Our fantastic journey takes us from the northern Thai City of Chiang Mai through the mountains to the Golden Triangle, where the Mekong River marks the borders of Thailand, Burma and Laos. In addition to riding outstanding mountain bike trails, we trek on elephant back to hill-tribe villages, boat down Jungle Rivers and sample some of the world's best cuisine.
Heading north, we ride through the spectacular limestone mountains of Chiang Dao and the scenic village of Mae Salak straddling the Mae Kok River. We follow wonderful trails and back roads that have little traffic and fantastic scenery and each night stay in charming, Thai style jungle lodges.
On one incredible day we use a combination of bikes, boats and elephants to reach a remote Lahu village where we experience a unique night as guests of a local family, sleeping in their long-house.
Before arriving at the Golden Triangle we visit Doi Mae Salong, where the descendants of the Kuomintang still live in a unique Chinese village, experience an awesome off-road/on-road descent, through spectacular mountains and enjoy a rest at the beautiful Puchaisai Spa and Resort. We ride up Doi Tung to visit one of the region's oldest temples and check out the Burmese markets in Mae Sai.
Finally we arrive at the Golden Triangle, and after a day riding along the Mekong River we transfer you back to Chiang Mai. The accommodation on this tour is extremely varied and interesting.
As well as staying at the charming Huai Khum resort, the beautiful Puchaisai Resort, and the comfortable Imperial Golden Triangle Resort, we use lodges that are in tune with north Thailand and its traditions. On five days we have swimming pools to enjoy at the end of the ride.
Trip Profile: This is a mountain bike tour designed for riders with at least some off road experience. Approximately 30% of the 500-kilometres we cover is off-road, the rest is on small back roads with little traffic. When we hit the asphalt it is good quality and there are plenty of opportunities to stretch out.
Although our escort vehicle is always close by and our guides have powerful two-way radios, some rides are not supported. You should be confident of your physical condition and bike handling skills. Some climbs are challenging and some rides are off-road but nothing that is too technical and can be managed by most riders.
Tour Itinerary (10 days/9 nights, starting and finishing in Chiang Mai)
Day 1: Arrive/meet in Chiang Mai. Afternoon riverside ride to Ban Tawai.
Day 2: Off-road ride through teak forest.
Day 3: Off-road / On road ride to Chiang Dao.
Day 4: Ride the back roads to Mae Salak.
Day 5: Bike, boats and elephants to Lahu Village.
Day 6: Waterfall trek and ride to Doi Mae Salong.
Day 7: Off road /On road descent. Free afternoon at Puchaisai Resort.
Day 8: Ride up Doi Tung. Burmese border descent to Mae Sai and continue to Golden Triangle.
Day 9: Ride along the Mekong to Chiang Saen and Chiang Khong, afternoon transfer back to Chiang Mai.
Day 10: Ride Doi Suthep, lunch and transfer to airport.
* Facts & Figures:
- Total Distance: 500 km.
- Number of Days: 10 days / 9 nights.
- Number of Cycling Days: Seven full days and one half-day.
- Road Surface: Surfaces range from good asphalt roads and vehicle-width tracks to off-road trails, some single track, so some off-road riding skills are an advantage.
- Support: One or two air-conditioned minibuses specially rigged to take bikes and bikers.
- Group Size: Minimum 4. Maximum 16.
* Staff: Local cycling leader, plus drivers / assistants. For groups of ten or more an extra local bike guide also joins.
* Accommodation: 4 nights charming 4-star resorts, 2 nights in 3-star lodges, 2 nights in tourist class lodges, one night in a guest-house and one night in a tribal village. All hotels have en suite facilities and a/c, except the tribal village where there is no a/c. We use hotels with charm and local character.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Single Supplement: USD $285
Bike Rental: USD $120
Price Includes:
- All meals from lunch on day 1 to lunch on Day 10
- One or two air-conditioned minibuses
- Lodge accommodations
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
Thailand
Bicycle Touring
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