hua Hin we ride along the low traffic main roads. In Hua Hin, an older seaside resort, Thailand welcomes us with plenty of good restaurants, shops and a 5 km (3 miles) long white sandy beach. Arriving in the afternoon, we will check in to our hotel where we can refresh ourselves in the large pool.
Day3: Hua Hin – Prachuap Kiri Khan = 111 km / 69 miles
After a splendid breakfast we ride the first 13 km (8 miles) on main road before turning off onto quiet, scenic rural roads. Numerous shrimp farms are spread through the countryside. We pass among the arresting limestone karsks of Khao Sam Roi Yod National Park and ride towards the sleepy town of Prachuap Khiri Khan. Passing along a seaside promenade, we ride to our Hotel on the seawall with its stunning view of the bay and only 4 km (2.5 miles) distance to the romantic beach at Ao Manao for a good swim. Very close by, you’ll find a beautiful hilltop Buddhist temple with a spectacular view; the temple is very popular with the local monkeys. In the evening we will enjoy excellent dining with plenty of local specialties.
Day4:Prachuap Kiri Khan – Haad Baan Krut = 72 km (44 miles)
In the first 20 km (13 miles) we cross the military airstrip and ride delightful sideroads through charming towns before continuing for a stretch on the main road which has excellent paved shoulders, an opportunity for the sprinters. We leave the highway and ride the last approximately 15 km (9 miles) once again on sideroads, to the beautiful beach of Haad Ban Krut – our finishing point for the day’s stage. The tiny, dreamy village is situated on a stunning beach – a Thai secret! At the north end of the idyllic beach a spectacular modern temple overlooks the bay – worth a late afternoon excursion. Riders will be thrilled by the ride along the palm-studded beach backed by the green foliage of the lush hinterlands. The resort, located directly on the spectacular, nearly deserted sandy beach with excellent swimming, also features two lovely pools in jungle settings and a stunning spa offering excellent Thai massage, a welcome invitation to relax.
Day5:Haad Baan Krut – Chumphon = 122 km / 76 miles, rolling
Starting off riding along the beach road colonnaded with palms, this day we’re cycling this rolling stage on quiet sideroads displaying a rich variety of Thai life. We pass numerous plantations, rice paddies and palm groves. In the little villages we are always greeted with a hearty “Hello”. The beach of Ao Tha Wua Laen is our finishing point for the day, a serene eco-resort sequestered near a quiet fishing community on an exquisite beach, located 15 km (9 miles) north of Chumphon.
Day6:Day of rest in Chumphon
The day of rest offers the opportunity to sleep in, relax or stay by the Hotel pool. Nature lovers may prefer the white sandy beach and the warm sea water and perhaps later, treat themselves to an excellent massage. The restless may enjoy an optional ride down the coast on the bikes past other fishing and farming communities and beaches. Chumphon is considered to be the gateway to the south of Thailand and therefore offers plenty of opportunities to see and explore with the tour bus. Others may opt to just enjoy a quiet day on this beautiful beach, which still seems like a secret Thai destination.
Day7: Chumphon – Ranong = 140 km / 86 miles, rolling
We will make an early start and after 16 km (10 miles) enter Chumphon, the capital of the province beyond which the road gets a bit steeper, hillier and very curvy. We will see splendid fruit orchards and tall palm trees with fan like tops as we climb over the height of land dividing the Gulf of Thailand from the Andaman Sea. On the way we will pause to taste local Dim Sum specialties. We pass the marker for the Isthmus of Kra, the narrowest part of the Malaysian peninsular, lunch at a floating restaurant, refresh at the pool beneath a breathtaking waterfall before descending to Ranong, located on the Indian Ocean and bordering Burma. Here we check into a lovely Hotel which offers Hot Spa/ Thermal pools and swimming pool. The thermal waters are highly regarded for their healing effects and may be just the thing after our longest stage. Riders may relax in the thermal pools or swim in the outdoor pool. The wellness facility offers us a well earned massage.
Day8:Ranong – Kuraburi = 127 km / 78 miles, rolling
From Ranong, our route turns south again, riding rolling roads along the shoulder of hills covered in rain forest with spectacular waterfalls appearing on the slopes above. There is always something to see, whether it is monkeys jumping around in the tree tops or elephants clearing the undergrowth – a strenuous work. The last miles of our stage finish with a climb up to our Hotel, nestled like an oasis in the middle of the jungle. Set in a splendid garden with a small lake and a swimming pool among amazing tropical plants, birds and butterflies, riders breathe the fresh mountain air and let the feeling of the lush rain forest sink in.
Day9:Kuraburi – Khao Lak = 74 km / 46 miles, rolling
Our stage today begins with an invigorating descent before leading us through rubber plantations, coconut groves and little villages. After Takuapa we will reach the coast of the Andaman Sea. Khao Lak is located at the foot of the splendidly verdant Lamru National Park. The resort’s swimming pool and the beautiful white sandy beach compel us to swim. Jungle fans can explore the National Park on the back of an elephant.
Day10:Khao Lak – Phuket = 90 km / 56 miles, rolling
We will ride on the main road to our finishing point, south towards – Phuket. After 60 km (37 miles) we cross the famous Sarasin bridge and reach Thailand’s biggest island. We finally arrive at Choeng Thale / Laguna and dismount at the Siam Bike Tours shop. Proud of our achievement, but a little melancholy that this wonderful road bike tour is already over, we lift our glasses with a refreshing drink to propose a toast to the tour.
