8 days
From US $2,395
Krabi to Koh Phangan Bike Tour
Krabi and Koh Phangan ( and its sister island, Koh Samui ) in southern Thailand are famous for their beaches, blue waters, and coral reefs.
This is a bike tour that connects these two slices of tropical paradise through a route that offers plenty of adventures in addition to the excellent cycling.
Begin by pedaling past towering karst cliffs and lush greenery, immersing yourself in the vibrant culture of the region's small villages adorned with ornate temples and mosques. Explore iconic sites like Phi Hua To cave and mangrove forests by boat or kayak.
Continue your journey through the rural beauty of the Kra Isthmus, encountering rubber tree groves and oil palm plantations before reaching the majestic Khao Sok National Park. Relax in a floating hotel on Chiew Larn Lake, where we can swim, kayak, or simply admire the stunning surroundings. Delve into local traditions as we witness the process of latex rubber production and visit ancient Buddhist temples. Conclude the adventure with a scenic ride along the eastern coast of Koh Phangan, offering a glimpse into Thailand's pristine beauty.
Krabi
Koh Phangan
casual
easy to moderate
55km/34mi
6
KBV
USM
Min. 2, Max. 14
Highlights
serene landscapes
Energize you mind, body and soul in the serene hills, springs, beaches and islands of South Thailand
Itinerary
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Place | casual Inns (subject to availability) | Meals | Distance | Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DAY 1 | Ao Nang | Golden Beach Resort | D | ||
| DAY 2 | Laem Sak | Ao Luek Panoramic Resort | B,L,D | 55km/40mi | cycling |
| DAY 3 | Phang Nga Bay | Le Erawan Phang Nga | B,L,D | 55km/40mi | cycling |
| DAY 4 | Khao Sok National Park | Khao Sok River Lodge | B,L,D | 70km/42mi | cycling |
| DAY 5 | Chiew Larn Lake | Caligo Resort | B,L,D | 50km / 30mi | cycling |
| DAY 6 | Koh Phangan | Koh Ma Beach Resort | B,L,D | 55km/40mi | cycling |
| DAY 7 | Koh Phangan | Koh Ma Beach Resort | B,L,D | 25km/15mi | cycling |
| DAY 8 | Boat to Samui, transfer to airport | B |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Ao Nang
Our guide meets at the hotel, 17:00hrs. After a bike fit and brief orientation head out to a tiny seafood restaurant with an incredible selection of fresh fish, crabs, and shellfish for a welcome dinner.
Day 2: Laem Sak
On our first day cycling excursion, we traverse towering karst cliffs adorned with verdant vines, journeying through the flourishing landscape of southern Thailand. Scattered across the countryside, quaint villages showcase a blend of intricate Buddhist temples and mosques echoing the call to prayer through town loudspeakers. Upon arriving at Laem Sak, we transition our mode of transportation to explore the charming Phi Hua To cave and navigate the mangrove forest by either boat or kayak.
Day 3: Phang Nga Bay
Today we delve deeper into the vibrant scenery of southern Thailand, traversing plantations and quaint villages along the way. Our destination is Phang Nga, an ancient town encircled by majestic karst formations. Upon arriving at our hotel, we set out into Phang Nga Bay by longtail boat, making stops at Ko Panyee, a floating village inhabited by Thai Sea Gypsies, and the iconic James Bond Island, famously featured in the movie "The Man With the Golden Gun."
Day 4: Khao Sok National Park
After breakfast, we shuttle outside the city to avoid morning traffic. Our ride today takes us through the lush green rural landscapes of the Kra Isthmus. Cycling through small villages, bright green rubber tree groves, and dark green oil palm plantations, we gradually approach the border of Khao Sok National Park, where towering karst outcroppings begin to appear, offering a glimpse of the dramatic landscapes ahead.
Day 5: Chiew Larn Lake
Experience an undulating terrain today that meanders through a succession of breathtaking limestone cliffs and vibrant jungle along the periphery of Khao Sok National Park, recognized as one of the world's oldest rainforests. The ride is enveloped by towering rock outcroppings, vivid cliffs, and the rich embrace of the tropical forest.
Day 6: Koh Phangan
After an early breakfast, we return to shore where our bikes await. Today's ride follows the Ta Pi River, originating from the waters of Chiew Larn Lake. This flat route meanders along the river's path, passing through villages and rubber plantations. Perhaps there will be an opportunity to witness firsthand the process of converting fresh sap into latex rubber at one of the cottage industry shops along the way. Additionally, we explore Wat Tham Singkhon, a Buddhist temple built into a cave dating back some 300 years to the Ayutthaya period. Later in the afternoon, we pack up and shuttle to catch the ferry to Koh Phangan.
The shuttle from the cycling endpoint to Donsak Ferry pier takes approximately an hour, followed by a ferry journey lasting around two and a half hours. Finally, it's a brief 20-minute transfer from the Koh Phangan pier to the hotel.
Day 7: Koh Phangan
On our final day of cycling, we set out on a journey along the eastern side of Koh Phangan. This route combines coastal cycling with occasional inland detours, taking us over small hills and through serene villages. The experience offers a glimpse into the ambiance reminiscent of Thailand's popular tourist destinations like Samui and Phuket before undergoing extensive development.
Day 8: Boat to Samui, transfer to airport
Take a boat to Samui, then transfer to the airport. The public ferry + van to airport trips leave 10:30, 12:00 and 16:00 from the Thong Sala Pier on Koh Phangan. It takes around one and a half hours from pier to airport. Please note that the transfer to the airport is not included in your price.
Ready to plan your adventure? Download a print-ready detailed itinerary.
Map
Dates and Prices
Single Supplement
From US $475
E-Bike Upgrade
From US $220
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Essential Info
Inclusions
LODGING
All hotels as mentioned in the tour details or similar (subject to availability).
trip leader
Expert Trip Leader(s) who look after your every need and add meaning to your vacation.
bike
Immaculately maintained bike with helmet, suited to a terrain.
shuttle
A Van support follows the group of riders and carries all belongings.
meals
Meals as per itinerary. Guests are given the opportunity to dine on their own so that they discover a location independently.
refreshments
Refreshments and mineral water while cycling.
entrance
Entrance fees to most of the monuments and temples.
Exclusions
Airport pickup and drop
We recommend to book direclty from airport or hotel.
Beverages
Beverages such as alcohol, tea, coffee, juice at a hotel or restaurant.
Gratuity
Gratuities for your guide team are not included in the trip price.
Bikes
When you have a road and the thrill of a journey ahead of you, it’s imperative to have a good bike to enjoy it. Our fleet majorly consist of the below bikes as a part of this tour. However, sometimes due to height or availability constraints, we may provide a different but similar quality bike.
Merida Speeder T3 or similar
Included in your trip price
Kaze or similar
Available at a surcharge
Arrival & Departure Details
Krabi is a small airport.
Upon arrival at the airport, guests have 2 options to reach their hotel - a shared song thaew service or a pre-booked transfer
Song Thaew
Song thaews are modified pick up trucks with bench seats in the back that are used for transportation in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar.
The shared song thaew costs about 150 baht per person to Ao Nang beach area. There are usually folks outside the door arranging it, and the driver waits until they have enough passengers then head to the beach dropping passengers at their hotels. It is possible sometimes to negotiate private use for a substantially higher price.
Most hotels that offer airport shuttle use the shared song thaew service.
Pre-booked Cab Transfer
The pre-booked transfer from Krabi Shuttle costs approximately 500 baht for a car, 700 baht for an SUV, and 800 baht for a van.
It can be booked online from the Krabi Shuttle website and the driver will be waiting with the guest's name on the sign. The price is the same regardless of which hotel in Ao Nang you get dropped at.
The shuttle company is quite reliable. But do note their website only works with the root domain, do not use the www subdomain.
Weather
Southern Thailand is coastal and mostly flat. The cycle tour season here runs from November to March when the weather is sunny and pleasant. April to June are the hot summer months and July to October is the rainy season when southern Thailand receives considerable rainfall.
- The best time of year is winter (November through February). It is the dry season and temperatures are cooler. The south gets a scattered shower every few days. Temperatures in the South are in the low 30s.
- March through May in the South is warmer, but only fluctuates a couple of degrees during the year.
- June through October is the rainy season (or green season as the hotels like to call it). September and early October peak in the south. Rain tends to be short but heavy tropical downpours, then clearing out, usually happening in the afternoon or evening, so cycling tours are still possible.
In a nutshell, winter is great (Nov - Mar), and the rest of the year is ok in the South.
January
Good
February
Best
March
Best
April
Offseason
May
Mixed
June
Mixed
July
Offseason
August
Offseason
September
Offseason
October
Mixed
November
Good
December
Good
Best
Good
Mixed
Offseason
What to Pack
Packing smart is essential for a safe and enjoyable cycling adventure. From essential biking gear to clothing and travel necessities, this guide ensures you're prepared for any terrain or climate.
Recommended Bicycling Clothes & Gear
- Bicycling shoes or stiff-soled sneakers.
- Padded cycling shorts.
- Short-fingered cycling gloves (personal gloves are ideal).
- Brightly colored cycling jerseys or synthetic T-shirts for visibility.
- Synthetic cycling socks.
- Sunglasses with UV protection.
- Personal helmet (recommended even though provided).
- Personal saddle (optional for added comfort).
- Rain jacket or windbreaker.
- Cycling water bottle (to reduce plastic waste).
Note: Helmets, gloves, and water bottles are personal items, so bringing your own is recommended for maximum comfort and hygiene.
Clothing
- Light, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen.
- Full-sleeved clothing for sun protection.
- Warm layers for chilly mornings and evenings (if traveling in winter).
- Comfortable footwear for non-cycling time.
- Bring a compact rain jacket in case of sudden weather changes.
- Ethnic or modest clothing for exploring towns and temples.
Other Necessities
- Toiletries: Basic hygiene essentials, including insect/mosquito repellent and sunscreen.
- Hand sanitizer and wet wipes.
- Plug socket adaptor.
- Binoculars for wildlife spotting or desert landscapes.
Pro Tips
- Pack light but plan for the varying temperatures: warm days, chilly evenings, and desert winds.
- Use brightly colored clothing for visibility on roads.
- Pack light to leave room for shopping.
Luggage
Please limit your luggage to one medium-sized suitcase and one carry-on bag. Mark your luggage with your name, address, and phone number.
Visa Information
Before venturing on your adventure, make sure you're equipped with essential travel advice, including security updates, local laws, and crucial passport and visa information. Start by visiting the official government website of your home country for accurate and reliable guidance:
- UK Residents: Stay informed by reviewing the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice.
- US Residents: Access vital travel tips and updates through the US Department of State Travel Advice.
- Australian Residents: Plan ahead with the latest updates on the Smart Traveller website.
- Canadian Residents: Find comprehensive travel and visa guidance on the Government of Canada's Travel Advice and Advisories.
- New Zealand Residents: Get practical travel advice on the New Zealand SafeTravel website
- Residents of Other Countries: Check with your government or local consulate for tailored travel advice and requirements.
Note: Passport and visa regulations can change at any time. Stay proactive by checking for the latest updates to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey.
Insurance
Medical insurance that covers medical costs in case of an accident during the trip is mandatory to participate in our tours.
We recommend to purchase adequate travel insurance in order to participate in our tours and protect yourself from unforeseen events. Our experience shows that guests who purchase travel insurance—including coverage for trip cancellation, interruption, delay, baggage damage, loss or theft, personal accident, death and repatriation costs, medical and emergency expenses (including Covid-19), and personal liability—travel with greater peace of mind.
We do not sell travel insurance directly, as we believe our customers should have the freedom to choose a policy that best suits their needs. However, we recommend Insured Nomads as a great starting point.
Frequently Asked Questions
The fitness level required for each trip is indicated by the "level" of the tour, which in turn is mentioned on each tour page right next to the price and the trip duration.
Easy: The terrain is mostly flat with a few gentle climbs.
Moderate: The terrain is either mostly flat or consists of rolling hills with a few challenging climbs. There could also be a few days with longer riding distances of up to 75 kms (45 miles)
Difficult: The terrain is mostly hilly with strong elevation gains and/or has long days on the bike. Such trips are recommended for intermediate to advanced cyclists.
Please note that we usually bike around 4-5 hours per day irrespective of the level of the trip.
Yes, your trip leader will carry bottled water or RO water in a camper in the support van for guests' use.
Yes, please communicate your dietary preferences to your trip leader and they'll ensure that the food you eat is spiced as per your requirements.
The road surface is mostly good. 90% of the cycling on this bike tour happens on paved roads.
We've designed this itinerary such that most of the cycling happens on quieter countryside roads far from busy traffic. The shuttle transfers on this tour have been strategically planned to bypass busy vehicular traffic.
We are not medical advisors, and as such are not qualified to dispense medical advice. However, we recommend consulting the resources below for advice on vaccines and medications:
- CDC portal for travelers from the US
- NHS' Fit For Travel portal for travelers from the UK
- Smart Traveller portal or travelers from Australia.
In addition to the above, you may also refer to the travel advice issued from time to time by your government.
While your tour price covers most common expenses, a few meals are not included in the itinerary. This allows you the opportunity to dine independently and explore the local cuisine at your own pace. Your guides will be happy to provide recommendations if desired. As a general guideline, you can budget approximately US $100–200 per person for additional expenditures over the course of the trip.
Tips are not included in your tour price.
As a general rule, you may tip US$ 15-25 per person per day.
This figure is for the entire crew including the trip leader, the driver, and other support staff.
However, you are not obligated to tip, and you can always tip less or more than the above amount depending on the level of service you received on tour.
It is usually the norm to tip the tour guide, who then distributes the amount among the entire crew. However, you can also tip each individual member of the crew if you so desire.
In case you want to tip the staff at a hotel such as porters, you may pay them US $2-3 per day.
The meeting time on Day 1 is mentioned in your travel planner shared with you. You can arrive either on the morning of Day 1 depending on the meeting time, or book a pre-tour night to arrive a day earlier.
We don't have anything planned for the last day, so you are free to depart at your discretion.
Yes, you may wear riding shorts while riding your bike. When not cycling, it would be advisable to wear comfortable full-length pants. We recommend keeping a pair of comfortable pants handy in you support van.
When visiting temples and monuments, visitors should wear full-length, loose-fitting pants. Holy places of certain religions may also require covering your head. Your guide will inform of the dress etiquette required for visiting specific religious places.
You can exchange currency at the airport itself, or at ATMs in larger cities. Most commercial establishments will accept international credit cards for payments, though its good to carry some local currency with you at all times.
Farmers in northern Thailand and Laos typically burn crop residue from late-March to early-June. We do not recommend this as a good time to go cycling in northern Thailand and Laos.
This does not, however, impact the air quality in southern Thailand.
For answers to broader questions, please visit our Comprehensive FAQs section.
