Cycle Thailand
391 miles
Approx. distance
Challenging (1)
Challenge Grading
10 days
Challenge Duration
Thailand
Challenge Location
Challenge Highlights
Visit the resort town of Hua Hin, home to the summer palaces of Thai royalty
Stay in tranquil Prachuap Khiri Khan, overlooked by striking limestone peaks
Cycle through Thai villages and past idyllic beaches
Take in incredible views of Thailand’s rugged mountains along the route
The Challenge
Combine breathtaking scenery with challenging cycling on this unique charity challenge! Setting off from Bangkok we’ll see a range of sights on the journey to Koh Samui, from the cosmopolitan city of Hua Hin, to the tranquility of Prachuap Khiri Khan. Between rides along coastal roads bordered by sea views and rugged mountains, we’ll have the opportunity to relax on serene beaches. When our adventure reaches its end we’ll spend a free day in Koh Samui, where we’ll spend the day sightseeing or just relaxing on the beach! Join us as we leave the tourist trail and explore the real Thailand by bike.
Challenge Itinerary
Day 1 - Depart UK
We depart the UK on our flight to Bangkok.
Day 2 - Arrive in Bangkok
Upon arrival in Bangkok we’ll transfer to our hotel. The afternoon is free to fit your bike and acclimatise. Our dinner tonight will be followed by a briefing on the challenge ahead!
Day 3 - Bangkok to Hua Hin
We transfer to the start of our ride in Petchaburi. We have a gentle start to the trip as we head out of Petchaburi and into rural Thailand, cycling along roads flanked by paddy fields and palm trees. We then ride along the beach into Cha-am and on to the resort town of Hua Hin. The town is closely tied to Thai royalty, and the King currently resides at the summer palace located nearby. After a short transfer to our accommodation for the evening, we’ll enjoy a seafood dinner on a pier in the center of town.
Cycling distance – approx. 53km
Day 4 - Hua Hin – Prachuap Khiri Khan
We head out of Hua Hin, towards Sam Roi Yot (300 hundred peaks) National Park. This park has spectacular limestone formations and freshwater marshes in between the peaks. We ride on quiet roads alongside stunning beaches, with striking limestone peaks as our background. We then head back to the coast along the main road, passing many small villages on the way. Our final section is along the beach to Prachuap Khiri Khan. Our hotel this evening has some great views, and as the town is well-known for having some of the finest seafood in Thailand we’ll feast on the local specialties at dinner!
Cycling distance – approx. 113km
Day 5 - Prachuap Khiri Khan to Ban Krut
We leave the hotel and ride along the beachfront road for a little while before hitting the main road. We are now well away from the main tourist areas and the roads are quiet and in good condition. We head towards a serene beach and our nature-friendly boutique resort. When we arrive, it’s time to relax in a hammock and listen to the surf!
Cycling distance – approx. 73km
Day 6 - Ban Krut to Chumphon
With rested legs it’s time to put in some serious kilometres. Today we ride on quiet side roads with very little traffic. Our route sticks to the coast today, giving us awesome views of the sea to the left and the rugged mountains to our right. We pass through Thailand’s narrowest part, as the border with Burma is less than 20km away at some points. We end the ride just north of Chumphon, at another secluded and quiet beach.
Cycling distance – approx. 112km
Day 7 - Chumphon to Koh Samui
After breakfast we bike to Thung Makham Pier where our cycling comes to an end, and we catch the ferry to Koh Samui. Once we arrive we’ll transfer to our hotel before enjoying a celebratory meal this evening!
Cycling distance – approx. 40km
Day 8 - Koh Samui
A free day to enjoy Koh Samui! Relax by the beach, take a trip to see the famous Big Buddha, or soothe your aching muscles with a Thai massage.
Day 9 - Depart for the UK
Following breakfast we will transfer to Koh Samui Airport for our flight back to the UK.
Day 10 - Arrive UK
We arrive back in the UK.
Please note this is a complex itinerary and subject to change, including the timings and distances detailed.
Challenge Inclusions
What's Included
- Flight from a London Airport to Bangkok
- Flight from Koh Samui to a London Airport
- Ferry to Koh Samui
- All accommodation
- All meals, from dinner on Day 2 to breakfast on Day 9 excluding lunch and dinner on Day 8
- Support vehicles for the cycling days
- Bottled drinking water and snacks for all cycling days
- Local English-speaking guides
- Global Adventure Challenges Leader from the UK
- Full and comprehensive first aid kit
- Local medic
- Local bicycle hire
- Challenge Medal
What's Not Included
- Airport Tax and Fuel Surcharge Contribution – Please refer to Dates and Costs tab. These are approximately £250 and payable 12 weeks prior to departure
- Personal travel insurance
- Alcoholic drinks and drinks during meals
- Tips and gratuities
- Lunch and dinner on Day 8
- Please note that for bespoke challenges, inclusions and exclusions may differ
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this trip for me?
ABSOLUTELY! This cycle is suitable for all ages with the correct training. The minimum age for this cycle is 18 years old (14-17 years must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian). The one thing everyone will have in common is a great sense of adventure and a desire to help a charity. Whether you are taking part as an individual or as a team with friends, team spirit will be flying high on the challenge.
How fit do I need to be?
This cycle ride has been graded as Challenging (1) on our challenge grading scheme, and is designed to be challenging but achievable by anyone as long as you have fitness trained beforehand. Remember you are cycling for 7 – 8 hours a day for 5 days – the fitter you are the more you will enjoy this challenge. Cycling training tips can be found on the Global Adventure Challenges website to point you in the right direction and why not sign up for one of our training weekends – it’s a great opportunity for you to meet our team and fellow participants!
Our policy is to encourage and support as many people as possible to take part in our challenges. But they may not be suitable for all people due to restriction posed by limitation in mobility, physical or cognitive disability, pregnancy or other various medical conditions. If you have any doubts regarding your suitability for your challenge please contact our office to speak to one of the team.
What is the challenge grading scheme?
All our challenges are graded on a scale from 1 to 3 to indicate the level of difficulty, 1 being the lowest challenge grade and 3 being the most challenging. (1 = Challenging, 2 = Tough and 3 = Extreme).
Do I have to carry my own luggage?
No. All luggage will be transported between accommodation by our support vehicles. You may wish to bring a small saddle bag/bum bag and hydration pack while cycling, to carry items such as camera, sunscreen, etc.
Do I need specialist kit?
We will supply you with a kit list of what to take once you register to take part. Apart from some cycling shorts, a cycling helmet and maybe some cycling gloves, you do not need any specialist kit. Participants can bring their own pedals, bar-ends and any other personal cycling equipment they see fit to modify the bikes supplied, although it is not compulsory.
Food Matters...
All meals will be provided from dinner on Day 2 through to breakfast on Day 9, excluding lunch and dinner on Day 8. We cater for most dietary requirements as long as we know in advance – just fill in the appropriate section on your registration form.
What support is there on the challenge?
There will be a strong support team with a professional Global Adventure Challenges Leader from the UK, as well as local English speaking guides and cycle mechanics.Comprehensive first aid kits will be taken.
Can I stay in Thailand after the challenge?
Yes you can, but this is subject to us being able to amend your booking from our flights inclusive package to our ground only package. For further information on how our ground only packages work, please visit our guide to ground only challenges.
If you have already registered and would like to request a change to our ground only package, please contact customer.care@globaladventurechallenges.com.
What happens if I get tired?
There will be regular rest stops for drinks and snacks – there is no problem if you need to take more rest stops. We will ensure that no-one is left alone – remember though, this is not a race!
How do I go about raising the sponsorship?
Once you have signed up you will receive a fundraising pack from your charity in order to make your fundraising as easy as possible. You will also receive a few tips and ideas from Global Adventure Challenges to help you on your way.
dates and costs
Payment Option A - Minimum Sponsorship
You pay the non-refundable Registration Fee to Global Adventure Challenges. This is used to administer the challenge, and to secure relevant permits. You then commit to raising the minimum sponsorship and send it to your chosen charity as you raise it - 80% of the minimum sponsorship MUST be received by the charity no later than 12 weeks* before departure. Failure to do so may mean non-participation in the challenge. Your chosen charity will decide when the remaining 20% should be received - this is a normally a couple of weeks after your return to the UK - proof of pledges may be required. The Challenge Costs will be paid for you by your charity out of the sponsorship raised. Do try and raise as much as you can, as every penny you raise over the minimum sponsorship will be retained by your charity too!
*For the challenges listed below, 80% of your minimum sponsorship must be received by your charity no later than 6 weeks before departure:
• Snowdon at Night Trek
• Hadrian’s Wall 25KM Trek
• Peak District Trek 25KM
• Ben Nevis at Night Trek
• Yorkshire 3 Peaks Trek
• Hadrian’s Wall Trek
Payment Option B - Self-Funding
This option enables you to fund the entire challenge yourself, which means you do not have to commit to raising a set sponsorship. You pay the non-refundable Registration Fee to Global Adventure Challenges. You will then be required to pay the challenge balance no later than 12* weeks before the challenge date. Although no fundraising is required, we do strongly encourage you to support a charity of your choice and raise as much as you possibly can.
*For the challenges listed below, the challenge balance invoice is to be paid no later than 6 weeks before departure:
• Snowdon at Night Trek
• Hadrian’s Wall 25KM Trek
• Peak District Trek 25KM
• Ben Nevis at Night Trek
• Yorkshire 3 Peaks Trek
• Hadrian’s Wall Trek
2024
Registration Fee
£299
Option A - Minimum Sponsorship
£4,240
Option B - Self-Funding
£2,120
Airport Tax & Fuel Surcharge
£250
Single Occupancy Supplement (Optional)
£525
When?
2025
Registration Fee
£249
Option A - Minimum Sponsorship
£4,200
Option B - Self-Funding
£2,100
Airport Tax & Fuel Surcharge
£250
Single Occupancy Supplement (Optional)
TBC
When?