Cycling in Thailand

cycling_thailand

Navigate over 548 snaking miles of tropical shoreline along paved roads following the best parts of Thailand’s coastal range. Swap the Gulf of Thailand’s sweeping sands for the clear blue waters of the Andaman Sea. Hang up your helmet after each day to relax in warm sand and admire the sunset.

Dates: TBD (not including travel to/from Bangkok & Phuket Airports)
Need a minimum of 10 participants

Lodging: Hotels (double occupancy)

Cost: $2150* (Land only, Limited space, $500 non-refundable deposit)
                     

Steep Grade: 4/5 (Demanding) - Average of 61 miles/day

Schedule:

Day 1
Arrive in Bangkok and transfer to JW Marriott Hotel in Bangkok (individual transfers are on your own to arrange).

Day 2
Tour Bangkok
Overnight: JW Marriott Hilton
Meal: B

Day 3
We depart Bangkok toward Phetchaburi. The drive to our starting location will take 2 hours. After lunch at a seaside resort Cha-Am, we will ride through a palm-fringed agricultural landscape. Hua Hin, the oldest seaside resort in Thailand, welcomes us with many good restaurants, shops and a 5 km long, white sand beach. In the afternoon, we will move into our accommodations at the 5-star Hilton Hua Hin Hotel and refresh ourselves afterwards in the large pool. Mileage: 41 miles
Overnight: Hua Hin Hilton Resort
Meal: B,L

Day 4
We will cycle the first 8 miles on a bike path and then along beautiful, varied coastal roads with an ocean view. Numerous pineapple plantations and shrimp farms dot the landscape. We pass through Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park and ride further to Kui Buri Beach. Our hotel lies directly on the seaside. Mileage: 48.5 miles
Overnight: Dhevan Dara Beach Villa
Meal: B,L

Day 5
Through a scenic landscape characterized by coconut palms, we ride to the beach of Baan Krut. This tiny, sleepy village is a true insider tip. At the end of the picturesque beach there is a castle-like temple complex. From there we enjoy a breathtaking view of the bay and the palm forests in the distance. Our resort is only a stone’s throw from Baan Krut’s beautiful, enticing sand beach—perfect for relaxing and daydreaming. Mileage: 65 miles
Overnight: Baanklangaow Beach Resort
Meal: B,L

Day 6
On this stage we will ride along the Royal Coast Road. This stretch was built extra for cycle touring. Virtually traffic-free, we pedal through rubber trees and palm forests. From the Keo Prasert Temple we enjoy a breathtaking view of the karst peaks of the Thung Maha Bay. The snow-white sand beach of Ao Thung Wua Laen, today’s destination, is located 9 miles outside of Chumphon City. Mileage: 70 miles
Overnight: Nana Beach Resort
Meal: B,L

Day 7
Today’s rest day offers you the opportunity to sleep in, relax and swim in the hotel’s pool. Nature lovers may prefer the white sand beach and treating themselves to a massage afterward? The beautiful coastal road entices cyclists to go out for another voluntary ride on the bike.
Overnight: Nana Beach Resort
Meal: B

Day 8
The nearby ocean is our constant companion. Our eyes can’t get enough of the tropical, green vegetation. We bypass the city of Chumphon toward the south and return to the coast. Here we have the road almost to ourselves. Arunothai Beach is still located within the province of Chumphon. Mileage: 59 miles
Overnight: Tusita Wellness Resort
Meal: B,L

Day 9
The flat coastal road leads us through a scenic landscape of small villages. Jungle-covered limestone peaks reach toward the sky as we enjoy the practically traffic-free road. Once again, our hotel truly lives up to its title as a “beach resort.” We will enjoy a pleasant evening on the quiet beach. Mileage: 64 miles
Overnight: Laemsai Resort
Meal: B,L

Day 10
Shortly before Suratthani, we turn towards Khao Sok National Park. Rubber trees and oil palm forests are characteristic for this fertile area. Through construction of the Ratchaprapha Dam in 1987, a unique, gigantic lake was created. After a refreshing swim in the hotel pool, you could admire the unique limestone peaks of the Khao Sok National Park surrounding the lake and enjoy an evening drink at a floating restaurant. Mileage: 59 miles
Overnight: Saichon Grand View
Meal: B,L

Day 11
We ride through Khao Sok National Park and are enchanted once again by the magical mountain scenery. A short climb (5% gradient), which of course can also be done in the van, leads to a pristine scenic outlook. In Khao Lak, the coast of the Indian Ocean awaits us, our resort lies directly on the Nangthong Beach. Mileage: 74 miles
Overnight: Nangthong Bay Resort
Meal: B,L

Day 12
We enjoy a coffee break in Thai Muang. Along the idyllic coastal road, the view of this picture book landscape is sure to exhilarate one’s senses. After a short boat ride, we reach Thailand’s largest island – Phuket. After lunch, we will ride at a leisurely pace to the Siam Bike Tours Shop in Choeng Thale (Bangtao Beach) and enjoy a final toast to our eventful tour. Mileage: 61 miles
Overnight: Diamond Resort
Meal: B,L,D

Day 13
Today is yours to relax and rest after eight great riding days! Fly home or extend your stay.
Meal: B

 
 

Includes:
12 nights hotel lodging (double occupancy)
Meals indicated in itinerary (Dinner is on your own to allow you freedom to chose - prices range from $5 - $15)
All coffee breaks: Iced coffee, delicious hot blended coffee beverages or tea
Isotonic drinks, cola, water and fresh fruit on all stages
Steep Adventures trip host
Cycling jersey & team bag
Support vehicle with driver and assistant
Guide
National Park fees
Repair service
Ground transport while cycling
Photos & videos


Does not include:
International airfare
Emergency medical evacuation insurance (required)
Meals where indicated
Tips for guides and porters (optional)
Visa (if necessary)
Bike (rental option available - standard and e-bikes available)
Individual airport taxi transfers
Massages (range in price from $9 - 22)

 

Have additional questions? Email us or check out the Q&A section.

Salkantay Trek in Peru

Take the road less traveled on the remote Salkantay Trail ending in Aguas Caliente, the town at the base of Machu Picchu. Experience the beauty of the Andes and the wonder of the ancient ruins left by the Incas. This 37-mile trail will take us past glacier lakes, up a 15,255 ft mountain pass, and on clear nights seeing countless stars and constellations. To provide adequate time to acclimate to the altitude for the high moutain pass, we will spend some time prior to the trek exploring the Sacred Valley, volunteering at an orphanage, and seeing the Rainbow Mountains.

Trip Dates: Wednesday, September 6 - Friday, September 15, 2023 (not including travel to/from Cusco)
Cost: $1850 (based on double occupancy)
Steep grade: 5/5 (must be able to hike up to 10 miles with a backpack and at high elevation)

Wednesday, September 6 - Arrive in Cusco & half-day tour of Incan ruins
- Hotel in Cusco

Thursday, September 7 - Sacred Valley
We will leave the hotel early for a private tour of the Sacred Valley. Chinchero is located over 3,800 meters or 12,450ft (the highest town of the Sacred Valley). We will visit one of the famous textiles centers to see how they are made and to give you an opportunity to purchase some of these beautifully handcrafted textiles. After that, we will visit the Inca site and the small church that belongs to the XVII century.

Next, we visit the town of Ollantaytambo (2,790 meters or 9,153ft). This was the state of the Pachacutec Emperor who conquered the region, built the town and the ceremonial center we will learn more about. The Inca site in Ollantaytambo belongs to the 15th century!

After our visit, we will drive to the Urubamba district to enjoy a nice buffet lunch. We will then continue our journey towards the charming town of Pisac (2,970 meters or 9,744ft). You will have the opportunity to visit a jewelry factory to learn how the products are made and have an opportunity to purchase a piece of the handmade jewelry. After that, we will drive up to the Inca site which sits atop a hill at the entrance to the valley. We will explore and learn about these farming terraces and the surrounding Inca artifacts.
- Hotel in Cusco

Friday, September 8- Andahuaylillas - Volunteering at an orphanage
We will depart the hotel early and drive to Andahuaylillas. We will spend the day interacting with the children of Azul Wasi (a local orphanage). We will enjoy a BBQ in the fresh air surrounded by the magnificent Andes. After a day with the children, we will drive back to Cusco.

Andahuaylillas is a small, quaint town about 30 miles south of Cusco. It sits at approximately 10,262 feet elevation (about 1,000 feet lower than Cusco). The drive from Cusco to Andahuaylillas is serene and beautiful. Passing small towns, lakes and magnificent mountains along the way.
- Hotel in Cusco

Saturday, September 9 - Palccoyo Mountain (Rainbow Mountain)
We will start this full-day tour very early in the morning to beat the crowds. We will be able to take our time and soak in the vibrantly colored scenery as we go. The hike itself is short and gradual but the altitude can pose some challenges as it sits at 16,000 feet or 4900 meters. Palccoyo is part of the Red Valley, so along with the “rainbow mountain” you will be able to witness many peaks filled with different shades of red.
- Hotel in Cusco

Sunday, September 10 - Salkantay Trek begins
We will start our journey from the hotel in Cusco city bright and early in the morning. We will stop in Mollepata for a light breakfast and to use the facilities. After our quick stop, we will head to the starting point of our trek where we will meet our horsemen and their mules and horses. We will hike up to the awe-inspiring Humantay Lake and soak in the breathtaking views of this glacier lake. We will finish our day in Soraypampa which is in the glacier valleys.
-Tent

Monday, September 11 - Salkantay Trek continues
Today we will hike to highest point of the trek; Salkantay Pass (15,255ft/4,650m). The  3 hour ascent to the pass is quite challenging. When we finally reach the top, we will be rewarded with spectacular views. Salkantay mountain is the second highest mountain in the Cusco region and is considered a sacred mountain. We will end our day in Chaullay Village, which sits quite a bit lower than Salkantay Pass at 9,514ft/2,900m.
- Tent

Tuesday, September 12 - Salkantay Trek continues
Today we will hike through the Santa Teresa Valley. We will be able to see serene waterfalls and beautiful wild orchids. We will have the opportunity to visit local coffee farms. You will also be able to taste coffee and buy locally sourced coffee beans to bring home!   The coffee from Santa Teresa is something you do not want to miss. Today you will also have the option to visit the hot springs of Colcalmayo.
- Tent

Wednesday, September 13 - Salkantay Trek final day
Today you will have the opportunity to enjoy a small part of the famous Inca Trail, which adds to the experience on this trek. We will visit the Inca site of Llactapata and learn some of the history. From this Inca Site, we will be able to see Machu Picchu in the distance. We will continue on until we reach the natural waterfall that generates electricity for the region of Cusco. We will end our night in Aguas Calientes, which sits at the foot of Machu Picchu, where we will refuel and enjoy a warm shower at our accommodation for the night.
- Hotel in Aguas Caliente

Thursday, September 14 - Machu Picchu
Today is the day we’ve been waiting for; MACHU PICCHU! We will start our day before the sun rises so we are able to board the first bus that will take us up to enjoy Machu Picchu before the crowds arrive. You will experience a 2 hour guided tour through this incredible ancient city full of history, culture and unknowns. After your guided tour, you will have the opportunity to climb Huaynapiccu or Machupicchu Mountain (additional charge and must be booked in advance as there is a limit of people they allow to climb). We will make our way back to Aguas Calientes to enjoy a nice lunch before our train departs and our journey back to Cusco begins.
- Hotel in Cusco

Friday, September 15 - Depart or continue on…
Begin your journey back to the States or continue exploring

Included:
6 nights hotel lodging (double occupancy) + 3 nights in a tent (double occupancy)
Ground transportation
English speaking tour guide
Entry fees
Steep Adventures host
Tent
Breakfast and meals while hiking

Not included:
International airfare to Cusco
Meals (lunch & dinner - except when hiking)
Tips & Gratuities
Personal expenses
Hiking gear (sleeping bag, pad, hiking poles, etc)

Are you interested in this adventure, but want to go in 2024? Click here and get on the list.