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Bangkok to Phuket: the Royal Coastal Road
From the neon pulse of Bangkok to the turquoise horizons of Phuket, this journey along the Royal Coastal Road is a cross-country odyssey that bridges two of Thailand’s most magnificent coasts. Starting at the riverside Shangri-La, you’ll have time for a self-guided exploration of the capital’s crown jewels - the majestic Grand Palace and the shimmering Wat Arun - before trading skyscrapers for the lush expanse of Kaeng Krachan National Park. As you pedal south, the route hugs the coast, traversing the dramatic limestone peaks of Sam Roi Yod and the narrow Isthmus of Kra until the secluded white sands of Baan Grood come into view.
The adventure continues with a snorkeling excursion to the private island of Koh Talu, followed by a ride through ancient mangroves and the 1,500-year-old kingdom of Chaiya. You’ll then head inland to the emerald waters of Cheow Larn Lake to sleep in floating raft houses before navigating the virgin rainforests of Khao Sok. The final leg conquers the winding "snake road" hills, leading to a triumphant beachfront feast on the shores of the Andaman Sea.
Day 1 (Fri 22nd Jan): Bangkok’s Sacred River
Welcome to Bangkok, the "City of Angels." Settle into the riverside Shangri-La Bangkok Hotel relaxing by the pool or exploring nearby icons like the Grand Palace and Wat Arun. The tour starts with a bike fitting at 3:00pm. In the evening, join your guides and fellow riders for a tour briefing and sunset cocktails overlooking the Chao Phraya. We’ll cap off the first day with a celebratory welcome dinner at a favorite local riverside eatery. Shangri La, Chao Phraya Riverside, Meals: (-/-/D/HH)
Day 2 (23rd Jan): Kaeng Krachan Park - Hua Hin, (Ride:45 mi, +1558 ft /-1234') Goodbye Bangkok, Hello Thailand. We transfer past the urban bustle for the lush trails of Kaeng Krachan, Thailand’s largest national park. Pedal through ancient forests and quiet villages to a scenic vineyard lunch and wine tasting before transferring to the royal retreat of Hua Hin with its famed night market. The day concludes with a poolside happy hour and a dinner directly on the sand. Putahracsa Resort, (B/L/D/HH)
Day 3 (24th Jan): Hua Hin bike lane to Kui Buri (Ride: 51mi, +-1339 ft)
We cycle the coastal bike lane toward the dramatic limestone spires of Sam Roi Yod National Park with its 300 towering peaks. The route winds through vibrant fishing villages and estuaries teeming with colorful boats, offering fast, flat stretches for those looking to open up the throttle. After checking into our coastal hotel, enjoy a well-earned massage or a dip in the pool before a sunset happy hour and a feast of the day's freshest local seafood. Dhevan Dara Beach Villa Resort, (B/L/D/HH)
Day 4: Through the Isthmus of Kra to Baan Grood (62m, +-1450’)
Cross the Isthmus of Kra, Thailand’s slenderest point, where only 27 miles separate the Gulf of Thailand from the Myanmar border. Along the route, spot the region’s unique "bird condos"—specialized towers designed for harvesting prized nests. The day concludes at a secluded beachfront sanctuary, leaving you plenty of time for a white-sand stroll or a poolside lounge before happy hour and dinner Baan Grood Arcadia, (B/L/D/HH)
Day 5 (Tue 26th Jan): Private Island Snorkeling Excursion (Ride: 19 mi, +-551 ft)
Today offers a well-earned semi-rest day on the private island of Koh Talu. Following a short morning ride to the pier, a speedboat whisks you away for an afternoon of tropical bliss. Whether you choose to snorkel vibrant coral reefs, kayak the azure waters, or simply beachcomb the pristine sands, the day is yours to recharge. As the sun dips, we’ll gather for happy hour and a relaxed dinner at our quaint island resort, soaking in the ultimate "off-the-grid" atmosphere. Koh Talu Island Resort, (B/L/D/HH)
Day 6 (Wed 27th Jan 2027): Coastal road to Saplee (Ride: 44 mi, +1509 ft/-1811 ft)
Start your morning with the gentle rhythm of the island before a 9 AM boat transfer returns us to the mainland. Back in the saddle, we’ll pedal through coconut groves and shrimp farms toward the sleepy seaside charm of Saplee. After settling into our resort, we’ll trade traditional spices for woodfired pizza and cocktails at a favorite local beach bar—the perfect spot to toast the sunset.
Nana Beach Resort,(B/L/D/HH)
Day 7 (28th Jan 2027): Saplee to Arunothai Beach (Ride: 58 mi,+-2156')
Enjoy another sun-drenched day on flat, coastal roads winding through mangroves and villages filled with colorful fishing boats. With limestone karsts dotting the horizon, there’s plenty of time for "sea time"—snorkeling among tiny islands or simply floating in the surf. We’ll finish at the secluded Haad Arunothai, the perfect setting to indulge in a traditional Thai massage within a private garden spa pavilion. Tusita Wellness Resort, (B/L/D)
Day 8 (29th Jan): Tungtako to Chaiya–Laem Sai Beach (Ride: 65 mi,+-1266’)
Enjoy a final, longer coastal push along endless beaches toward Chaiya, the 1,500-year-old former capital of the Srivijaya Kingdom. Tonight, we embrace an authentic "off-the-map" experience at a quaint mangrove retreat—the most charming stay in this remote region. We’ll dine like locals at a stilted seafood shack perched over the water, enjoying the fresh catch of the day.
Day 9: (30th Jan 2027) Floating houses of Cheow Larn Lake (Ride: 35 m, +1218'/-915')
Trade the coastline for the lush interior of Khao Sok National Park. This "semi-rest" day introduces our first few climbs, rewarding you with sweeping views of the emerald Ratchaprapa Dam. Leaving the bikes onshore, we’ll board a boat to reach our floating sanctuary—a village of raft houses tucked among towering limestone karsts. It’s the ultimate "off-grid" experience: dive straight from your private balcony for a swim or paddle to visit your neighbors Panvareee Floating Resort (Raft House), (B/L/D/HH)
Day 10 (31st Jan): Cheow Larn Lake to Khao Sok Jungle Lodge (34 mi, +-1720’)
Savor a final morning kayaking through the limestone karsts before a boat transfer returns us to the mainland. Back in the saddle, we’ll ride deep into the virgin rainforest of Khao Sok, a biodiversity hotspot home to 5% of the world's species. The day concludes at a boutique jungle lodge, where you can unwind with breathtaking views overlooking the valley's emerald canopy.
The Magical Mountain Resort,(B/L/D/HH)
Day 11 (1st Feb): Khao Sok into Khao Lak & the Andaman coast (58 m,+-2293 ft)
Leave the jungle behind and descend toward the Andaman Coast. We’ll pause for coffee in Takua Pa, a town rich with colonial Portuguese architecture, before navigating a winding route through lush palm plantations and river crossings. The journey reaches a milestone as the turquoise West Coast finally comes into view. Celebrate your coast-to-coast crossing with a ceremonial dip of the wheels in the Andaman Sea before settling into our final beachfront resort.
Apsara Beachfront Villa Resort & Spa (Superior Room), (B/L/D/-)
Day 12 (2nd Feb): Phuket Island (Ride: 63 mi,+-2513 ft)
Pedal through the palm groves and quiet coastal communities of Southern Thailand as we cross the bridge into the paradise island of Phuket. Leave the main roads behind for undulating back routes that hug the Andaman Sea. We’ll earn our final luxury stay with one last challenge—the short, steep hills of the "Snake Road"—before a surprise finish by the water. Celebrate the journey’s end with a sunset happy hour and final feast on the sand. Dewa Phuket, (B/L/D/HH)
Day 13 (Wed 3rd Feb): Phuket Departure
Catch either an international or domestic flight (Phuket to Bangkok flights range from 50-150USD, Bangkok Airways are a good option) from Phuket international airport (HKT), from Bangkok (BKK) or extend your stay and enjoy the sun and sands of Phuket! Meals: (B/-)
Joining the ride
“Request to participate" by clicking the link “Go on this ride!” or make further inquiries by contacting the ride leader, Bruce Rayvid.
Total tour cost is $4350 USD per person, based on sharing a room. Tour Deposit on booking is $1500 USD with the final payment of $2,850 USD due on October 22, 2026. The actual Commercial Operators charge is $4,150 per person. Also included is the tour cost is the BAC payment processing fee of 3% plus contingencies. At the end of the tour, riders will receive a refund of any remaining money in the budget. The cost excludes flights, bike rentals, meals or activities not mentioned in the itinerary, beverages other than breakfast, trailside or happy hour, airport transfers, guide team gratuities (at participant discretion but a standard range: $100-200 USD) and travel cancellation, interruption and delay insurance (highly recommended)
RIDE RATING
The ride is rated 2B! with 11 required riding days based on an average daily distance of 48 miles and 1824 feet of climbing. The ride includes 4 days above the 2B* rating, days 3&8 (1C), 7&11 (2C) . The trip covers approx 500 miles over 11 riding days on paved asphalt roads with light traffic. The tour is fully supported including a trailer for luggage. Throughout the ride we will have vehicle support and riding guides on hand.
LOGISTICS
The tour will begin on January 22nd at 3:00pm with a bike fitting at our first hotel -The Shangri La Bangkok - and end after Breakfast on February 3rd at The Dewa Phuket Hotel. Transfers to and from the airport are available for extra cost with local inexpensive taxis. U.S. citizens visiting Thailand for tourism for 60 days or less do not require a visa, thanks to the Visa Exemption Rule, but they must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online 1–3 days before arrival. A passport valid for at least six months and proof of onward travel are required
WEATHER
January is the coolest time of year in Thailand, but temperatures can still reach up to 85 degrees. Good sun protection is essential, and UV sleeves work best if wetted down occasionally to wick heat away from the body. For riding, light layers to start rides in the morning, and peel off in the warmth of the day with sun protective sleeves available is the best strategy. Carry a light windproof or showerproof jacket. Support vehicles are always on hand to carry day bags which can be accessed easily.
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