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NORTH THAILAND
Mountain bikes are the perfect way to discover the wild spirit of untamed North Thailand, region of jungle filled valleys, mountain-top temples, meandering rivers, and cultural encounters.
Our journey takes us from the northern Thai City of Chiang Mai through the mountains to the Golden Triangle, where the Mekong River marks the borders of Thailand, Burma, and Laos. In addition to riding outstanding mountain bike trails, we trek on elephants back to hill-tribe villages, boat down jungle rivers, and sample some of the world's best cuisine.
Heading north, we ride through the spectacular limestone mountains of Chiang Dao and the scenic village of Mae Salak, straddling the Mae Kok River. We follow wonderful trails and back roads that have little traffic and fantastic scenery and each night stay in charming, Thai style jungle lodges.
On one day, we use a combination of bikes, boats, and elephants to reach a remote Lahu village where we experience a unique night as guests to a local family, sleeping in their long-house.
Before arriving at the Golden Triangle we visit Doi Mae Salong, where the descendents of the Kuomintang still live in a unique Chinese village. We'll also tackle an awesome off-road/on-road descent through spectacular mountains where our trail's end will take us to rest at the beautiful Puchaisai Spa and Resort. Along the way, we ride up Doi Tung to visit one of the region's oldest temples and check out the Burmese markets in Mae Sai.
Finally we arrive at the Golden Triangle. After a day's ride along the Mekong River, we transfer you back to Chiang Mai.
The accommodation on this tour is varied and interesting. As well as staying at the charming Huai Khum resort, the beautiful Puchaisai Resort, and the comfortable Imperial Golden Triangle Resort, we use lodges that are in tune with north Thailand and its traditions. On five days we have swimming pools to enjoy at the end of our rides.
TRIP PROFILE
This is a mountain bike tour designed for riders with at least some off-road experience. Approximately 30% of the 500-kilometres we cover is off-road; the rest is on small back roads with little traffic. When we hit the asphalt, it's of good quality and there are plenty of opportunities to stretch out.
Although our escort vehicle is always close by and our guides have powerful two-way radios, some rides are not supported.
You should be confident of your physical condition and bike handling skills. Some climbs are challenging and some rides are off-road, but overall the trail isn't too technical. It can be managed by most riders.
| ITINERARY (10 days/9 nights, starting and finishing in Chiang Mai) | |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive/meet in Chiang Mai. Afternoon riverside ride to Ban Tawai. |
| Day 2 | Off-road ride through teak forest. |
| Day 3 | Off-road / On road ride to Chiang Dao. |
| Day 4 | Ride the back roads to Mae Salak. |
| Day 5 | Bike, boats and elephants to Lahu Village. |
| Day 6 | Waterfall trek and ride to Doi Mae Salong. |
| Day 7 | Off road /On road descent. Free afternoon at Puchaisai Resort. |
| Day 8 | Ride up Doi Tung. Burmese border descent to Mae Sai and continue to Golden Triangle. |
| Day 9 | Ride along the Mekong to Chiang Saen and Chiang Khong, afternoon transfer back to Chiang Mai. |
| Day 10 | Ride Doi Suthep, lunch and transfer to airport. |
| FACTS & FIGURES | |
|---|---|
| Tour Cost | USD $1100 - Single Supplement USD $285 |
| Bike Hire | USD 120 |
| Total Distance | 500 km |
| Number of Days | 10 days / 9 nights |
| Number of Cycling Days | Seven full days and one half-day |
| Road Surface | Surfaces range from good asphalt roads and vehicle-width tracks to off-road trails, some single track, so some off-road riding skills are an advantage. |
| Support | One or two air-conditioned minibuses specially rigged to take bikes and bikers. |
| Group Size | Minimum 2. Maximum 16. |
| Staff | SpiceRoads local cycling leader, plus drivers / assistants. For groups of ten or more an extra local bike guide also joins. |
| Accommodation | 4 nights charming 4-star resorts, 2 nights in 3-star lodges, 2 nights in tourist class lodges, one night in a guest-house and one night in a tribal village. All hotels have en suite facilities and a/c, except the tribal village where there is no a/c. We use hotels with charm and local character. |
| Food | All meals are included from lunch on day 1 to lunch on Day 10. |
| Biking Grade |
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| Cultural Interest |
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Woody, our guide, was extremely accommodating, knowledgeable, and always helpful. This was a very well organized tour, and I will be highly recommending it to anyone I know who enjoys cycling!
North Thailand Tour, November 2007
~Kristy Walsh
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