A great deal of time has been spent selecting routes truly ‘off the beaten path’, that provide an diversity of locales, terrains, grades, and will offer challenges to the most seasoned cyclist. In addition to five huge days biking Thailand’s northernmost province of Chiang Rai along the Myanmar and Laos borders, you’ll enjoy a mid-trip day of hiking ancient hilltribe footpaths through Oolong tea fields to give that behind a rest. Included in this ultimate Siamese experience is a day exploring the metropolis of Bangkok via a multitude of transport types, and a day cycling into the past at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ayutthaya. Hang on for the ride of your life!!
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, 9 nights of quality accommodations, all transport, two domestic airline tickets, Shimano-equipped mountain bike, air conditioned support vehicle, bike mechanic, mobile phone, a personalized Adventure Kit, all admissions, snacks, and the best western and Thai adventure leaders at all times. You will rarely need to dig into your pocket to pay for things during your trip. Prepare to dazzled, hosted and truly taken care of!
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Welcome to the Land of Smiles
We’ll be waiting when your plane touches down, brush off the airline peanut shells and welcome you to the ‘Land of Smiles’. A private car will shuttle you to your beautiful home away from home at the Majestic Grande. Upon check-in you’ll receive your very own ‘Adventure Kit’, full of lots tidbits, including maps, trip overview, tips to help you make the most of your time and even your very own mobile phone!
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, boats and taxi) 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!
“Totally comprehensive, totally fun, an overall huge value. I can't believe I saw and did so much in just 10 days!” – Leslie, Sedona, AZ
Meals: B,L
Day 3: Ancient Ayutthaya Adventure
A short 90km minivan ride from Bangkok takes us to this UNESCO World Heritage Site where we’ll mount Mary Poppins-style bicycles and explore four of our favorite historical sites. The best thing about these stone palaces is there are no ropes, allowing you to get up close and personal with Ayutthaya’s stunning temples. As the capital from 1350-1767, it was during this period that foreigners first set up diplomatic missions and the country grew to its largest size physically. Along the way we’ll enjoy an authentic ‘Isaan’ (northeastern Thai) lunch and fill you in on lots of nifty historical facts. This intimate exploration of Ayutthaya gives you a genuine appreciation for the city’s significance to the Thai people. After our day exploring, we’ll catch an early evening flight aboard Thai Airways to the country’s northernmost province, Chiang Rai. We’ll spend the next two nights of our northern cycling odyssey at a boutique riverside resort, The Legend. Tonight enjoy the herbal spa, a dip in the infinity pool or perhaps a traditional Thai massage.
Riding: 20km (paved roads)
Meals: B,L
Days 4 – Day 10: Chiang Rai “Three Ancient Lands” Biking Adventure
The next seven spectacular days bring us in touch with some of the most unique and memorable characters in northern Thailand. Chiang Rai, Thailand’s northernmost province, borders Myanmar (Burma) on the west and Laos on the east to create the infamous ‘Golden Triangle’ – a perfect venue to truly gain a taste of northern Thai life. Using bicycles as our main form of transport and fun, we’ll see the many faces of Chiang Rai province, from jungles and hilltribe villages to multi-cultural mountain communities and enchanting life along the Mekong River. We’ll use high-quality, brand name mountain bikes, equipped with front suspension to navigate back roads along the three converging ancient kingdoms. Hang on and prepare to be dazzled!
Day 4: Bikes, Boats & Elephants
Today we’ll cycle through the city of Chiang Rai then place our bikes on a private longtail boat and head upriver to a charming hilltribe village. This Karen settlement is surrounded by limestone mountains and is an ideal venue for an elephant ride, some hilltribe cuisine and the starting point for an epic day in the saddle. On today’s ride we’ll navigate back roads leading out of the village, up and over some medium-grade mountains on dirt road and blaze down some wonderful single-track, passing by Ahka and Lisu villages. The final push will see us enjoy a nicely paved sundown ride back to Chiang Rai city, stopping along the way for spectacular photos (known as rest stops to some). A day biking deserves a northern Thai feast; tonight we’ll sample local specialties at one of the city’s hippest restaurants. The night is yours: spend the evening bargaining at the Night Bazaar, sipping Thai whiskey, or top it all off with a traditional Thai massage to soothe those aching legs.
Riding: 35-50km (depending on rider preference) sealed road, dirt road, single-track
Meals: B,L,D
Day 5: Into the Sticks (Chiang Rai to Wawi)
After yesterday’s ride we’ll be all warmed up and ready to hit the road at full strength. Today we’ll head behind the Doi Chaang mountain range – famous for northern Thai Arabica-style coffee – and make our way to Wawi. This far-flung outpost is inhabited mainly by Yunnan Chinese and is not even on most country maps. The road here has only recently been paved and there’s still the odd stretch of rough dirt track. You’ll be a spectacle to the local hilltribe people as very, very few outsiders make it to this part of the country. Dig in for a challenging day in the saddle as you cruise flats and creep up challenging climbs that will leave you breathless and a wide-eyed from the incredible scenery and smiles around every corner. Tonight you'll enjoy staying at the Lau Lee Resort, a quaint, quiet and clean mountain hideaway in the wild western frontier of northern Thailand. Newly finished bungalows feature stunning views of Mother Nature as terraced tea plantations line the horizon. The atmosphere is one of a trekker’s mountain chalet. Delicious Thai-Chinese meals are served on a balcony over looking Wawi valley.
Biking: 55km, paved road
Meals: B,L,D
Day 6: Out There (Wawi – Mae Salak – Tha Ton – Mae Salak)
This is the ultimate combo day to please every kind of rider. Mount your steed for a brilliant 20km, hilly ride to the perfect country get away – the Huai Khum Resort. Run by Lahu hilltribe people, this tasteful, comfortable resort is designed in traditional Lahu style. You’re bungalow is made entirely out of bamboo, overlooks the beautiful Mae Kok River and is surrounded by orange orchards. This is truly a far-out experience. After settling in, for those with some strength in their legs we’ll head out for an electrifying afternoon ride. Heading west we’ll make our way along the Mae Kok River to Tha Ton, a traditional stop along ancient Chinese and Burmese hilltribe caravan routes dating back over 1000 years. From here it’s either a 20km spin back to the resort or we can put your bike in a boat and send you down river back to Huai Khum Resort’s own pier.
Biking: 20-70 km, paved road, some dirt road
Meals: B,L,D
Day 7: 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. This region was settled first by indigenous hilltribe groups such as the Ahka and Lahu peoples and more recently by Yunnanese from China, who fled the Communist Revolution. We’ll hike hilltribe footpaths, through small villages, terraced tea plantations, to a mountain-top temple and even sample locally grown ‘Oolong’ teas. Today is a photographer’s dream as great shots and traditional cultures abound. An afternoon shuttle through the mountains takes us to our incredible digs at the stunning Phu Chai Sai Mountain Resort and Spa.
Hiking: 15km, hilly dirt footpaths
Heals: B,L,D
Day 8: Run for the Border (Mae Fah Luang – Doi Tung – Mae Sai – Golden Triangle)
This is it, the most epic day of the trip. Be sure you’re fully fueled up for this day that would even challenge Lance Armstrong. An early morning 30 minute shuttle takes us to Doi Tung Royal Royal Villa, the country’s premier reforestation and drug rehabilitation project (Mae Fah Luang Foundation). Enjoy a locally grown cup of coffee then it’s off and up, for a steady but moderate 12 km, 500 verticle meter climb to the top of Doi Chang Mub. From here, hang on to your handlebars for a dizzying 20 km descent along a road that literally forms the Thai-Myanmar border to Mae Sai, the Kingdom’s northernmost town. After perusing the border markets and enjoying a huge lunch, we’ll enjoy a final 30km, flat country ride to the world-famous Golden Triangle. Tonight we’ll sleep at the ‘Greater Mekong Lodge’, part of the Mae Fah Luang Foundation.
Biking: 60 km (600 m vertical), thrilling descents, mountain passes, exhilarating climbs
Meals: B,L,D
Day 9: The Mighty Mekong (Golden Triangle – Chiang Khong)
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 have lunch along the river to fuel up for one of the most epic rides in Thailand. Today’s pedal is stunning! You’ll make your way through lush farmland, over small mountain passes and weaving along the banks of the spectacular Mekong River to our destination town of Chiang Khong. With the sun at our backs and a cool breeze coming off the Mekong, the final 20km into Chiang Khong, an ancient trading post at the heart of Indochina, will impart memories for years to come. Tonight we’ll stay in a riverside hotel and enjoy the best Mexican food in Thailand – no joke!
“Let me know when you have a another biking trip on offer. I'll be the first to sign up after the incredible time you showed me.” – Dennis, Moncton, NB
Biking: 80 km, paved country roads
Meals: B,L,D
Day 10: Mekong Morning, then to Bangkok
Late in the morning we’ll bid adieu to this charming town and shuttle to the Chiang Rai airport where we’ll board our Thai Airways flight to Bangkok.
Saying goodbye is hard to do and we’re sure you’ll leave us dreaming about your next adventure! “Krang na, pope gan mai na” (see you again next time).
Meals: B
About the Biking:
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, riding gloves and safety lights are also provided. We'll ride between 35-80km each day, with a total distance of 250-300km during the six trip. You’ll be riding on paved roads, dirt roads and even some singletrack. A professional bike technician and full-time support vehicle will follow us in the north providing assistance to any riders in need of a break, service or lift. The rides are modifiable and are best suited to riders with some experience on road and soft-trail. It is common to have a variety of cycling abilities on the same trip. Come one come all, we can accommodate!
Price Includes:
- Guides
- all transport
- bike
- 9 nights accommodation
- most meals (as indicated)
- 2 internal airline tickets
- mobile phone
- airport transfers
- all equipment
- bike mechanic/vehicle
- 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
- A night at the Rama Gardens airport hotel on Day 10: $85US
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
Thailand
Bicycle Touring
Cultural Journey
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