Guide

All Intrepid cycling group trips are accompanied by one of our cycling leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced leader however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders. Our cycling leaders are all passionate cyclists, as you’d expect, but they also go through some pretty rigorous cycle-trip specific training. Each one has undergone on-road training and supervision and knows how to do safety checks, basic repairs and emergency first-aid. And at the end of the day they’re still regular Intrepid leaders, which means they will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you were interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your leader can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.

Accommodation

OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION: The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances. TWIN SHARE / MULTI SHARE BASIS: Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multishare basis. Please note there may be times where facilities will be shared rather than ensuite and rare occasions when you share a room with passengers travelling on a different Intrepid trip than your own. CHECK-IN TIME: Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we’re arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn’t always possible which means we won’t be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination. PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION: If you’ve purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (subject to availability), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights. Hotel (5 nights), bungalow (2 nights), overnight train (1 night)

Transport

While there are occasions we use local public transport such as trains, buses or taxis to cover long distances or attend non-cycling activities we predominantly use the bicycle as our main form of transport. On most of our trips we also have a support vehicle as secondary transport for travelling longer distances, avoiding hazardous areas to cycle, as a backup should we have any incidents and of course an option for those that would prefer not to cycle for an hour or a day. These vehicles range from a minivan in most regions up to a full sized coach or overland vehicle in others. Your main luggage is transported in the support vehicle OVERNIGHT TRAINS: Overnight sleeper trains in Thailand are air-conditioned and have sleeping berths down both sides of the carriage. The carriage is multishare, with are curtains that close over the beds. A sleeping sheet and a pillow are provided, and our luggage travels in the carriage with us. There is a western and Asian-style toilet located at the end of the carriage, but no showers. Carriage lights staying on during the night, so an eye mask is a good thing to bring with you, as is warm clothes as the air conditioning can be cold. For more on overnight trains in Thailand and around the world: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/overnight-train-travel-around-the-world/ OUR BIKES - CAMBODIA : & THAILAND: We use Specialized Pitch Pitch Sport 650b bikes for the Cambodia and Thailand trips. These bikes are mountain bike-style with flat bars, front suspension and 24 gears. For more specific information and sizing please see https://www.specialized.com/ru/en/bikes/mountain/trail/pitch-sport-650b/106497 This trip includes an option of a motorised bicycle (e-bike) at an additional cost. Please inquire at time of booking. Note these bikes are limited in number and are on ’on request’ basis only. If you definitely require an e-bike to complete the trip please contact our sales team BEFORE : booking the trip. RENTAL E-BIKES: Our rental e-bikes are the Giant Explore-e+, available in the following sizes: Medium – please provide your height at time of booking so that we can reserve the correct size. These bikes have flat bars, front suspension and 9 gears. Please note the maximum speed for the ‘electronic assist’ is 25kph/15mph – once you reach that speed the motor assistance cuts out (although you can still go faster if your legs can do it!) BRINGING YOUR OWN BIKE: While we’re confident in the quality and suitability of the bikes we include, we do recognise that sometimes you just need the comfort of your own bike to enjoy the ride. If you are thinking of bringing your own bike on this trip, please advise us at time of booking and take note of the below information. If you do choose to bring your own bike, please note that we will not being carrying a spare bike for you. SUITABLE TYPE OF BIKE: Although the surfaces of the roads we travel on are generally good there are occasionally gravel or potholed sections of road/track. As such, we recommend a ’mountain’ or ’hybrid’ style bike with plenty of gear selections for easy cruising. For more details on the type of roads we’ll be riding on see the ‘Physical Rating’ section of your Essential Trip Information. Please contact your booking agent if you have any questions about the suitability of your bike. We usually cannot accept tandem bikes on our trips as they are often too large for our transport. In some destinations we can make an exception. Please ask your booking agent if you are interested in bringing a tandem bike. BEFORE THE TRIP: We recommend that you have a full service of your bike performed by a trained mechanic to help minimise any issues you may have during the trip. Please also ensure that you have specific and adequate cover for loss, damage or theft for your bike under your travel, home and contents or specialist insurance policy. DURING THE TRIP: Your bike will be transported in the same way as our included bikes, usually in the support vehicle or on the bike trailer. While we endeavour to take the best care we can, you should recognise that transported bikes do get the occasional bump or scratch along the way. The same applies when we take other forms of transport, such as a train, where we are unable to pack the bikes ourselves. Your bike will be secured in the same way as our included bikes. This can occasionally be outside the vehicle (where the bikes are locked together). In order to reach our destination, it is necessary for us to travel via various modes of transportation, including planes and trains. Any extra costs involved with transporting personal bikes are your responsibility. This includes (but is not limited to) additional transport costs and customs/import fees. While our mechanics can usually assist with minor repairs, you are responsible for the safety and upkeep of your own bicycle. This includes conducting regular safety checks of your bike during the trip and cleaning your bike. In addition, any parts that require replacing are your responsibility. Most destinations have access to only limited spares along the way and access to bike shops can be days apart. Therefore, please ensure you bring any spare parts that you may require (especially specialist parts). TRANSPORTING YOUR BIKE TO/FROM THE DESTINATION: Your preferred airline should have no problem carrying your bike, but many will charge an extra fee. Contact them before departing to discuss their arrangements for transporting bikes. A well-padded bike box (obtainable from a bike shop) is usually the best method of plane transportation. We recommend that you accompany your bicycle on the flight. Unaccompanied bicycles have been known to spend some extra days in the hands of customs authorities. Many taxis are not large enough to transport a bike box/bag so you may be delayed waiting for a suitably sized vehicle. INCLUDED OR HIRE BIKES: CONDITIONS OF USE: You must not mistreat the bicycle and must return it in the same condition as when you received it (excepting ordinary wear and tear). You should immediately inform the supplier in the case of breakdown or loss. The provider is entitled to charge for any damage caused to the bicycle during the period of hire. You must also make sure that the bicycle is secured when not in use. If the equipment is lost or stolen you may be liable for the replacement value of the bicycle. The bicycle remains the property of the supplier and you may not sell, rent out or part possession with the bicycle. You must not use the bicycle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. INCLUDED OR HIRE BIKES: CONDITIONS OF USE: You must not mistreat the bicycle and must return it in the same condition as when you received it (excepting ordinary wear and tear). You should immediately inform the supplier in the case of breakdown or loss. The provider is entitled to charge for any damage caused to the bicycle during the period of hire. You must also make sure that the bicycle is secured when not in use. If the equipment is lost or stolen you may be liable for the replacement value of the bicycle. The bicycle remains the property of the supplier and you may not sell, rent out or part possession with the bicycle. You must not use the bicycle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Bicycle (e-bike option available , subject to availability) , Support vehicle , Train , Boat

Others

Expert Cycling Guide and Support Vehicle 7 day Bicycle hire Bangkok Guided cycling tour Ratchaprapha Dam guided & vehicle supported cycling Khao Sok National Park Takua Pa to Khao Lak guided & vehicle supported cycling Phang Nga - Longtail Boat to James Bond Island Phang Nga National Marine Park Khao Lak to Phang Nga guided & vehicle supported cycling Phang Nga National Marine Park boat tour Phang Nga to Ao Nang (Krabi) guided & vehicle supported cycling

Meals

7 breakfasts

Not included:

Flights

International flights are not included

Others

Other activities and services not included

Optional

Hiking - Free Khao Lak - Snorkeling Day Trip to Koh Ra & Koh Khai - THB2800 Khao Lak - Lam Ru National Park & Ton Chong Fa WaterFall - THB200 Khao Lak - Pa-Kin-Na-Ka Thai Cooking Class - THB2000 Tharn Bokoranee National Park - THB300

Insurance

Insurance is not included. Travel insurance is required for this tour. Please make sure you are adequately covered. If you require travel insurance, TourRadar has partnered up with World Nomads to provide a hassle-free experience. More information can be found here (https://www.tourradar.com/travel-insurance).

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Day 1 Day 1: Bangkok
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Bangkok

Sa-wat dee! Welcome to Thailand. Thailand’s bustling capital is famous for its tuk tuks, khlong boats and street vendors serving up delicious Thai food. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask the hotel reception where it will take place, and have your insurance details and next of kin information ready for collection. Bangkok has so much to offer those with time to explore, so perhaps arrive a day or so early and take a riverboat to Chinatown, uncover the magnificent Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, wander down the tourist mecca of Khao San Road, or indulge in some Thai massage. Take a longtail boat down the Chao Phraya River and explore the famous ’khlongs’ (canals) – life along these canals seems a world away from the chaotic streets of the capital. After the meeting tonight, perhaps gather your fellow travellers and tuck into some world-famous street food. Riding distance: none
Day 2 Day 2: Bangkok Cyling/Surat Thani
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Bangkok Cyling/Surat Thani

Take to the streets of Bangkok by bike and explore the backstreets, alleyways and canals on a guided cycling tour. Get away from the tourist areas and into the heart and soul of this lively city. The quietness of these areas often contrasts with the chaos this metropolis is known for. You’re sure to see numerous wats along the way, and travelling around by bike allows you to move through the city quite easily and at a relaxed pace. Today’s total distance cycled is around 20 kilometres. After your ride there will be ample time to get cleaned up and shop for any last-minute supplies or souvenirs before boarding an overnight train southbound for Surat Thani (approximately 13 hours). Notes: Sleeper trains are clean and air-conditioned, and beds are multi-share compartments. Sheets, a pillow and blanket are provided (although some people prefer to bring their own sleeping sheet). Please note that you may be sharing compartments with locals of the same or opposite gender. Your baggage will travel in the carriage with you. There’s also a food and drink service available on board.
Day 3 Day 3: Ratchaprapha Cycling & Khao Sok National Park
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Ratchaprapha Cycling & Khao Sok National Park

Arrive in Surat Thani this morning. Avoid the busy traffic by driving 35 kilometres through small villages and palm-tree-lined roads before climbing onto your bike. The real scenic highlight of this area will then come into view – stunning limestone karsts. Formed over 260 million years ago, these karsts were once part of a prehistoric underwater reef that stretched all the way up to Vietnam and will be your constant companion for the next few days. With an average height of 400 metres and rising all the way up to almost a kilometre, they are impossible to ignore. Heading west, cycle through a sea of greenery towards the Ratchaprapha Dam (approximately 40 kilometres). Reminiscent of Guilin in China, and like the freshwater version of Phang Nga’s famous limestone peaks, this is a reservoir where hundreds of tiny islands of exquisite pale rock jut out of emerald water. After lunch on the shores of the dam, we travel by vehicle to Khao Sok National Park, and fall asleep to a chorus of crickets and cicadas as a lullaby.
Day 4 Day 4: Khao Sok National Park
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Khao Sok National Park

Established as Thailand’s 22nd national park in 1980, Khao Sok is home to the oldest evergreen rainforest in the world, deep valleys, the beautiful Cheow Larn Lake, numerous caves, and a significant wild animal population. This nature lover’s paradise includes elephants, exotic Hornbills, water-loving Langur Monkeys and even the occasional tiger deep inside the park. The flora is also top-notch, with the rare Rafflesia Kerri, one of the world’s largest flowers, only found here. Here you’ll have free time to walk along the dirt trails that snake through the quiet park, looking out for wildlife as you head for rivers and waterfalls where you might enjoy a cooling dip. If you are feeling like more cycling have a chat to your tour leader about the many options on the local tracks - our cycling experts will be happy to point you in the right direction (or maybe even join you). Spend the night amid the ancient gnarled rainforest trees in a riverside bungalow.
Day 5 Day 5: Cycle Takua Pa To Khao Lak
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Cycle Takua Pa To Khao Lak

Begin the day in the support vehicle, leaving the verdant forests and hills behind with a drive west from Khao Sok to the nearby town of Takua Pa (approximately 40 kilometres). Then jump back on the bike again to begin the day of cycling, travelling across relatively flat terrain through the interior. Pass numerous flowing rivers, palm-fringed roads and smiling local children, then make your way down to the Andaman Coast. Here you’ll run parallel to the sublime Andaman Sea before arriving at your home for the next two nights – the laid-back beach town of Khao Lak (approximately 42 kilometres). Famous for the likes of Memories Beach, Bang Niang Beach and the aptly-named White Sand Beach, Khao Lak is one Thailand’s quieter beach destinations and a great place to unwind after a long but enjoyable day in the saddle.
Day 6 Day 6: Khao Lak
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Khao Lak

Today is a free day to enjoy the beautiful surrounds of the Andaman Coast. For a sobering insight into the area’s recent history, perhaps visit the International Tsunami Museum, a reminder of the 2004 tragedy. Here there is a memorial to the 3000 people who died in the area. There are numerous beaches to chill out on, waterfalls (like Ton Chong Fa) to swim in, fishing trips to take, and if you’re feeling active, bike routes to cycle or underwater worlds to explore by scuba or snorkel. For something different, perhaps hone your culinary skills with a Thai cooking class. There is as much, or as little, to do here as you like.
Day 7 Day 7: Phang-Nga
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Phang-Nga

Leave the coast and head inland today, cycling eastwards through rolling hills past forests orchards, and rubber plantations to Phang Nga. This town sits at the end of the tributaries that empty into the bay of the same name (approximately 52 kilometres). Known for its relaxed atmosphere, cheap and authentic food, and some spectacular sights, Phang Nga is the perfect place to taste Southern Thailand. As reflected in the local food, Phang Nga has a diverse culture, with Buddhist temples, mosques, and Taoist Chinese shrines all found within walking distance of one another. After a relaxing lunch you’ll take a boat on the Phang-Nga Bay, where limestone rocks famously erupt out of the water, creating what is, for many, the iconic image of Thailand. You’ll stop by the famous James Bond Island, immortalised in the movie ’The Man With the Golden Gun’, and Koh Panyee, an extraordinary Muslim fishing village built over water on stilts, with its own mosque and even a floating football pitch.
Day 8 Day 8: Krabi/Ao Nang
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Krabi/Ao Nang

The final day on the bike begins with a 45-kilometre transfer in the support vehicle. Then it’s on to your two-wheeled friend for a 50-kilometre ride through beautiful inland landscapes and down the coast to the classic Thai beachside town of Ao Nang. After so much time spent moving at a slow pace, Ao Nang comes as a welcome change, with its lively atmosphere, shops that light up the sidewalk, and an enormous selection of food and drink on every corner. While the front beach here is good, the spectacular nearby shores of Tonsai, Railay, Ko Hong, Ko Poda and Ko Gai are true highlights and easily reachable as a day trip. Further afield there’s easy boat access to the islands of Ko Phi Phi and Phuket. If you’ve had enough of the beach, perhaps go rock climbing. Whether you’re a novice or a pro, looking down on the jungle and ocean from a limestone cliff face is unforgettable. Meet up again in the evening to say goodbye to your biking crew, then perhaps enjoy a final night dinner with the group.
Day 9 Day 9: Krabi/Ao Nang
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Krabi/Ao Nang

Your cycling adventure comes to an end today. There are no activities planned and you are free to leave at any time, or perhaps extend our stay in this idyllic beachside town.

9 days tour

Cycle Southern Thailand

This tour includes:

Not included:

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Itinerary of your trip Cycle Southern Thailand

Day 1: Bangkok

Day 2: Bangkok Cyling/Surat Thani

Day 3: Ratchaprapha Cycling & Khao Sok National Park

Day 4: Khao Sok National Park

Day 5: Cycle Takua Pa To Khao Lak

Day 6: Khao Lak

Day 7: Phang-Nga

Day 8: Krabi/Ao Nang

Day 9: Krabi/Ao Nang

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