Thailand Bike, Boat and Beach Tour

  • CAD $5,340

  • 8 days / 7 nights

A cruise & cycle adventure through Thailand

This immersive tour of Thailand by boat and bike combines the best elements of an active exploration with the leisure of a cruise and beach getaway, along with activities provided for non-riding partners of cyclists. Starting in the lively city of Bangkok, the cycle and cruise tour takes us through forests to rural farmland and past the Thai-Burma Railway for an immersion in Southeast Asian history.

We finish our journey on the mostly undiscovered island of Koh Yao for a few days of fun in the sun, exploring the island and its waters by bike and kayak. The ultimate active holiday, that also offers plenty of chance for R&R in the peaceful setting of Thailand. Non-cycling friends and partners are welcome and will enjoy seeing all the sites and relaxing on the boat and beach.

Itinerary

Day Destination Activities
1 Bangkok Arrival in Bangkok
2 Kanchanaburi Explore the town and embark RV River Kwai
3 Ban Kao Cycle Ban Kao
4 Mae Nam Noi Cycle Mae Nam Noi
5 Koh Yao Flight to Koh Yao
6 Koh Yao Morning bike ride, and enjoy rest of day at your leisure
7 Koh Yao Free day at your leisure
7 Koh Yao Depart Koh Yao

Day 1 – Bangkok by Night

15 km cycling

Welcome to Bangkok: the fast-paced capital city of Thailand. Here we will meet at our hotel at 3 pm before hitting the bikes for a night tour of this endlessly fascinating city.

Once we’ve crossed the Chao Phraya River by ferry with a nice sunset view, we’ll saddle up our bikes and cycle the back roads to Wat Arun. This Temple of the Dawn is spectacular at night, with small lights illuminating its tall spires and no crowds of tourists that clog the site during the day.

From here, it’s on to the world-famous Bangkok flower market where we’ll stop to admire the various blossoms and even try some tasty street food. Next, it’s back on the bikes to pedal to another pagoda, Wat Pho, for a wander around its impressive mosaics. A great first night and introduction to Thailand. Non-cyclists will have the opportunity to visit the main sites of Bangkok as well.

Meal: Dinner
Accommodation: Riva Surya Bangkok or similar (1 night)

Day 2 – Cycle to Kanchanaburi

35 km –55 km cycling

This morning we’ll transfer to Kanchanaburi before we set off on two wheels to explore this interesting town. Known for the infamous Death Railway to Burma from World War II, Kanchanaburi is also home to the Erawan National Park with its glistening waterfalls and several significant Buddhist temples.

Today’s route takes us along the river, where we’ll stop at a war cemetery to learn more about the significance of this area during the wartime. The rest of the day brings us through farmland where a variety of crops are harvested, including corn, rice, sugar cane, and asparagus. After devouring a tasty Thai lunch, we’ll board our ship for the first part of our boat adventure.

The RV River Kwai is a colonial-style river cruiser complete with teakwood cabins to provide a leisurely cruise experience. You only have to unpack once, as we will make our way back to the ship after each day of cycling for a comfortable ride on the River Kwai with great views.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Onboard RV River Kwai

Day 3 – Cycle to Ban Kao

30 km – 50 km cycling

This morning we start off with a ride through small, narrowing roads that turn to dirt track as we pedal deeper into the forest. We’ll end the ride by crossing an epic suspension bridge back to the main roads before a transfer to Hellfire Pass for a museum visit and walk along the ominous pass.

We’ll take a short transfer to Nam Tok train station, the modern day end of the train line that used to stretch all the way to Myanmar. Here we’ll enjoy a ride on the Death Railway and experience a piece of WWII history for ourselves. After crossing the trestle bridge at Krasae Cave, we transfer back to our ship for another night on the River Kwai.

After taking in the sites without bikes, non-cyclists can enjoy a cold drink on deck as they take in the passing Thai river life.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Onboard RV River Kwai

Day 4 – Cycle to Mae Nam Noi

40 km – 55 km cycling

After mounting our bikes off the boat, we cycle along a series of small sealed and unsealed roads that wind their way around villages and farmland. We’ll pedal for a short while on the main road before tackling a bit of an uphill climb, then enjoy the descent back towards the river where we’ll visit the Angkor era ruins at Muang Sing. This region marks the furthest point west that the great Khmer Empire once spread.

15 km of our ride remain before we devour a late lunch and drive back to our River Kwai cruise ship. Back on the deck of the ship, with a cool drink in hand, you can reflect on these past three days of exploration, cycling a region infamous for its bridge and railway line but with rewards to reap that extend beyond just a history lesson.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Onboard RV River Kwai

Day 5 – Koh Yao

Time to leave the boat this morning before our flight to Koh Yao. We’ll arrive at 3 pm and check into our hotel that is aptly named Paradise Koh Yao. Our accommodation, set into the tropical wilderness of this less visited island, is just a few steps away from the white sand and clear water and features a saltwater infinity pool in the shade of palm trees. Spend your evening in this blissful atmosphere rejuvenating your body for the day of cycling to come.

This evening join a special Cristini Athletics farewell dinner to celebrate our week of memories and friendships!

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Paradise Koh Yao Resort

Day 6 – Cycle the Island

15 km cycling

Let’s saddle up on the bikes to explore this peaceful island! We’ll cycle unsealed back roads towards the center of the island, taking in the fresh salt air and tropical jungle life along the way. After a satisfying morning ride, the rest of the day is yours to make the most of this idyllic island holiday with a dip in the pool or the Phang Nga Bay. Non-riders can enjoy a beach day and activities at the resort.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Paradise Koh Yao Resort

Day 7 – Koh Yao

Time to soak up the sun with a day of active water adventure. Hop in kayaks to explore the serene waters of Koh Yao from a different perspective, then adjust your snorkel and check out what lies below the surface. There is also the option to rent a boat and go on a fishing excursion for those who are interested.

Those less interested in the water can take a trek in the jungle, or master the subtleties of Thai spices with a cooking class. Whatever activity you choose, you’re sure to have fun in the sun on our last day together.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Paradise Koh Yao Resort

Day 8 – Depart Koh Yao

Our tour concludes today on Koh Yao, so feel free to enjoy the island for a few more days, or we can assist you with your further travel arrangements. The nearest International Airport is in Phuket.

Meals: Breakfast

Dates & Prices

Departure Date Double Occupancy Single Supplement
November 2019
January – March 2020
June, August, October, November 2020
$5,340 $1,250

*Price per person based on double occupancy. Due to the dynamic nature of availability and pricing, please click here to contact us directly for departure dates and full pricing.

Ship Information

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RV River Kwai

The vessel was newly built as a colonial style river cruiser based on designs used by the original Irrawaddy Flotilla which was founded in Burma in 1865 and by the 1920s was the largest privately owned fleet of ships in the world. With just ten beautifully teak enhanced cabins, this cozy, small and intimate vessel is perfect to cruise on the scenic and historic River Kwai.

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