If you’re thinking about cycling in Thailand, I’ll just say it straight—

It’s not as crazy as people think… but it’s also not as easy as Instagram makes it look.

I’ve done a few trips now, and every time I go back, I kinda forget how intense it can be. The heat, the distance, the random roads… it all adds up.

But still—I keep coming back.

Actually… after each trip, I ended up buying a new bike when I got home. I didn’t plan that at all, it just sort of happened. That probably says enough about how much these trips stick with you.

The Part No One Really Talks About

Before every trip, I get the same feeling.

That weird, slightly nervous feeling in your stomach. Like… can I actually do this again?

Am I fit enough?
Did I prepare enough?
What if I can’t keep up?

Even after doing this multiple times, those thoughts don’t really go away.

And honestly, I think that’s normal.

Cycling in Thailand isn’t just a casual ride. It’s long days, heat, humidity… and sometimes you’re just tired for no clear reason.

But what I’ve learned is—you don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be ready enough and willing to keep going.

The Routes I Keep Coming Back To

Bangkok → Chumphon

I’ve done this route three times now. That probably says enough.

You spend the first night in Bangkok—but you don’t actually start cycling in the city itself.

Instead, you head out to the outskirts, and that’s where the ride really begins.

And honestly… that makes a big difference.

You avoid the worst of the traffic, and pretty quickly you’re in a completely different setting. Small roads, canals, fruit farms, even local markets along the way.

I still remember passing through areas with fruit plantations and small water markets—it didn’t feel like the “Bangkok” most people imagine at all.

It’s a much softer start than you’d expect.

From there, the route gradually opens up. Quieter roads, small towns, coastal stretches, and those random food stops that somehow turn into the best meals of the trip.

Nothing super dramatic, but it feels real.

And that’s exactly why I keep going back.

Why I Keep Doing Bangkok → Chumphon (And Not the Full Bangkok → Phuket… Yet)

People sometimes ask me—if I’ve done this a few times already, why not just go all the way to Phuket?

And yeah… fair question.

The honest answer is that Bangkok to Chumphon is kind of like doing half of the full Bangkok to Phuket route. It gives you a big part of the experience, without committing to the full distance (yet).

Also, I didn’t just randomly choose it. I had actually tried parts of this route earlier on different press trips—shorter sections at a time.

So in a way, this became my “testing ground.” It felt familiar, but still challenging enough to keep me coming back.

From what I’ve seen (and experienced in parts), the full Bangkok to Phuket route is a proper journey. You start near Bangkok, push through that first stretch… and then slowly everything opens up.

Quieter roads, coastal views, small villages, long days where it’s just you and the bike.

And I think that’s what makes it “the big one.”

It’s not just the distance—it’s doing it day after day.

I haven’t done the full route yet. Not because I can’t… but because I feel like it deserves the right timing.

But yeah—it’s definitely on my list.

Phuket → Khao Lak → Khao Sok → Si Chon → Kiriwong → Krabi

This route feels a bit special to me for another reason.

It was actually one of the first “test” routes for real clients. I joined it early on, before it became more established—so in a way, we were figuring it out as we went.

And maybe that’s why it stayed with me.

What I really like about this route is that every single day feels different. It never gets repetitive.

One day you’re riding flat along the coast, just enjoying the view.
Another day you’re on a rough dirt road, slower and a bit more effort.
Then you’re cycling through rubber and fruit plantations—completely different scenery again.
And then there’s the climb up towards Khao Sok… which you definitely feel in your legs

It keeps changing all the time.

And every evening, you kind of wonder… what’s tomorrow going to be like?

That’s what makes it such a unique experience.

What Cycling in Thailand Actually Feels Like

The real one:

• It’s hot. Properly hot.
• You’ll sweat more than you thought was possible
• Some roads are great, some are… not
• And still, you get used to it. You feel strong. You build confidence.
• You enjoy eating without feeling guilty that you have put in more calories that you should
• Most importantly, you enjoy your companionship. You share your moments togehter. You make more friends.

But then there are the good moments:

• random food stops that become the highlight of the day
• people smiling or waving as you pass
• quiet stretches where it’s just you and the road

That’s the stuff you remember later.

How Fit Do You Need to Be?

Honestly… less than you think.

You don’t need to be super fast or super strong. It’s more about endurance and being okay spending a few hours on the bike each day.

If you can ride regularly and do a few longer rides before the trip, you’ll be fine.

It’s not about performance. It’s about consistency.

What I Do to Prepare (Nothing Fancy)

I keep it simple:

• ride a few times a week
• mix in some running or spinning and simple strength training. Plus some stretch routine.
• do a few longer rides before the trip

Nothing extreme. Just getting used to being on the bike.

Should You Do It Solo or With a Tour?

I’ll be honest here—I wouldn’t recommend doing this solo. Especially not your first time.

Thailand is an amazing place to cycle, but the traffic is different. It’s not like riding in Sweden or anywhere in Europe. Things can be unpredictable, and sometimes you just don’t know what’s coming next.

For me, it’s really about safety first.

That’s why I always suggest going with a bike tour, at least in the beginning. It removes a lot of stress and makes the whole experience more enjoyable.

• routes are planned (and usually avoid the worst traffic)
• there’s a guide who knows the roads
• there’s a support van following along, which honestly makes a huge difference
• if you’re tired, overheated, or something happens, you’re not stuck
• and you don’t have to think about logistics when you’re already tired

That support van alone gives a lot of peace of mind. You don’t always need it—but just knowing it’s there makes you ride more relaxed.

Could you do it solo? Sure, but not recommended.

But for me, it’s just not worth the extra risk.

Bike Tour Companies in Thailand (My Honest Take)

There are quite a few options, and it really depends on what kind of trip you want:

Thailand Cycle Tours
Great for longer distance rides and with good reputation for road cycling.

Siam Bike Tours
Good balance between comfort and challenge, with well-planned quieter routes.

SpiceRoads Cycling
More curated trips ifor serious cyclists

Co van Kessel (Bangkok and Chiang mai)
Perfect for shorter rides in Bangkok and Chaing Mai and seeing a different side of the city.

Bangkok by Bike
Good starting point if you just want to try cycling in Thailand first.

Some personal tips

Drink more than you think
Hydration makes a huge difference.

Accept that some days will be hard
Heat, wind, tired legs… it happens.

Enjoy every moment

So… Is Cycling in Thailand Worth It?

Yeah.

It’s not the easiest way to travel. And definitely not the most comfortable.

But it’s one of the most real ways to experience the country.

You don’t just see Thailand—you move through it. Slowly.

And for me… the fact that I came home and ended up buying another bike after each trip probably says enough.