Phuket, Krabi, Khao Sok and Khao Lak in 10 days

Ten days out of Phuket: Phang Nga Bay at dawn, a few days on the Krabi coast, Cheow Lan Lake and the jungle at Khao Sok, then the Khao Lak beaches and a slow ride back along the Natai coast. Everything is paved. Start early every riding day: the heat builds fast, and do not ride after dark, there are many stray dogs on these roads.

Day 1 · Phuket to Krabi

Leave Phuket before sunrise, cross the Sarasin Bridge and follow Route 4 into Phang Nga. Catch the sunrise over the bay at Samet Nangshe, then the Suwan Khuha cave temple, Tham Phaya Nakharat in the rock and the Road of 100 Bends to Thap Put; the blue quarry lake is a short detour there. Past Ao Luek, cool off in the Tha Pom mangroves and sleep in Ao Nang for nightlife or Klong Muang for quiet.

Day 2 · Railay

A day off the bike. Railay is boat-only: hire a long-tail or speedboat, or take the public boat from Ao Nam Mao pier. Sunset dinner at Dragon View, in the trees above the bay.

Day 3 · Khao Ngon Nak and Tiger Cave

Hike Khao Ngon Nak (Dragon Crest) at first light: about 5 km up to 535 m and the same way down, easy underfoot but very hot by mid-morning. Rest, then climb the 1,237 steps of Tiger Cave Temple, or soak in the saline hot spring at Khlong Thom.

Day 4 · Emerald Pool and Krabi Town

Swim in the Emerald Pool and come back through Krabi Town for the river, cafés and the weekend walking street. The alternative is a boat day to the Phi Phi Islands. Pack for an early start tomorrow.

Day 5 · Ratchaprapha Dam and Khao Sok

Leave Krabi by 6 or 7 am. Stop at Wat Bang Thong and ride Route 415 to Phanom; Route 4118 from Thap Put is the quieter way. At the dam: the rope bridge with the heart-shaped mountain, the viewpoint over Cheow Lan Lake and a boat tour from the marina (the shortest is about three hours, park fee extra; riders often share a boat). Ride Route 401 to Khao Sok while it is still light.

Day 6 · Khao Sok

A day in Khao Sok: a lake trip or a night on the lake in the raft houses, a jungle walk, a night safari booked at your lodge.

Day 7 · Khao Sok to Khao Lak

Two ways, both about two to three hours. The faster one follows Route 401 to Takua Pa and Route 4 south, past the old iron bridge. The quieter one leaves Route 401 for the winding hill road through Dok Daeng to Pak Weep. Before central Khao Lak, stop at Laem Pakarang and its beaches, a calmer place to stay than the centre.

Day 8 · Khao Lak

Morning boat to the Similan Islands (high season only, book at least a day ahead), or one of the beaches: Hat Lek or Khuk Khak. In the afternoon, walk in Khao Lak - Lam Ru National Park and browse Bang Niang Market.

Day 9 · Natai coast

Move south towards Phuket and spend the night by the hot springs at the Hotspring Beach Resort (day passes too), with Baba Beach Club nearby for the evening.

Day 10 · Back to Phuket

One to three hours to your drop-off on Phuket. Stop for seafood at Thanoon by the Sarasin Bridge.