Tamarind Village, Chiang Mai
Located in the centre of Chiang Mai, this boutique hotel is an oasis of tranquility, built around a 200 year-old tamarind tree. The restaurant is one of the best in the city and the pool and spa are sublime.
Offering perhaps the best cycling in southeast Asia, northern Thailand features magnificent natural scenery and a fusion of cultures where tribal groups still live traditionally. Monasteries, temples and monuments from kingdoms past are numerous and a multitude of rivers, including the mighty Mae Nam Khong (Mekong) make for perfect companions and lodging settings. For the epicurean, the food is, well, sensational and if you haven’t yet enjoyed Thai massage, here is your chance to be pampered. Enjoy.
Note that the riding is a combination of off-road (20%) and on-road paved (80%). For this reason, we use mountain bikes on this trip. Although the distances and elevation gains are modest, there is additional riding for those that wish. The best months for cycling in this region are November, December, January, and February. We operate trips in March but the daily highs can be in the 30’s so we start early and spend afternoons around the pools, of which all the hotels have.
Straight Talk
Thailand & Laos Biking
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai Thailand
Day 1+2
Chiang Dao
Chiang Dao Chiang Mai Thailand
Day 3
Tha Ton
Tha Ton Chiang Mai Thailand
Day 4+5
Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai Thailand
Day 6+7
Trip Inclusions
What’s Included
- Service of one or more experienced Great Explorations guide(s)
- Support vehicle
- 7 nights lodging
- All meals
- Entrance fees for selected historical sites and museums
- GPS routes
- All baggage transportation
- All transportation from initial meeting point to final drop-off (see arrive/depart cities)
What's Not Included
- Bike rental
Particulars
Departure Dates
| 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|
| Jan 4-11 | Jan 3-10 |
| Jan 18-25 | Jan 17-24 |
| Feb 1-8 | Jan 31- Feb 7 |
| Feb 15-22 | Feb 14-21 |
| Nov 8-15 | Nov 7-14 |
| Nov 22-29 | Nov 21-28 |
| Dec 6-13 | Dec 5-12 |
| Dec 20-27 | Dec 19-26 |
Trip can start at any date. Custom trips also available. Call or email for details.
Trip Size
4-16 participants
Total Days
8 days / 7 nights
Arrive/Depart
Chiang Mai / Chiang Rai
Activity Level
Moderate
20-40+ mi daily
Van supported
Local guide
Terrain
Flat to rolling with some hills
Cost
Land Cost
US $3,700
Includes 7B/6L/7D
Single Supplement
US $940
Bike Rentals
Hybrid Bikes: US $380
E-bikes*: US $560
Post-trip Extension in Laos
US $1,250
Includes 5D/4N with two days of biking
*E-bikes are generally available but are on an ‘on request basis ‘ and will be confirmed on receipt of your booking registration. E-bikes provided are the best rentals available in the region. Our regular fleet of hybrid and race bikes are fun to ride and light and fast, but if having an e-bike will make your trip, we’ll do our best to provide. E-bike rentals are non-refundable.
Please note: Final itinerary is subject to revision; any changes made are done so in an attempt to provide the best possible trip given route conditions and available services. Due to the nature of our business and exchange rates, prices are subject to change. All prices quoted are U.S. dollars but we gladly accept payment in Canadian dollars also. Due to cancellations and waiting lists, trip availability fluctuates daily. If you have any questions or would like to confirm space on this trip before making your reservation, please contact us at info@great-explorations.com or by telephone at 604.730.1247
Getting There
The tour starts in Chiang Mai; International flights arrive into Chiang Mai direct.
1
Day 1
Arrival to Chiang Mai
Your hotel on arrival in Chiang Mai is included; we meet at 7 p.m. for a welcome reception and dinner. If you arrive on a late flight, you can meet the group the next morning, at breakfast. We stay at the charming Tamarind Village, a boutique luxury hotel in the historic centre.
2
Day 2
Chiang Mai
Today, we’ll escape the bustle of town along biking roads on a route that winds around Doi Suthep to the lush Mae Sa valley, boasting cascading waterfalls, elephant parks and strawberry farms.
Distance: 55 km; 110 m gain
Transfer: 20 min*
3
Day 3
Chiang Dao
Cycling north, we’ll follow a tranquil route along the Ping River, stopping for a refreshing swim after lunch and then finishing the day with a visit to extensive cave temple in Chiang Dao National Park. We stay at a rustic eco-lodge set in a scenic and unspoiled valley surrounded by mountains. At day’s end you’ll be treated to gourmet cuisine, prepared by a European-trained Thai chef.
Distance: 70 km; 290 m gain
Transfer: 30 min*
4
Day 4
Tha Ton
Continuing north along scenic roads, we’ll cycle past orange groves and lush countryside before arriving at Tha Ton’s splendid Maekok River Village Resort, where swimming pool and Thai massage await (included!). We will join a local family for dinner and this promises to be one of the best meals of the trip with a surprise finish.
Distance: 35 km; 420 m gain; Add-on option: 25 km
Transfer: 1 hr 30 min*
5
Day 5
Tha Ton
Today, options include cycling to minority villages where you will have the opportunity to see traditional crafts. Ta Thon sits on the border with Myanmar and hill-tribe people reside in villages nearby. Early evening, we will enjoy a cooking course with an excellent Thai chef – yes, you get to dine on what you create.
Distance: 40 km; 350 m gain
6
Day 6
Chiang Rai
Boarding a traditional long-tail river boat, we’ll travel down the enchanting Maekok river, and then biking on a newly paved road to Chiang Rai.
Distance: 43 km; 270 m
Transfer: Long-tail boat ride is 2 hr 30 min*
7
Day 7
Chiang Rai
Today, we ride a loop passing through rice paddies and pleasant countryside. We’ll stay at the luxurious Legends Chiang Rai, one of the finest hotels in Thailand.
Distance: 67 km; 180 m
8
Day 8
Depart
Depart at your leisure for onward travel or continue with our Post-trip Extension in Laos, we highly recommend.
*Transfers may be shorter if we decide to ride the longer options.
Post-trip Extension in Laos
Continue north to Chiang Saen and the Golden Triangle with two additional days of cycling and a two-day cruise down the Mekong with an overnight stay at Luang Say Lodge and finishing in Luang Prabang, Laos
Includes 5 days and 4 nights accommodation, all meals, and transfers.
Chiang Dao Nest, Chiang Dao
These 16 modest, immaculate wooden and rattan bungalows are surrounded by a stand of huge trees and close to the national park. Chiang Dao Nest is also home to Wicha's world-famous gourmet kitchen, which produces some of the finest Western / European and fusion cuisine in Northern Thailand.
Maekok River Village, Tha Thon
This Resort is idyllically located on the banks of the Mae Kok River with sweeping views of the forested hills which form the border with Myanmar. Accommodation is provided in comfortable villas or poolside rooms set in landscaped gardens.
The Legend, Chiang Rai
This hotel boasts chic décor and beautiful setting with panoramic views of the nearby hills and mountains. The resort’s contemporary Thai-style buildings are enhanced by the interior and landscape lighting. The resort is located directly on the Mae Kok River, secluded from yet within a few minutes of the city centre and our favourite hotel in Chiang Rai.
Tour Reviews
“Overall, this trip exceeded my expectations on all fronts…thanks for a fantastic vacation- looking forward to future trips with Great Explorations” Madison, WI
“The roads (in Thailand) were much quieter than I expected; the food was delicious – I especially loved the cooking classes GE organized. Your guides are excellent- full marks!”
Leave a Review