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HIGHLIGHTS

A quick look about this trip!

DURATION

12 DAYS

COMFORT

LANGUAGE

RATING

Mountain biking amongst Thailand`s colourful northern hilltribes
Travel by mountain bike, boat and elephant-back
Explore the temples of Chiang Mai
Bike the Wat Doi Suthep downhill
Spend a `night on the town` in vibrant Bangkok

ACTIVITIES ON THIS TRIP

Primary:	Mountain Biking
Other:	Elephants, Local Culture & Cuisine, Historical Sites, biking, Swimming, Temples & Shrines, sightseeing, Urban Exploration, Local Markets, boating

$2055USD

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Mountain Biking into the Golden Triangle

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TRIP OVERVIEW
TRIP ITINERARY
NUTS & BOLTS

A popular and fun mountain bike holiday into the heart of the Golden Triangle in Thailand. A world away from 'The Beach', there is a very different side to Thailand that presents excellent adventure mountain biking opportunities. Travelling to the northern border territory of Chiang Mai, we explore by bike the homeland of colourful hilltribes such as the Karen, Akha, Lisu, and Palaung people. Biking through mango orchards, our cycling route continues through rice fields, lychee plantations and teak forest in the shadow of Thailand's highest mountains. The biking is mostly on quiet back roads and dirt roads, as well as some cycling on village paths and elephant trails. Close to the border with Burma, trading mountain bike for elephant and boat transport we visit a Jaklu village, staying overnight as guests of a local family. Mountain biking an amazing ridge-top road ultimately takes us to Sop Ruak at the heart of the Golden Triangle. After a sightseeing bike ride to the temple at Chiang Saen, where the views extend into neighbouring Burma and Laos, we bike Thailand's most exciting mountain biking trail, the off-road descent from Wat Doi Suthep above Chiang Mai. On our return to Bangkok, a ‘night on the town' in this vibrant city provides a fitting end to this excellent cycling adventure holiday.

Additional Information

The group size for this holiday is: 4-16

Note: Prices and itineraries shown for holidays departing in 2013 may be subject to change, although we will endeavour to keep any price increases to a minimum. 2013 prices will be confirmed in October 2012.

Day 1: Arrive Bangkok, fly to Chiang Mai

Rendezvous at Bangkok Airport. KE Land Only services begin with the domestic flight to Chiang Mai. Our flight usually departs Bangkok in the early afternoon and the flight time to Chiang Mai is a little over an hour. The rest of the day will be free for assembling our bikes and relaxing before having a welcome dinner. Chiang Mai is a cosmopolitan city, yet it remains visually striking with over 300 temples and the peak of Doi Suthep (1676m) rising above it. The busy night market is not to be missed. Meals included: Dinner (D)

Day 2: Chiang Mai - Doi Saket

We have a leisurely morning, to allow everyone to rest and begin the process of adjusting to Thailand time. This also gives us some time to make sure our bikes are ready to go. We then meet up in the early afternoon and set out on our first ride. It doesn’t take long to ride out of the city and we will soon see the mountains in the distance. We arrive in scenic Doi Saket well before dusk and have time to enjoy the pool and resort facilities at our accommodation. Ride distance 23 km (14 miles). (B,D)

Day 3: The Teak Forest Ride

After breakfast, we ride to the nearby reservoir and take a boat across it. This is followed by a steady climb on the road to get to our trailhead. Today’s ride is an outstanding one, as we follow trails through a scenic teak forest. We eventually spill out of the forest by a waterfall, where our support vehicle is waiting for us. In the afternoon, we ride along pleasant backcountry roads before again cutting off-road. From here, we’ll be following a gravel track through scenic countryside to our resort near Chiang Dao. Again we are rewarded for a great day’s riding with a dip in the swimming pool! Ride distance 60 km (38 miles). (B,L,D)

Day 4: Chiang Dao Tribal Trails

We make a short transfer from the resort to Chiang Dao caves and start our ride in the shadow of Thailand’s third highest mountain. Today’s ride is an off-road treat. We ride through rice fields and among soaring limestone cliffs, before hitting the dirt on paths cut by the local hill tribes. Here we will meet and interact with Akha, Lisu, Lau and Palaung people as we explore this fascinating and rarely-visited area. The colourful Palaung, for example, 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 and then set off on a memorable afternoon of riding on some quite outstanding mountain trails, with short climbs and short downhill blasts. Our support vehicle will be waiting at the trailhead to transport us to our comfortable Thai-style inn in the hills above Chiang Dao. Ride distance 75 km (47 miles). (B,L,D)

Day 5: Backroads to Mae Salak

After an early breakfast we ride a short tarmac section to Tub Tao Caves and the nearby temple retreat. We ride the back roads through many small villages before our stop for lunch. In contrast to yesterday, 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 straightforward to ride. Here, we stay at an excellent resort in bamboo cottages, which have panoramic views and, naturally, the resort is complete with a pool. The resort is situated next to a Lahu village and the local children will come after dinner to perform traditional music and dance. Ride distance 82 km (51 miles). (B,L,D)

Day 6: Bike, Boats and Elephants

After an early start, we follow a riverside track for a short distance to another Lahu village. From here, we then hitch a ride on the first of our ‘alternative’ transport options for today, a long-tail boat (with our bikes) to a scenic riverside area. After we’ve had a little rest we’ll continue biking along a superb riverside trail to a Karen village. We then trade bikes for elephants and ride on the elephants up the mountain to a remote Jakhu village. As guests of a local family we will stay overnight in the village and get a real feel for the way of life of this part of Thailand. While our dinner is being cooked, we can relax after the day’s activities and enjoy the hospitality of our Jakhu 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 (sleeping mats, mosquito nets and clean cotton sleeping bags will be provided). The amazing surroundings are an opportunity to experience the real Thailand and more than make up for any lack of facilities. This promises to be one of the most memorable evenings of our trip and our hosts will no doubt have beer and soft drinks available for us to purchase. Ride distance 28 km (17 miles). (B,L,D)

Day 7: Waterfall trek and Doi Mae Salong ascent

We will wake to find the village life already well under way. After breakfast, we will trek through the forest, passing other tribal villages, before arriving at a scenic waterfall. Those who feel like it can enjoy a refreshing dip in the waterfall pool. In the late afternoon, we will make our first big mountain climb, through magnificent scenery to Mae Salong. Almost entirely populated by descendents of Chiang Kai Chek’s Chinese Nationalist Kuomintang Army, the village would suggest we are in China’s Yunnan province rather than Thailand. We stay the night at a resort, which provides outstanding views across the tea plantations and enjoy a wonderful Chinese dinner - fresh mushroom dishes are a local speciality. Ride distance 18 km (11 miles). (B,L,D)

Day 8: Up a bit, then downhill

After breakfast, we have the option to visit the temple at the very top of the hill and then hit the trail for one of the trip’s most exceptional rides. Initially, we ascend and then descend on a tarred road to a tea plantation. From here, we have some stiff climbs and enjoyable descents through the forest and along some glorious trails, which are sure to get the adrenalin pumping. Eventually, we re-join the road and make a short, but steep climb, followed by a huge downhill blast on a fast road, with a stop for a snack en route. To end the morning, we have a leisurely paced 1-hour ride to our lunch stop. And, after lunch, it’s just a short ride to our overnight accommodation. Ride distance 48 km (30 miles). (B,L,D)

Day 9: 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, before tackling the peak of Doi Tung (1513m) on the Thai/Burma border. The name means Flag Peak and here we’ll find two stupas, built in the 10th century. The Thai royal family also built a summer palace here. The climb is on good tarmac and winds its way gradually upward. From the top we are rewarded by some amazing views. We take lunch by the old royal palace and then continue climbing to the top of the mountain. This road was described by Action Asia magazine as “…the best cycle road in South-East Asia.” The climbing section is followed by a long and fast mostly downhill ride into Mae Sai, then a flat ride alongside the Sai River to our first-class resort hotel in Sop Ruak, which straddles a hillside overlooking the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Ruak rivers. Sop Ruak is the official ‘centre’ of the Golden Triangle, where the borders of Thailand, Laos and Burma meet. Ride distance 92 km (57 miles). (B,L,D)

Day 10: Rural loop and Chiang Saen visit

After breakfast we undertake a great sightseeing ride that our local guides have recently discovered. Mainly off road, it loops around and takes us deep into the surrounding countryside. Then, after lunch, we transfer back to Chiang Mai via the historic town of Chiang Saen, located on the banks of the Mekong River. Chiang Saen was one of the first established Thai Kingdoms and the 14th century ruins of the original Chiang Saen can still be seen throughout the town. On arrival in Chiang Mai, we will check in to our hotel and the rest of the day is free to explore or relax before dinner. Ride distance 40 km (25 miles). (B,L,D)

Day 11: Downhill from Wat Doi Suthep

Saving the best for last, we have an outstanding off-road treat scheduled. We start with a transfer to just beyond Chiang Mai’s most impressive temple, the Wat Doi Suthep, which is perched on a hilltop overlooking the city. We then embark on one of Thailand’s most exciting mountain bike trails. Winding downhill for what seems like forever through spectacular mountain scenery, today’s ride is a fitting finale to an amazing cycling adventure. Our support vehicle picks us up beside a picturesque reservoir, for the transfer back to the group hotel. Here, we can pack our bikes, shower and change before heading to the airport to catch the late afternoon flight to Bangkok. Once in Bangkok we transfer to our hotel for the evening. No doubt we’ll be out on the town for a celebratory dinner and a few beers to mark the end of our fantastic trip through the Golden Triangle. Ride distance 42 km (26 miles). (B,L)

Day 12: Depart Bangkok

KE Land Only services end after breakfast with an early morning, single timed group transfer from the group hotel to Bangkok Airport. (B)

TRIP INCLUDES

An experienced local English-speaking mountain bike guide
Single early morning Bangkok Airport transfer on Day 12
Internal flights with associated airport transfers
All land transport involved in the itinerary
One or more support vehicles and drivers
10 nights hotel and resort accommodation
1 night in a village homestay
All meals (except 1 lunch and 1 dinner)

TRIP DOES NOT INCLUDE

Travel insurance
Visa (if applicable)
Bangkok Airport transfers (other than the single transfer on Day 12)
Excess baggage charges for the Bangkok - Chiang Mai - Bangkok flights
Tips for the local crew and drivers
1 lunch and 1 dinner
Miscellaneous expenses - drinks and souvenirs etc.

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

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        <h1 style="margin: 0px; font-family: 'philosopher'; font-weight: bold; font-size: 22px; color: #604c3d;">Mountain Biking into the Golden Triangle</h1>
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                            <div><ul><li>Mountain biking amongst Thailand`s colourful northern hilltribes<li>Travel by mountain bike, boat and elephant-back<li>Explore the temples of Chiang Mai<li>Bike the Wat Doi Suthep downhill<li>Spend a `night on the town` in vibrant Bangkok</li></li></li></li></li></ul></div>
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                                <td><span style="color: #544741;">Primary:</span></td>
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                                <td><a href="/search/for/Elephants/in/Anywhere%20in%20the%20World/any-travel-style">Elephants</a>, <a href="/search/for/Local%20Culture%20%20Cuisine/in/Anywhere%20in%20the%20World/any-travel-style">Local Culture & Cuisine</a>, <a href="/search/for/Historical%20Sites/in/Anywhere%20in%20the%20World/any-travel-style">Historical Sites</a>, <a href="/search/for/biking/in/Anywhere%20in%20the%20World/any-travel-style">biking</a>, <a href="/search/for/Swimming/in/Anywhere%20in%20the%20World/any-travel-style">Swimming</a>, <a href="/search/for/Temples%20%20Shrines/in/Anywhere%20in%20the%20World/any-travel-style">Temples & Shrines</a>, <a href="/search/for/sightseeing/in/Anywhere%20in%20the%20World/any-travel-style">sightseeing</a>, <a href="/search/for/Urban%20Exploration/in/Anywhere%20in%20the%20World/any-travel-style">Urban Exploration</a>, <a href="/search/for/Local%20Markets/in/Anywhere%20in%20the%20World/any-travel-style">Local Markets</a>, <a href="/search/for/boating/in/Anywhere%20in%20the%20World/any-travel-style">boating</a></td>
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                                        Day 1: Arrive Bangkok, fly to Chiang Mai 
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                                        Rendezvous at Bangkok Airport. KE Land Only services begin with the domestic flight to Chiang Mai. Our flight usually departs Bangkok in the early afternoon and the flight time to Chiang Mai is a little over an hour. The rest of the day will be free for assembling our bikes and relaxing before having a welcome dinner. Chiang Mai is a cosmopolitan city, yet it remains visually striking with over 300 temples and the peak of Doi Suthep (1676m) rising above it. The busy night market is not to be missed. Meals included: Dinner (D)
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                                        Day 2: Chiang Mai - Doi Saket
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                                        We have a leisurely morning, to allow everyone to rest and begin the process of adjusting to Thailand time. This also gives us some time to make sure our bikes are ready to go. We then meet up in the early afternoon and set out on our first ride. It doesn’t take long to ride out of the city and we will soon see the mountains in the distance. We arrive in scenic Doi Saket well before dusk and have time to enjoy the pool and resort facilities at our accommodation. Ride distance 23 km (14 miles). (B,D)
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                                        Day 3: The Teak Forest Ride
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                                        After breakfast, we ride to the nearby reservoir and take a boat across it. This is followed by a steady climb on the road to get to our trailhead. Today’s ride is an outstanding one, as we follow trails through a scenic teak forest. We eventually spill out of the forest by a waterfall, where our support vehicle is waiting for us. In the afternoon, we ride along pleasant backcountry roads before again cutting off-road. From here, we’ll be following a gravel track through scenic countryside to our resort near Chiang Dao. Again we are rewarded for a great day’s riding with a dip in the swimming pool! Ride distance 60 km (38 miles). (B,L,D)
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                                        Day 4: Chiang Dao Tribal Trails
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                                        We make a short transfer from the resort to Chiang Dao caves and start our ride in the shadow of Thailand’s third highest mountain. Today’s ride is an off-road treat. We ride through rice fields and among soaring limestone cliffs, before hitting the dirt on paths cut by the local hill tribes. Here we will meet and interact with Akha, Lisu, Lau and Palaung people as we explore this fascinating and rarely-visited area. The colourful Palaung, for example, 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 and then set off on a memorable afternoon of riding on some quite outstanding mountain trails, with short climbs and short downhill blasts. Our support vehicle will be waiting at the trailhead to transport us to our comfortable Thai-style inn in the hills above Chiang Dao. Ride distance 75 km (47 miles). (B,L,D)
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                                        Day 5: Backroads to Mae Salak
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                                        After an early breakfast we ride a short tarmac section to Tub Tao Caves and the nearby temple retreat. We ride the back roads through many small villages before our stop for lunch. In contrast to yesterday, 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 straightforward to ride. Here, we stay at an excellent resort in bamboo cottages, which have panoramic views and, naturally, the resort is complete with a pool. The resort is situated next to a Lahu village and the local children will come after dinner to perform traditional music and dance. Ride distance 82 km (51 miles). (B,L,D)
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                                        Day 6: Bike, Boats and Elephants
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                                        After an early start, we follow a riverside track for a short distance to another Lahu village. From here, we then hitch a ride on the first of our ‘alternative’ transport options for today, a long-tail boat (with our bikes) to a scenic riverside area. After we’ve had a little rest we’ll continue biking along a superb riverside trail to a Karen village. We then trade bikes for elephants and ride on the elephants up the mountain to a remote Jakhu village. As guests of a local family we will stay overnight in the village and get a real feel for the way of life of this part of Thailand. While our dinner is being cooked, we can relax after the day’s activities and enjoy the hospitality of our Jakhu 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 (sleeping mats, mosquito nets and clean cotton sleeping bags will be provided). The amazing surroundings are an opportunity to experience the real Thailand and more than make up for any lack of facilities. This promises to be one of the most memorable evenings of our trip and our hosts will no doubt have beer and soft drinks available for us to purchase. Ride distance 28 km (17 miles). (B,L,D)
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                                        Day 7: Waterfall trek and Doi Mae Salong ascent 
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                                        We will wake to find the village life already well under way. After breakfast, we will trek through the forest, passing other tribal villages, before arriving at a scenic waterfall. Those who feel like it can enjoy a refreshing dip in the waterfall pool. In the late afternoon, we will make our first big mountain climb, through magnificent scenery to Mae Salong. Almost entirely populated by descendents of Chiang Kai Chek’s Chinese Nationalist Kuomintang Army, the village would suggest we are in China’s Yunnan province rather than Thailand. We stay the night at a resort, which provides outstanding views across the tea plantations and enjoy a wonderful Chinese dinner - fresh mushroom dishes are a local speciality. Ride distance 18 km (11 miles). (B,L,D)
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                                        Day 8: Up a bit, then downhill
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                                        After breakfast, we have the option to visit the temple at the very top of the hill and then hit the trail for one of the trip’s most exceptional rides. Initially, we ascend and then descend on a tarred road to a tea plantation. From here, we have some stiff climbs and enjoyable descents through the forest and along some glorious trails, which are sure to get the adrenalin pumping. Eventually, we re-join the road and make a short, but steep climb, followed by a huge downhill blast on a fast road, with a stop for a snack en route. To end the morning, we have a leisurely paced 1-hour ride to our lunch stop. And, after lunch, it’s just a short ride to our overnight accommodation. Ride distance 48 km (30 miles). (B,L,D)
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                                        Day 9: Ride to The Golden Triangle
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                                        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, before tackling the peak of Doi Tung (1513m) on the Thai/Burma border. The name means Flag Peak and here we’ll find two stupas, built in the 10th century. The Thai royal family also built a summer palace here. The climb is on good tarmac and winds its way gradually upward. From the top we are rewarded by some amazing views. We take lunch by the old royal palace and then continue climbing to the top of the mountain. This road was described by Action Asia magazine as “…the best cycle road in South-East Asia.” The climbing section is followed by a long and fast mostly downhill ride into Mae Sai, then a flat ride alongside the Sai River to our first-class resort hotel in Sop Ruak, which straddles a hillside overlooking the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Ruak rivers. Sop Ruak is the official ‘centre’ of the Golden Triangle, where the borders of Thailand, Laos and Burma meet. Ride distance 92 km (57 miles). (B,L,D)
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                                        Day 10: Rural loop and Chiang Saen visit 
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                                        After breakfast we undertake a great sightseeing ride that our local guides have recently discovered. Mainly off road, it loops around and takes us deep into the surrounding countryside. Then, after lunch, we transfer back to Chiang Mai via the historic town of Chiang Saen, located on the banks of the Mekong River. Chiang Saen was one of the first established Thai Kingdoms and the 14th century ruins of the original Chiang Saen can still be seen throughout the town. On arrival in Chiang Mai, we will check in to our hotel and the rest of the day is free to explore or relax before dinner. Ride distance 40 km (25 miles). (B,L,D)
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                                        Day 11: Downhill from Wat Doi Suthep 
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                                        Saving the best for last, we have an outstanding off-road treat scheduled. We start with a transfer to just beyond Chiang Mai’s most impressive temple, the Wat Doi Suthep, which is perched on a hilltop overlooking the city. We then embark on one of Thailand’s most exciting mountain bike trails. Winding downhill for what seems like forever through spectacular mountain scenery, today’s ride is a fitting finale to an amazing cycling adventure. Our support vehicle picks us up beside a picturesque reservoir, for the transfer back to the group hotel. Here, we can pack our bikes, shower and change before heading to the airport to catch the late afternoon flight to Bangkok. Once in Bangkok we transfer to our hotel for the evening. No doubt we’ll be out on the town for a celebratory dinner and a few beers to mark the end of our fantastic trip through the Golden Triangle. Ride distance 42 km (26 miles). (B,L)
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                                        Day 12: Depart Bangkok
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                                        KE Land Only services end after breakfast with an early morning, single timed group transfer from the group hotel to Bangkok Airport. (B)
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Customize your message:	Checkout this awesome trip: Mountain Biking into the Golden Triangle. A popular and fun mountain bike holiday into the heart of the Golden Triangle in Thailand. A world away from 'The Beach', there is a very different side to Thailand that presents excellent adventure mountain biking opportunities. Check it out here: http://www.adventurelink.com/trip/62500/mountain-biking-into-the-golden-triangle