Biking Sukhothai to Chiang Mai

This cycle tour is both a cultural and historical exploration into the heart of Thailand. We start in the original capital of the first Thai Kingdom dating back to 1238, with dozens of impressive ruins within a 5 km radius, making bicycles the best way to explore this fascinating area. Leaving the ruins 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 cycle from the central plains to the foothills of the mountains surrounding Chiang Mai, we overnight in 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). We finish 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.

Tour Cost	US$995 (US$1,250 Nov 1, 2011 onward)	Single Supplement	US$150 (US$160 Nov 1, 2011 onward)
Bike Hire	Included	Total Cycling Distance	223 kilometres
Tour Grade	out of 5	Number of Days	7 days / 6 nights
Number of Cycling Days	6 half days	Tour Meets	Sukhothai
Tour Ends	Chiang Mai	Group Size	Minimum 2. Maximum 16.

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.

• John and i enjoyed our bike tour very much and we miss Bottle already.
  We think you organised an excellent variety of destinations and it was all so well worked out. We love papaya and refresher towels and riding in the rain with cute red raincoats and amazing temple stops and rice paddies. I particularly enjoyed karaoke in the shopping centre and talking to the herd of cows and waterbuffalo.
  We look forward to our next tour.

  Roxanne Viggiano - July 2011

• The bike tour was a highlight of our 3 week visit to Thailand. Ant was an excellent guide; I felt safe riding with him (I especially loved the way he directed traffic!) and he was a fun and informative guide. Mr. Rod provided the most excellent support, beyond our expectations.

  Laura Silvers - May 2011

• We cannot thank you enough for your thought fullness, warmth, patience and your wonderful smile. You made an trip unforgettable! Not only did you make the bicycle riding safe and fun, but you taught us so much about Thai history, culture an food.

  Maia Spilman & Laura Silvers - May 2011

• We enjoyed our trip very much. Our guide and driver were exceptional, and looked after our every need, we were quite spoilt.

  Cathy Willems - September 2010

• Excellent trip - great intro to Thailand; the people, the food, and the culture!

  We had a wonderful time - we will tell our friends!

  Reg Martin & Pam Green - November 2009

• Both the driver and tour guide were extremely helpful and accommodating. Very attentive to the needs of customers.

  Kudos to both. Well done!

  Sharon Kim Lee Khor - August 2009

• This tour was simply fantastic. Our guides (Woody, Jumm, and Rim) were totally prepared, professional and, most of all, great people.

  The scenery, food, culture, history, religion, and the famous Thai friendliness were all better than I imagined. The van was always loaded with ice cold drinks, fresh tropical fruit, and an endless variety of delicious Thai snacks.

  The back roads were perfect for riding and sightseeing. Woody has a sixth sense to pull off the road at just the right places to show us some unique cultural, culinary, or historical feature. And every Thai school child seemed to sense us going by so they could wave and yell "hello!"

  For our family of three, this was a perfect way to experience Thailand and on the way home we talked about which tour to take next.

  Tom Isaacs - August 2008

• My family had the most wonderful time on the Sukothai-Chiang Mai tour! 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 - August 2008