At the same time, it’s designed for those with a good level of fitness, but not having to be an Olympian. A few days of city life and ancient culture prepare us for an adrenalizing seven days in the far north. With a major focus on biking, this trip also combines hiking, boating, riding elephants and a host of other exciting transportation! You’re guaranteed to have ear-to-ear smiles, be dazzled by life along the Thai borders with Laos and Myanmar, be covered in a nice sweat and rarely bump into other travelers. You’ll also be exposed to various hilltribe groups throughout your journey and see them in the their day to day lives, while enjoying proper comforts each night to keep you fresh and anew for each day.
The price quoted is from the first day of the adventure in Bangkok until the end of your planned itinerary. The adventure includes 80% of your meals, 10 nights of quality accommodations, all transport, two domestic airline tickets, mobile phone, a personalized Adventure Kit, all admissions, tips, snacks, and the finest western and Thai adventure leaders. You will rarely need to dig into your pocket to pay for things on your adventure. Prepare to be hosted and truly taken care of!
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Welcome to Thailand!!
We’ll be waiting when your plane touches down, brush off the airline peanut shells and welcome you to the ‘Land of Smiles’. Our local representative will escort you to your home away from home and introduce you to your surroundings. Sit back, relax, enjoy a swim and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime.
Day 2: Bangkok Multi Transport Adventure
This day is simply incredible! Today we’ll tick off five must-see sites, while using all forms of urban transport (tuk-tuk, motorcycle, rapid train and boats) in a citywide blitz of temples, alleyways, rivers, canals and fine eats to give you a true appreciation of the ‘City of Angels’. Today you’ll see the Golden Mount, the stunning Grand Palace, Wat Po (reclining Buddha), Wat Arun and the urban-canals of Bangkok Noi, to name but a few of our stops. Not only can you tick Bangkok off your list, but you’ll do it in swinging style!
“For anyone that enjoys the outdoors, biking and hiking, this is without a doubt the trip for you. It was great to be out each and every day, getting dirty, sweaty, but then have a nice place to relax and refresh at the end of each day - great accommodations! Thanks for showing me Thailand as no one else can!” – Donna, Brisbane, QLD
Meals: B,L
Day 3: Ancient Ayutthaya
Prior to its sacking by the Burmese in 1767, Ayutthaya was the crowning jewel of Siam. We’ll board a private shuttle from Bangkok then use Mary-Poppins-style bicycles to explore the ancient ruins and stone palaces that make up this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The best part is there are no ropes between you and sites, affording an up close and personal look at these historic stone temples. After our day exploring, we’ll blast back to Bangkok in our private shuttle and catch an early evening flight to the country’s northernmost province, Chiang Rai, where we’ll spend the next two nights at The Legend, a beautiful Thai-style, boutique hotel.
Riding: 20km (paved roads)
Meals: B,L
Day 4: Bikes, Boats & Elephants
Hang on for a day you’ll never forget. We’ll put mountain bikes on a longtail boat and head up river to a Karen (hilltribe community) elephant camp. You’ll get a chance to mount your very own jumbo and ride through the hills. After lunch we’ll ride picturesque country routes back to Chiang Rai city. Tonight is yours to explore, shop the Night Bazaar and even treat yourself to a traditional Thai massage.
Tonight we’ll celebrate with a dinner of champions at a charming outdoor restaurant. Afterwards it’s up to you - peruse the Night Bazaar and maybe even treat yourself to a well-earned traditional Thai massage to soothe those legs.
“Going on our adventure was the most unique travel experience we’ve ever had. We have to say that anyone who has been to Thailand and not been on this trip has really missed out.” – Jeremy & Jodi Kent, Vancouver, BC
Biking: 20-55km, depending on group abilities (dirt trails & paved roads)
Bicycles are high-performance, with front suspension, helmets, gloves and safety light provided
Meals: B,L,D
Day 5: To Chinatown
Today it’s off to one of Thailand’s most stunning destinations – Doi Mae Salong. Nestled amongst terraced tea plantations, this area was once opium country, but is now home to Thailand’s premier Oolong tea production, and Chinese who fled China during the Cultural Revolution. We’ll ride mountain bikes along a stunning mountain ridge while you try to keep your jaw from hitting the ground. The views provide an inspirational backdrop as we pass through several hilltribe villages en-route to your mountainside chalet. Enjoy paradise!
Biking: 25km (dirt trails & paved roads)
Meals: B,L,D
Day 6: Hilltribe Hiatus
Put on your hiking shoes for a day trekking through terraced tea and rice plantations, hilltribe villages and stunning rolling mountains around the Doi Mae Salong area. Today is a photographer’s dream and great shots abound. Locals are sure to be as curious about you as you are with them. We’ll also sample local teas, visit a mountain-top temple and local school. The evening is yours to explore other nooks and crannies.
“Talk about an adventure! Even though I had not done a lot of biking in the last year you guys really helped coach/push me and I did way more than I ever thought I could. The hiking was also some of the most beautiful I have ever encountered and my camera's memory card got a serious workout. Thanks for such an intense adventure in a magical part of the world.” – Daylen, Miami, FL
Hiking: 15km (dirt footpaths)
Meals: B,L
Day 7: Into the Sticks
Today is a hiker’s dream. We’ll head into the mountains using ancient hilltribe footpaths to make our way to the far-flung Thai/Chinese community of Thoed Thai – not found in most travel books. This outpost, just a few kilometers from the Burmese border, was a former hideout for drug lords and is seldom visited by foreigners. We’ll get dirty and truly ‘out there’. Upon arrival we’ll settle into charming creekside chalets and enjoy a wonderful Thai/Chinese feast.
Hiking: 17km (dirt footpaths)
Meals: B,L,D
Day 8: The Far, Far North
An early morning shuttle through the mountains takes us to one of the kingdom’s most renowned community development projects – Doi Tung, run by the Mae Fah Luang Foundation. Here we’ll learn about the foundation’s successful eradication of opium production, then head out for a challenging day in the saddle. We’ll pedal to the top of Doi Chang Mub, one of the province’s highest mountains and along a spectacular road that literally straddles the Thai-Myanmar border, passing through several military checkpoints along the way. Hang on to your handlebars as dramatic descents bring you to the country’s northernmost city Mae Sai. Here we’ll have lunch, stroll colorful markets and check out the bustling border trading. Then it’s back on the bikes for a final ride through flat farmland to the infamous Golden Triangle where Thailand, Myanmar and Laos meet. Tonight we’ll sleep at the ‘Greater Mekong Lodge’, run by the Mae Fah Luang Foundation.
“My benchmark definition of customer service/care has changed; you are awesome! The trip you arranged was magical. I look back at all the things we did and it felt like at least a month. We've come away feeling like we've had a great holiday, a great cultural experience, challenged ourselves, provoked a reassessment of our lives and made some new friends.” – Neal, London, UK
Biking: 65km (hilly paved, back-roads)
Meals: B,L,D
Day 9: Golden Triangle
We’ll start the morning with a visit to the fascinating ‘Hall of Opium’. Here you’ll learn about the area’s rich historical importance and the role this illicit drug played. Next we’ll board a high-speed longtail boat, blasting our way (60km/hr) down the legendary Mekong to a Laotian market for a look at things, then it’s back to Thailand for lunch along the river to fuel up for your final bike ride of the adventure. Today’s pedal is an exhilarating capstone to a great adventure! You’ll make your way through lush farmland, over a couple of small mountains and finally along the banks of the Mekong River to our destination Chiang Khong. Tonight we’ll stay in a riverside Thai-style hotel and enjoy the best Mexican food in Thailand!
Biking: 60-80km (paved country roads)
Meals: B,L,D
Day 10: Mekong Life
Our final day in the far north is a great one to sit back, relax and take it all in. Chiang Khong serves as a border crossing point between Thailand and Laos. This small town is full of ultra laid-back characters and effuses a charming, quiet bliss. Enjoy the morning to do as much or little as you like. In the early afternoon we’ll shuttle to the Chiang Rai airport for our flight back to bustling Bangkok. Upon arrival we’ll transfer to a super-comfy airport hotel to recuperate from your northern escapades.
Meals: B,L
Day 11: Until Next Time
After breakfast you’ll transfer you to the airport and try to avoid teary-eyed goodbyes… Pop Gan Mai Na Krap (until next time)!
Meals: B
About the Biking:
We use a variety of two-wheeled crafts during 'Summit Siam'. On Day 3, while in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Ayutthaya, we use Mary-Poppins-style bikes to explore the ancient ruins. Riding roughly 5km to each site, these fun bikes have a nice big basket to hold all your personal items and will see you perched high on their soft seat, providing a great view of the area and garnering lots of smiles from the locals. We also provide you with a bike helmet to protect those brains. Today we’ll ride a total of 20km on paved roads. On Days 4, 5, 8 & 9, while in the Kingdom's northernmost province Chiang Rai, we use high-quality, 24-speed Shimano-equipped mountain bikes, with front suspension. A variety of sizes are available to accommodate all riders. Bike helmets, gloves and lights are also provided to ensure your safety and comfort. We'll ride between 20-80km each day, with a total distance of 90-200km over the three days. You’ll be riding on paved roads, rough dirt roads and even some single-track. A support vehicle and bike mechanic will follow us throughout the north providing assistance to any riders in need of a break, service or lift.
About the Hiking:
On Days 6 & 7 we will be hiking roughly 15km each day on dirt footpaths. There will be some nice descents and steep climbs, mixed with beautiful terraced valleys to catch your breath. Hiking boots are not needed, but a comfortable hiking shoe or durable runners are recommended.
Extra Equipment to Bring:
As this is a physical adventure and to help increase your comfort and performance you may wish to bring some of your favorite personal equipment such as: bike helmet, biking shorts, biking gloves, hydration pack, clipless pedals and your favorite pair of walking/hiking shoes.
Price Includes:
- Guides, all transport, bike
- 10 nights accommodation, most meals (as indicated)
- 2 internal airline tickets, mobile phone
- Airport transfers
- All equipment
- All snacks and all admissions.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Things you may wish to add to your adventure:
- Top things off with one of our incredible Beach Extensions
- Extra nights before your adventure begins at our comfy downtown Bangkok hotel: $90US/night
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
Thailand
Cultural Journey
Bicycle Touring
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