Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai Cycling Tour

Arrive in Chiang Mai and settle into your hotel. Our guide meets at your hotel, post-lunch at 13:00.

Today we take a bike loop along the Ping River. Our ride takes us outside of town, visiting the 725-year-old ruins at Wiang Khum Kam and the craft shop village of Baan Tawai. We convene tonight to celebrate the start of our awesome journey on a bike.

Our guide meets you at your hotel in Chiang Mai. After the orientation, head out for a ride to the Chiang Dao, which lies in the northern part of the Chiang Mai district. Amidst lush jungles and limestone mountains, Chiang Dao is a heavenly escape from the heat of plains and a popular stop for birders and trekkers. The base of the mountain is a highly venerated wát marking the entrance to one of Thailand’s deepest limestone caverns.

We start early on this day for a ride to Fang, crossing many local villages in the hinterland. Expect to see the valley whitewashed with bright green hues of paddy, jungles, and fruit plantations.

Ride further from Fang to Thaton traverses across paddy fields. The fields cling onto the side of the village road for almost the entire way. The ride is mostly on flat roads, with occasional dips and climbs, which add to the interest for a cyclist. We also come across several villages on the way – perfect to get great photographs of the interiors of Thailand. The locals are quite friendly and don’t be surprised if you are invited to a home for a cup of tea (or red Fanta).

We pace out our journey to Thaton and arrive at this beautiful town at the edge of a River. Thaton is one of the last towns bordering Myanmar in this area. The great part of this is that one gets to see the blend of Burmese, Thai and Chinese influences in language and culture.

Ride along the river and make way to Mae Salong. The river meanders through a rich green valley, unfolding one dramatic scenery after another. Hilltop farming to tea plantations, bamboo huts by the river – this is Thailand at its most authentic best!

We’re back in the countryside this morning, with paddy fields for company. The ride is extremely refreshing as the crisp morning air and clear skies welcome you on the road. We reach Chiang Saen by afternoon and settle into the hotel. Relax for some time before setting out to see the confluence of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar, and the site for the infamous Golden Triangle. A great way to see this is from Wat Phrathat Phu Kao Hill. Chiang Saen is one of the most historic cities. What makes it more intriguing is the access from here to Thailand and Burma.

Ride past fruit orchards, paddy fields, banana plantations and arrive at Chiang Rai. The region is home to a distinct array of food, music, art, and lush landscapes. The rest of the evening is on your own to roam the night markets, full of local Bric-à-brac and street food stalls. Chiang Rai comes alive in the evenings with the streets packed with locals and tourists alike.

Extend your stay here or travel further as per your onwards plans.