Rider Favourite

North Thailand by Road Bike

Price from
US$ 2,350
Duration
10 Days / 9 Nights
Distance
834 km
Tour Code
THA-TRB
Next departure
15-Dec-2024
Number of Cycling Days9
Average Distance Per Day: 93
0
150 Km
Average Climbing Per Day: 1071
0
2,250 m
Accommodation
Basic
5 Star
Total Cycling Distance834 kilometres
AccommodationIncluded
Bike HireStandard Road Bike: US$ 280 to US$ 300, Carbon Road Bike: US$ 400 to US$ 450
Single SupplementUS$ 425
Client Rating (based on 29 reviews)

About this Cycle Tour

North Thailand is a captivating arena for road cyclists, with smooth roads curling up jungle-clad mountains and stretching across valleys of endless rice paddies. On this 10-day tour, we take on some of the north’s most scenic cycling routes, challenge ourselves with iconic climbs, savour breathtaking views, enjoy local cuisine, and unwind in cosy accommodations

We meet in the provincial capital of Chiang Rai, where we kick off with a warm-up ride to the must-see White Temple. Next, we venture into the highlands, making our way to the small town of Tha Thon. From there, we cross the hills of Mae Salong before traversing vast plains to reach the unique Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos converge at the Mekong River. After some gentle rides southward, we face the epic ascent to Phu Chi Fah, revealing some of the north’s most spectacular views, relatively unknown to tourists. We then enjoy a thrilling downhill back to the plains, spending a night in the lakeside city of Phayao. Finally, we hop valley-to-valley to Chiang Mai Province, where we visit the unique “sticky” waterfall, before concluding with a ride on the classic Samoeng Loop. The tour ends in Chiang Mai City.

Join us on this exhilarating road cycling journey through the mountains and valleys of northern Thailand, locally known as “Lanna” – the “Kingdom of a Million Rice Fields”!

Book Your Cycling Holiday

Itinerary

Day 1

We meet in the early afternoon for a warm-up ride to the White Temple, Chiang Rai’s most iconic landmark. In the evening we stroll through the Night Bazaar and enjoy a welcome dinner.

Day 2

After leaving Chiang Rai, we ascend into the highlands of Wa Wi, riding through quiet roads lined with jungles, farmlands, and hill tribe villages. After a challenging 15 km climb, we descend into the Mae Kok River plains, concluding our journey at a peaceful riverside resort.

Day 3

Today's ride brings us to the Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos meet at the confluence of the Mekong River. The first 50 km take us through the scenic highlands of Mae Salong before descending into rice-covered plains to reach our riverside hotel in Chiang Saen.

Day 4

A more gentle ride today, we follow the winding course of the Mekong River through the endless agricultural fields that thrive along its banks. The afternoon is yours to relax in the sleepy border town of Chiang Khong.

Day 5

A 50 km lead-up through the Mekong Plains plains transitions into a formidable 800 metre ascent to the mountaintop of Phu Chi Fah. We then follow a ridge with stunning views to our accommodation in an area renowned for its crisp and cool mountain air.

Day 6

Get up early to catch the sunrise over the mist-covered valleys of neighbouring Laos (optional) before descending into the plains of Phayao Province. A long, mostly flat ride then takes us through this vast rice-growing basin, leading to the lakeside city of Phayao.

Day 7

We skirt the shores of Lake Phayao before traversing the forested slopes of Doi Luang Mountain. Following a ride through the rice-covered Wang River Valley, we make a final ascent to Wiang Pa Pao, where we’ll stay the night at a simple rural hotel.

Day 8

We continue north through the Pa Pao Valley before a series of challenging climbs and fun descents through lush forests leads us to Phrao. Surrounded by Sri Lanna National Park, we conclude our journey at the famous “sticky waterfalls” before transferring to our riverside hotel in Chiang Mai.

Day 9

We end our adventure by cycling the Samoeng Loop, one of Chiang Mai’s most iconic road cycling routes, celebrated for its serene, winding roads flanked by lush jungle foliage. In the evening we convene for our farewell dinner.

Day 10

Our tour has ended. Extend your stay in Chiang Mai, explore other parts of Thailand, or head to the airport for your flight home.

Elevation Profiles

Day 1 - Meet in Chiang Rai Ride 42km. +238m / -237m.
Day 1 - Meet in Chiang Rai Ride 42km. +238m / -237m.

Reviews

Wonderful trip, great scenery, excellent food and accommodation, outstanding guide (who rode with us) and wonderful support driver. But not for the faint-hearted …. Some of the hills were very difficult (often well over 15% and on more than one occasion well over 20%!). I must confess to getting in the van a few times, though overall I feel very happy with my efforts! I appreciated very much that I felt very well supported on the road and was never left feeling bad when a hill became too much for me. I think that Spiceroad's description of the difficulty level is pretty accurate, but recommend that people take the level seriously and do some good training in preparation!

Louise RyanNovember 2023

No better way to see the Thai countryside. Beautiful, traffic-free back roads curling up the sides of mountains; plates of cool mangoes and pineapples and coconut rice waiting to quench your midday hunger; mouthwatering plates of local food waiting for you at every meal, and tireless, friendly guides who will both race you up the mountain when you're feeling strong and help you finish the last leg when you're flagging.

Patrick HealyJanuary 2020

A great mix of fun and challenging cycling, local food, beautiful countryside and sites, and knowledgeable guides. We enjoyed our trip from start to finish!

Sarah MorrisJanuary 2020

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