Northern Thailand Mountain biking 6 days tour

Destination: Chiang Mai/Chiang Dao/Ban Thaton/Chiang Rai

Highlights: From Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, join us and experience our most popular mountain bike route over six days of great cycling from the hills of Chiangdao down to the Maekok river. Discover varied scenery, small villages and the ethnic hill tribes of Northern Thailand and pristine rural life. Ride your sturdy mountain-bike through scenic areas with plenty of exciting trails and sights. Easy cycling and great trails, a perfect mix which can satisfy novices and experienced riders with also boat ride and cave exploration. There is plenty of challenging loops along the route!

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner, G=Guide

Day 1: Chiang Mai arrival (G)

On arrival at the airport, you will be met and transferred to hotel. The rest of the day will be your own for strolling the city. Your overnight stay will be in Chiang Mai.

Day 2: Chiang Mai/Chiang Dao (B, L, D, G)

After breakfast, a car will pick you up at your hotel and drive to Chiangdao region. Stop at elephant camp in jungle to watch elephants bathing and demonstrating their skills. You’ll explore the Chiangdao caves, part of a Buddhist sanctuary before lunch in local restaurant.

After the lunch and a short bike fitting, you’ll start our ride through rural back roads, eventually turning into dirt trails, across a pristine landscape leading to small hill tribe villages. You’ll then visit Lahu, Lisu and Akha villages, and discover the Palaung people from Myanmar with only a few settlements in northern Thailand. You’ll ride to the Palong village and near by Padeng Lodge to spend the night. Enjoy a succulent Thai dinner served at the lodge.

Day 3: Chiang Dao/Ban Thaton (B, L, D, G)

This morning, you’ll ride mostly off road through great trails and scenic landscape! The route is not too difficult and the escort vehicle is always near by. Morning distance is nearly 20 miles (30 km). Lunch stop and visit Buddhist forest temple and caves. Afternoon cycling around 15 miles (25 km), paved road, then car transfer to Ban Thaton for overnight – a small village located by the Burmese border on the bank of the Maekok river. Night and dinner at tourist class hotel.

Day 4: Ban Thaton/Chiang Rai (B, L, D, G)

After breakfast, you’ll cycle through the Maekok river valley, passing rice fields and plantations. You’ll then follow an exciting trail winding it’s way along the river. Next, you’ll ride a local long-tail boat downriver to reach a forest park and take our bike again to continue cycling to a Karen village by the river. After a break, you’ll continue cycling or proceed by car to our Chiang-Rai. Evening and dinner free at leisure. It might be the good opportunity to stroll around the small night market or go for a reinvigorating Thai traditional massage.

Day 5: Chiang Rai/Chiang Mai (B, L, D, G)

Cycling itinerary is flexible today and to some extent will depends on the season. You’ll ride out of the city and follow the river bank to discover exciting new trails. Cycle up the mountain village, and down via another trail. You’ll ride more trails to reach a waterfall for a local lunch. Relax and shower at the waterfall before an overland transfer back to Chiang Mai (3 hours+) with your vehicle. Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Day 6: Chiang Mai departure (B, G)

After breakfast, you’ll be free until your driver arrives to take you to the airport for your departure flight.

Price in US$ per person:

Our price includes:

• Breakfast and accommodation sharing a twin or double room
• Pick-ups and transfers by private air-conditioned car as specified in the itinerary above
• Travel by private, air-conditioned car with an experienced, safe driver
• The services of experienced English-speaking guides as indicated in the itinerary except leisure time
• Boats cruise as programme
• Meals, as specified, in the good local restaurants, picnics where suitable restaurants are not available
• Where necessary, entry fees for all visits as mentioned in the programme
• Cold water and towel during the trip

Our price does not include:

• International flight tickets and airport tax
• Visas
• Other meals not mentioned
• Drinks, gratuities, tips and personal expenses
• Insurance