Coastal Thailand Cycling Tour: Trails of Tradition

Things to know

• What’s included?

  What you get on this adventure:

  • • An experienced, local English-speaking cycling guide with extensive knowledge of the area
    • 11-day Coastal Thailand cycling tour (10 days of cycling)
    • SpiceRoads jersey and a water bottle
    • All meals (detailed in the itinerary)
    • Accommodation for 10 nights in beachfront resorts, nature retreats, and town-based hotels
    • Snacks and drinks
    • Basic bike spares and tools
    • Support vehicle

  What’s not included:

  • • International and domestic flights
    • Airport pick-up and drop-off
    • A bike (available for hire for an additional fee)
    • A helmet — included if you rent a bike
    • Visa fees
    • Alcoholic beverages
    • Guide gratuities — optional
    • Travel and medical insurance — mandatory
• How fit do I need to be?

  This coastal Thailand cycling tour is suitable for recreational cyclists seeking a bit of a challenge. You will cover 325 km/202 miles over 10 cycling days, with an average distance of 34 km/21 miles a day, with a daily average of 241 m/791 ft of elevation gain—you can find detailed day-to-day distances and elevation changes in the itinerary.

  You can expect a fairly gentle ride each day with none of the distances being overly long. The emphasis on this tour is Thailand’s history, culture, and scenery, all off the beaten track.

  You will ride on a mixture of tarmac and dirt roads, mostly on flat terrain. There are a few small hills and some dirt trails, but these can be tackled with a moderate amount of fitness. To prepare, aim to ride twice a week, with a longer ride on weekends to get comfortable riding for several hours at a time. Adding variety to your routes will help build confidence.

  An air-conditioned support van will always be behind us if you need a rest or a lift to the top. Your guide’s expert knowledge of the area and terrain means you’ll always know what’s next in terms of distance and difficulty. This makes a tremendous difference, as does the constant supply of water and refreshments along the way.

• What do I need to bring?

  Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:

  • • Day pack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 25-40L bag)
    • A water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity) – will be provided by the guide
    • Comfortable shoes for cycling
    • Comfortable clothes for cycling
    • Gloves
    • A helmet — included if you rent a bike
    • Spare clothes for layering and 10 days of biking
    • Waterproof rain jacket
    • Sunhat
    • Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
    • Sunglasses
    • Camera — optional (but recommended)
    • Basic bike repair toolkit, a spare tube and a pump — optional (but recommended)

  You will receive a more detailed packing list upon booking.
  Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

  Got everything you need? Grab your gear through Active Junky and earn cash back on top outdoor brands — plus a $10 bonus on your first $25+ purchase. Shop now at Active Junky!

• What is the weather going to be like?

  Thailand has a tropical climate with fairly high humidity. The hottest and driest period is March to June, with temperatures between 27-30°C (81-86°F). July to October is the rainy season, with brief showers and slightly lower temperatures. October to February is cooler, with average temperatures between 20-30°C (68-86°F). Coastal areas may experience intermittent rain. Make sure you pack accordingly.

• Bikes, bike repairs & safety

  Are the bikes included?

  Since some people can’t imagine a cycling trip without their own bicycle, they are not provided as part of this tour. However, you can add a rental bike to your booking for an additional fee upon checkout. If you’re bringing your own bike, a hybrid is strongly recommended. Please make sure it is in good mechanical order.

  What are the rental bikes like?

  For this coastal Thailand cycling tour, your guides offer TREK 7.2 X, FX 3 and 7200 hybrid bikes, with frame sizes from 13 inches (47 cm) to 22 1/2 inches (62 cm). While a specific model cannot be guaranteed, all bikes are carefully selected for comfort and performance.

  If you’re looking for a bit of extra assistance, there’s also a limited number of Giant 2019 Explore E+ 3 e-bikes available. If you’re interested in an e-bike, be sure to mention it when booking.

  What if my bike breaks down?

  Your guide and the support van will carry basic spares and tools, though we can’t guarantee having spares for every conceivable problem. Please bring a basic tool kit, a spare tube, and a pump.

  Safety

  Wearing a helmet is mandatory on this biking adventure—no exceptions. A helmet is included if you rent a bike. Without a helmet, you will not be allowed to ride. Your guide is trained in first aid and emergency response, but you are ultimately responsible for your own safety while cycling. To ensure you’re fully protected, it is required that you have travel insurance that covers mountain biking tours.

• Group sizes and age requirements

  Group sizes and pricing

  • • For this group adventure, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 6:1.
    • It takes a minimum of 2 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 16 participants.

  A coastal Thailand cycling tour can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

  Min. age requirements

  • • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
• Getting there and meeting location

  The starting point of your coastal Thailand cycling tour is Bangkok. To get there, most people fly into Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK). From there, you can take a shuttle service, public transport, or rent a car to reach Bangkok. It will take you around half an hour, depending on your choice of transportation.

  Once you’re there, you will meet your guide at a predetermined time and convenient spot in Bangkok. More information will be provided upon booking. Please note that it’s best to arrive a day prior to Day 1 of the tour, as you’ll already be cycling on Day 1.

• Safety measures and insurance

  We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!

  Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

  Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!

• Deposits and cancellation policy

  Deposits

  You can secure one of the set dates with a 30% deposit upon booking. The remaining 70% of the trip price is to be paid 90 days prior to departure, at the latest.

  Cancellations

  Booking fees are non-refundable in all cases. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options:

  Basic

  • • In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
    • For cancellations 60 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a 70% refund of the trip price.
    • For cancellations 0-59 days before the trip, there is no refund.

  Flexible

  • • In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
    • For cancellations 60 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a full refund of the trip price.
    • For cancellations 30-59 days before the trip, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the trip price.
    • For cancellations 0-29 days before the trip, there is no refund.

  Super Flexible

  • • In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
    • For cancellations 30 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a full refund of the trip price.
    • For cancellations 0-29 days before the trip, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the trip price.