This scenic and awe-inspiring ride exploring North Thailand by road bike throws in some challenging climbs that are guaranteed to get you out of your saddle!
Thailand’s north offers cyclists variety from forested mountains that provide shade on twisting roads to smooth flat tarmac along the Mekong River. Along with the sun shining, the Thai smiles greeting you and the delicious food, does road cycling get much better than this?
On this 788-kilometre ride to explore North Thailand by road bike you’ll cycle on paved roads in good condition through farming villages, past buddhist temples and waving children as you absorb the slower pace of life of the relaxed and friendly locals.
The cycling starts in the former Lanna Kingdom of Chiang Rai and after a loop through some of the best scenery of northern Thailand finishes in the adventure capital of Chiang Mai. In between you ride up and over mountain ranges, on the banks of the Mekong River where it forms the border with Laos, taking in an ever-changing landscape that varies from fertile fields to spectacular limestone karsts jutting up vertically.
The overnights are varied from resorts with pools to rustic bungalows, but all will be more than comfortable as you’ll need a good rest after a long day in the saddle. Thailand’s spectacular, winding roads that provide tough-but-rewarding climbs and thrilling descents are a road rider’s dream.
Why you'll love this adventure
- Tough but rewarding climbs and thrilling descents -a road rider's dream
- Fantastic local English-speaking guides
- Ride along the Mekong River
Dates
This trip can be tailor made for your perfect travel dates. Please make a booking enquiry for more information.
Itinerary
The total distance is 788 kilometres in nine riding days on smooth tarmac roads. Some of the distances are quite long and there are significant ascents and a few steep sections on some days, but there are also a few flat days to let your legs recover.
What's included
- Support vehicle
- Guide(s)
- Meals (as indicated)
- Accommodation
- Snacks and drinks
- Cycling jersey
- Water bottle
Not included
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Alcohol
- Tips
- Optional Standard Road Bike: US$ 240, Carbon Road Bike: US$ 360
- Optional single room ( US$360)
Trip notes
Price
Min age
Accommodation
Mixture of 3* & 4* standard hotels, boutique hotels, guesthouses and bungalow lodges (9 nights)
The selected accommodation is detailed in the itinerary. On rare occasions, due to availability, we sometimes use alternative accommodation and this will be of a similar standard.
Meals
Includes:
9 Breakfasts
8 Lunches
8 Dinners
Most meals are local and feature noodles, rice, curries and soups. Any special dietary requirements can also be catered for as well. Please advise at the time of booking.
Who is this trip for?
This is a tour for cyclists possessing a moderate to high level of physical fitness. Fitness will be a huge asset on those long days and on the undulating hills. The tour is fully supported and the bus is always close at hand for those that find the riding too difficult.
You ride between 30 and 125 km a day. The itinerary has been designed with some easy half-day rides, but the daily ascents range from 129 to 2,000 m. The roads are 100% tarmac and in good condition.
The total distance is 788 kilometres in nine riding days on smooth tarmac roads. The trip is fully supported and your guide’s expert knowledge of the area and terrain means that you always know what is coming up in terms of distance and difficulty. This makes a tremendous difference, as does the constant supply of cold drinks, ice and fresh fruit.
Additional notes
You will be led by a local English-speaking guide. If the group is 9 people or more another guide to the tour. All the guides are well informed in the history, culture and religions of the area where you are biking and are skilled at passing that knowledge on to you. Your guide is also medically trained and an experienced cyclist, able to handle most minor repairs en route.
For the full factsheets, please make an enquiry and they’ll be sent to you right away to help you decide if this is the perfect trip for you.
FAQs
When's the best time to travel to Thailand?
Northern Thailand has a tropical climate with fairly high humidity. There are three seasons: from March to June it is hot and dry, with temperatures between 27C (80 F) and 35 C (95 F) , with night temperatures in the 20s (68 F). The rainy season is from July to October, but temperatures are slightly lower, because of the effect of the rain. During this time it will not rain continuously, but in sharp bursts, and the sun can come out quickly. The cooler season is from October to February, with average temperatures between 20 (68 F) and 30 (86 F).
Is fresh water supplied?
Keeping you completely hydrated is taken very seriously. Cold water, some energy-restoring local fruit and soft drinks are included in the tour price.
Is money easily accessible in Thailand?
The Thai currency is the baht. ATMs, which are abundant, are the easiest ways to get Thai baht. Have a supply of US dollars in cash on hand, just in case your card doesn’t work. Banks or the more rare private money changers offer the best foreign-exchange rates. Credit cards are accepted in big cities and resort hotels but you’ll need baht for family-run guesthouses or restaurants. you tuck away a few extra dollars, perhaps US$20, for incidentals.
Can I travel as a solo traveller?
Absolutely. There is no compulsory surcharge for travelling alone. Accommodation is arranged on a twin share basis with another group traveller of the same gender. If you cannot be matche, a single room will be provided at no extra charge. If you prefer not to share a single supplement is payable to guarantee your own room. The cost of the single supplement is listed above.
Are spare bike parts available?
Basic spares and tools are carried by the guide and on the support vehicle, though it cannot be guaranteed there’ll be spares for every conceivable problem. Carrying a basic tool kit, a spare tube and a pump while riding is recommended.
Do I need to bring a helmet?
Wearing a helmet is required and is non negotiable. If you do not wear a helmet you will not be allowed to cycle. Your tour leader is trained in first aid and emergency rescue, but to a large degree you must be responsible for your own safety while riding. It is therefore compulsory that you take out travel insurance that will cover you for a mountain biking tour.
What are the local hire bikes like?
Because some people can’t imagine going on a trip without their own beloved bicycle, we do not provide them as part of this tour. However, you are able to hire bikes locally for the price listed above. The bikes are Trek 2.1C, Domane 2.0 and carbon Émonda S5 road bikes, with Shimano components and seat posts. If you have your own saddle that you are comfortable with you are welcome to bring it and the local team willfit it. Strap-style toe cages can be provided if requested, but you might like to consider bringing SPD clip pedals if you use them, and please make sure to bring your shoes and cleats. If you bring your own bike, please make sure it is a road bike and that it is in good mechanical order.
Tour operator
These guys love sharing their passion for travelling by bicycle. With over 20 years experience and having set up the first dedicated cycle touring company in Asia they now curate extraordinary cycle adventures in over 32 countries on every type of terrain, for all ages and experience.
Whether you're a keen road cyclist, love touring or are just looking for a different kind of adventure, they offer the opportunity to get up close and personal with remarkable cultures, characters and landscapes in a way that no ordinary tour could.
Enquire today
North Thailand by Road Bike
Please complete the enquiry form above with as much detail as you can and we will send you all the trip information and connect you with the operator so you can make a booking directly.
If you have queries and questions about the trip include those in your form and we’ll personally reply to you within 24 hours.
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