Chiang Mai – Mountain Challenge

In the morning we take an optional bus excursion to the famous Doi Suthep temple, which overlooks the city from a height of 1,056 m above sea level. We then visit several craft workshops that give an insight into how silk, paper umbrellas and lacquerware are made. In the afternoon we return to Doi Suthep, this time on our bikes. It is the first of several classic Chiang Mai routes we will take on. With its steady 11 km climb averaging 6%, lined with trees that provide pleasant shade, it is the ideal warm-up stage.

In the evening we can visit the night market or simply enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of Nimmanhaemin, the cool artists' quarter with its many restaurants and cafés where our hotel is located.

A classic of the local cycling scene. After twenty flat kilometres heading south along the Canal Road, the road begins to rise gently. The winding road takes us past rice fields, plantations and mountain villages. We ride through forests and superb mountain scenery to the highest point of the stage at 1,150 m above sea level. After the long descent down the Mae Sa valley, we ride from Mae Rim back to our hotel along the Canal Road.

The first flat 50 kilometres lead us along rice fields into the mountains. We tackle four longer climbs of 220 to 400 metres of ascent. The winding road runs through jungle-covered mountain landscapes and past traditional villages. We reach the highest pass at 1,360 m above sea level. Our stage town, Pai, lies in a beautiful high valley.

A real challenge, but a spectacularly beautiful stage. From Pai the road climbs to the first pass at 1,443 m above sea level, where we are rewarded with a wonderful view of the mountains. We master further climbs past plantations and mountain villages to the finish in Mae Hong Son on the Burmese border. Mae Hong Son is known for the diversity of its hill tribes, including the Meo, the Lawa and the famous long-necked Karen. We stay overnight in a beautiful, secluded resort outside the town.

Today's short stage leads through unspoilt, wild mountain country with two longer climbs of two hundred metres each. Khun Yuam is a traditional Thai village with a simple village life and friendly inhabitants.

We ride up and down through countless bends, passing plantations and many small villages. Most of the local people here belong to the hill tribes. Our hotel lies right on the Salween River, which forms the natural border with Burma.

The first long, even climb begins after just a few kilometres. After twenty kilometres we reach the top of the pass at 1,210 m above sea level. On the high plateau, whose vegetation and scents are at times reminiscent of the Mediterranean, a few shorter climbs and descents alternate. Finally we are rewarded with a ten-kilometre descent. Our resort lies almost at the entrance to Doi Inthanon National Park.

Another challenge awaits us on today's final stage. We first follow the climb towards Doi Inthanon until we reach the village of Khun Khlang. There we turn right and – after a refreshment stop at a café with a great view – head for the highest point of Doi Inthanon National Park at 1,700 m. After several descents, interrupted by another short climb, we reach the picturesque Mae Wang Valley. We cross this valley along a mountain river and finally have a few flat kilometres back to Chiang Mai.

We look forward to our lovely five-star hotel, where we already spent the first three nights. Over a dinner together we raise a glass to the great tour and our fine achievements.