The Police Said NO At Thailand's Hardest Climb - Bikepacking Thailand Ep.2

[@MrPiyatat]

Hi Lads, subscriber from Bangkok here. A few suggestions: Koh Phangan, known for parties, is easily avoidable and offers magical nature, great beaches, and pretty good roads. Consider also Koh Phayam in Ranong-no cars, just small roads for motorcycles, making it a unique riding experience. Ranong also has natural hot springs for relaxation. Enjoy!

[@RuiciTio]

+1 to Kho Phayam, I’d skip Samui. If you like climbing, Railay bar Krabi is great too. Good luck on the roads between Chiang Mai and Bangkok!

[@JRmntain]

Natural hot springs for the win everytime 😎

[@petehand7690]

Koh Phayam yes yes yes, hidden paradise well it was 15 years ago

[@OptimusCrime_69]

I would suggest Koh Lipe in the south, if you just wanna chill out. When I was little, my family went to Thailand once a year, but we usually stayed further up north, near Udon Thani.

[@owensnicholas]

The experience James is having is a reminder to all of us that fitness is not a constant climb. Sometimes it goes up and sometimes it goes down. That's just life. I'm glad you all are working together to find solutions.

[@irfuel]

When you ride, it goes up, when you don't, it goes down. Indeed.

[@Ming3r]

James is killing it tbh. Always a joy to have these videos with him

[@jimbob277777]

I gotta commend James for simulating the fitness level of his average overweight middle aged client. Truely going above and beyond for his customers!

[@airman8368]

I have ridden there lots. It is brutal. I always joke that Thai road engineers missed the day in school when they taught how to build mountain roads with inclines lower than 10%.

[@andrewpeterson5882]

SO excited to be watching another bike adventure seeing from you blokes!! These sequences are the best cycling content on KZbin and absolutely your channel's strongest serieses.

[@randomname8442]

5 years as a DM in Thailand, although left a while back. Too early in the season for Gulf side. Diving in Andaman begins early December, take a short liveaboard to Similans from Phuket. Then Koh Lanta for generally relaxation or even head down to Koh Lipe which is tiny, also great diving and has chilled beach bars

[@azfarattus]

+1 on Koh Lipe. can even take a boat to Langkawi, Malaysia.

[@basketballopen10th]

Thailand 🇹🇭 hospitality is in our bloods

[@Bu5t3R]

I wish I could do rides like this. So jealous of your adventures. I’m very thankful that I can at least live vicariously through your KZbin videos. Can’t wait to watch more.

[@bbikerlawrence]

❤

[@skatetron1798]

Koh lipe was great. I suggest there. You can walk across it. See the sunset on one side and the sunrise on the other.

[@mstrasser]

You're making me miss my trip to Chiang Mai. Amazing place, people, food, cycling, cafes. Gem of a place. Excited to see how your (or Lawrence's) impressions change (if they do) when you get to Phuket. Mine did.

[@youtubeonly9413]

Did a lot of cycling in Southern Thailand in February flying in and out of Phuket Airport. The area around Krabi was very nice with sugar loaf mountains and much better than Phuket Island. Suggest you do a loop through Krabi at the end.

[@asherbeal8357]

@13:58 The books were called “Choose Your Own Adventure.” James you are definitely a Nerd, embrace it.

[@matt.3.14]

If you continue up the climb, turn to page 83. If you stay and wait for your mates, turn to page 94. Flip-flip-flip You start riding up the climb with your mates; while your spirits are high, you have a nagging feeling your body isn't on the same page. Suddenly, you feel a strange pain and fall over dead. The End.

[@condorthomas]

Koh lanta is amazing if you're looking for alternative islands

[@RosieMcHugh-s4r]

You should definitely do Koh Tao/ Koh Samui!! We’ve been bicycle touring around Thailand since July and we’re heading back to Koh Tao for the third time now in the same trip! It’s not the place for cycling (the kind of hills that make you argue) but it’s absolutely the place for relaxing/ scuba diving/ snorkelling… and also drinking 😅. Koh Samui is a brilliant island to cycle around though with some good climbs. Plenty of things to do. We’ve not done Phangan but we’ve met lots of people from there who have said the island is great! Phuket it also reallllly good but I would 100% say the Surat Thani islands.

[@daninja265]

Koh Tao can be nice if you find the right spots. Some parts are quite touristy but there are more secluded areas where the diving is really good too!

[@BBlogworld]

Such a great way to start my day! Much love from the States❤

[@Mykelridesbykes]

The books were called chose your own adventure, I loved them as a kid and love video games like them now. Great video again!

[@jasonmccullum9424]

Hey James. I’m holidaying in koh Samui right now and there was a huge storm on Friday. But now it is lovely, no wind and no rain. By the way the ex display Sarto frame I bought off you after my bike fit, 2 weeks ago is brilliant. Thanks for the advice on it

[@timhobin8490]

ROUTE South of BANGKOK . From Hua Hin there are great roads that follow the coast (Mostly) all the way to Chumphon ( Boats to Ko Tao Phanghan Samui ) Beautiful Khao Sok National park.....amazing scenery. Khao sok is on your way to Phuket. AVOID the main road from BKK to Phuket.....dull deadly and grim.

[@Benderok451]

Go straight to Koh Tao. Diving there is amazing. I hope the weather there will be better in 1-2 weeks. I just arrived from there.

[@JustinKPrim]

I learned diving in Koh Tao. Beautiful beaches, sunken ship, nice beach hotels, friendly diving community, clear blue waters. Probably a good place to bike around too!

[@LittleBigArch]

Koh Jum would be my shout. Stay in Oonlee Bungalows. AMAZING! Ferry from Krabi (i think) then there is a mid ocean hop onto a taxi boat that takes you into the island.

[@jordanglazier2351]

Wouldn't recommend koh samui, very touristy and built up however the other two are less and amazing. By the time you get to koh tao is will be great for diving James. Great work lads love watching your journeys!

[@CarlJaunce]

Ez fellas, Bangkok resident and longtime subscriber. Skip Gulf of Thailand side and head to Similan Islands - Anadaman Sea. You can turn right at Chumphon and head towards Ranong - visit hot springs as an alternative. Friend of mine currently bike packing the area so can forward routes/stops. Loving the content… Enjoy Thailand 🙌🏻

[@kevinlyon9501]

That's nice you got James a present, a woolly hat just what he needs to keep him warm. Never been to Thailand but sure someone in the comments will steer you in the right direction.

[@derekhobbs1102]

East 17 reference was gold.

[@18degN]

With one main ring road, the traffic on Samui is very bad at the best of times, and this is high season! Other viewers more knowledgeable than I will give you great alternatives I'm sure. Enjoy the trip! (And do try the Japanese sweet potato from 711 ! :)

[@007-LTK]

If you want avoid flat terrain for some days longer head west to Mae Hong Son province. Beautiful roads for cycling and motorcycles with mountains, curves and amazing nature…no highways. Later head south towards Kanchanaburi and so on- always near Burma border. …avoid the tourist islands, it’s high season. Have fun guys 🚴 🚴‍♀️ 🚴‍♂️ …

[@ToPFeE1234]

+1 Mae Hong Son loop is beautiful

[@bernharddrescher4287]

I have been bikepacking southern Thailand in the past 2 weeks and although not an island I would really love to see you pass the rural rode 4088 south of namtok si khit national park. I did last week when heading from sichon to surat thani. It is gravelroad and you must cross 5 rivers, where one (at the bottom) is currently about 1m water height with sand ground. It was definitely a memorable moment for me when I descended there just to think i am stuck and need to climb the mountain road back up, just to shortly after receive help by a local to cross the river.

[@armand4156]

Avoid Phuket at all costs. If you head to the Andaman coast then consider Khao Lak (with a visit to Khao Sok: beautiful!), Trang province or even Krabi, but avoid Phuket! Koh Tao is not great. Koh Phangan has plenty to offer, just some 21st century hippies that are not everyone’s cup of tea. Koh Samui also large, but probably a bit crowded in high season now. I’m heading to Chumphon myself for New Year’s :) If you guys are up for some unique cycling in greater Bangkok, let me know.

[@madpeddler8263]

I concur Doctor, avoid Phuket

[@randomname8442]

Avoid it at all costs

[@paulmchugh8679]

Currently waiting to get on A ferry tomorrow from Donsak using the Seatran Ferry. We have been cycling Thailand Cambodia and Malaysia since July this year and have done 3000 miles so far. So my advice is forget Koh Tao there is nothing to cycle and you will have trouble getting the ferry to the other islands with you bicycles. Take our route and do Koh Samui and Koh Phangan. Might even have a beer with you if you get a move on! 😂

[@J_Cav84]

We stayed near Phuket on an island called called Ko Kho Khao. Pranee Beach Bungalows. NOT touristy resort or island, just a beautiful beachside little place with a pretty great restaurant in house and some massage tables. HIGHLY recommend!!

[@johnnyt7067]

Late to the party on recommendations but I would go down the west coast and dive in the Similan Islands. You can get there by boat from Kho Lak.

[@timhobin8490]

Similan islands for diving ( North of Phuket access from Khao lak boat only)...world class. Gulf diving is not up to much.

[@bikepackerfr]

Thailand is the greatest country of the world. The climbs are though even with motorbikes! I suggest you go to Krabi with the bikes and visit Koh Lanta and other islands going south. My fav are Lanta and Lipe

[@asortdcookie]

Everywhere down that way is super touristy and you're likely to get some mediocre weather anywhere in the south in the next couple weeks. There is pretty extreme flooding in the south (but more south than say Phuket and Surat Thani islands at the moment too. If you want to do some diving in better weather check out the islands in Trat province (Koh Chang, Koh Kood). You'll need to take a bus from BKK to get there, but they can probably bring bikes, or you know a few days bike ride.

[@MrCeepeebee]

I learned to dive on Ko Tao, spent a couple of months there and had an absolutely marvellous time, it was however 22 years ago (it was slightly feral) .....

[@_MattyG_]

A rude series that uses viewer input like those exact books would be epic! And huge engagement no doubt!

[@danielpunt7]

I mean I'm sure there's already some pretty rude fanfiction going around about these guys, but I'd take it. Maybe a ride series too 😉

[@seanoleary771]

James should have brought an ebike. This looks like the textbook scenario for one.

[@joshuaperry8729]

Forget an ebike he should have stayed at home. Bring back ben.

[@alanhill7965]

@@joshuaperry8729glad I’m not the only one thinking that

[@wstrzalka]

Or simply leave some stuff behind

[@hobbitilius]

How is that a textbook scenario for an e-bike? They should just ride routes that cater to all their different fitness levels. James still seems plenty fit enough for a mellow bikepacking route. Also, taking the most stuff when you're the least fit is not exactly the optimal choice either in my mind.

[@BrianRPaterson]

Would an airline let an ebike on a plane. They're nervous enough about small lithium-ion batteries catching fire.

[@davehoover8853]

If you stay on the west side around Phuket I suggest catching a boat to Koh Lanta and Koh Yai Nui. On the other hand, Koh Samui is really nice, but check the status of the deluge! Krabi and Railey beach are a nice stop before Koh Lanta. Cheers,

[@cb6866]

Thanks Francis , James and Lawrence . Be safe , eh

[@michaelburns732]

Hi Lads, James, it’s coming into high season in the islands so would imagine Koh Tao, Samui & Koh Phangan will be busy but as will Koh Phi Phi which is between Phuket & Krabi. Phi Phi does have some great diving though. I worked at Island Divers on Phi Phi & they’re definitely worth checking out. Most of the dive operators are great there though. Phi Phi has a few decent sites like Koh Bida Nok & Koh Bida Nai, two beautiful pinnacle type dives with lots of life & some really nice corals. Also, from Phuket or from Phi Phi you could dive a wreck called the King Cruiser. Typically on this day you’d do 3 dives, conditions permitting, & the other two sites Anemone Reef & Shark Point which is great for Leopard sharks. It was 7 years ago when I was last there & I am lead to believe a lot has changed on Phi Phi. Hope this is of some use.

[@azfarattus]

can always head to Krabi and do day trips by boat to any dive/snorkel spots or islands.

[@belverticale]

Greetings from Indonesia. Done many a lovely tour in Thailand. Mainly flat now down to Phuket...enjoy. Through the Khao Sok national park through Kao Lak to Phuket will be fine. Phuket bigger than Samui and the tourists are more spread out. All good fun.

[@leeghathaway]

Having spent a week in Koh Tao I loved the place. It’s quite touristy but the least busy when compared with Koh Samui and Koh Pha Ngan. As for diving, it’s where gap year back packers learn to scuba. The waters are ok but nothing to write home about, particularly if you’re experienced. The best diving is only really accessible on liveaboards. One final nail in the scuba coffin. You’ve missed whale shark season. 😢

[@celynjones4958]

100% go to the Indian Ocean side of Southern Thailand. The Andaman Sea is incredible ❤

[@quintennn]

When I saw James' setup video, my first thought was: that's a whole load of gear! I love the idea of bike trips, but the idea of having to carry all scares me. I'd want a support vehicle that brings the bags from place to place haha

[@1esk192]

The problem is kind of Tailfinn. The rack is constructed to carry a shitload of stuff and obviously if you can't constrain yourself, you'll carry all the stuff. Not possible with a more minimalist bikepacking setup

[@markriggall7741]

Cycle down to chumpon then cross country to Ranong. This takes you down through Phang Nah province which is beautiful.

[@tlbl59]

Khao lak is great for diving (Richelieu rock and Similan nearby) and right before Phuket coming from North

[@hockysa]

Man that is wild. I love a good 20% climb but not like 2000m elevation, with extra kilos bike packing, in Thailands humidity!

[@ChinaRides1]

This is brilliant content as usual. Wonderfully put together. You boys should consider a trip to China next time, it has a wonderful environment for cycling.

[@timbarlow5139]

James , go to khao Lak and do a dive trip from there to the Similan islands .

[@rasmuslindqvist1995]

I say skip the islands for diving, i reqummend one of many places in Phang nga, the province North of Phuket, then i would also suggest cycling though Ranong famous for many hotsprings via Khao Thalu (best view) from a 7eleven in Thailand. 👍

[@BikepackingAdventures]

Adventure books, like "Knightmare". Take the sword from the stone, turn to page 42 or Walk Away turn to page 44. Loved them books as a kid.

[@martinberry1540]

Everywhere is touristy at the moment, you will struggle to escape them especially in Phuket/Patong area. There is bad weather around at the moment as ur still at end of rainy season.

[@nikallebon1508]

Love a Fighting Fantasy books reference!

[@agcannon]

Inthanon 😳 can still feel it in the legs but there was no rule against descending back then. So many busted fanbelts on the roadside to testify to the steepness. Koh Lanta and other parts of Krabi are nice as others have suggested. Phuket is crazy, although you can practice your Russian

[@malv173]

Didn't James pack a spare mech hanger? Does that not work on your bike, Francis? Also, very, very, happy to see a new adventure so soon after the amazing India trip! Cheers, and good luck for the rest of it.

[@faisal_al_saiful3838]

glad the videos got longer

[@ZummyTheCyclist]

Yeah! Franscis You are my Inspiration!!😍

[@mattdalby83]

Go north into loas - amazing on bother sides of the border . Check out the routes on my strava from Christmas last year.

[@andythomas1693]

Go to Phuket side. Weather much better on west coast this time of year.

[@jespernohr]

I about love banter between you guys :)

[@TheTomfromschool]

Agree with staying west along Myanmar border after Bangkok. Beautiful roads...some incredible gravel and hardly any tourists....keep west all the way past Hua hin.

[@adinosaurusx]

Koh Pangan = full moon party! Lets goooo

[@tripledoubleish]

go to koh jum - this is an extremely small island next to koh lanta

[@khunlongpete]

go north and return along the border with birma, some passes are incredibly steep or ride along the mekhong. Did not know that since 01/01/23 it is even forbidden to enter the doi Inthanon national park with a mountainbike without a car following. Try to ride Doi Ang Khang without walking.

[@CUPAVI1]

Phuket side is better for diving. Koh Tao is only good for getting a dive cet, no current and such. You can get a short liveaboards (3-4 days in Andaman Sea) from Khao Lak.

[@derekhobbs1102]

Was Durianrider lurking in the trees?

[@awestrope74]

Do a liveaboard to the Similan Islands (I have done 2 and worked on Koh Tao for 18 months, also an awesome island). Samui too touristy

[@olliebarker8641]

Francis, can you do a video on how you pack your bike for flying? Thanks

[@rumplestiltskin1]

Depends how far behind the uploads are to when this was filmed. The weather should be excellent down South now (I was in Phuket 1 week ago and the Western beach water was clear). Head down to Koh Lipe if you want to dive on the Southwest coast (but it's easier flying to Langkawi and taking the ferry for that).

[@10shed]

Lived , rode, raced for 20 years in Thailand and I laughed when I saw the first vids. You guys haven’t a clue what you’ve taken on. Good luck especially if it goes wrong. There are 2 sides to Thailand. Advice? Don’t argue, get angry and steer well clear of the Police.

[@daniels.2720]

Stellar lads !

[@davidarifine]

Koh phi phi was fun. You can do a boat tour to the beach where they filmed “The Beach.” They also take you to an island where you can jump off of a cliff into the ocean to escape the killer monkeys. Good fun 👍

[@seeza]

Trang province is great to avoid the western tourists, but if you don't want to go that far south, Krabi is a nice area too.

[@bejo-108]

Diving is much better on the Koh Phuket side. I have dived both sides. There's a giant sandbar at Koh Phangan, so I didn't dive there. Koh Samui is very touristy.

[@duplooygareth]

Head to Saigon and come ride with us!

[@liambergin5732]

Not a diver but when we were in Koh Tao , we noticed how many were there for the diving.

[@nickcarolan2805]

Koh Tao. Great diving there. 👍🇮🇪 On a serious note, James you need to take a truck load of vitamins . I'm worried for ya dude

[@benhaywood2510]

I feel James' pain - been on the back end of prolonged illness and trying to keep up with fit mates. It's hard (impossible?) and a little soul-destroying. Important to measure the efforts though!

[@andreemurray7039]

The grand tour of bicycles 😊

[@wheelwizard8219]

You have me investigating about No descending Dio Inthanon ( must be something new ) I've ridden and raced up there 6 times and descending was allowed There was a race from Chang Mai to the top with 100's of starters and 100's descend back down to waiting car ( rather than creating a traffic jam of cars on the climb )

[@jinngeechia9715]

It is very recent. Buddies of mine climbed and were told not to descend. I think this stems from some serious accident of some sort from the annual Doi Inthanon KOM ride.

[@madpeddler8263]

@@jinngeechia9715 They have not allowed descending on the Inthanon Challenge event. I would suspect that the rule is simply to avoid having bad press should a farang die while descending. It's a challenging descent but no more dangerous than on a motorbike.

[@ianthomas3155]

You’re not allowed to descend from the top to the first check point anymore. From there down you’re good.

[@terrysires1778]

So good!

[@glennoc8585]

James isnt too old he's just out of nik and been on the beer a bit.

[@S2Sturges]

It's not the climb as much as the descent, it's pretty tricky, and been more than a few serious stacks, whether be by bicycle, motorbike, minivans and songthaews... You get a lot of momentum and some of the corners are deceptively tricky and steep. Plus very busy this time of the year and the massive non Thai entrance fee for the park...

[@domestique3954]

Great biking on koh Samui,Koh Phangan-Koh Tao is smaller and a premium dive spot where you can watch whale sharks 🤙

[@stephenlaw1202]

go to Kanchanaburi on the River kwai, it's a sobering place

[@markg454]

You need a photo with James wearing his knit cap with his eyes wide open with the caption "CLEARLY NOT!"

[@clarencehowell1986]

You need to make a video on how to go about doing a trip like this. I have no friends but would love to know. 😂

[@monrezee]

Loving this

[@davidhuggett7222]

What brand is that cycling top james - nice to see something more fashionable

[@zkjellberg]

Looks like Cafe du Cycliste

[@johnmcnulty1129]

Thailand's terrain only adding the "cherry" on top of Jame's "Riding with 2 weapons" Gateau 🍰 Small village Bangcock can't be too far from Bangkok ☀️ 🐒

[@englishwillable]

Better diving in the Andaman rather than the Gulf generally speaking. Big storms on the Gulf right now as well.

[@andrewhall127]

The rule on descending Inthanon has been in place for ages and is due to several accidents involving cyclists...... to be fair even a cursory google search would have revealed it.

[@Edwin-fw4rh]

I am glad I did the descend in 2019 bikepacing trip,that was the best descend I have ever did

[@stevegraham3041]

Kopanang go to the mushroom bar Hadrin lovely omelette

[@BucketOfCrust]

Poor James giving Noddy vibes in that hat

[@SekaiNoMaster]

it makes lots of sense they ban descending here with the death rate every years.

[@wrightwoodwork]

Thailand is brilliant for cycling nows the best time to go

[@wheelwizard8219]

Don't worry about going to Koh Samui James is correct been shite weather with dirty water to see And it's too Touristy and EXPENSIVE much better diving on the islands around Phuket