CYCLiNG · Northern Thailand · Tour I
The Golden Triangle is the border region between Burma, Laos and Thailand, once notorious for growing opium. Our cycling tour takes us there from the cultural oasis of Chiang Mai on an exciting loop, then on via Chiang Rai and Phayao through the "Land of a Hundred Thousand Rice Fields" back to the capital of the north.
The tour profile is mostly flat, with a few moderate climbs through breathtaking, rugged scenery. Thanks to the cooler, drier climate, this region is not only suited to growing fruit but is also ideal for cyclists. The wild and romantic hilly landscape and the excellent, quiet roads make this tour an unforgettable experience.
The route
Starting point
Chiang Mai – Rose of the North – lies 700 km from Bangkok and is surrounded by jungle-covered mountains up to 1,500 metres high. Northern Thailand enjoys a pleasant, Mediterranean-like climate with matching vegetation: rare orchids, roses, strawberries, apples and tropical fruit all grow here. Thailand's second-largest city has more than 100 temples and a charming old town with countless lanes and restaurants. The former trading hub is renowned for fine handicrafts, which are sold after sunset on the world-famous, exotic night market. Chiang Mai is the ideal starting point for our cycling tour through the fascinating north of Thailand.
Itinerary
Arrival in Chiang Mai
Individual arrival and transfer to the hotel, where we will spend the next three nights. In the evening we meet there for a welcome. You will get information about the tour and learn useful things about our host country. Afterwards every participant receives a high-quality Siam Bike Tours team cycling jersey.
Morning excursion in Chiang Mai
44 km370 mflat to rolling
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 start the first stage with a flat 40 km loop along the Ping River. 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.
B incl.
93 km520 mflat to rolling
A short ride through the city and we say goodbye to Chiang Mai. Gently rolling, the route takes us past the imposing, jungle-covered mountains to Chiang Dao. Our eyes are drawn to Doi Chiang Dao, at 2,175 m above sea level the third-highest mountain in Thailand. Nearby is the famous Chiang Dao cave (Tham Chiang Dao), which we can explore if we wish.
B | L | D incl.
102 km700 mrolling
Along the lush green mountain landscape we ride over rolling terrain and gentle climbs through small villages to Thaton, a small settlement in the far north of Chiang Mai province on the border with Myanmar. In the afternoon there is an optional river trip by longtail boat on the Maekok River.
B | L incl.
79 km924 mrolling
This stage leads through hilly country past countless rice fields, fruit plantations and idyllic villages. Outside Mae Chan a narrow road climbs to the Katiliya Mountain Resort & Spa. The breathtaking view and a night in this luxurious resort make for an unforgettable experience – "where luxury meets nature".
B incl.
79 km390 mflat to rolling
Today our wheels first roll into the small border town of Mae Sai, Thailand's northernmost point, on the border with Burma (Myanmar). The flat stage then takes us on to the once notorious Golden Triangle, where Myanmar (Burma), Thailand and Laos meet. An optional river trip through the Golden Triangle delights us in the afternoon.
B incl.
62 km380 mflat to gently rolling
Today we ride towards Chiang Rai. A sea of countless rice fields lines our route. Chiang Rai is Thailand's northernmost provincial capital and lies 730 kilometres from Bangkok at an altitude of 580 m above sea level. Set amid the magnificent mountain scenery of the Golden Triangle, it sits on the right bank of the Maekok, a tributary of the Mekong. Here we spend the next two nights at the Le Méridien Chiang Rai luxury resort and enjoy its splendid grounds.
B incl.
Rest day in Chiang Rai
Le Méridien is a five-star resort set in idyllic, extensive grounds right on the bank of the Maekok River, just a few minutes from Chiang Rai. It offers plenty to do, from therapeutic treatments in the spa and a refreshing dip in the beautiful pool to simply enjoying the unique grounds. On request the hotel organises various excursions in the surrounding area. Of course, you can also explore the fascinating cultural region of Chiang Rai on your own.
B incl.
107 km380 mflat to gently rolling
Today's almost flat route takes us past countless rice fields and small farming villages. The town of Phayao lies among imposing mountains on a lake six kilometres long and four kilometres wide, the Kwan Phayao. We stay overnight right on the lovely lakeside promenade.
B | L incl.
Mae Kachan – hot spring & geyser
84 km1,150 mclimbs, rolling
70 km bus transfer to Chiang Mai
We look forward to the last stage, with a few longer but not steep climbs. We roll through beautiful hills and woodland past traditional villages. In Mae Kachan we get off the bike and loosen our legs in the hot spring. After lunch the bus takes us to Chiang Mai, where we look forward to a night in the hotel we already know. Over dinner together we raise a glass to the great tour and let the experiences and impressions pass in review once more.
B | L | D incl.
Departure day
Individual journey home or extension.
B incl.
B = breakfast · L = lunch · D = dinner
Services
For road cycling tours in Thailand I recommend this organiser: Siam Bike Tours Co., Ltd.
Bookings and information directly from them.