Itinerary

Getting there:

Chiang Mai: International flights arrive in Bankog. From there you can take a train to Chiang Mai.

 

 

 

DAYS 1+2:
Chiang Mai - Your hotel on arrival in Chiang Mai is included. We’ll meet prior to dinner, fit bikes and enjoy a restful evening at a local restaurant. Next day, we’ll escape the bustle of town along quiet biking roads on a route that winds around Doi Suthep to the lush Mae Sa valley, boasting cascading waterfalls, elephant parks and strawberry farms. Our hotel in Chiang Mai is the charming Riverview Lodge, located on the Ping River.

DAYS 3+4:
Chiang Dao - Cycling north, we’ll follow a tranquil route along the Ping River to a quaint new eco-lodge set in a scenic and unspoiled valley surrounded by mountains. We’ll visit an extensive cave temple and lead a hike to a cliff-side monastery; options also include cycling through the surrounding countryside, home to several minority villages. At day’s end you’ll be treated to gourmet cuisine, prepared by a European-trained Thai chef.

DAYS 5+6:
Tha Ton - Continuing north along scenic roads, we’ll cycle past orange groves and lush countryside before arriving at Tha Ton’s splendid Maekok River Village Resort, where swimming pool and Thai massage await. Next day options include a walk to the Burmese border, cycling a riverside trail or afternoon cooking lessons at the hotel.

DAY 7:

Chiang Rai - Boarding a traditional long-tail river boat, we’ll travel down the enchanting Maekok river, stopping for lunch at hot springs before continuing by bike on a newly paved road to Chiang Rai. We’ll stay at the luxurious Legends at Chiang Rai, one of the finest hotels in Thailand.

DAY 8+9:

Chiang Saen - We’ll make our way through the Chiang Saen Lake District to the famed Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Burma and Laos meet. Ruins from the 14th century Chiang Saen kingdom and surviving architecture make this small town a fascinating place to visit and with a local guide we’ll uncover its treasures. We’ll stay at the exclusive Anantara Resort and Spa, perhaps the ideal place to finish your time in Thailand.

DAY 10: Depart for Chiang Rai (or post-trip below)

 

Post-trip extension (optional): Luang Prabang, Laos

DAYS 10-14:

For those continuing on to Laos (highly recommended), we’ll cycle from Chiang Saen along a quiet riverside road following the majestic Mekong as it winds its way east. In Chiang Khong we’ll stay on the river at a traditional guesthouse enjoying the sunset from its colonial-décor decks. Next morning, we’ll cross to the country of Laos and begin our river journey by private boat to Luang Prabang (with a stop-over at the luxurious Luangsay Lodge in Pakbeng enroute). In quaint Luang Prabang, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved ancient cities of South-east Asia, we’ll explore the area’s unique temples and monuments (by bicycle if you choose) and stay at the Villa Santi, a French-Laos colonial hotel located in the temple district.

DAY 15: Depart Luang Prabang for onward travel.

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