North Thailand by Bike

Day 1: Chiang Mai

We meet in the afternoon to brief everyone thoroughly and make sure the bikes fit. Then, we take a short transfer out of town and start a nice easy ride along the Ping River to get accustomed to riding in Thailand. Our stopping point of Ban Tawai is the arts and crafts area and we have time to browse the stalls for souvenirs before heading back to Chiang Mai.

Day 2: The Teak Forest Ride

After breakfast we transfer to the nearby reservoir where we take a boat to our trail head. We ride an outstanding trail through a scenic teak forest enjoying some great single track. We eventually spill out of the forest at a waterfall where our support truck is waiting to replenish water supplies and provide a snack. We then ride on road to our lunch stop which is a great little restaurant, overlooking a reservoir. After lunch we ride along country back roads before cutting off road and riding an elephant trail through the forest to our resort near Chiang Dao. Time to enjoy the swimming pool before dinner.

Day 3: Chiang Dao Tribal Trails

We make a short transfer from the resort to Chiang Dao caves and the start of our ride. Today’s ride is a real treat for mountain bikers. We ride through rice fields and among soaring limestone cliffs before hitting the dirt. We ride dirt roads cut by local hill tribes and we will meet Akha, Lisu, Lau and Palaung people. The colorful Palaung are recent migrants and you will see their women adorned with heavy brass waist-bands working the fields. We stop for lunch at a Forestry Camp before a memorable afternoon riding some quite outstanding mountain trails. Our support vehicle will be waiting at the trail head to transport us to our comfortable Thai-style inn.

Day 4: Back Roads to Mae Salak

After an early breakfast we ride to Tub Tao Caves and temple retreat. We ride the back roads through many small villages before arriving in Fang and our stop for lunch. In contrast to the previous day, much of the ride is flat and we will make the distance quite quickly. The ride to Mae Salak is one of the most scenic on the trip and a real pleasure to ride. We end at Mae Salak, a small town that has an excellent resort complete with pool. The rooms have a splendid view over the river and are situated next to a Lahu village and the local children will come to the resort and perform traditional music and dance.

Day 5: Bike, Boats and Elephants

We start from the resort and ride 8 km off road to a Lakhu village where we then hitch a ride on a long-tail boat (with our bikes) to a scenic riverside area. We have a brief stop at a forestry reserve before heading off for another 20 km off road ride to Ban Ruamitr. After lunch we swap our bikes for elephants and ride up the mountain to a remote Lahu village. As guests of a local family we will stay the night. While our guides cook dinner we can relax after the day’s activities and enjoy the hospitality of our Lahu hosts. Accommodation here will be basic as there are limited facilities – no electricity or running water – but our team ensures that all is clean and well prepared (foam mats, mosquito nets and clean cotton sleeping bags will be provided) but the amazing surroundings more than make up for lack of facilities.

Day 6: Waterfall Trek - Doi Mae Salong

You will wake to see village life already well under way. After breakfast, we trek through the forest passing other tribal villages before arriving at a scenic waterfall. You can enjoy a refreshing dip before lunch. After lunch we transfer to the foot of Doi Mae Salong where we make our first big mountain climb in the late afternoon. It is 18 km up and down through magnificent scenery to Mae Salong. Almost entirely populated by descendents of Chiang Kai Chek’s Chinese Nationalist Kuomintang army, the village has the look and feel of China’s Yunnan province rather than Thailand. We stay the night at a simple resort with outstanding views across the tea plantations and enjoy a wonderful dinner.

Day 7: Doi Mae Salong Descent

After breakfast we visit the temple at the very top of the hill and then hit the trail. A 30 km (14 km off road) descent through the forest along some glorious trails. Eventually we spill out onto the road and make the short ride to our resort. We stay at one of north Thailand’s best kept secrets. Built by a well known architect this charming resort fuses western comforts with Lanna design to provide a delightful refuge for weary cyclists. The afternoon is free to enjoy the resort’s facilities, laze by the pool or explore the surrounding countryside.

Day 8: Ride to the Golden Triangle

The longest ride of the tour is also one of the most spectacular. We start the day with an off road ride through lychee orchards and have a chance to visit the only horse temple in Thailand. We then tackle Doi Tung, where the Thai royal family has a palace. Again the climb is on good tarmac and the rewards are some amazing views. We take lunch on top of the mountain and visit a temple that is said to contain the Buddha’s clavicle. In the afternoon we ride along an amazing ridgeback road. There is a fast downhill ride into Mae Sai and then a nice flat ride alongside the Sai River to our hotel in Sop Ruak, the site of the Golden Triangle.

Day 9: The Golden Triangle - Chiang Mai

After a breakfast we take you on a very scenic loop deep into the heart of the countryside surrounding the Golden Triangle. We then return to the hotel where you can shower before we head to Chiang Saen and have lunch. We have a chance to do some sightseeing in this ancient town, one of the first Thai Kingdoms. After sightseeing we begin the transfer back to Chiang Mai (approx. 3 hours). Once checked into the hotel we then enjoy a farewell dinner at a great riverside restaurant.

Day 10: Doi Suthep Downhill

Saving the best for last we have an outstanding off road treat scheduled. We start with a climb (or transfer) to Chiang Mai’s most impressive temple, Wat Doi Suthep, which is perched on a hilltop overlooking the city. We then embark on Thailand’s most exciting mountain bike trail. Winding for 30 kilometers through spectacular mountain scenery, this ride is a fitting finale to an amazing cycling adventure. Our support vehicle picks us up at picturesque reservoir to transfer us back to the hotel or to the airport for your onward travels.