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expert led adventures
11 days
617 km
~56 km/day
moderate to challenging
Chiang Mai | 13:00hrs
ends Luang Prabang
Casual Inns (3-4★)
Jan – Feb, Nov – Dec
This trip takes us through the deep interior side of Northern Thailand and Laos, home to mountains covered with lush tropical forests. We ride through the verdant topography of Thailand and Laos, the exquisite Buddhist wats, the nose-dripping spicy food to die for, and lush paddy gently swaying in the breeze as we pedal along to the next destination across mountains, through deep valleys and riversides, full of local surprises. The terrain largely remains undulating, skirting along the beautiful rivers viz. Kok, Mekong, Nam Ou, and Nam Pak.
Highlights
The Rivers that we touch along this ride are special in their own way. Entire communities depend on them for a living. These arterial streams are a great way to know the destination better; whether you ride along them, or in tail boat in its waters.
The Mekong and Nam Pak rivers become the focus of the trip as we skirt the edges of the two watery snakes for a long time. Once you are done with the trip, you will miss them.
Ride from Northern Thailand into the serene landscapes of Laos, cycling past rivers, mountains, temples, and remote villages along the way. With scenic Mekong crossings and the charming finale in Luang Prabang, this journey perfectly blends adventure, culture, and unforgettable Southeast Asian landscapes.
14 Days from $3,795
Free cancellation · Up to 60 days before group departure
| Day | Place | casual Inns | Meals | Distance | Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Chiang Mai | The Rim Chiang Mai | D | - | |
| 02 | Wat Ban Den | Le Cocotier | B,L,D | 65 km / 40 mi | cycling |
| 03 | Chiang Dao | Chiang Kham Luang | B,L,D | 60 km / 37 mi | cycling |
| 04 | Tha Ton | Maekok Village Resort | B,L,D | 60 km / 37 mi | cycling |
| 05 | Mae Chan | Kornwat Garden Resort | B,L,D | 45 km / 28 mi | cycling |
| 06 | Chiang Saen | Siam Triangle Hotel | B,L,D | 60 km / 37 mi | cycling |
| 07 | Chiang Khong | Chiangkhong Teak Garden Riverfront | B,L,D | 65 km / 40 mi | cycling |
| 08 | Boat to Pakbeng | Sanctuary Pakbeng Lodge | B,L,D | - | |
| 09 | Oudomxay | Nam Kat Yorla | B,L,D | 80 km / 50 mi | cycling |
| 10 | Muang Khua | New Chaleunsouk | B,L,D | 70 km / 43 mi | cycling |
| 11 | Boat to Nong Khiaw | Mandala Ou | B,L,D | - | |
| 12 | Luang Prabang | The Sanctuary Hotel | B,L | 70 km / 43 mi | cycling |
| 13 | Luang Prabang | The Sanctuary Hotel | B,L,D | 30 km / 19 mi | cycling |
| 14 | Luang Prabang | - | B | 12 km / 7 mi | cycling |
Meals: B = Breakfast · L = Lunch · D = Dinner
Listed hotels are subject to availability and may be replaced with similar alternatives.
Arrive in Chiang Mai and settle into your hotel. Our guide meets at your hotel, post-lunch at 13:00hrs for a bike fit followed by a walking tour of Chiang Mai. Today we visit some of the classic highlights of Chiang Mai.
We convene tonight to celebrate the start of our awesome journey on a bike.
Meals: D
Accommodation: The Rim Chiang Mai
Our guide meets you at your hotel around 07:30 am. After breakfast, we will shuttle a short way out of town to avoid the morning rush hour, then hop on the bikes for a spin along the banks of the Ping River. One of Thailand's four main rivers, its water flows all the way to Bangkok. Along the way pass by flower farms growing chrysanthemums for use as Buddhist offerings. After lunch, we pick up a tiny rural road through the lush Mae Rim Valley with its quiet villages and old wooden temples. Visit the fresh market in Mae Malai before reaching our hotel overlooking vast rice fields with a backdrop of forested mountains.
Meals: B,L,D
Cycling Distance: 65 km / 40 mi
Accommodation: Le Cocotier
Today's ride starts with cycling through a couple of small villages with old traditional wooden houses before you reach the expansive Wat Ban Den (temple). Each of its viharn (temple buildings) has been built in a different style. Riding north from here, you will roll through the Mae Ping gorge with its unique "air conditioning", air flowing off the mountains along creeks blows cool across the road like an air conditioner. The last stop before reaching the hotel will be a visit to Wat Tham Chiang Dao, a temple complex built into limestone caves in Doi Chiang Dao (Thailand's 3rd tallest peak).
Amidst lush jungles and limestone mountains, Chiang Dao is a heavenly escape from the heat of plains and a popular stop for birders and trekkers. The base of the mountain is a highly venerated wát marking the entrance to one of Thailand’s deepest limestone caverns.
Meals: B,L,D
Cycling Distance: 60 km / 37 mi
Accommodation: Chiang Kham Luang
This morning we will shuttle up over the Chiang Dao mountains on our way to Chaiprakan. We will break up the drive with a visit to the Royal Project Shop and a hill tribe vegetable and fruit market a legacy of HM Rama 9 The Great. Remounting the bikes at Wat Tham Tab Tao, you will ride along quiet farm roads with a backdrop of karst cliffs. Our entire route today goes through small villages and farms today, growing everything from rice to vegetables to fruit. Check out a Burmese-style temple whose Buddha figurine is made of woven wicker.
We pace out our journey to Thaton and arrive at this beautiful town at the edge of a River. Thaton is one of the last towns bordering Myanmar in this area. The great part of this is that one gets to see the blend of Burmese, Thai, and Chinese influences in language and culture. Your hotel tonight overlooks the Mae Kok river.
Meals: B,L,D
Cycling Distance: 60 km / 37 mi
Accommodation: Maekok Village Resort
Ride along the river and make your way to Mae Salong. The river meanders through a rich green valley, unfolding one dramatic scenery after another. Hilltop farming to tea plantations, bamboo huts by the river – this is Thailand at its most authentic best!
Today is a tough day of climbing. The day starts with 25 km of easy biking followed by a slow uphill and then we hit the Baan Yapa climb having a 12 to 20 percent gradient for a few km. Thereafter, a downhill run followed by more big climbs in the 10 to 15 percent gradient going up towards Mae Chan. If riding seems too hard, you can always shuttle through the big climbs.
Mae Chan is a small tea trading town founded by KTM refugees (the losing side in the China civil war that started Mao's rule over the country). Here we stay at Kornwat Garden Resort which offers a tranquil view of lush greenery, a tea plantation, and an Ahka village view.
Meals: B,L,D
Cycling Distance: 45 km / 28 mi
Accommodation: Kornwat Garden Resort
We’re back in the countryside this morning, with paddy fields for company. The ride is extremely refreshing as the crisp morning air and clear skies welcome you on the road. We reach Chiang Saen by afternoon and settle into the hotel. Relax for some time before setting out to see the confluence of Thailand, Thailand, and Myanmar, and the site for the infamous Golden Triangle. A great way to see this is from Wat Phrathat Phu Kao Hill. Chiang Saen is one of the most historic cities. What makes it more intriguing is the access from here to Thailand and Burma.
If time permits, we head out after lunch and see the spectacular Wats and visit the Hall of Opium. The Royal Project and Doi Tung Development Project have spent years battling the trade of opium and its social repercussions. The Hall of Opium was built to educate people about the dangers of drug abuse and also traces its history from its first use 5,000 years ago.
Meals: B,L,D
Cycling Distance: 60 km / 37 mi
Accommodation: Siam Triangle Hotel
This is the last day for soaking in Thailand’s local life. We start early to utilize the full day. With the rich silted land by the Mekong River, a bike ride means that you tend to be surrounded by shades of green. There is agricultural land as far as your eyes can see. Ride past fruit orchards, paddy fields, and banana plantations and arrive at Chiang Khong.
Meals: B,L,D
Cycling Distance: 65 km / 40 mi
Accommodation: Chiangkhong Teak Garden Riverfront
We cross the border and arrive at the Laos side. As we journey toward Laos today, there will be a change in tour guide(s), bikes, and vehicles. We transfer to the pier and board a huge traditional Mekong riverboat for the downstream cruise to Pak Beng, Laos. This portion of the Mekong is very remote, which sometimes allows glimpses of wildlife in the extensive forests. There are occasional stops at local hill tribe villages to meet people and observe life on the riverside.
Enjoy the lovely scenery along both sides of the Mekong cruising to today’s destination.
Border Crossing into Laos
On this day, we will enter Laos via Thai - Lao Friendship Bridge No. 4. To ensure a smooth transition, we strongly recommend obtaining a Laos eVisa in advance. When applying online, please select Thai - Lao Friendship Bridge No. 4, Bokeo Province as your entry point.
Step-by-Step Border Process:
Important Payment Notes:
To avoid delays and ensure you catch the boat on time, we strongly recommend arriving at the border early.
Meals: B,L,D
Accommodation: Sanctuary Pakbeng Lodge
Today's ride features some very rough, dusty roads, followed by a long shuttle transfer of about 3hrs.
The road is dotted with small villages and provides a great way to get acquainted with local rural life. The dramatic limestone and green rolling hills formations make for great photographic opportunities. The journey passes through beautiful mountain ranges and H’mong hill tribe villages.
Meals: B,L,D
Cycling Distance: 80 km / 50 mi
Accommodation: Nam Kat Yorla
Today's ride kicks off with a 17km stretch on a dirt road as we leave the resort. For the final leg, we may shuttle for 1–2 hours, depending on the group’s pace and preference.
This region is one of the least-visited parts of Laos, offering a truly authentic experience. Our route follows the scenic Nam Pak River, where you'll notice traditional homes crafted from wood and bamboo. We take time to immerse ourselves in the local way of life—chatting with residents, strolling through the village, or simply unwinding by the river’s edge.
Meals: B,L,D
Cycling Distance: 70 km / 43 mi
Accommodation: New Chaleunsouk
We ditch the cycles for an amazing boat ride in the Nam Pak River to Nong Khiaw. This is one of the most stunning journeys by the river in this region. The edge of the river is dotted with small villages and this is a great way of getting acquainted with local life. There are also limestone formations that make for great photographic experiences. The jaw-dropping landscape keeps you hooked to this for a long.
Meals: B,L,D
Accommodation: Mandala Ou
Hop on a bike and ride along the undulating countryside skirting the Nam Pak River to Luang Prabang. Cycle out of the Nong Khiaw towards Pakmong. From here we transfer 40km and then cycle to visit Pak Ou Buddha Caves before a van rides back to the city. These caves have been home to many thousands of Buddha images that were placed here by local people since the 16th century when King Setthathirat found the caves and declared them a holy spot. Today many people still pay respect to this tradition.
In the evening, make your way to Mount Phousi for a beautiful tinge of orange in the sky and see the city bathe in the warm glow of the setting sun. This is an easy hike but is optional in case you are not feeling up to it, though we highly recommend it.
Today’s dinner is on your own. We suggest eating dinner at a street stall so you can dig into the local delicacies. street stall so you can dig into the local delicacies. Lao food can be very meat-oriented. Chopped meat, chicken, or duck are common, but there are plenty of options for vegetarians as well. Our personal recommendation is the light and tasty Tam Mak houng or papaya salad, which is made from sliced raw papaya, garlic, chilly, peanuts, sugar, fermented fish sauce, and lime juice.
Meals: B,L
Cycling Distance: 70 km / 43 mi
Accommodation: The Sanctuary Hotel
Our main destination for the day is the hidden waterfall, Kung Si. Tucked away between thick foliage, the famous waterfall feels like a secret. The aquamarine waters are tempting, so do carry your swimwear along.
On our way to the waterfalls, we stop at the Great Project (called the Laos Buffalo Dairy), a project designed to educate Rural communities on Animal Husbandry and animal health care. They rent the Cattle from the villagers to enable a secure income for the community and use the milk to create Cheese and Spectacular Ice Cream. Today's lunch is served picnic style with an opportunity to get an unforgettable ‘Buffalo Selfie’.
Dinner is at a Local NGO that trains marginalized youth for careers in the Hospitality industry. It is also one of the most exciting menus in town, with a balance between traditional and modern flavors.
Meals: B,L,D
Cycling Distance: 30 km / 19 mi
Accommodation: The Sanctuary Hotel
Begin the morning tour by cycling around the old quarter of Luang Prabang, starting at Heuan Chan Heritage House and after to Luang Prabang’s National Museum, formerly the Royal Palace that displays a collection of personal artifacts of the former Laotian Royal Family. Visit nearby Wat Mai – the five-tiered roof epitomizes the graceful Luang Prabang architectural style. Continue cycling along the Mekong River and stop at the hillside temple of Wat That Luang. Take a short walk and visit the ancient stupa called That Dam (the Black Stupa) before biking to Wat Visoun, the oldest living temple in Luang Prabang. Wat Visoun dates back to 1513 and contains a collection of antique wooden Buddha images. Continue along the Nam Khan River to Wat Xieng Thong – often considered to be Luang Prabang’s most elegant. The temple is characterized by tiered roofs sweeping low to the ground and the impressive “tree of life” mosaic. Before noon, cycle back to your hotel on the town’s main street, stopping at Wat Sop and Wat Sen along the way.
If you still have time before your flight back home, then we recommend walking up to Mount Phousi for a beautiful tinge of orange in the sky and seeing the city bathe in the warm glow of the rising sun.
Please make arrangements as per your onward journey.
Meals: B
Cycling Distance: 12 km / 7 mi
Lodging
All hotels as mentioned in the tour details or similar (subject to availability).
Trip Leader
Expert Trip Leader(s) who look after your every need and add meaning to your vacation.
Bike
Immaculately maintained bike with helmet, suited to a terrain.
Shuttle
A Van support follows the group of riders and carries all belongings.
Meals
Meals as per itinerary. Guests are given the opportunity to dine on their own so that they discover a location independently.
Refreshments
Refreshments and mineral water during activity.
Entrance
Entrance fees to most of the monuments and temples.
Beverages
Beverages such as alcohol, tea, coffee, juice at a hotel or restaurant.
Gratuity
Gratuities for your guide team are not included in the trip price.
A great ride begins with a great bike. Our tours typically include the models listed below, though in some cases due to height or availability constraints, we may provide an equivalent alternative.
Merida Speeder T3 (Thailand) or similar
hybrid
Included in your trip price
Trek Marlin 5 (Laos) or similar
mountain
Included in your trip price
Kaze (Thailand) or similar
ebike
Available at a surcharge
Phoenix (Laos) or similar
ebike
Available at a surcharge
We want you to have a fantastic experience on your tour, so we aim to be upfront about what to expect along the way. Here are key details to keep in mind:
Note on Road Conditions
This bike tour takes you through some of the region's most remote and stunning landscapes. However, the charm of these untamed regions comes with varying road conditions. In some areas, you may encounter potholes, dusty paths, or uneven surfaces that may require adjustments to cycling distances or occasional time in the support vehicle.
Unavoidable Shuttle Transfers
To ensure your safety and comfort, shuttle transfers are provided for certain sections where cycling is not ideal due to rough terrain, heavy traffic, or extended distances between key stops. These transfers allow you to bypass challenging or less scenic stretches, ensuring you make the most of your time on the bike in the most beautiful and rewarding parts of the journey.
Food Preferences
While we do our best to accommodate dietary preferences, such as vegetarian or vegan diets, options may be limited, especially in rural areas. We recommend being open to simple meals and considering bringing some of your own snacks if you have specific requirements.
Availability of Essentials
Thailand is well-equipped, with frequent convenience stores like 7-Elevens offering almost anything you might need. Laos, on the other hand, has fewer shops and less variety, so it’s a good idea to stock up on essentials before crossing the border.
Change in Local Crew & Equipment
Please note that on this trip, as we travel between Thailand and Laos, there will be changes in tour guides, bikes, and vehicles at the border. This ensures a seamless experience with local expertise and the most suitable equipment for each country.
Chiang Mai | 13:00hrs
Luang Prabang
Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX)
Luang Prabang International Airport (LPQ)
Chiang Mai International Airport
There are several taxi desks in the arrival lobby, any of which are fine to use. There isn't a appreciable difference between the taxi companies, and they all provide the same quality of service here. Taxi boarding is at the north end of the lobby, through the domestic part of the airport.
Taxi fares are usually 150 to 200 Thai baht ( 4.5 to 6 USD) from the airport to anywhere in the central district of the city.
Grab, a ride hailing app like Uber, also picks up from the airport for the same price. Their pick up point is out the same door as other taxis but further away along the sidewalk on exit road from the airport.
Taxi fares when leaving the airport are fixed by the government. Fares going to the airport, however, are negotiable, but usually not appreciably higher. Taxis need to be ordered, and they are not waiting around at hotels or driving the roads looking for fares.
Please note that all over Thailand, most taxis are small sedans, suitable for two adults, with a couple of suitcases. They run on compressed natural gas (CNG) and part of the trunk space is taken up by the gas cylinder. SUV taxis are available but you may need to wait longer for these.
Thailand Weather
The northern highlands in which Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai are located have a cooler climate than the rest of Thailand. The cycle tour season here consequently runs from October to March. During the months of December and January, night-time temperatures may dip below the freezing point in some parts.
In a nutshell, winter is great (Nov - Feb), summer (Apr-May) avoid going in the north, and the rest of the year is ok.
Laos Weather
The dry season runs from late October until May; June to October is characterized by heavy rainfall. The southwest monsoon generally arrives around May/July. Until July, rain comes mostly in the form of short downpours for an hour or so, clearing the way for clear skies. After July, rain reaches peak levels in August and September.
Though the weather can be sometimes quite unpleasant from June to September, there are benefits to this season. Nature comes to life, dry brown grasslands and forests become lush and green, the farmers welcome the season with full productivity, and lakes and rivers as well as waterfalls fill up and become stronger than ever.
Our cycling tours in Northern Laos majorly run from September to mid-April with Oct to Feb being the best months having low humidity and plenty of sunshine. Mar to May is characterized by high humidity and some smokey skies due to slash-and-burn agriculture.
January
Best
February
Best
March
Offseason
April
Offseason
May
Offseason
June
Offseason
July
Offseason
August
Offseason
September
Offseason
October
Good
November
Best
December
Best
Packing smart is essential for a safe and enjoyable cycling adventure. From essential biking gear to clothing and travel necessities, this guide ensures you're prepared for any terrain or climate.
Note: Helmets, gloves, and water bottles are personal items, so bringing your own is recommended for maximum comfort and hygiene.
Please limit your luggage to one medium-sized suitcase and one carry-on bag. Mark your luggage with your name, address, and phone number.
Thailand Visa
Travelers wishing to enter Thailand have two options: through an airport or overland. Regardless of the mode of entry, the same rules apply to all travelers.
As of July 2024, there are now 93 countries whose citizens can enter without a visa for periods up to 60 days as a tourist. These entries can also be extended once for an additional 30 days. (previously it was 64 countries & 30 day stays) You can find the full list of countries eligible for visa free entry here.
An expanded list of 31 countries can now apply for a Visa on Arrival for stays up to 15 days. The Visa on Arrival entries can not be extended. You can find the updated list of VOA eligible countries here.
Single Entry Tourist Visas (Type TR) allow stays of up to 60 days and are available to all nationalities. They can also be extended once for an additional 30 days. These tourist visas are for citizens of countries that do not qualify for visa-free entry.
To comply with the rules, travelers entering visa-free or applying for a VOA must present an airline ticket that departs Thailand before their initial entry period ends (60 and 15 days, respectively). Other travelers may also be asked by the airline to show proof of a departing flight.
When applying for a VOA, travelers must be able to demonstrate that they have 10,000 THB for an individual or 20,000 THB for a family. For those entering visa-free or with a Tourist or Non-Immigrant visa, proof of financial ability must be shown in the form of 20,000 THB and 40,000 THB, respectively. It's important to note that cash is the only acceptable form of proof of financial ability, and credit cards or bank statements do not count. Any major currency is equivalent is acceptable.
Although the majority of travelers are not asked to show proof of financial ability, some travelers may occasionally be asked to do so at Immigration. Therefore, travelers should always be prepared to provide evidence of their financial ability.
Citizens of most countries can apply for a Thai tourist visa at the official Thai government website here.
If your country is not eligible for online applications, then visas must be applied for through the nearest Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate.
Laos Visa
Tourist visas on arrival are available at certain ports of entry, and generally permit a stay of 30 days. At certain ports of entry, you can use an eVisa. See laoevisa.gov.la for more information. We recommend applying for e-visa in advance as that expedites the immigration process on arrival at Laos airport.
During this tour, we will enter Laos by means of Thai - Lao Friendship Bridge No.4. We strongly advise obtaining a Laos evisa ahead of time. When applying for your evisa online, please ensure that you select Thai - Lao Friendship Bridge No.4, Bokeo Province as your entry point.
You'll be transported to the Thai immigration station in a van on the Thailand side of the bridge. After completing the immigration process, you'll need to board a bus that transports you across the bridge to the Laotian immigration station located on the opposite side of the river. Tickets for the bus can be purchased after passing through Thai immigration and cost approximately 20 Baht per ticket. It's important to note that walking across the bridge is not permitted, as everyone is required to use the shuttle bus. Your luggage will be stored beneath the bus. Upon reaching the Lao immigration station and clearing your visa requirements with our team in Laos, you'll then take a Tuk Tuk to the Huay Xai dock, where you'll board a public boat for a scenic river cruise. It's advisable to arrive at the border early to ensure you catch the boat on time.
Medical insurance that covers medical costs in case of an accident during the trip is mandatory to participate in our tours.
We recommend purchasing adequate travel insurance to protect yourself from unforeseen events. Our experience shows that guests who purchase travel insurance, including coverage for all activities on the itinerary, trip cancellation, interruption, delay, baggage damage, loss or theft, personal accident, death and repatriation costs, medical and emergency expenses, and personal liability, travel with greater peace of mind.
Is proof of medical insurance required?
Yes. You must provide your insurer's name, policy number, and emergency contact through our reservation form. If you cannot provide proof, you'll need to purchase insurance before traveling with us.
Can I use my credit card insurance?
Yes, as long as it meets our requirements and provides adequate coverage. Keep your emergency contact number and policy number accessible while traveling.
When should I buy travel insurance?
Purchase travel insurance as soon as you've paid in full or booked your flights.
Does Art of Bicycle Trips sell travel insurance?
We do not sell travel insurance directly. We recommend comparing policies and choosing the one that best fits your needs. A useful place to start is Insured Nomads.
A guided bike tour includes a professional local guide who rides with you throughout the trip. The guide handles navigation, manages daily logistics, ensures safety, and shares cultural insights. In addition to the guide, you also have a support vehicle that transfers luggage, provides water/snacks, and offers on-route assistance or a lift whenever needed. You simply follow the guide and enjoy a fully supported experience.
Your guides are local cycling experts, fluent in English, with deep knowledge of the region’s history, culture, and food.
On our guided tours, we ensure you begin your ride feeling comfortable and well-supported. Your guide and local team play an active role in getting your bike properly set up. **Before Your Tour** When you book, we ask for your height. This allows our local partners to select the correct frame size and prepare the bike in advance so it’s close to your ideal fit when you arrive. **At the Start of the Tour** You’ll receive a full in-person bike fitting with your guide or local representative. This typically includes: - Adjusting saddle height - Moving the saddle fore–aft (small adjustments to move the saddle forward or back for better balance and comfort) - Fine-tuning handlebar height and reach (where adjustable) - Confirming pedal preference — flat pedals are provided by default. If you bring your own clip-in pedals, our guide will help install and adjust them - A short test ride to check comfort Your guide will ensure everything feels right before the tour begins. **During the Tour** Throughout the trip, your guide will make additional adjustments whenever needed. This is especially helpful if you discover new comfort preferences after a few hours of riding. **What to Expect** Our guided tour bike fitting is hands-on, comfort-focused, and practical, ensuring you ride safely and enjoyably each day. It’s not a detailed workshop-level fit, but it covers all essential adjustments for multi-day touring.
Our support vehicle is always close by to make your ride worry-free. It carries your luggage, water, snacks, and spare parts, and is there if you need a quick lift or just want to rest for a while. You’ll see it at regular intervals along the route and during meal or refreshment stops. The vehicle is also used for scheduled transfers and to ensure safety and comfort along the route.
For guided tours, we do not provide GPX files separately, as navigation is handled by your guide. On certain occasions, if you prefer more independence, we may offer app-based navigation access with the daily routes loaded. However, please understand that this may not always be possible and depends on the specific tour setup.
Airport transfers are not included unless specifically mentioned in your trip inclusions. For airport pickup, we recommend booking directly from the airport upon arrival — most airports have reliable taxi, shuttle, or app-based options. For airport drop, please book a transfer through your last hotel — they can easily arrange it for you.
We focus on delivering exceptional experiences during your tour. For logistical simplicity and flexibility, we do not handle pre- or post-tour hotel bookings. However, we’re happy to share a list of recommended hotels near the starting and ending points of your trip so you can plan your stay independently.
The fitness level required for each trip is indicated by the "level" of the tour, which in turn is mentioned on each tour page right next to the price and the trip duration. **Easy**: The terrain is mostly flat with a few gentle climbs. **Moderate**: The terrain is either mostly flat or consists of rolling hills with a few challenging climbs. There could also be a few days with longer riding distances of up to 75 kms (45 miles) **Difficult**: The terrain is mostly hilly with strong elevation gains and/or has long days on the bike. Such trips are recommended for intermediate to advanced cyclists. Please note that we usually bike around 4-5 hours per day irrespective of the level of the trip.
Yes, your trip leader will carry bottled water or RO water in a camper in the support van for guests' use.
Yes, please communicate your dietary preferences to your trip leader and they'll ensure that the food you eat is spiced as per your requirements.
Yes — we do our best to accommodate all dietary requirements. Thailand offers a wide range of vegetarian-friendly dishes, and many restaurants can prepare meals without meat upon request. However, please note that fish sauce, oyster sauce, and shrimp paste are commonly used in Thai cooking, even in vegetable dishes. Vegan and gluten-free options may therefore require extra care and clear communication, especially in smaller towns and rural areas. If you follow a strict vegan or gluten-free diet, we recommend carrying a few essential staples, as availability can vary by region. Please inform your tour guide at the start of the tour, and we will make every effort to arrange suitable meals and assist you in finding appropriate items from local markets or grocery stores whenever possible.
We are happy to pass on your room preference for a twin or double setup, and our hotel partners do their best to accommodate these requests. However, room configurations are always subject to availability at each property. On some of our trips—especially those that travel through remote regions or small boutique inns—room types may be limited. In such cases, despite our best efforts, you may need to stay in a double room instead of a twin, or twin instead of a double, depending on what is available. Given the nature of our journeys and the unique places we visit, we kindly ask for your understanding and support if such adjustments are required. We will always inform you in advance wherever possible and work closely with our partners to ensure the most comfortable arrangement for your stay.
The road surface is mostly good. 90% of the cycling on this bike tour happens on paved roads.
We've designed this itinerary such that most of the cycling happens on quieter countryside roads far from busy traffic. The shuttle transfers on this tour have been strategically planned to bypass busy vehicular traffic.
We are not medical advisors, and as such are not qualified to dispense medical advice. However, we recommend consulting the resources below for advice on vaccines and medications: 1. [CDC portal](https://www.cdc.gov/) for travelers from the US 2. [NHS' Fit For Travel portal](https://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/home) for travelers from the UK 3. [Smart Traveller](https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/) portal or travelers from Australia. In addition to the above, you may also refer to the travel advice issued from time to time by your government. 1. US residents may refer to the State Department's travel and vaccination advice for Thailand [here](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Thailand.html). 2. UK residents may refer to the FCDO's travel advice for Thailand [here](https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/thailand). 3. Residents of Australia may refer to Australian government's travel advice including medical advice for Thailand [here](https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/thailand).
While your tour price covers most common expenses, a few meals are not included in the itinerary. This allows you the opportunity to dine independently and explore the local cuisine at your own pace. Your guides will be happy to provide recommendations if desired. As a general guideline, you can budget approximately US $100–200 per person for additional expenditures over the course of the trip.
Tips are not included in your tour price. As a general rule, you may tip US$ 15-25 per person per day. This figure is for the entire crew including the trip leader, the driver, and other support staff. However, you are not obligated to tip, and you can always tip less or more than the above amount depending on the level of service you received on tour. It is usually the norm to tip the tour guide, who then distributes the amount among the entire crew. However, you can also tip each individual member of the crew if you so desire. In case you want to tip the staff at a hotel such as porters, you may pay them US $2-3 per day.
The meeting time on Day 1 is mentioned in your travel planner shared with you. You can arrive either on the morning of Day 1 depending on the meeting time, or book a pre-tour night to arrive a day earlier.
We don't have anything planned for the last day, so you are free to depart at your discretion.
Yes, you may wear riding shorts while riding your bike. When not cycling, it would be advisable to wear comfortable full-length pants. We recommend keeping a pair of comfortable pants handy in you support van.
When visiting temples and monuments, visitors should wear full-length, loose-fitting pants. Holy places of certain religions may also require covering your head. Your guide will inform of the dress etiquette required for visiting specific religious places.
You can exchange currency at the airport itself, or at ATMs in larger cities. Most commercial establishments will accept international credit cards for payments, though its good to carry some local currency with you at all times.
Farmers in northern Thailand and Laos typically burn crop residue from late-March to early-June. We do not recommend this as a good time to go cycling in northern Thailand and Laos. This does not, however, impact the air quality in southern Thailand.
