Set in Motion: Cycling Routes in Phuket

The chance to discover uninhabited islands, in-vogue beach clubs or tranquil fishing villages is an appealing one, especially when you can hear the sound of the waves, feel the breeze in your hair and smell the scent of frangipanis on the way to your destination.

No wonder bike rides are increasingly popular as the desire to be outside, improved cycling infrastructure and high petrol prices continue to fuel the post-pandemic bicycle boom.

With sustainability at the heart of everything we do, many of our properties offer complimentary bicycles, including Banyan Tree Phuket where we have 300 of them ready for guests to explore the island with.

Alternatively, if you’d prefer to take things easy, you can also download the BEAM app to hire one of 100 electric scooters docked around Laguna Phuket by scanning a code on a handlebar with your smartphone.

Whichever your preferred mode of two-wheeled travel, here are some easy, moderate and longer routes for you to go on an adventure.

Bike to the beach

A jaunt to Ko Kala island

1-2km one-way, easy

Set among 33 hectares of tropical landscape, Banyan Tree Phuket borders Bang Tao Beach on Phuket’s west coast. From the resort, head north on Tambon Choeng Tale – the road that runs adjacent to the beach – past swaying coconut palms, towering rubber trees and beach shacks serving soft drinks and Thai dishes.

When you reach Layan Beach, which is often deserted, you can relax under the trees or stroll to the northern end of the sand where the river meets the sea to see fishing boats bobbing in a bay. At low tide, lock your bike and walk a few metres to the uninhabited Ko Kala island and admire views of the surrounding area before retracing your steps back to the villa.

Credit: Kevin Hellon, Shutterstock

Cycle and swim

Beach club vibes at Bang Tao Beach

5km one-way, moderate

For a more invigorating experience, set off from our lobby on the paved road that winds past frangipani trees, manicured gardens and lagoons to the entrance of Laguna Phuket.

With Laguna Golf Course on your left and a lake on your right, continue south past our Seedlings cafe until you reach a fork in the road. Turn right then next left and you’ll find yourself flanked by two lagoons. At the next junction, turn right in the direction of the sea and on to Sol Cherngtalay 14. Take another right, this time immediately after The Spice Club bar, and at the end of the road you’ll arrive at your destination: Catch Beach Club, at the southern end of Bang Tao Beach.

Cool down in the club’s seafront infinity pool, sip a cocktail or enjoy a light lunch before heading back to your private villa at Banyan Tree Phuket.

Credit: Elena Pavlovich, Shutterstock

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Dine at Kamala Beach

10km one-way, challenging

If you’re feeling intrepid, peddle south to Kamala Beach. From The Spice Club, hug the coast as you continue south to join Soi Had Surin 8, which offers tantalising glimpses of the sea.

Need a breather? Then stop for a break at Surin Beach, which has a viewpoint at its northern end, or continue south for a panorama of the eponymous patch of sand at Laem Sing’s viewpoint.

By now you’re on the home stretch and soon you’ll come to your final destination: Kamala Beach. Fringed by trees, the beach retains the atmosphere of a fishing village, with the addition of a handful of seafood restaurants, laidback bars and stylish beach clubs filled with lively chatter.