Exquisite Thailand Bike Tour

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.

After the orientation, we head out for a ride into the valley, just so that you can get oriented to the terrain. Mae Taeng lies on the northern part of the Chiang Mai district, with the River Taeng, making it a rich, verdant area, full of natural off-the-beaten trails to explore. This is a haven for nature lovers.

At night, we can choose to eat at the in-house restaurant, or head to get a taste of local fare. If your palate is new to Thai food, start with the more popular green curry and rice. Be well rested for the next morning, as we start our Thai adventure with a slightly longer day of cycling.

We start early on this day for a half-day loop around the valley, crossing many local villages in the hinterland. Though the ride is only 35 km, we will have a backup vehicle if needed. The idea is to take it slow and immerse ourselves in the local life of Mae Taeng. Expect to see the valley whitewashed with bright green hues of paddy, jungles, and fruit plantations.

It is not uncommon to see elephants ambling in a row making their way to the Woody Training Camp. We also ride along the River Mae Taeng and see how it is the main source of livelihood for the locals. Fishing and tourism make for a large part of the interaction with the river. We try and catch lunch at a local restaurant, to get acquainted with the authentic Thai fare.

The day begins with a short ride in the shuttle to a small town called Fang. From here, the topography is much better to ride from. The ride from Fang to Thaton traverses across paddy fields. The fields cling onto the side of the village road for almost the entire way. The ride is mostly on flat roads, with occasional dips and climbs, which add to the interest for a cyclist. Today, you cover a significant distance of 50km. For those whose legs begin to fail them, there is always a backup! You can enjoy the ride from the comfort of the backup vehicle or the cycle. We also come across several villages on the way – perfect to get great photographs of the interiors of Thailand. The locals are quite friendly and don’t be surprised if you are invited to a home for a cup of tea (or red Fanta).

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.

As we set off towards Mae Chan, we ride alongside the picturesque river, winding our way through a lush green valley that offers one breathtaking scenery after another. From hilltop farming to expansive tea plantations and charming bamboo huts by the river, this is the most authentic side of Thailand that you can experience.

Today's ride is going to be a challenging one. We start with a 25 km easy ride, followed by a slow uphill climb, and then brace ourselves for the tough Baan Yapa climb, with a gradient ranging from 12 to 20 percent over a few kilometers. After that, we enjoy a thrilling downhill run before embarking on more big climbs, with gradients ranging from 10 to 15 percent, as we make our way towards Mae Chan. If you find the climbs too difficult, there's always the option to shuttle through them.

Mae Chan is a quaint town known for its tea trading, founded by refugees from the losing side of the China civil war that led to Mao's rule over the country. Our accommodation for the night is the Katiliya Mountain Resort, which boasts stunning views of lush greenery, tea plantations, and an Ahka village. It's the perfect place to unwind and rejuvenate after a tough day of riding through the majestic countryside of Thailand.

This morning, we find ourselves back in the serene countryside, surrounded by vast paddy fields. The ride is invigorating, with the cool, fresh morning breeze and the clear skies providing a warm welcome on the road. By afternoon, we arrive at Chiang Saen, where we settle into our hotel and take a moment to unwind. Later, we embark on an adventure to witness the majestic confluence of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar, and visit the renowned Golden Triangle. To get the best view, we head to Wat Phrathat Phu Kao Hill. Chiang Saen is a city steeped in rich history, and what makes it even more fascinating is its proximity to Thailand and Burma.

After a hearty breakfast, we embark on an eye-opening journey to witness the breathtaking Wats, followed by a visit to the Hall of Opium. This particular attraction never fails to pique the interest of our group. It is hard to ignore the fact that this area was once one of the largest opium producers, and its trade had become a massive social menace for the locals.

However, the Royal Project and Doi Tung Development Project have been working tirelessly to eradicate the drug trade and its negative impact. The Hall of Opium was established to educate visitors about the dangers of drug abuse and trace its history from its first use 5,000 years ago. This experience is one of the most enlightening ones in Thailand, shedding light on the influence of drugs in the region. It's an experience that should not be missed.

As we make our way to Chiang Rai, we pass by enchanting fruit orchards, verdant paddy fields, and sprawling banana plantations, all offering a glimpse into the region's rich landscape and cultural heritage. Chiang Rai is a vibrant city that boasts a diverse array of food, music, art, and stunning natural scenery. You have the evening to yourself to explore the bustling night markets, brimming with local knick-knacks and street food vendors. The city of Chiang Rai truly comes to life in the evenings, with locals and tourists alike crowding the streets.

We'll end our adventure with a mouth-watering meal at one of the city's local restaurants. You can savor a new and delicious recipe or indulge in an old favorite for the last time. It's the perfect way to cap off an unforgettable journey through the breathtaking countryside of Thailand.

Extend your stay here or travel further as per your onwards plans.