Northern Thailand

Day 1: Arrival in Chiang Mai, 29 mi. (46 km)
Day 2: Chiang Mai - Mae Rim - Mae Taeng Ride, 41 mi. (66 km) 
Day 3: Mae Taeng - Chiang Dao Loop, 41 mi. (66 km)
Day 4: Chiang Dao - Chai Prakan - Fang, 38 mi. (61 km)
Day 5: Fang - Tha Ton, 30 mi. (47 km)
Day 6: Tha Thon - Chiang Rai (White Temple), 48 mi. (77 km)
Day 7: Rest Day in Chiang Rai
Day 8: Chiang Rai - Golden Triangle - Chiang Saen, 50 mi. (81 km)
Day 9: Chiang Saen loop - Chiang Mai, 52 mi. (84 km)
Day 10: Departure from Chiang Khong
  
This cycling adventure goes beyond the beaten track and the rides are not always predictable. Due to these reasons, it is occasionally necessary to reroute or update itineraries. The tour will not be changed unless for safety or to improve it.

Day 1: Arrival Chiang Mai, 29 mi. (46 km)
Welcome to Chiang Mai, the "Rose of the North"! We will meet you at the hotel in the afternoon before a transfer to Wiang Kum Kan, an archeological site featuring the ruins of a 13th-century city. The place is ideal to get comfortable on your bikes as it is surrounded by peaceful countryside. From here, you'll ride 15 km south along the Ping River, crossing a bridge, and then looping back north passing orchards and quiet roads. Enjoy the welcome dinner in the evening. (D)

Accommodation: Amata Lanna Village
Elevation gain/loss: +174m/-174m

Day 2: Chiang Mai - Mae Rim - Mae Taeng Ride, 41 mi. (66 km)
The day begins with a short 30-minute transfer from Chiang Mai to the fertile agricultural district of Mae Rim, where the ride starts at a beautifully decorated Buddhist temple. From there, the route winds through quiet village lanes and farmer trails, cutting across a sprawling mosaic of rice paddies. This lush landscape gives true meaning to the region’s historic nickname, “Lanna”, The Land of a Million Rice Fields. Around the 20-kilometer mark, the path joins a well-paved secondary road, ideal for picking up the pace and enjoying a few gentle climbs. A brief detour leads onto a forest trail, offering a cool, shaded ride before arriving at farmlands bordering the scenic Sri Lanna National Park. The journey continues on peaceful rural backroads, reaching a lunch stop near the 50 km. From there, the ride ascends to the top of the Mae Ngat Reservoir dam, providing sweeping views over the calm lake waters and surrounding hills.

The final 15 km, follows a mix of gravel, dirt, and concrete roads, meandering through longan orchards and rice fields in the Mae Taeng district. Before reaching the accommodation for the night, the route passes Wat Ban Den, a vast temple complex famous for its striking architecture and mythical statues unique to Northern Thai culture. (B, L, D)

Accommodation: Phusanfah Resort
Elevation gain/loss: +309m / -303m.

Day 3: Mae Taeng - Chiang Dao Loop, 41 mi. (66 km)
Begin the day with a short 30-minute transfer north into the stunning Chiang Dao Valley, home to Thailand’s third-highest mountain. From here, hop on your bikes and set off to explore this peaceful rural region, cycling through lush farmlands surrounded by dramatic mountain ridges and scenic countryside.

In the morning, ride a scenic 50-kilometer loop around the valley floor, following quiet, rolling paved roads. Today's destination is the famous Chiang Dao Caves, a sacred site known for its intricate limestone formations. On foot, venture into narrow cave chambers adorned with stalagmites, stalactites, and a variety of Buddha statues and religious relics.

After lunch near the caves, we continue cycling with a 15-kilometer stretch of mixed-surface terrain, passing through dense forest and farmland at the base of the majestic Chiang Dao Mountain. The rest of the day is yours to relax—unwind by the pool and soak in panoramic views from our tranquil resort, nestled deep in the heart of Chiang Dao’s rural landscape. (B,L,D)

Accommodation: Buraphat Resort
Elevation gain/loss: +675/-673

Day 4: Chiang Dao - Chai Prakan - Fang, 40 - 72 mi. (64 - 115 km)
The journey begins from a resort in Chiang Dao Valley, climbing a low ridge via a quiet paved road through corn fields. After 30 km, surfaces become rougher, moving past teak plantations on concrete paths, followed by scenic gravel trailsand dirt tracks through mango farms and Lisu hill tribe villages. A short singletrack section requires dismounting. At 46 km, smooth asphalt returns for a fast-paced 20 km ride of rolling hills into Fang Valley, ending with lunch in Chao Prakan. An optional 50 km afternoon ride leads along paved rural roads to Fang town (300m elevation gain). Van support is available for those choosing to rest. (B, L, D)

Accommodation: Sleeping Tree Hotel 
Elevation gain/loss: +985m/-842m 

Day 5: Fang - Tha Ton, 30 mi. (47 km)
Today’s ride covers just under 50 km on mostly flat terrain, perfect for a relaxed cycling day. The route begins on paved minor roads, winding through a region known for its lush orange groves. Around the 20 km mark, after gentle climbs, the trail reaches a Lahu hill tribe village near the Thailand–Myanmar border. Depending on the moment, there may be a chance to enjoy local tea and learn about traditional Lahu culture and spirituality. From the village, the ride descends back into the plains, where vast rice paddies stretch in every direction. The second half of the day follows narrow dirt and gravel trails, meandering along irrigation canals and embankments, with minimal paved surfaces. The day ends in Tha Ton, a small market town on the banks of the Mae Kok River. After lunch at a local restaurant, it's a short ride to a peaceful riverside hotel with gardens and a pool. The afternoon is free for relaxation, with an optional visit to a nearby hilltop temple offering panoramic valley views. (B, L, D)

Accommodation: Maekok River Village Resort
Elevation gain/loss: +271m/-289m

Day 6: Tha Thon - Chiang Rai (White Temple), 48 mi. (77 km)
This scenic ride follows the Mae Kok River, a vital waterway flowing from Myanmar’s Shan Hills into Northern Thailand. The route traces its path downstream from Tha Ton toward Chiang Rai, passing through lush valleys and remote Karen hill tribe villages. The first 15 km roll out on paved roads before entering a narrow, forested valley. From there, the terrain becomes a mix of concrete, gravel, and dirt. You'll experience steady climbs and descents for the next 45 km. The ride ends on the plains outside Chiang Rai at the iconic White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), known for its blend of traditional Thai design and contemporary art. A 30-minute transfer completes the day, arriving at a hotel in Chiang Rai City. (B,L,D)

Accommodation: Le Patta Hotel 
Elevation gain/loss: +889m/-936m 

Day 7: Rest Day in Chiang Rai
After a week of cycling, Chiang Rai City offers the perfect place to unwind. The relaxed atmosphere, combined with easy access to Thai massage spas, local cafes, pubs, and restaurants, makes it ideal for a rest day. On Saturdays, the city hosts the lively Chiang Rai Walking Street Market, a pedestrian zone filled with street food, handmade goods, and northern Thai specialties. Optional morning visits can be arranged to two standout attractions: the mysterious Black House (Baan Dam), known for its dark art collections, and the stunning Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten) with its vivid blue design. Entrance fees not included.

Meals today are at your leisure. (B)

Accommodation: La Patta Hotel

Day 8: Chiang Rai - Golden Triangle - Chiang Saen, 50 mi. (81 km)
Today’s ride reaches the iconic Golden Triangle, where the borders of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet at the Mekong River confluence. After a short transfer from Chiang Rai, the route begins with a 10 km ride through rice and corn fields along the Mae Kok River, then shifts to a smooth provincial road heading north. At 45 km, the terrain becomes hillier, passing through scenic pineapple plantations. Following lunch, the trail turns to dirt and gravel, cutting through wetlands, rubber plantations, and expansive rice fields—water buffalo sightings are common here. At 70 km, paved roads return, skirting a large lake and more pineapple fields before reaching the Golden Triangle at around 96 km. The day ends with a 20-minute boat ride on the Mekong River to Chiang Saen. Overnight stay at a riverside hotel. (B,L,D)

Accommodation: Siam Triangle Hotel
Elevation gain/loss: +491m/-497m 

Day 9: Chiang Saen loop - Chiang Mai, 52 mi. (84 km)
The final ride begins with a 7 km loop through Chiang Saen, where ancient temple ruins and tree-wrapped fortification walls set a historic tone. A 10 km ride along a provincial road leads into rugged hills and rubber plantations, followed by a few kilometers of dirt trail and a 5 km paved climb through bamboo forests and shaded terrain. A rewarding descent transitions to gravel and concrete roads, rolling toward the Mekong River for a lunch stop at 50 km. The afternoon ride moves inland through farmlands, then reconnects with the main river road for the final 20 km to Chiang Khong. Expect smooth asphalt, one short but steep climb, and a scenic finish along the Mekong riverside bike lane. The day ends with a farewell dinner overlooking the river. (B,L,D)

Accommodation: The Rim Resort
Elevation gain/loss: +847m/-851m

Day 10: Departure from Chiang Khong
Departure and end of tour. You may want to extend your adventure from Chiang Khong with a MekongRiver boat cruise in Laos, a scenic journey to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Luang Prabang. We're happy to recommend cruise operators and provide a drop-off at the border crossing. For those flying out or continuing their stay in northern Thailand, a shared transfer to Chiang RaiAirport or any Chiang Rai City hotel (approx. 1.5-hour drive) is offered (B). 

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You will stay in carefully chosen accommodations that are the best available for the location and offer a good mix, from home stays to luxurious lodges. On each day’s itinerary, you will find the preferred accommodation listed. If for any reason, a change is necessary due to availability or other circumstance, the alternative will always be of the same standard or better.