A Cultural Exploration Into the Heart of North Thailand by Bike

A Cultural Exploration Into the Heart of North Thailand by Bike 10 Days

From $1850 USD

Trip URL: www.adventurelink.com/

1 reviews

Photos
Maps

Overview
Itinerary
Nuts & Bolts
Experts
Operator
Email to Friend

Overview

Highlights

Duration: 10 Days
Comfort: 66.6666666666667%
Language: English
Rating: 80.0%
Trip ID: 32586
Start Location: Ban Om Kon, Thailand
End Location: Ban Doi Suthep, Thailand

Guaranteed:
Yes
Your Satisfaction is Guaranteed!
1. AdventureLink has carefully handpicked the tour operators in our portfolio to give you the best possible selection and experience
2. AdventureLink does not pay the operator until your trip completes in order to ensure the highest possible standard of care
Primary Activities: Mountain Biking
Other Activities: Waterfalls, Temples & Shrines, sightseeing, elephant ride, caves, boating
Activity Level: Advanced

This tour is both a cultural exploration into the heart of North Thailand as well as a great cycling trip taking in some spectacular scenery and a variety of trails from off road single track to tarmac country roads. However, bicycles aren’t our only mode of transport as we trade our bikes for boats and even elephants as we make our way from Chiang Mai to the Golden Triangle. Along the way we walk through caves, visit temples and eat like kings every night.

We begin our journey in the northern Thai City of Chiang Mai and ride through the mountains to the Golden Triangle, where the Mekong River marks the borders of Thailand, Burma and Laos. On the way we pass 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. Before arriving at the Golden Triangle we visit Doi Mae Salong, where the descendents of the Kuomintang still live in a unique Chinese village. We'll also tackle a thrilling descent through spectacular mountains where our trail's end will take us to rest at the beautiful Puchaisai Spa and Resort. Along the way, 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. After a day's ride along the Mekong River, we transfer you back to Chiang Mai. The accommodation on this tour is 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 our rides.

Notes:

Bike Hire - US$130

Number of Cycling Days - 7 full days, 1 half day

Total Cycling Distance - 500 kilometres

Tour Meets - Chiang Mai

Group Size - Minimum 2. Maximum 16.

Suitability: You should be confident of your physical condition and bike handling skills. Some climbs are challenging and some rides are off road, but overall the trail isn't too technical. It can be managed by most riders but it is advisable to have at least some off road and preferably downhill experience. Fitness, of course, will be a huge asset but it is not crucial. It is possible to dodge the big climbs. If you are in doubt, please contact us for advice or a list of references.

Biking Conditions: We have a mixture of tarmac, vehicle width dirt roads and single track. Some off riding experience is an advantage.

Itinerary

Day 1: We meet 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.

Lodging: Manathai Village
Description: An intimate boutique hotel, tucked away on a small residential Soi, in the very heart of Chiang Mai, where centuries old temples mix with architecture that reflects the passage of time and history.

Day 2: Enjoy 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.

Lodging: Royal Ping Resort
Description: The Resort is situated a comfortable forty - five minute drive from ChiangMai, thailand. Our American style log homes are furnished in luxurious Lanna style.

Day 3: We visit the Chiang Dao Caves

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: We ride to Tub Tao Caves and temple retreat

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.

Lodging: Huai Khum Resort
Description: Huai Khum Resort Deserve Youe Exploration. ... Inside the jungle of Chiang Rai, next to the river, and next to the hill tribe village.

Day 5: Enjoy the hospitality of our Lahu hosts

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: We transfer to the foot of Doi Mae Salong where we make our first big mountain climb

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.

Lodging: Mae Salong Villa
Description: Commanding views of a series of valleys and their protective mountain chains, Mae Salong Villa is located in the village of Doi Mae Salong and provides visitors with a quiet weekend away or an excellent location for a business conference or family retreat

Day 7: Today we visit the temple at the very top of the hill and then hit the trail

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.

Lodging: Phu Chaisai Resort
Description: Phu Chaisai Mountain Resort & Spa is one of the first boutique hotels in Chiang Rai which aims to be an environmentally-friendly and self-sufficient resort.

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.

Lodging: Imperial Golden Triangle
Description: The Imperial Golden Triangle Resort official website. Our Chiang Rai hotel is set amongst majestic mountains of the North where Thailand meets Myanmar and

Day 9: From The Golden Triangle We Head Towards 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.

Lodging: Imperial Mae Ping Hotel
Description: The Imperial Mae Ping official site. Imperial Mae Ping hotel is ideally located in central Chiang Mai, Thailand next to the Mae Ping River.

Day 10: Departure Back Home

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.

Nuts & Bolts

Trip Includes

SpiceRoads goody bag that includes a water bottle and a SpiceRoads T-shirt.
All accommodation, all meals apart from the occasional lunch on some non-cycling days and maybe a dinner or two in big cities, so you can make some of your own culinary discoveries.
Our support vehicles carry your luggage and provide a place for you to rest if you get tired.
Our staff will make any running repairs on your bike - and you as well, if necessary.
During the rides, we keep you topped up with water, fruit, soft drinks and snacks and we make sure you get a nice cold drink - and usually a cold towel as well - at the end of each ride.

Trip Excludes

US$120 Bike Hire

Trip ID#: 32586

CANCELLATIONS: 20% cancellation fee applied if cancelled 60 days prior to departure. Cancellations within 60 days are 100% non-cancelable

Operator

For the specifics on this tour operator, please contact AdventureLink directly.

Reviews (1)

Paul Lindley

It would be difficult to decide what was the best part about this tour - Tee, our guide was excellent in every respect. Jen, our driver was friendly and helpful at all times. The riding was great, the accommodations were terrific, and the food was fantastic. I can't wait for our next SpiceRoads tour, and I hope Tee and Jen will join us again for another excellent adventure!
- Overall Rating
  90%
- Guide Rating
  100%
- Value Rating
  90%
- Itinerary Rating
  90%
- Accomodation Rating
  80%

Can't find the right trip? Design your own!

Our tour operators are happy to assist you in creating just the right trip; fill out the form below and we'll give you a custom quote.

First Name

Last Name

Email address

Telephone number

Where would you like to go?

When would you like to go? month / day / year

How long do you want to go for?

How many people are going?

Is anyone in your party under 18? Yes No

If "Yes", please list their ages

What activities do you want to do?

Enter your price range (From and To price. Provide a departure city if you'd like to include airfare in your quote.)

If you don't want to indicate a price range, tell us how you like to travel

Best available accommodation Highest quality – not necessarily the most expensive Moderate Budget

Please provide us with any additional information you feel will help us design your trip.