Cycling in southeast Thailand: quiet, rolling country roads, beautiful beaches and jungle
- Far from the tourist crowds, Thailand’s southeast districts of Khanom and Sichon are perfect for a coastal cycle ride
- The roller coaster roads, dirt trails and empty beaches will challenge and delight bike fans
Surprisingly few people seem to be aware of the delights of Thailand’s south eastern coastal districts of Khanom and Sichon, which make them a great oasis for those in search of something a little more offbeat than the developed resorts of the south.
This area is superb for laid-back cycling, with miles of quiet and rolling country roads and dirt trails to mesh together into day rides or short tours with very little traffic.
Thanks to the opening of a new coastal road in late 2019 between Khanom and the even sleepier town of Sichon (further south) the region now also has one of the best coastal bike rides in Southeast Asia.
The direct road distance between Khanom Beach and Sichon town is only 25km; although for cyclists on a day ride I would recommend cutting out the last eight to 10km southbound into Sichon, as traffic tends to build up. The highlight of this coast road is definitely the new 15km section from Khanom Beach to road 401, which is just before the right turn to Khao Phlai Dam National Park.
From Khanom Beach it is a flat and straight start along the quiet 4014 road (which soon becomes the 4232). This road runs from end to end of the long and often deserted Khanom Beach.