Cycling In Koh Phangan

[GrandMasterRamRod]

Hey hey

OK first post for me =)

I am looking at traveling down to Koh Phangnan from Hua Hin this weekend for a couple of days of biking. I have seen a bike shop on the island, FunBike Shop, that does daily tours but was thinking of doing some exploring on my own.

So the question is... does anyone have any sweet biking routes that i could ride, unfortunately i don't have GPS right now... anything on google maps or something?

Also can anyone recommend any cheap cyclist friendly hotels in decent locations?

Cheers

GMRR

[BusterMinal]

Have a look at this link:

http://www.gpsies.com/home.do#13_9.7318753_100.0135929_p

It probably doesn't help much but it might give you some idea.

Don't think you can go too far wrong heading East from Thong Sala a few kilometres then turning left along any of the bigger tracks and cycling over to the North/North East coast.

I'm much more familiar with Samui, got a few GPS routes here if you're ever heading this way.

Cheers

Ian

[samuijimmy]

There are basically three roads that will take you in circles around the western half of the island.... you'll be huffing and puffing a bit up some of the hills to wards the middle / north end.... on all of them

Compared to Samui, KP would, in most areas be 'safer"... very little traffic there today, actually compared to east side of Samui, just about anytime!!! even despite the end of the FMP.... one or two people on the ferry today, looking a little worst for wear!

It's roughly 12 to 14 Kms from Tonsala to Chalaklum (Sp) North end depending on which route you take... so, hardly an epic journey!

West coast road... gets very steep around Haad Yao, just after Si Thanu... then a good ride down towards Haad Salad, From Haad Salad, very steep going up to the centre road... at the top turn left and head down to Mae Haad / Ko Ma just past the Elephant Ride Place... ... Might suggest that Haad Salad or Mae Haad, could be a good stop for the night.... I think any resort on the Island is going to welcome you whether you on a bike or not... (do lock it up!) Lots of places to choose from in all prices ranges.... and no reservations needed except during high season perhaps.... Jan - Feb...

To continue, keep along the north end road to Chalaklum up and down hill again... but head into the waterfront area there, worth "pit stop", ride to the end of the pier.... (you'd turn left,) if you miss any of the side roads to the beach area turn left at 7-11 and just head that way... to the left.

After that keep on going, back towards the main road back to Tonsala .... The Chinese Temple might be worth a stop for the view... after that nothing much until you get back closer into to Tonsala... You will see signs for waterfalls, which usually fairly dried up except for rainy season... at least the ones I have ever found.... No resorts from Chalaklum until you get close to Tongsala... but hardly more than a few hours ride, depending on stops!

All main roads will take you from Tongsala to Chaluklum, just get a map....

If you decide you want a trip to Haad Rin (FMP place) to east side.... you'll be riding up and down probably the steepest hill on the island.... but some good views en route..... Some resorts in Ban Tai and Haad Rin, require a 3 or 5 night minimum stay, during the FMP.... periods... and prices go up... a lot! That route might be the most dangerous road on KP...

Depending on type of bike, some of the side roads could take you to some interesting places or view points.... but cement roads tend to fade out to dirt roads...

Hope that helps!

[thrilled]

when i was at phangan last,the roads were busy.i thought I was going to get ran over from the motorbike I was riding.Some of the song thews have no mercy.Hope ya make it ok.

[sbk]

Phangan roads are busy at full moon and in high season. You don't say if its road cycling or mountain biking you want to do as road cycling is more limited there are an increasing number of paved roads. If it were me, I wouldn't follow the three main roads but take the small turn offs that wander off into the coconut plantations, lots of nice views and quiet roads that way.

If its mountain biking then the road to Haadrin has numerous dirt trails going off it, same with TNP road.

If you go that route, see if you can get a little portable pump in case of a flat tire, bring your phone (just in case) and lots of water.

[angiud]

Can I make a suggestion on Samuijimmy's itinerary? From Chaloklum, after the Chinese temple and at the end of the descent, a small dirty road with a signal "to Khao Ra" bring after few hundred meters to the slopes of the mountain (flat road, after a while paved), just follow strait in a shadowed and quiet environment to arrive, after a couple of Km, to Phaeng waterfall and Than Sadet National Park entrance and headquarter. Beautiful place, fresh and after a strong rain also beautiful swimming and waterfalls. After that you can follow the road (roughly parallel to the main road Thong Sala-Chaloklum) for 4-5 km in nice quiet environment, orchards, palms, a few houses and villas. For sure you can meet just a few cars and bikes, and the road is 90% flat.