Cycling Chiang Mai to Bangkok

From the mountains and jungles of the North to the temple-filled plains of central Thailand, cycling through these regions offers unforgettable scenery and cultural experiences. Leaving the northern Thai city of Chiang Mai, we ride south along shady roads that lead to the historic city of Lampang. Minor roads through rural Thailand eventually give way to the ruins of the former capital of Siam, Sukhothai. Cycling these ruins offers breathtaking views and informative insights into Thai culture. From there we head to more UNESCO sites Khampeng Phetand the historic Ayutthaya. We then ride to Bang Pa-In and the summer palace before ending our journey in the north part of Bangkok. The famous Thai smile, quiet back roads and some of the world's best cuisine—these are a few of the many attractive Thai aspects that are featured on this exciting road cycling tour from Chiang Mai to Bangkok.

Tour Cost	US$1650	Single Supplement	US$325
Bike Hire	US$275 Trek Road Bike	Total Cycling Distance	880 kilometres
Tour Grade	out of 5	Number of Days	11 days / 10 nights
Number of Cycling Days	8 full days, 2 half days.	Tour Meets	Chiang Mai
Tour Ends	Bangkok	Group Size	Minimum 2. Maximum 16.
Minimum age on scheduled departures	18 years old

Day 1

Arrive in Chiang Mai, pick up from airport and transfer to hotel. Assemble bikes and enjoy Chiang Mai or go for a warm up ride in the area.

Day 2

We leave Chiang Mai on the old highway and stop to visit an elephant camp and one of the oldest and most religious Chedis in Thailand, before a steep climb to Lampang -- the cowboy town.

Day 3

Today we have three sets of hills to go over as we ride through teak forests, past reclining Buddhas and some beautiful temples.

Day 4

We really head off the beaten track today as we ride quiet country roads through rice paddies towards the first capital of Thailand, Sukhothai.

Day 5

Cycle around the historic park, a UNESCO World Heritage site with more than 193 ruins surrounded by three moats and bridged by four gateways. Bikes are the best way to enjoy this ancient city.

Day 6

Ride to Khampeng Phet on pleasant country roads with plenty of activity going on to keep your attention before you reach the former military fortress used to help defend Sukhothai from invading armies.

Day 7

Look out for water buffaloes wallowing in a puddle and for ducks taking a dip in a rice field as we ride towards Nakorn Sawan and our charming resort surrounded by lily pads.

Day 8

Cycle on back roads that pass through many small towns. Stop in Ang Thong to marvel at the the 60-foot long reclining Buddha.

Day 9

Today we reach the old Siamese capitol of Ayutthaya - the centre of old Siam for over 400 years until it was sacked by the Burmese in 1767 - and visit the temples by bicycle.

Day 10

Taking country roads we stop at Bang Pa-In, the former summer palace of King Chulakorn, before transferring to our hotel on the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok.

Day 11

Free day to enjoy Bangkok and pack your bikes.

• Both Woody and T were excellent guides. They managed the group exceptionally well and catered for the different ability levels. Woody had a great knowledge of history,cultural events and places of interest where we stopped.

  Margaret Smith - January 2012

• Despite all of the difficulties being faced in Thailand at the moment with the flooding, everyone worked well together to come up with solutions that suited everyone. It really showed what a well-oiled machine you run at SpiceRoads. Thank you all so much for all of your help and support in organizing my trip. I had an amazing time and am now wondering when I can sign up for my next trip with you.

  Joanna Tinlin - October 2011