For those brave enough to attempt it (the climate is very hot and humid), cycling through the Krabi countryside is a richly rewarding experience. Most tourists will only ever see local people who live by the side of the main road – and that usually through the minibus window as it speeds past.
A mountain bike, available for rent in Krabi Town and in Ao Nang, will allow you to go literally “off the beaten track” and explore the network of dirt paths that go back for miles behind the highways. You will come across astonishing landscapes, small farming communities – and no doubt a whole host of memorable encounters with friendly and welcoming local people.
The main highway network is also fairly cycle-friendly. If you avoid Krabi Town and the stretch out to the airport, the roads are generally not very busy and on the majority of them there is a hard shoulder, which should be used at all times for safety. Local car drivers are also very used to motorcyclists, so other two-wheeled road users – although fairly uncommon – pose no problem for them.
There are a couple of companies, Krabi Eco Cycle or Krabi Nature House, that offer excellent guided cycling tours of Krabi for all ability levels, including trips to well-known destinations. Most of these are half day excursions; full days are always taken at a relaxed pace, with plenty of breaks for swimming, lunch etc. A minimum level of fitness is assumed, but no special experience is necessary. More experienced cyclists can of course request harder routes and longer distances.
For safety reasons, any children participating must have a minimum height of 140cm and / or be at least 10 years old with some prior experience of road cycling (i.e. road safety awareness). Children’s bicycles are not provided.
However, if you prefer to go alone, a good local map (and a good sense of direction) is often all you need. It is very hard to get lost here, even off-road, as all dirt tracks eventually lead out to a named highway. GPS signal is also strong in most areas. Mountain bikes can be rented from Krabi Eco-Cycle in Klong Haeng or Krabi Nature House in Ao Nang; city bikes can be found at Panchiwaprai on Chao Fah Road in Krabi Town.
A must for adventurous spirits.