Kanchanaburi to Phuket

December 22, 2008 to January 5, 2009

These 15 days / 14 nights are amazing, it is RECOMMENDED that riders coming for the Southern Half arrive in Kanchanaburi by Sunday, December 21st to help acclimate and allow time for flight delays and other potential mishaps. BUT, alll Southern Half Riders Must Arrive in Kanchanaburi by the afternoon of Monday, December 22nd.

Tuesday December 23

Kanchanaburi - Ratchaburi (66 miles / 106 kms)

This ride is a long but beautiful back road ride with almost no hills. We will stop at Chum Phon Cave for lunch and to see the cave. Keep an eye on your food, cameras, etc. or the thieving monkeys will quickly take it away from you.

Wednesday December 24

Ratcha Buri - Petchaburi (47 miles / 75 kms)

Visit another Royal Palace of King Rama IV, take the cable car to the scenic mountain-top Wats.

Thursday December 25

Local Day Ride from Petchaburi - Hua Hin (55 miles / 88 kms)

Blind Riders from the Foundation for the Blind and Cycling Clubs from Bangkok and other surrounding areas will come out and join us as we ride to the beach for the first time in the Tour with many beach days to come.  Enjoy the lovely beach town that is home to His Majesty the King. Visit the Royal Train Depot, shop at the Night Market, or simply enjoy the beach.  What a great way to spend Christmas Day!

Friday December 26

Hua Hin - Prachuab Khiri Khan (73 miles / 117 kms)

Lunch will be at a pleasant beachfront hotel in Dolphin Bay Beach just before entering the Khao Sam Roi Yok National Park.

Saturday December 27

Day Off in Prachuab Khiri Khan

Visit the Thai Air Force Base, Climb the steps to another scenic mountain-top Temple, see the Thai Train Museum, check out the aquarium, take a boat to one of the islands in the bay, or simply enjoy the beach.

Sunday December 28

Prachuab Khiri Khan - Bang Saphan Noi (69 miles / 110 kms)

Enjoy the beautiful and quiet beach and check out the shrimp boat village nearby.

Monday December 29

Bang Saphan Noi - Chumpon (59 miles / 94 kms)

Today's ride is an incredibly beautiful ride with rolling hills and lots of quiet back roads.

Tuesday December 30

Chumpon - Lang Suan (47 miles / 75 kms)

Relax and enjoy the small town of Lang Suan with it's large fruit and vegetable market, or maybe ride another 10 kms to the beach.

Wednesday December 31

Lang Suan - Surat Thani (76 miles / 122 kms)

Today's ride is more beautiful back road riding with a lunch stop at a local Elementary School.

Thursday January 1

Surat Thani - Khao Sok National Park (64 miles / 102 kms)

We are pretty much in the middle of nowhere, so we just hang out and celebrate the New Year in the most beautiful of settings.  The resort we stay at is absolutely spectacular with mountain cliffs, a river, and jungle all around us.  You can party, take a swim in the pool with an incredible view all around, or spend some romantic time with someone special ("someone special" not provided by tour operator).  It will really knock your socks off!!!

Friday January 2

Day Off in Khao Sok National Park

There are many options to choose from, including:  Kayaking, Trekking, Elephant Jungle Trekking, Spa with Steam Rooms, and traditional Thai Massage.  This resort is brand new and the first time we have stayed here.  We stumbled upon it during last year's Tour and we didn't want to leave after seeing how beautiful it is.  Each year we make great improvements to this event and you will agree that this is one of the best improvements possible.

Saturday January 3

Khao Sok National Park - Khao Lak (48 miles / 76 kms)

Just 10km into the ride you will have the longest climb of the Tour, 4km, but it should be cool in the morning and the incredible 7km downhill  is well worth it.  In Khao Lak visit the Tsunami Memorials and villages recovering from the destruction of the Tsunami in 2004 then spend some time at the beautiful beaches.  It is likely that we will be invited to a wonderful lunch or dinner party by the Takua Pa Bicycle Club as we have in the years before.

Sunday January 4

Khao Lak - Phuket (74 miles / 118 kms)

This is a long and motivating ride with usually the most local riders of the Tour riding with us.  We will have the steepest mountain climb (though very short) over the mountain into Patong Beach where we will have the Tour de Thailand 2008 Closing Ceremony and Celebrate Life!  Dinner party will be included for all VIP's (Registered Riders, Sponsors, Ride Ambassador, Press, Thai Officials, and Charity Representatives).