Mountain Biking adventures in the North
(Chiang Mai - Chiang Rai) Ref: RT023A
The island of Samet is a little paradise at a few hours of Bangkok,
and is a very good alternative for those who may not have the time
for a longer or more costly journey to the islands in the South of Thailand.

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Programme (4 days cycling):
Discover a classical route along varied scenery, village life and hill-tribes.
Easy cycling and great trails, a perfect mix which can satisfy novices and experienced riders with also motor boat ride and cave exploration.
There is plenty of challenging loops along the route! |
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Day 1: Chiang Mai / Chiang Dao (cycling 30 to 45 km / 18 to 28 miles) |
Pick-up participants from various Chiang Mai hotels and drive north by covered pickup to Chiang-Dao region.
Stop at elephant camp in the jungle and watch the elephants bathing and demonstrate their skills.
Explore Chiang-Dao caves.
Lunch in a local restaurant. |
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Start of the bike ride through rural back roads first, continuing on off-road trails, across a pristine landscape leading to small hill-tribe villages. Visit Lahu, Lisu and Akha villages, and discover the Palaung people from Myanmar (only a few settlements in northern Thailand).Finish cycling at hilltribe village.
Excellent Thai dinner served by your guide.
Night home stay as guests of the village headman's family. |
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Day 2: Chiang Dao / Thaton
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(cycling 30 to 60 km / 18 to 38 miles)
Breakfast.
Departure
for an intense and fantastic cycle tour through nature! Ride
exciting trails (30 km) then onto paved road.
Lunch
stop and visit of a Buddhist forestry temple and caves.
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Afternoon cycling around 25 kilometres, mostly off road, until car transfer to Ban Thaton for overnight stay on banks of the Maekok river, near the Burmese border.
Night and dinner at the hotel. |
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Day 3: Thaton / Chiang Rai (cycling 45 to 60 km / 28 to 38 miles)
Breakfast.
Cycle through the Maekok river valley, past rice fields and plantations. Then follow an exciting riverside trail.
Get in a local long tail boat downriver and continue cycling to a Karen village on the riverbanks.
Lunch
Proceed by bike or transfer by car to the Chiang Rai hotel.
Evening and dinner free at leisure. |
Day 4: Chiang Rai (cycling 20 to 40 km / 12 to 24 miles) |
Breakfast.
Cycling itinerary is flexible and depending on the season.
Cycle out of town and follow the river to discover exciting new trails. Cycling up the mountain to a waterfall and down another route.
Lunch, relax and shower at waterfall.
Car transfer back to Chiang Mai (3 hours by road) or extend your trip in Chiang Rai (see as bellow). |
Safety !
Participants are required to wear helmets, which are provided if you do not have. Your own SPD shoes and pedals can be fitted on the bikes if you bring them. |
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End-of-tour suggestions / options:
- Stay extra night(s) individually in Chiang Rai hotel, then depart by flight.
- Direct flight to Bangkok from Chiang Rai, by Thai Airways and Air Asia..
- Additional days cycling to the Golden Triangle or the Laos Border, Chiang Khong! (available on request only) |
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Equipment:
Well-maintained, high-quality Shimano
mountain bikes. A range of different bikes,
mostly 21 speed Shimano STX with front suspensions are available.
Spare parts and
tools are brought by an escort vehicle.
Bikes fit individuals from 130 cm to 195 cm (4" to 6,5"). Frame sizes 16" to 20".
Rental bikes & equipment are not insured in Thailand,
therefore participants are
responsible
for damages due to accidents or misuse. |
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Other trips in the North:
Discovery of the tribes in Mae Hong Son?
Adventure and discovery of Pai by Motocross
Home Stay experience in a northern village
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Incentives...
We have the logistic and the experience to manage up to 60 cyclists on the roads
of Northern Thailand, with escort by the local authorities, medical team,
aid vehicles with spare equipment, detailed maps and professional
guides - tour leaders for a raid, a race, a contest or only an excursion
in the jungle and the mountains to discover the remote villages of ethnic tribes. |
Package Mountain Biking adventures in the North 
Destination: Chiang Mai & Chiang Rai (North Thailand)
Duration: 4 days / 3 Nights
Tour Code: RT023A
Accommodation:
Hilltribe village (Chiang Dao)
very basic, dormitory style, with mats + sleeping bag. Toilet outside and shower at the stream (no Western toilet facilities). The experience will certainly compensate for lack of comfort! More info
Thaton Chalet (Thaton) a tourist class hotel located on the bank of the Maekok river. Great location. Excellent restaurant. More info
The Golden Triangle Inn (Chiang Rai) Tourist class hotel, excellent location in the center of town. Walk 2 min. to small and attractive night bazaar. More info
Info: Anyone in good physical condition can join one of the regular cycling trips. Experienced riders will best enjoy the trip.
- Sunday departures year round from Chiang Mai.
- Private tours can depart any day, subject to prior advance notice and availability.
- Small groups not exceeding 12 persons.
- Best (coolest) cycling season from September to late February.
Bring gloves, sunglasses, a pair of mountain-biking shoes, or running/cross-country shoes, bicycle shorts and gear. And also a towel and swimming suit, an anti-mosquito lotion, a good solar protection, and a sense of adventure!
Remark: Itineraries are given for information only. They can be modified or reorganized, depending on technical or safety concerns that might arise. In this case, only the persons responsible of the group on location are authorized to take the necessary decisions. Concerning the climatic conditions of the moment or all other event out of our control, we cannot be held responsible for the modifications or cancellations that could result, but we will do everything that is in our power to assist you during your stay. |
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