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 December, January, 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, all of which the hotels have.

Straight Talk

Location

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

What’s Included in the Cost of Your Trip?

INCLUDED IN REGULAR TRIP

Services of one or more experienced Great Explorations guides
Support vehicle
7 nights lodging
All meals
Entrance fees for selected historical sites and museums
Detailed map and route instructions
All baggage transportation
All transportation from initial meeting point to final drop-off (see arrive/depart cities)

Not Included

Bike rental

Particulars

EVENT DATES

2023

Available dates upon request.
Please contact us at info@great-explorations.com or by telephone at 604.730.1247 for details.

TRIP SIZE

4-16 participants

TOTAL DAYS

8 days / 7 nights

ARRIVE / DEPART

Chiang Mai / Chiang Rai

ACTIVITY LEVEL

Moderate
20-40+ miles daily
Van supported
Local guide

TERRAIN

Flat to rolling with some hills.

COST

Land Cost:
US $3,450 pp
Includes all meals

Single Supplement:
US $860

Bike Rental:
US $325

E-Bike Rental:
US $560

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.  

Optional Extension:
US $1,250
Includes all meals
Total days: 5 days/4 nights including two-day cruise

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 :

Chiang Mai: International flights arrive into Chiang Mai direct.


1

Day 1+2

Chiang Mai

Your hotel on arrival in Chiang Mai is included – we meet at 7 pm for a welcome reception and dinner (if you have a late arriving flight you can meet the next morning at breakfast). We stay at the charming Tamarind Village, a boutique luxurious hotel in the historic center. Next day, 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: D2: 55 km; 110 m gain

2

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: D3: 70 km; 290 m gain

3

Day 4+5

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. Next day 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.
Distances: D4: 35 km; 420 m gain. Add-on option- 25 km; D5: 40 km; 350 m gain

4

Day 6+7

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. Next day, 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: D6: 43 km; 270 m; D7: 67 km; 180 m

5

Day 8

Depart at your leisure for on-going travel.

Extension:
Continue north to Chiang Saen and the Golden Triangle with two more 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
5 days/4 nights including all meals, transfers, and hotels etc. USD$1250 pp

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.


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 Legends 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. 



			

		

				

					

			


			

		

				

					

			
			

		

		
			


	


 

                        
                    

                        

	
	
	
	
	

	

		

			
Trip Reviews

		

				

			


	
			
	

		

						
		

		

			

												
February 18, 2012

			

						
“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!”



					

	






	
			
	

		

						
		

		

			

												
February 16, 2012

			

						
“Overall, this trip exceeded my expectations on all fronts…thanks for a fantastic vacation- looking forward to future trips with Great Explorations” Madison, WI



					

	



		


		
								

				
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