Chiang Mai to Koh Samui: 6 Weeks, 2,000km
We loved our 2020 bicycle tour in Thailand so much that we did it again, this time taking along our friend Deana. We knew she was tough enough, flexible and adventurous enough to take on whatever challenges presented—long distances, hot baking sun, and the thrill of the unknown. Fully self-supported, we were three free-spirited adventurers. With fully loaded bicycles we headed out for an epic journey that took us from the northern part of Thailand all the way down through the central part, skirted Bangkok further down the coastline toward Surat Thani. After averaging approximately 80km a day by pure pedal power, our bodies were tired and we escaped to the island of Koh Samui and Khao Sok National Park which was an absolute highlight of the journey! This much we can tell you—Thailand is a fantastical, magical country.
Sun, Sea, Salt, Sand, Sunburn, plus 397 Steps
We had the most fantastic non-cycling day ever! Business first, we dropped off the bikes at a bike shop to get our drive-trains cleaned. We didn’t want Randy to miss out on beach time so we insisted on the help of a bike shop. We headed to the beach within walking distance of our hotel... Continue reading→
Miles of empty beach, and The Wandering Cows
Route: Prachuap Khiri Khan to Bang Saphan Distance: 103km Miles and miles of deserted beach. Endless. We spent the majority of the day following the coast line, much of that time all by ourselves, not a car or human in sight. We could have just stopped pedalling anywhere and sat on the beach all day... Continue reading→
Failing to factor in Māgha Pūjā
Route: Bang Saphan to Chumphon Distance: 120km Daytime temperature: absolutely stinkin hot It’s a holiday weekend here in Thailand. Māgha Pūjā is the second most important Buddhist Festival after Vesak, and is celebrated on the full moon day of the third lunar month. We actually were aware of this holiday and marked it on our... Continue reading→
Famous Farangs
Route: Chumphon to Lang Suon District Distance: 101km Yesterday was a day off and we made good use of the big saltwater pool at the hotel. Floating, sunning, napping, eating. All the things one should do on a day off! Today we rode all along the coastline that reminded us of the Waterfront Trail at... Continue reading→
Fast Food on the Back Roads. And then there’s the Beach…
Route: Lang Suan to Chaiya Distance: 81km The roads are lovely to ride on and look at. So smooth and serene…it really is remarkable how few cars, and how pristine the road surface can be. There are few amenities along these coastal roads. Makes it challenging when washrooms are needed, but hey, we won’t talk... Continue reading→
Liberation Day (And Crazy Dog Struck Again)
Route: Chaiya to Surat Thani Distance: 74km Our legs are strong but our bodies are tired. We have cycled 1,937km and we think we can stop now. We have travelled farther south than we had originally planned and it’s time to switch things up. Today is Bicycle Liberation Day. For the next two weeks we... Continue reading→