Itinerary

Days 1-2 Receive a blessing from the village elders and visit with the resident monk  Meet Ghing and Diak, our Thai guides who know the back roads of northern Thailand better than anyone Ride into the countryside on hard-packed paths, cutting through thriving rice and garlic fields, and papaya and teak forests Light a traditional fire balloon and make a wish.

Days 3-4 Bike gorgeous backcountry lanes through remote villages, where school kids rush out to greet you  Fall for the handmade jewelry at an Akha hilltribe village A scenic descent leads to the trading center of Fang and temple-rich Thaton Savor Thai cuisine at an atmospheric café - and find inspiration for your upcoming cooking class.

Day 5 Jungle trek aboard an elephant - hold on!  Beneath the White Buddha, offer alms to monks at sunrise Float in long-tail boats down the Maekok River Pedal on narrow lanes past small villages into vibrant Chiang Rai.

Days 6-8 A fascinating convergence of Thai, Laotian, Burmese and Chinese cultures  Bike alongside the Mekong River on the Laos and Myanmar border, passing tobacco fields and rice paddies on the way to the ancient Burmese kingdom of Chiang Saen It's up to you: relax poolside, indulge in a massage or cycle to the spectacular Chom Kitti temple - en route you can browse Sop Ruak's market for delectable Thai iced tea and unique handicrafts.

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