Exquisite Thailand Premiere Bike Tour

Arrive in Chiang Mai and settle into your hotel. Our guide meets at your hotel, post-lunch at 13:00.

Today we take a bike loop along the Ping River. Our ride takes us outside of town, visiting the 725-year-old ruins at Wiang Khum Kam and the craft shop village of Baan Tawai. 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 at Siban, 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.

Ride along the river and make 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, and elephants lazily relaxing in the river- this is Thailand at its most authentic best!

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 of the famous 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.

We head out after breakfast and see the spectacular Wats and later visit the hall of opium. This usually piques everyone’s interest. This area was infamous as one of the largest producers of opium, naturally transmitting the habit to locals, making it a huge social menace for the local community.

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 the history from its first use 5,000 years. This is one of the most educative experiences of Thailand, in the context of the influence of drugs in the region. This one should not be missed.

Ride past fruit orchards, paddy fields, banana plantations and arrive at Chiang Rai. The region is home to a distinct array of food, music, art, and lush landscapes. The rest of the evening is on your own to roam the night markets, full of local bric-a-brac and street food stalls. Chiang Rai comes alive in the evenings with the streets packed with locals and tourists alike.

We have our last meal at one of the local joints in the city, to try another new delicious recipe or dig into a favorite for the last time.

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