Redesigned

North Thailand by Bike

Price from
US$ 2,800
Duration
10 Days / 9 Nights
Distance
531 km
Tour Code
THA-TNT
Next departure
05-Oct-2025
Number of Cycling Days8
Average Distance Per Day: 66
0
150 Km
Average Climbing Per Day: 580
0
2,250 m
Accommodation
Basic
5 Star
Total Cycling Distance531 kilometres
AccommodationIncluded
Bike HireMountain Bike: US$ 200
Single SupplementUS$ 550
Client Rating (based on 17 reviews)

About this Cycle Tour

The North of Thailand has been captivating cyclists for decades. While its grueling climbs and gritty off-road tracks often steal the spotlight, this 10-day adventure offers a lovingly curated selection of terrific mixed-surface routes that highlight the region’s gentler side. We navigate farmer trails meandering among rice paddies, concrete paths linking villages, and smooth tarmac roads undulating over low-rising hills. These routes provide a strong taste of Northern Thailand by bike without the need to scale any mountains or rattle through technical singletracks!

Starting from bustling Chiang Mai, we begin with a warm-up ride through the flat plains surrounding the Ping River before venturing deeper into the hilly terrain of northern Thailand. We ride along scenic backcountry roads, visit the sacred Chiang Dao Caves, and reach the highlands along the border with Myanmar. From the small town of Tha Ton, we follow the Mae Kok River through a jungle-clad valley and pass hilltribe villages to reach the eccentric White Temple. We have a rest day in Chiang Rai, a charming city with plenty on offer to fill a relaxed day. We then ride through an agrarian landscape of rice and pineapple fields to arrive at the famed Golden Triangle, where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos converge at the confluence of the Mekong River. We zip down the river on a boat, explore the ancient city of Chiang Saen, and crown our adventure with a ride along the Mekong to end the tour in the sleepy border town of Chiang Khong.

Join us on this superbly balanced journey from Chiang Mai to the banks of the mighty Mekong River!

Book Your Cycling Holiday

Itinerary

Day 1

We meet at our tour hotel in Chiang Mai in the early afternoon. Our warm-up ride takes us along quiet roads by the Ping River, passing ancient ruins and longan fruit orchards. In the evening, we reconvene for a welcome dinner.

Day 2

A short transfer brings us north where we begin today’s ride on farmer lanes crisscrossing rice paddies. Then it’s onto minor paved roads to reach the shores of Mae Ngat Reservoir. A final section of backcountry cycling leads to a beautiful Buddhist temple around the corner from the day’s hotel.

Day 3

We transfer into the Chiang Dao Valley, home to Thailand’s third largest mountain, where we ride through bountiful farmlands framed by the silhouettes of towering ridges and peaks. Along the way we visit the sacred Chiang Dao Caves.

Day 4

Today we transition from the Chiang Dao Valley to the Fang Valley, enjoying a varied ride through hilly terrain along backcountry gravel and dirt tracks and paved minor roads. Post-lunch, an optional afternoon ride or van transfer takes us to the town of Fang, where we spend the night.

Day 5

A shorter stage today, with the first half on paved minor roads passing orange groves and the second through plains filled with rice paddies on dirt and gravel trails. The afternoon is free to relax at our tranquil riverside hotel near the town of Tha Ton.

Day 6

We follow the Mae Kok River south through a jungle-clad valley, cycling on mixed surface roads that lead to hilltribe villages and farms etched into the hillslopes. Eventually, we spill out onto the plains surrounding Chiang Rai to visit the eccentric White Temple before transferring to our hotel.

Day 7

Today is free to unwind in Chiang Rai. Treat yourself to a Thai massage, explore the city’s main attractions, and shop along the Walking Street.

Day 8

We weave along the backwaters of Chiang Rai Province to reach the famed Golden Triangle, where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos converge at the confluence of the Mekong River. Trading our bikes for a boat we zip down the river to our hotel in Chiang Saen.

Day 9

Our final ride takes us south along the Mekong River with a few worthwhile detours into the surrounding hills draped by rubber trees. Tonight we toast to our achievement at a farewell dinner in the small border town of Chiang Khong.

Day 10

Our cycling tour has ended but you can extend your adventure with a Mekong River boat cruise in neighboring Laos. A drop off at the border crossing or Chiang Rai Airport for onward flights are included.

Elevation Profiles

Day 1 - Meet in Chiang Mai Ride 46km. +174m / -174m.
Day 1 - Meet in Chiang Mai Ride 46km. +174m / -174m.

Reviews

fantastic

Mick OBrienNovember 2024

Great cycling, beautiful and varied landscapes, outstanding leadership and support, super central organisation

Simon NobleNovember 2024

The tailor made tour, parallel to the ordinary Spiceroad bike tour, was perfect for us, as a couple of pensionaries. We could start early and finish at about noon oder 13h in order to avoid the very hot hours and return to our Hotel on time to take a good rest!

Werner BILLNovember 2024

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