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SUKHOTHAI - CHIANG MAI
This cycle tour is both a cultural and historical exploration into the heart of Thailand. Whether you have never been to Thailand before or are an old Asia hand you will find this really is an amazing country and the best way to explore it is by bicycle.
We start in the original capital of the first Thai Kingdom dating back to 1238, with some impressive ruins situated in the old city walls (approx 21), and a further 70 within a 5 km radius making bicycles the best way to explore this fascinating area. Leaving the history behind we head out into rural Thailand as we cycle along quiet country roads, giving you ample time to take photos and chat with locals.
We’ll cycle from the central plains to the foothills of the mountains surrounding Chiang Mai. We overnight at quaint towns well off the tourist track before arriving at the base of the highest point in Thailand, Doi Inthanon (2595 m above sea level). Doi Inthanon with its numerous waterfalls, royal chedis that honor the King and Queen of Thailand and panoramic views of the surrounding countryside make this a great place for an afternoon of exploration.
We finish the trip in Chiang Mai, where we have a final ride along the Ping river, embark on a tour of the city and enjoy a celebratory dinner to end a memorable tour.
TRIP PROFILE
This is a 100% road cycling and sightseeing tour, riding just over 220 km on good asphalt roads. With the terrain and level of cycling making it suitable for even the most inexperienced of riders. The trip is fully supported by a SpiceRoads minibus rigged to carry bikes and people for the entire journey.
The rides are all on flat terrain with a few minor inclines.
The tour has been designed to have easy cycling days, the longest day is 53 km, so therefore anyone who wants to see some of ancient Thailand, the wilds of the north and a different side of Thailand will love this cycle tour.
| ITINERARY (7 days, 6 nights starting in Sukhothai and finishing in Chiang Mai.) | |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | We’ll pick you up from Sukhothai airport and start our exploration of what once was the first capital of Thailand by bicycle, leaving plenty of time to stop and take pictures. |
| Day 2 | The riding is nice and easy as we head towards Si Satchanalai, a much overlooked ancient temple site, and ride along the river and see some impressive kilns. |
| Day 3 | As we ride north to Thoen, a very quaint old town with many teak shop houses, the mountains begin to appear in the distance. |
| Day 4 | There are some hills on today’s ride, just enough add some variety to the cycling to the floating restaurants at Doi Tao reservoir. |
| Day 5 | This is a great ride on the way to Chom Tong and our charming resort set in the wonderful countryside. Afternoon trip to Doi Inthanon (highest point in Thailand at 2595m). |
| Day 6 | We start in Ban Tawai – the centre of the handicraft industry in Thailand and a great place for some shopping – to ride to Chiang Mai along the Ping River. |
| Day 7 | Optional sightseeing tour of Chiang Mai in the morning or transfer to Doi Suthep and ride down hill back to Chiang Mai city. |
| FACTS & FIGURES | |
|---|---|
| Tour Cost | USD $900 Single Supplement: USD $150 |
| Bike Hire | Included |
| Total Distance | 223 kilometers |
| Number of Days | 7 days / 6 nights |
| Number of Cycling Days | 6 half days |
| Road Surface | All the cycling is on good asphalt roads. |
| Support | An air-conditioned minibus specially rigged to take bikes and bikers. |
| Group Size | Minimum 2. Maximum 16. Children are welcome on this trip and will receive discounts. |
| Children | Children are welcome on this trip and will receive discounts |
| Staff | English-speaking guide(s), plus drivers and assistants. |
| Accommodation | 3 nights in 3-star hotels, 3 nights provincial hotels All hotels have en suite facilities a/c, fridge TV and most hotels have a swimming pool. Wherever possible we use hotels with charm and local character. |
| Food | All meals are included except breakfast on the first day and dinner on the last day. |
| Biking Grade |
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| Scenery |
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The trip was well organized, fun and informative! Woody, our guide, was fantastic and attentive to our needs. Jum (thoughtful guide intern) and Rin (the super safe driver and Snack Man) were always accommodating and available to assist. The bikes and support van were clean and in great working order. I would not hesitate to recommend this trip to others.
The trip was challenging enough for my biker husband and 15 year old son and great for me, an occassional rider (I jumped in the van when I needed a rest). Woody did an excellent job selecting restaurants along the way and opening our eyes to "real" Thai cooking and culture.
This trip was a 10!
~Angela Ofner
Sukothai to Chiang Mai Tour, August 2008
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