Cycling Abroad from Phuket to Phuket to Khao-Sok National Park

Why Cycling Abroad From Phuket to Khao-Sok National Park

Cycling in the far east, in countries like China, Japan, Thailand, and India is always a unique experience. It looks like everything is different than the experience you have while cycling in the US, or Europe. The weather, the cycling routes, the food, the places you stay at and especially – the people you meet along your journey.

Thailand is known as one of the most popular tourist destinations worldwide. On your way home, after visiting Thailand you can see some posts saying “Remember our smile”, and there are indeed many smiling faces to remember. In Thailand, the isle of Phuket is one of the most popular destinations for tourists. It has so much to offer, but this time we will focus on Cycling!

When planning a bicycle trip in Thailand you should first choose the right season to travel. I would not recommend you ride in Thailand from Phuket to Khao-Sok National Park via Khoa Lak during the monsoon season (generally from May to October). Although the temperatures in Phuket and Phang-Nga (the area in Thailand where Khoa Lak, Khoa Sok, and the island of Ko Yao Noi are located) are quite stable along with the wear, the humidity, and the number of rainy days is much higher during this period, so definitely, the weather is an issue while planning a bicycle trip from Phuket to Khao Sok, and you should focus on the winter season (say, from November to March). For annual averages you can visit Holiday Weather.

Before your departure you should also read some information about the beautiful places you are going to visit, such as Khao Lak and Khao Sok, and the isle of Ko Yao Noi, so that you will get the most of this special trip.

About renting bicycles, as always you can either rent a bike at one of Phuket’s bicycle shops or bring your own. Please note: most bicycle rental places in Phuket are renting bicycles that are more suitable for day tours in Phuket, and less for the type of trip described here (mini-touring bicycle trip).

Our Cycling Trip From Phuket to Khao-Sok National Park in Brief

Most parts of this trip from Phuket to Khao-Sok National Park are on paved roads, in common use with cars and tracks, so you should be very careful while riding. Try to find local, dirt roads instead. Still, most drivers are very humble and will not feel unsafe.

This trip is very diverse and divided into 3 parts: On the first two days, you will ride on flat terrain, mainly close to the Andaman sea, visiting some of Thailand’s beautiful beaches, and National Parks. On days 3 and 4 you will ride inland to visit Khao Sok National Park with its unique structures and wildlife. You can also include a boat ride on the beautiful Chiewlarn Lake. Then you will head southbound towards the city of Phang Nga,

From Phang Nga city you will take a long-boat ferry to spend a night at Ko Yao Noi Island, before returning with another ferry to your final destination, Phuket.

And – most importantly: Don’t forget to bring with you Anti Mosquito Spray (get one locally), a good quality Sun-Screen and s First Aid Kit.

So – who can ask for more (except for a safe trip and a good weather)?

Phuket to Khao-Sok National by Bicycle – Trip Summary

Origin	Phuket
Via	Khao-Lak, Chiewlarn Lake, Ko Yao Noi
Destination	Khao-Sok National Park
Cycling Distance	337 Km (2270m Climb)
Cycling Level	Moderate
Map (Komoot)	Download the planned route

Phuket to Khao-Sok National Park – Day by Day

Pre Departure Day

After the long flight you will probably want to spend the night at Phuket, before starting your journey. I can suggest you stay at the Himaphan Boutique Resort, just near the airport. If you bring your bicycle you can reassemble them and put the boxes or cages for storage at the hotel. You will return to the hotel on your final riding day.

Day 1 (first cycling day)

Today you will start riding in the northern part of Phuket, crossing the bridge that connects the island to the mainland, and start riding north, in Phang Nga. If you like to skip the first part of this day you can take a ferry to Natai Pier in Phang Nga. Once north of the bridge you will continue riding along the main road, visiting Khao Lampi–Hat Thai Mueang National Park and Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park, as well as some of the most beautiful beaches of Phang Nga (such as Poseidon beach), on your way to your first stop.

I recommend you to arrive at the hotel early enough so that you will have time to relax, enjoy the hotel facilities, and be ready for typical Thai food.

Route	Hotel
	Khaolak Merlin Resort

Here you can download the Planned Route.

Day 2

Today is a short cycling day, and in purpose: It will allow you to spend a relaxing morning at the resort, and to arrive at your next stop early. Just pay attention not to ride during the hottest hours of the day. Also, try to avoid the main road. Cycling on Countryside trails is much more enjoyable and is safer.

Route	Hotel
	ThaiLife Homestay Resort & Spa

Here you can download the Planned Route.

Day 3

Today you will leave the beaches of the Andaman Sea and start heading east towords Khao Son National Park. You will ride along the main road, and at one point you will have to climb sharply for about 4 Kilometers to cross the mountains. Thereafter you will descend back to the vally shouth of Cheow Lan Lake, explorring the unique landscape of Khao Sok National Park.

Route	Hotel
	Khaosok Riverside Cottages

Here you can download the Planned Route.

Day 4

Today you have 2 options to choose from: on is to continue cycling east towards Chiewlarn Lake Dam. There you can take a tour boat on the lake.

Another unique option (that have to be arrange ahead of time) is to walk with a guide from Khaosok Riverside Cottages for about 4 to 5 hours to Cheow Lan Lake. from it’s southern bank you will take a boat ride to the dam, to meet the van that will take you to your next stop (Khao Sok River Home Resort), where you will meet your bikes, and equipment.

Route	Hotel
	Khao Sok River Home Resort

Here you can download the Planned Route.

Day 5

On this day you will ride alongside route 418, south to your final destination for the day. It is a long and nice way, where you can meet the local people and explore their real life. As in other days on your ride from Phuket to Khao-Sok National Park by bicycle, I would suggest you arrive at the hotel early enough.

Route	Hotel
	Bor Saen Villa & Spa

Here you can download the Planned Route.

Day 6

Today is very diverse: After breakfast you will ride from Bor Saen Villa & Spa towords Tha Dan Pier, where you will take a 1.5 hours ferry to Ko Yao Noi. As far as I know it leaves one a day at 13:00 (not including the weekend days). For more information you can consult Sayan Tour travel agency located in Phang Nga City.

After arriving to Ko Yao Noi you will continue riding about 12 Kilometers more towards your final destination for the day.

Route (part 1)	Route (part 2)	Hotel
		Niramaya Villa & Wellness

Here you can download Part 1 and Part 2 of the Planned Route.

Day 7

Today’s plan is very much affected by the schedule of your return flight back home. If you have the time or are willing to spend another night in Phuket, I would recommend you to travel by bicycle on the island, or even take a ferry from Koh Yao Noi (Manoah Pier) to Koh Yao Yai (Koh Yao Yai Pier). This island is very interesting, and from there you can take a ferry back to Phuket (Bang Rong Pier).

Once in Phuket you have another 13 Kilometers of cycling back to your first night hotel – the Himaphan Boutique Resort near the airport, where you will find your bicycle cases or boxes waiting for you, for your flight back home.

Route	Hotel
	Himaphan Boutique Resort

Here you can download the Planned Route.

What’s Next

If you like my Phuket to Khao-Sok National Park self-guided bicycle trip you are invited to Contact Us to get more detailed information, including variations to the basic trip, tips about the best season to travel and much more advice from my and other travelers experience. You are also welcome to check out some of my own bicycle trips to get an idea of this type of exciting cycling style.

Useful Links

• Komoot – The Best bicycle trip planning and tracking tool
• Bicycle Route Planner
• Phuket Weather
• Khao Lak Weather
• BikeMap.cpm
• Phuket
• Phang-Nga
• Cheow Lan Lake
• Sayan Tour travel agency in Phang Nga City

Pictures

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The world owes you nothing. It was here first.”
Mark Twain