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River of Kings Ride

Price from
US$ 3,600
Duration
14 Days / 13 Nights
Distance
583 km
Tour Code
THA-TRK
Next departure
17-Nov-2024
Number of Cycling Days12
Average Distance Per Day: 50
0
150 Km
Average Climbing Per Day: 181
0
2,250 m
Accommodation
Basic
5 Star
Total Cycling Distance583 kilometres
AccommodationIncluded
Bike HireHybrid: US$ 280, E-Bike*: US$ 700
Single SupplementUS$ 585
Client Rating (based on 11 reviews)
*E-bikes are in limited supply, please enquire to reserve one.

About this Cycle Tour

This bike journey — much like Thailand's geography and history — is shaped by the flow of rivers. In the north, the Ping descends from the mountains into Chiang Mai. In the Central Plains, the Yom meanders through the ancient landscape of Sukhothai, while the Ping and Nan rivers converge to create the mighty Chao Phraya, the River of Kings. In the Mae Klong Delta, the rivers fan out and spill into the Gulf of Thailand. Along these valleys and plains, expansive rice paddies, villages, towns, and remnants of once-powerful empires come to life. Over 14 days, we wind along scenic backcountry roads for an in-depth exploration of what has made Thailand — the so-called “Land of Smiles” — the vibrant country it is today. With manageable daily distances, limited climbing, and plenty of off-saddle exploration, plus delectable Thai cuisine and cosy accommodations (many along rivers!), this is the ideal tour for those seeking an active yet immersive Thai holiday.

We start in Chiang Mai, exploring this storied city by bike before heading south through the rustic countryside of “Lanna” (the local name for northern Thailand). Along the way, we discover glittering temples, charming heritage towns, and an agrarian world shaped by Buddhist and animist beliefs. Next, we venture into the heartland of the ancient Sukhothai Empire, visiting its UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the grand capital and its pottery-producing satellite city of Sri Satchanalai, as well as the military fortress of Kamphaeng Phet. Riding through Thailand’s rice basket, we follow the Chao Phraya River, flanked by expansive paddy fields stretching to the horizon. By day 9, we reach Ayutthaya, where the UNESCO-listed ruins of the former Siamese capital offer a faded reminder of past glory. We then veer west into Kanchanaburi, where jungle-clad mountains loom over the plains of the historic River Kwai. The last leg of our journey takes us to the Mae Klong Delta, home to Thailand’s most famous floating market and endless coconut farms. Afterward, we transfer to Bangkok for a final ride through an urban oasis before bidding farewell over dinner aboard a converted rice barge cruising along the River of Kings. The tour concludes in Bangkok.

Join us on this eye-opening ride into the heart and soul of Old-World Siam!

Book Your Cycling Holiday

Itinerary

Day 1

We meet at our tour hotel in Chiang Mai for a trip briefing and welcome dinner.

Day 2

In the morning we visit Chiang Mai’s famed mountaintop temple of Doi Suthep. Then, we saddle up for a warm-up ride through the outskirts of the city, cycling around a scenic reservoir and exploring ancient Buddhist temples.

Day 3

We ride south through Wiang Kum Kam's ancient ruins and along the Ping River floodplain to the moated town of Lamphun where we visit a glittering temple complex. We then continue past longan orchards before transferring to Lampang for an overnight stay at a charming riverside resort.

Day 4

We ride through Lampang Province’s scenic countryside, framed by jungle-clad mountains in the distance, and visit an impressive fortified temple complex. In the afternoon, we transfer to Phrae, a northern town that was once the heart of Thailand's lucrative teak trade.

Day 5

We transfer 1.5 hours south where we begin our ride through the ancient landscape of Sri Satchanalai, known for its still discernible pottery kilns and temple ruins. We then follow the Yom River to Sukhothai where we are based for two nights amidst the vestiges of Thailand’s first Kingdom.

Day 6

Today is an easy day on the bikes as we explore the stunning Sukhothai Historical Park. We ride along roads connecting ancient temples and stop to admire some of the most impressive ruins. The afternoon is free to relax by the pool.

Day 7

We skirt around the forested slopes of Ramkhamhaeng National Park and ride through a vast expanse of rice paddies. Our destination is Kamphaeng Phet, a military fortress from the Sukhothai Era, featuring fortification walls entwined with tree roots.

Day 8

We transfer to Nakhon Sawan, where the Chao Phraya, Thailand’s ‘River of Kings,’ has its origin. We follow the river south through rice paddies and villages before enjoying lunch on a restored rice barge cruising the Sakae Krang River. After, we transfer to our lakeside resort in Uthai Thani.

Day 9

We visit a lively morning market before cycling through the rustic countryside, stopping at a water buffalo farm to meet these gentle creatures up close. Continuing along the Chao Phraya River, we conclude with lunch in Chai Nat Province, then transfer to the former Siamese capital of Ayutthaya.

Day 10

In the morning, we cycle through Ayutthaya’s UNESCO-listed ruins, once the capital of Siam. We then transfer to western Thailand, stopping at the WWII-era bridge on the River Kwai before arriving at a riverside hotel.

Day 11

We ride into farmlands with rugged mountains in the distance. After 35 km, we reach Prasat Muang Singh, a 13th-century Khmer temple ruin, then visit a local museum showcasing prehistoric artefacts before unwinding at a riverside resort.

Day 12

We drive to the Mae Klong Delta, visiting the famous Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. After a scenic boat ride through charming villages and fruit orchards, we cycle through coconut plantations, ending the day at a cosy hotel near the vintage canalside community of Amphawa.

Day 13

After a transfer to Bangkok, we ride through the urban oasis of Bang Krachao, known as Bangkok’s “Green Lung,” filled with lush greenery, waterways, and narrow elevated paths. We end the day with a river cruise farewell dinner on the Chao Phraya River.

Day 14

Extend your stay to discover more of Bangkok or head to the airport for your onward flight.

Elevation Profiles

Day 3 - Chiang Mai - Lamphun - Lampang Ride 54km. +212m / -197m.
Day 3 - Chiang Mai - Lamphun - Lampang Ride 54km. +212m / -197m.

Reviews

I enjoyed every minute of the tour: scenery, food, the culture, the people, everything! Our guide Korn and driver Kik were wonderful and played an integral part in making the tour such an enjoyable experience. This was my fifth tour with SpiceRoads, and as usual, I found myself wondering which tour to do next before this one even ended. Also, the fellow riders in the group were great people and a joy to share the experience with.

Jed SchlesingerMarch 2024

Recently we completed the 'River of Kings Ride' which was our fifth tour with SpiceRoads. It was an awesome way to discover the variety of highlights available as we rode From Chiang Mai to Bangkok. Our guide and driver were courteous and supportive. The River of Kings Ride is the longest tour we've done with SpiceRoads. The number of days that it is spread over ensured that we could explore the variety of activities in a timely manner. It was an exciting experience for my husband and I. Well done!

Margaret AshleyJanuary 2019

Our third tour with you was an excellent one for people our age (between 71 and 74). We are impressed by the professionalism of the guide and the driver and both of them were very sympathetic.

Hildur AaseJanuary 2017

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