Welcome to Chiang Mai, the “Rose of the North”! In the early afternoon, we meet at our tour hotel south of the city. Following a trip briefing, we fit the bikes and saddle-up for a gentle warm-up ride in the plains of the Ping River. Maneuvering our way out of Chiang Mai’s outskirts, we first reach Wiang Kum Kam, an archaeological site showcasing the remains of an ancient city predating the foundation of Chiang Mai. From here, we follow the course of the Ping River south for about 15 km, cross a bridge, and loop back north along quiet roads lined by longan trees with their distinctive wide canopies. In the evening we reconvene for a welcome dinner at a lovely riverside restaurant with a good cause. If you need help with airport transfers or pre-tour hotel bookings, just let us know.
Amata Lanna Village
Dinner
Ride 46km
+174m
-174mA 30-minute transfer fast tracks us from Chiang Mai to the agricultural district of Mae Rim where we saddle up at an ornate Buddhist temple. We quickly find ourselves on village lanes and farmer paths crisscrossing a vast patchwork of rice paddies, making it clear why locally this region is known as "Lanna" — "The Land of a Million Rice Fields.” After the 20 km point we pick up the pace on a smoothly paved secondary road, tackle a series of mild climbs, and take a cheeky detour along a forest trail to reach the farmlands at the edge of mountainous Sri Lanna National Park. Here we follow rural roads and rise up to the sturdy dam walls of the Mae Ngat Reservoir where, at around 50 km, we stop for lunch overlooking the calm waters of the lake. Back on the bikes, the final 15 km of today’s ride take us on a mix of gravel, dirt, and concrete roads through longan orchards and rice fields in the district of Mae Taeng. Before arriving at the day’s hotel, we swing by Wat Ban Den, a sprawling temple complex renowned for its large sculptures of creatures from northern Thai mythology.
Phusanfah ResortBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 66km+309m-303mThe first 10 km ease us into the day, weaving through teak forests and fields of elephant grass, the latter grown en-masse to supply nearby elephant camps. Then, today’s major feat: a 15 km climb (average gradient 5-6%) along a narrow, concrete road that snakes its way through highland scenes of wild greenery blending with small plantations of coffee, tea, avocados, and lychees, tended by Lahu hilltribe communities. After a break at a beautiful tea estate at the 25 km point it is a fun yet bumpy downhill to lunch by the Ping River, followed by a few kilometres along national road 107 to enter the Chiang Dao Valley. The final 5 km take us on rolling backroads to today’s hotel nestled amidst a rural idyll framed by the silhouettes of towering ridges and peaks. Arriving at the hotel at the 39 km point, you have an option: saddle-off and cool down in the pool or continue cycling another 15 km to the famous Chiang Dao Caves to explore rock chambers housing stalagmites and Buddha images. The ride there is predominantly on gravel and dirt trails through farmlands. From the caves, a 20-minute transfer takes us back to the hotel.
Buraphat Resort Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 39-53km+1162m-1065mGet ready for the tour’s longest ride. At first, we manoeuvre our way across the Chiang Dao Valley and rise to the top of a low-rising ridge to follow a paved minor road cutting through extensive corn fields, with the majestic Chiang Dao Mountain, Thailand’s third-highest peak, rising in the west. After the 30 km point, the road surfaces get rougher. We first skirt past teak forest plantations on concrete paths before a glorious stretch of gravel tracks and hard-packed dirt trails leading through mango farms and Lisu hilltribe villages. The final section involves some steep and rocky singletrack that requires pushing the bike. By around 46 km, we are back on asphalt for a fast-paced 20 km rollercoaster ride of steady ups and downs into the Fang Valley. Post-lunch, our afternoon ride covers around 50 km along a gently undulating, well-paved secondary road. Here, you can lock into your preferred cadence and soak in the scenes of daily life in a broad valley filled with endless farmlands growing rice and seasonal fruits (lychee is particularly famous here). Tonight we stay at a simple but modern-style hotel in the small city of Fang.
Sleeping Tree Hotel Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 115km+1250m-1188mToday is a milder day, covering just under 50 km on relatively flat terrain. The first half of the route is predominantly paved, cycling on minor roads through a region dominated by orange groves. At the 20 km point, after some low-gradient climbs, we stop in a Lahu hilltribe village pressed up against the highlands which separate Thailand from Myanmar. Should the occasion present itself we may be invited for some local tea and learn about traditional Lahu lifeways and spirituality. We then cruise downhill back into the plains where seemingly every inch available is covered by rice paddies. This is the arena for the second half of today’s ride, navigating small dirt and gravel trails that follow irrigation canals and embankments. Paved surfaces are few and far between all the way to the market town of Tha Thon which sits on the banks of the Mae Kok River. We arrive in time for lunch at a local restaurant and then ride a very short distance to our riverside hotel replete with peaceful gardens and a refreshing pool. The afternoon is yours to relax. We can also arrange an optional drive up to a nearby hilltop temple with panoramic views.
Maekok River Village Resort Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 47km+271m-289mFor the roadies at heart, today is a special treat: we're on paved roads the entire ride as we work our way up into the highlands of Chiang Rai Province. Starting from the banks of the Mae Kok River we head east along the main provincial road cutting through farm-covered, rolling hills, some of which are crowned by Buddhist stupas. We regroup at the 20 km mark and gear up for the climb to Doi Mae Salong, where winding roads lead us past tea plantations, coffee farms, lots of corn, and simply outstanding views over the mountains. The road is well-paved and while the ride trends upwards for 28 km, there are a few refreshing dips to provide a boost from time to time. By around 45 km we arrive at the mountaintop village of Mae Salong which, almost entirely populated by descendants of Chiang Kai Shek's Chinese Nationalist Kuomintang Army, has the look and feel of China’s Yunnan province rather than Thailand. We spend the night in this fascinating area, enjoying the views from our mountain resort and, if you’re up for it, a tea tasting of locally grown specialties.
Mae Salong Flower Hills Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 48km+1388m-748mFrom a height of 1000 metres ASL, we work our way back down to lower ground. The roughly 10 km descent follows a narrow concrete road with a few very steep sections and some magnificent switchbacks. We take it slowly ensconced in the bountiful greenery all around. Back on the main provincial road, we then shift back into lower gear for around 8 km of steady, smooth asphalt climbing (5-6% average gradient). After regrouping we veer onto a dirt road that quietly branches off from the pavement and opens up into a gravel rider’s dream. We push our bikes up a short but steep hill and, for the next 15 km, navigate a mix of gravel, dirt, and concrete paths through a remote, mountainous landscape of streams, rice terraces, cornfields, and Lahu villages. Once we reach the Mae Kok River we enjoy a gentle ride through its narrow valley framed by forested hills. Eventually, we spill out onto the plains surrounding Chiang Rai, concluding our ride at the eccentric White Temple, Chiang Rai’s top attraction, where traditional Thai temple architecture meets modern art and pop culture. We then transfer around thirty minutes to our hotel in the city.
Le Patta HotelBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 74km+981m-1699mWith a solid week of gravel biking behind us - and with two more challenging days ahead - we give our legs a break today. And there’s no better place for it than Chiang Rai City with its laid-back vibe and plenty on offer to fill a relaxed day. Within walking distance of our hotel you’ll find no shortage of spas to soothe your muscles with a Thai massage, cafes & pubs to unwind, and eateries to indulge in local or international fare. We are here on a Saturday which means you can also visit the popular, once-a-week only, “Walking Street”; a pedestrian-only zone chock full of street food and northern Thai products. Lunch and dinner are on your own today. For those keen on ticking off some more of Chiang Rai’s sights, we can organise a morning visit to the eclectic Black House, renowned for its dark, mysterious art collection, and the Blue Temple, with its striking azure architecture. Entrance fees are not included in the tour cost.
Le Patta HotelBreakfastToday's ride leads us to the Golden Triangle where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos converge at the confluence of the Mekong River. Leaving Chiang Rai, we make quick work of the first 15 km as we glide along an asphalt road parallel to the Mae Kok River. We then transition to concrete and gravel, riding deep into rice and corn fields, before joining another provincial road for a fast-paced boost further north. At 45 km we veer towards the river on concrete, then switch to asphalt into hillier terrain where pineapple plantations reign supreme with neat rows of spiky green crowns draped across the slopes. Post-lunch we up the dosage of dirt and gravel as we weave through an area of wetlands, rubber tree plantations and rice fields. Keep your eyes peeled for herds of water buffaloes. By 70 km we’re back on paved roads, riding past more pineapple plantations, skirting around a large lake, and, by around 96 km, reaching the famed Golden Triangle. We end our ride and hop into a boat for a 20-minute zip down the mighty Mekong River to the town of Chiang Saen where we spend the night at a riverside hotel.
Siam Triangle Hotel Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 96km+513m-531mWe begin with a 7 km loop through the ancient town of Chiang Saen, with tree-entwined fortification walls and moss-covered brick temple ruins creating an atmospheric backdrop. Then, after a 10 km stretch along the shoulder of a wide provincial road, we enter an area of rugged hills clad with rubber tree plantations. Here, a few kilometres of dirt trails lead to a paved minor road coiling its way uphill for around 5 km through shady forests and bamboo stands. A rewarding downhill then transitions into rolling terrain with crunchy gravel and bumpy concrete roads leading us back to the banks of the Mekong River where we stop for lunch at around 50 km. In the afternoon, we diverge from the river for about 10 km to head back into farmlands dominated by rubber trees before rejoining the main Mekong road to carry us to the small border town of Chiang Khong. These final 20 km feature smooth asphalt, a short but spicy double digit climb, and a dash to the finish line along a designated bicycle lane on the riverside promenade leading into Chiang Khong. Tonight we toast our achievement at a Mekong-style farewell dinner.
Chiang Khong Teak Garden Riverfront Hotel Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 84km+847m-851mOur cycling tour has ended but you can extend your adventure from Chiang Khong with a Mekong River boat cruise in Laos, a scenic journey to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Luang Prabang. We're happy to recommend cruise operators and provide a drop-off at the border crossing. For those flying out or continuing their stay in northern Thailand, we offer a shared transfer to Chiang Rai Airport or any Chiang Rai City hotel (approx. 1.5-hour drive).
BreakfastDisclaimer: The adventure cycling tours we operate often go beyond the beaten track, and the countries where we ride are not always predictable. Due to these reasons, it is occasionally necessary to reroute or update itineraries. Our guarantee is that we will not change a trip unless for safety or to improve it. Our listed hotels are always accurate at the time of writing, but should we have to change any hotel, it will always be for a similar or better one.
DestinationsThailand
Tour MeetsChiang Mai 
Fly in toChiang Mai International Airport (CNX)
Group Size2-14 riders
SpiceRoads jerseyWater bottleSupport vehicleGuide(s)Meals (as indicated)Airport drop offAccommodationSnacks and drinksEntrance feesFerry/boat fares
International flightsDomestic flightsAirport pick upVisa feesAlcoholTips
We ride a total of 629 km over 9 cycling days. The journey takes us across valley floors, rolling hills, mountain passes, and rice field plains as we travel from Chiang Mai to the Mekong River. The cycling takes place on a variety of road surfaces, with a carefully calibrated ratio of paved and unpaved sections to optimize time spent on gravel/dirt tracks while covering longer distances on asphalt and concrete roads. Whether you’re a roadie at heart looking to expand your horizons or a gravel connoisseur in search of the crunchiest trails Thailand has to offer, you will find plenty of variety to suit your taste on this tour.
Other than a transfer from Chiang Mai to the cycling start point on Day 2, from the White Temple to Chiang Rai on day 7, and from the Golden Triangle to Chiang Saen on day 9, all of our rides are point-to-point. If you choose to cycle to the Chiang Dao Caves on Day 3, there will be a short transfer to get back to the hotel after our visit. None of the transfers are more than 30 - 45 minutes. The tour’s end point is Chiang Khong which, located just 30 minutes from an international border crossing with Laos, is the perfect transition point if you plan on travelling further to Luang Prabang via a Mekong River cruise.
Beyond fabulous cycling, tour highlights include iconic sites like the White Temple and Golden Triangle, as well as lesser visited locales such as a tea plantation in the Chiang Dao hills and a Lahu hilltribe village. For many, the most memorable moments are encounters with Thailand’s incredibly welcoming locals, always eager to wave hello and cheer us on!
The trip is fully supported, and your guide’s expert knowledge of the area and terrain means that you always know what is coming up in terms of distance and difficulty. This makes a tremendous difference, as does the constant supply of water and refreshments along the way.
Suitability: The tour is suitable for cyclists with good physical fitness, comfortable tackling daily distances of more than 70 km on mixed surfaces and average elevation gains of more than 700 metres. Overall, the terrain is hilly and changeable, with flat sections and a lot of climbs and descents. Some climbs can be gradual while others are short but steep. Fitness will be a huge asset on those long days and challenging climbs.You should be comfortable on a gravel bike and have experience navigating on dirt paths and gravel tracks for extended periods. There are no overly technical sections but good handling skills are required, especially on some bumpy descents. We have one rest day in Chiang Rai (Day 8). A support vehicle follows the group throughout the journey but be aware that it cannot always follow directly, instead meeting the group at intervals.
Biking Conditions: The overall split of paved and unpaved roads on this tour is roughly 75% / 25%. Paved surfaces are either asphalt or concrete with conditions ranging from very smooth to bumpy and cratered. Unpaved surfaces are predominantly farmer trails which range from hard-packed soil to loose but still grippy gravel. There are a few short sections of singletrack and rocky forest paths. Although much of the route is on quiet countryside roads with minimal traffic, we will regularly share the roads with cars, motorbikes, and buses. There are a handful of unavoidable sections along main provincial roads but these are few and far between. Although we’ve scheduled our departures to avoid the wettest times of the year, rainfall can occur at any time. We generally ride rain or shine, but based on the guide’s discretion or your comfort level, modifications to the planned route can be made. Additionally, from March through April, northern Thailand experiences its annual burning season, when smoke from agricultural field clearings causes smog. While we avoid this period entirely, the exact start date varies each year, and some early burnings may occur in February, impacting air quality on parts of the route.
Hotels: Accommodations on this tour are predominantly character-filled, well-regarded hotels at the 3 to 4 star level. Expect clean, spacious rooms with air-conditioning, professional service, and swimming pools (available at all properties with the exception of our stay in Fang on day 4). Many of the tour hotels are located in scenic areas with beautiful views of mountains, countryside and rivers. Our chosen hotels also feature hygienic restaurants offering Thai and, occasionally, Western options. Please be aware that some older properties, while charming, may show signs of wear and tear, and the service pace in Thailand can generally be more relaxed than you might be accustomed to. Don’t expect all hotel staff to speak English. For larger groups, we may need to use more than one accommodation and, in case of limited availability, switch to an alternative property from the one listed in the itinerary.
Welcome to Chiang Mai, the “Rose of the North”! In the early afternoon, we meet at our tour hotel south of the city. Following a trip briefing, we fit the bikes and saddle-up for a gentle warm-up ride in the plains of the Ping River. Maneuvering our way out of Chiang Mai’s outskirts, we first reach Wiang Kum Kam, an archaeological site showcasing the remains of an ancient city predating the foundation of Chiang Mai. From here, we follow the course of the Ping River south for about 15 km, cross a bridge, and loop back north along quiet roads lined by longan trees with their distinctive wide canopies. In the evening we reconvene for a welcome dinner at a lovely riverside restaurant with a good cause. If you need help with airport transfers or pre-tour hotel bookings, just let us know.
Amata Lanna VillageDinnerRide 46km+174m-174mA 30-minute transfer fast tracks us from Chiang Mai to the agricultural district of Mae Rim where we saddle up at an ornate Buddhist temple. We quickly find ourselves on village lanes and farmer paths crisscrossing a vast patchwork of rice paddies, making it clear why locally this region is known as "Lanna" — "The Land of a Million Rice Fields.” After the 20 km point we pick up the pace on a smoothly paved secondary road, tackle a series of mild climbs, and take a cheeky detour along a forest trail to reach the farmlands at the edge of mountainous Sri Lanna National Park. Here we follow rural roads and rise up to the sturdy dam walls of the Mae Ngat Reservoir where, at around 50 km, we stop for lunch overlooking the calm waters of the lake. Back on the bikes, the final 15 km of today’s ride take us on a mix of gravel, dirt, and concrete roads through longan orchards and rice fields in the district of Mae Taeng. Before arriving at the day’s hotel, we swing by Wat Ban Den, a sprawling temple complex renowned for its large sculptures of creatures from northern Thai mythology.
Phusanfah ResortBreakfast, Lunch, DinnerRide 66km+309m-303mThe first 10 km ease us into the day, weaving through teak forests and fields of elephant grass, the latter grown en-masse to supply nearby elephant camps. Then, today’s major feat: a 15 km climb (average gradient 5-6%) along a narrow, concrete road that snakes its way through highland scenes of wild greenery blending with small plantations of coffee, tea, avocados, and lychees, tended by Lahu hilltribe communities. After a break at a beautiful tea estate at the 25 km point it is a fun yet bumpy downhill to lunch by the Ping River, followed by a few kilometres along national road 107 to enter the Chiang Dao Valley. The final 5 km take us on rolling backroads to today’s hotel nestled amidst a rural idyll framed by the silhouettes of towering ridges and peaks. Arriving at the hotel at the 39 km point, you have an option: saddle-off and cool down in the pool or continue cycling another 15 km to the famous Chiang Dao Caves to explore rock chambers housing stalagmites and Buddha images. The ride there is predominantly on gravel and dirt trails through farmlands. From the caves, a 20-minute transfer takes us back to the hotel.
Buraphat Resort Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerRide 39-53km+1162m-1065mGet ready for the tour’s longest ride. At first, we manoeuvre our way across the Chiang Dao Valley and rise to the top of a low-rising ridge to follow a paved minor road cutting through extensive corn fields, with the majestic Chiang Dao Mountain, Thailand’s third-highest peak, rising in the west. After the 30 km point, the road surfaces get rougher. We first skirt past teak forest plantations on concrete paths before a glorious stretch of gravel tracks and hard-packed dirt trails leading through mango farms and Lisu hilltribe villages. The final section involves some steep and rocky singletrack that requires pushing the bike. By around 46 km, we are back on asphalt for a fast-paced 20 km rollercoaster ride of steady ups and downs into the Fang Valley. Post-lunch, our afternoon ride covers around 50 km along a gently undulating, well-paved secondary road. Here, you can lock into your preferred cadence and soak in the scenes of daily life in a broad valley filled with endless farmlands growing rice and seasonal fruits (lychee is particularly famous here). Tonight we stay at a simple but modern-style hotel in the small city of Fang.
Sleeping Tree Hotel Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerRide 115km+1250m-1188mToday is a milder day, covering just under 50 km on relatively flat terrain. The first half of the route is predominantly paved, cycling on minor roads through a region dominated by orange groves. At the 20 km point, after some low-gradient climbs, we stop in a Lahu hilltribe village pressed up against the highlands which separate Thailand from Myanmar. Should the occasion present itself we may be invited for some local tea and learn about traditional Lahu lifeways and spirituality. We then cruise downhill back into the plains where seemingly every inch available is covered by rice paddies. This is the arena for the second half of today’s ride, navigating small dirt and gravel trails that follow irrigation canals and embankments. Paved surfaces are few and far between all the way to the market town of Tha Thon which sits on the banks of the Mae Kok River. We arrive in time for lunch at a local restaurant and then ride a very short distance to our riverside hotel replete with peaceful gardens and a refreshing pool. The afternoon is yours to relax. We can also arrange an optional drive up to a nearby hilltop temple with panoramic views.
Maekok River Village Resort Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerRide 47km+271m-289mFor the roadies at heart, today is a special treat: we're on paved roads the entire ride as we work our way up into the highlands of Chiang Rai Province. Starting from the banks of the Mae Kok River we head east along the main provincial road cutting through farm-covered, rolling hills, some of which are crowned by Buddhist stupas. We regroup at the 20 km mark and gear up for the climb to Doi Mae Salong, where winding roads lead us past tea plantations, coffee farms, lots of corn, and simply outstanding views over the mountains. The road is well-paved and while the ride trends upwards for 28 km, there are a few refreshing dips to provide a boost from time to time. By around 45 km we arrive at the mountaintop village of Mae Salong which, almost entirely populated by descendants of Chiang Kai Shek's Chinese Nationalist Kuomintang Army, has the look and feel of China’s Yunnan province rather than Thailand. We spend the night in this fascinating area, enjoying the views from our mountain resort and, if you’re up for it, a tea tasting of locally grown specialties.
Mae Salong Flower Hills Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerRide 48km+1388m-748mFrom a height of 1000 metres ASL, we work our way back down to lower ground. The roughly 10 km descent follows a narrow concrete road with a few very steep sections and some magnificent switchbacks. We take it slowly ensconced in the bountiful greenery all around. Back on the main provincial road, we then shift back into lower gear for around 8 km of steady, smooth asphalt climbing (5-6% average gradient). After regrouping we veer onto a dirt road that quietly branches off from the pavement and opens up into a gravel rider’s dream. We push our bikes up a short but steep hill and, for the next 15 km, navigate a mix of gravel, dirt, and concrete paths through a remote, mountainous landscape of streams, rice terraces, cornfields, and Lahu villages. Once we reach the Mae Kok River we enjoy a gentle ride through its narrow valley framed by forested hills. Eventually, we spill out onto the plains surrounding Chiang Rai, concluding our ride at the eccentric White Temple, Chiang Rai’s top attraction, where traditional Thai temple architecture meets modern art and pop culture. We then transfer around thirty minutes to our hotel in the city.
Le Patta HotelBreakfast, Lunch, DinnerRide 74km+981m-1699mWith a solid week of gravel biking behind us - and with two more challenging days ahead - we give our legs a break today. And there’s no better place for it than Chiang Rai City with its laid-back vibe and plenty on offer to fill a relaxed day. Within walking distance of our hotel you’ll find no shortage of spas to soothe your muscles with a Thai massage, cafes & pubs to unwind, and eateries to indulge in local or international fare. We are here on a Saturday which means you can also visit the popular, once-a-week only, “Walking Street”; a pedestrian-only zone chock full of street food and northern Thai products. Lunch and dinner are on your own today. For those keen on ticking off some more of Chiang Rai’s sights, we can organise a morning visit to the eclectic Black House, renowned for its dark, mysterious art collection, and the Blue Temple, with its striking azure architecture. Entrance fees are not included in the tour cost.
Le Patta HotelBreakfastToday's ride leads us to the Golden Triangle where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos converge at the confluence of the Mekong River. Leaving Chiang Rai, we make quick work of the first 15 km as we glide along an asphalt road parallel to the Mae Kok River. We then transition to concrete and gravel, riding deep into rice and corn fields, before joining another provincial road for a fast-paced boost further north. At 45 km we veer towards the river on concrete, then switch to asphalt into hillier terrain where pineapple plantations reign supreme with neat rows of spiky green crowns draped across the slopes. Post-lunch we up the dosage of dirt and gravel as we weave through an area of wetlands, rubber tree plantations and rice fields. Keep your eyes peeled for herds of water buffaloes. By 70 km we’re back on paved roads, riding past more pineapple plantations, skirting around a large lake, and, by around 96 km, reaching the famed Golden Triangle. We end our ride and hop into a boat for a 20-minute zip down the mighty Mekong River to the town of Chiang Saen where we spend the night at a riverside hotel.
Siam Triangle Hotel Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerRide 96km+513m-531mWe begin with a 7 km loop through the ancient town of Chiang Saen, with tree-entwined fortification walls and moss-covered brick temple ruins creating an atmospheric backdrop. Then, after a 10 km stretch along the shoulder of a wide provincial road, we enter an area of rugged hills clad with rubber tree plantations. Here, a few kilometres of dirt trails lead to a paved minor road coiling its way uphill for around 5 km through shady forests and bamboo stands. A rewarding downhill then transitions into rolling terrain with crunchy gravel and bumpy concrete roads leading us back to the banks of the Mekong River where we stop for lunch at around 50 km. In the afternoon, we diverge from the river for about 10 km to head back into farmlands dominated by rubber trees before rejoining the main Mekong road to carry us to the small border town of Chiang Khong. These final 20 km feature smooth asphalt, a short but spicy double digit climb, and a dash to the finish line along a designated bicycle lane on the riverside promenade leading into Chiang Khong. Tonight we toast our achievement at a Mekong-style farewell dinner.
Chiang Khong Teak Garden Riverfront Hotel Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerRide 84km+847m-851mOur cycling tour has ended but you can extend your adventure from Chiang Khong with a Mekong River boat cruise in Laos, a scenic journey to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Luang Prabang. We're happy to recommend cruise operators and provide a drop-off at the border crossing. For those flying out or continuing their stay in northern Thailand, we offer a shared transfer to Chiang Rai Airport or any Chiang Rai City hotel (approx. 1.5-hour drive).
BreakfastDisclaimer: The adventure cycling tours we operate often go beyond the beaten track, and the countries where we ride are not always predictable. Due to these reasons, it is occasionally necessary to reroute or update itineraries. Our guarantee is that we will not change a trip unless for safety or to improve it. Our listed hotels are always accurate at the time of writing, but should we have to change any hotel, it will always be for a similar or better one.
Because some people can't imagine going on a trip without their own beloved bicycle, we do not include them in the price as part of this tour. However, we offer high-quality TREK Domane AL5 Gen 4 endurance road bikes for hire, fitted with 38c width tires, at the price listed in the tour pricing section. Depending on the size required and availability, a different model of equal quality may be used. While not purpose-built gravel bikes, this configuration is ideally suited to the road surfaces encountered on this tour. If you bring your own bike, please make sure it is a similarly fitted road bike or gravel bike in good mechanical order.
Basic spares and tools are carried by the guide and on the support vehicle, though we cannot guarantee having spares for every conceivable problem. Carrying a basic tool kit, a spare tube and a pump while riding is recommended.
Wearing a helmet is required on all our biking adventures and is non negotiable. If you do not wear a helmet you will not be allowed to cycle. Your tour leader is trained in first aid and emergency rescue, but to a large degree you must be responsible for your own safety while riding. It is therefore compulsory that you take out travel insurance that will cover you for a mountain biking tour.
You will be led by a local English-speaking guide and if the group is 9 people or more we will add another guide to the tour. All our guides are well informed in the history, culture and religions of the area where you are biking and are skilled at passing that knowledge on to you. Your guide is also medically trained and an experienced cyclist, able to handle most minor repairs en route.
Important Update: As of May 01, 2025 all non-Thai nationals entering Thailand by air, land, or sea must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online before arrival. Please fill out the details on the official website here within three (3) days before your arrival in Thailand. This is a free process - beware of fake websites that charge a fee. If you are already travelling within the three days before your planned arrival in Thailand, then we suggest completing the form while you are at a hotel with reliable Wi-Fi. It only takes a few minutes.
We recommend that you visit a travel medical doctor and ask about the following vaccinations: typhoid, polio, tetanus and hepatitis A. A certificate for Yellow Fever is required when arriving from an infected area within six days.
Thailand generally has a tropical climate with fairly high humidity. The North and Central region have a tropical climate with fairly high humidity. Northeast Thailand has a humid hot and dry weather alternatively with medium rain while the coastal areas of the east is humid and hot with intermittent rain. The South of Thailand has a tropical climate with fairly high humidity.
There are three seasons: from March to June it is hot and dry, with temperatures between 27˚C/80 F and 40˚C/104 F, with night temperatures in the 20s. The rainy season is from July to October, but temperatures are slightly lower, because of the effect of the rain. During this time it will not rain continuously, but in sharp bursts, and the sun can come out quickly. The cooler season is from October to February, with average temperatures between 20˚C/68 F and 30˚C/86 F.
Meals are included as per the itinerary where B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner. Most meals are local and feature noodles, rice, curries, and soups. Any special dietary requirements can also be catered for as well. Please let us know at the time of booking.
Keeping you completely hydrated is a job we take very seriously. Cold water, some energy-restoring local fruit, and soft drinks are included in the tour price while riding. Soft drinks and other beverages during meals are not included. Beer is freely available everywhere but is NOT included in the price.
SpiceRoads does not require you to pay a surcharge for traveling alone. We will arrange for you to share accommodation with another traveler of the same gender and if we cannot match you up we will provide a single room at no extra charge. If you prefer not to share a single supplement is payable to guarantee your own room. The cost of the single supplement is listed above.
We recommend that you tuck away a few extra dollars, perhaps US$20 per day, for incidentals.
The Thai currency is the baht. ATMs, which are abundant, are the easiest ways to get Thai baht. Have a supply of US dollars in cash on hand, just in case your card doesn’t work. Banks or the rarer private moneychangers offer the best foreign-exchange rates. Credit cards are accepted in big cities and resort hotels but you’ll need baht for family-run guesthouses or restaurants.
If this is the tour for you here's what you need to do to confirm your place:
Just complete our online booking form or send your booking details offline (email or post), and we will confirm your participation. No deposit is needed to confirm your place on a SpiceRoads tour.
You are advised to read our Booking Conditions in full before you make your payment and should you require further clarifications of any of the conditions below, please email us or call our office.
There is a minimum number of participants (usually 2) required to enable the trip to go ahead. Once the minimum number is reached, the trip status will change from 'Available' to 'Guaranteed to Depart'. Once a trip is guaranteed to depart you are free to book your flights and make other travel arrangements. If the trip status is ‘Limited’ will mean we have only a small number of spaces available for booking. If you are unsure about the trip status, please email us or call our office.
From the tour page, click the 'Book Now' link. All departures for this tour will appear, just select the date you'd like to travel. For the next steps, you'll need to know the names of the people travelling. If you wish you can also provide extra details such as passport numbers, height (for bike hire), or you can add that later by logging into Manage My Trip (we'll set up an account for you automatically if you don't already have one). Our system will contact you from time to time to fill in the missing information, as it will be required before departure. However, if the trip that you are booking offers a child discount, you will have to fill out the date of birth of each rider (so we can calculate the appropriate discount).
If you are having any problems please send us an email, or give us a call (+66 026 3295) and one of our travel specialists will assist you with your booking.
Just call us or send an email indicating which trip you want to join and we will happily send you a list of questions and process your booking for you.
We do not require a deposit or full payment to book a place for you on a tour.
The balance of the tour’s cost (final invoice) will need to be paid 60 days before the departure date with fees for any bicycle rental(s), single supplement(s) and extra hotel nights.
In the case where a booking is made when there are less than 60 days until the tour departure date, the tour’s cost should be paid in full within 72 hours of receiving an invoice from SpiceRoads. Payment can be made by credit card using our online payment gateway or by bank transfer. When making payment online you will need to confirm that you have read these booking conditions during the "checkout" process, which equates to agreeing to the terms of services and stipulations as indicated in this document.
In all cases, tour fees need to be paid “in full” before participation in a tour. No person(s) will be allowed to join a tour without fully settling their invoice and receiving a confirmation number from SpiceRoads.
The exception can be made for last-minute miscellaneous fees that can be paid locally (visas, additional local hotel bookings, etc.) can be settled on the day of arrival.
If the tour is cancelled or postponed by SpiceRoads because we didn't make the trip numbers and the tour can’t run, we will make a full cash refund (by bank transfer or on your credit card).
If the tour is cancelled for any other reason, including due to Covid related travel restrictions, we will give you a full credit (with no deductions for admin or any other small-print item) to use on any SpiceRoads tour with no time limit. (Exceptions being flights, special permits and other non-refundable items and these will be advised when booking the trip).
Before paying for your tour, you can cancel your booking with no charge and up until 40 days before departure, you can change your booking to another travel date or move your booking onto another SpiceRoads tour with no charges.
If you need to cancel after you have made full payment, please see our cancellation policy.
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