North Thailand by Bike

Our mountain bike 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. 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, in a unique Chinese village, and ride up Doi Tung to visit one of the region's oldest temples and check out the Burmese markets in Mae Sai. After a day's ride along the Mekong River, we transfer back to Chiang Mai and hit the trails one more time as we ride down Doi Suthep. In addition to riding outstanding mountain bike trails, we sample some of the world's best cuisine and stay in authentic and luxury accommodation.

Tour Cost	US$1,700	Single Supplement	US$350
Bike Hire	US$120	Total Cycling Distance	500 kilometres
Tour Grade	out of 5	Number of Days	10 days / 9 nights
Number of Cycling Days	7 full days, 1 half day	Tour Meets	Chiang Mai
Tour Ends	Chiang Mai	Group Size	Minimum 2. Maximum 16.

Day 1

We start our tour with a nice and easy ride along the Ping River to the arts and crafts center of Ban Tawai where you have time for some shopping before heading back to Chiang Mai.

Day 2

Take a boat ride across a reservoir to the trail head where we ride an outstanding single track trail through a scenic teak forest to a waterfall. After lunch on the lake we ride an elephant trail to our resort near Chiang Dao.

Day 3

Visit Chiang Dao caves and then ride through rice fields among soaring limestone cliffs before hitting dirt roads cut by local hill tribes -- the Akha, Lisu, Lau and Palaung people.

Day 4

Ride to Tub Tao Caves and temple retreat and continue cycling on back roads through small villages before lunching in Fang. A flat afternoon ride takes us to the small town of Mae Salak and our riverside resort.

Day 5

From the resort we ride to a Lakhu village then hitch a ride on a long-tail boat (with our bikes) downriver and then cycle off road to Ban Ruamitr. After lunch we ride elephants up the mountain to a remote Lahu village where we spend the night.

Day 6

Morning trek through the forest arriving at a scenic waterfall where we have a picnic lunch. Ride up Doi Mae Salong and down to Mae Salong and our overnight resort amidst tea plantations.

Day 7

After a morning visit to a temple we descend through the forest along some glorious trails and arrive at our resort in time to enjoy the pool.

Day 8

A spectacular day with an off road ride through lychee orchards, a visit to a horse temple, an uphill to Doi Tung, where the Thai royal family has a palace, a ride along a ridgeback road that ends with a fast downhill ride into Mae Sai and then to our hotel in the Golden Triangle.

Day 9

Cycle a scenic loop deep into the heart of the countryside surrounding the Golden Triangle in the morning, a visit to Chiang Saen on the Mekong River before driving to Chiang Mai and a farewell dinner at a riverside restaurant.

Day 10

Drive up to Chiang Mai's most impressive temple, Wat Doi Suthep, then head down on Thailand's most exciting mountain bike trail. a fitting finale to an amazing cycling adventure.

• It would be difficult to decide what was the best part about this tour - Tee, our guide was excellent in every respect. Jen, our driver was friendly and helpful at all times.

  The riding was great, the accommodations were terrific, and the food was fantastic. I can't wait for our next SpiceRoads tour, and I hope Tee and Jen will join us again for another excellent adventure!

  Paul Lindley - March 2009