Example Itinerary

Biking Across Northern Thailand

Duration
10 days / 9 nights
Price Per Person
Interests
Bicycling
Destinations
Thailand

The best way to enjoy Northern Thailand is by spending most of your time outdoors, enjoying the lush jungle-covered mountains that make the region unique. Take in the vibrant green rolling valleys and picturesque peaks as you head towards the famous Golden Triangle. This 10-day itinerary offers an incredible tour of the north as you cycle through Chiang Rai, Mae Salak, Chiang Saen, Chiang Khong, Phu Chi Fa, Phayao, Viang Pa Pao and Chiang Mai. 

This itinerary is an example. It’s designed to inspire you and provide you with thoughtfully curated ideas. You can choose to do this exact itinerary or completely personalize it. All trips are 100% bespoke.

Highlights

  • Thailand on Two Wheels: Thailand's northern landscapes are best explored with the wind in your face as you wind around jungle-covered hills.
  • Art vs Religion: Chiang Rai's Wat Rong Khun, better known as the White Temple, stood derelict until Chalermchai Kositpipat transformed the site into a thought-provoking and aesthetically overwhelming installation that muses on Buddhism, worship, and popular culture.
  • Chasing Waterfalls: This cycling adventure ends at Chiang Mai's Bua Thong Waterfall (sticky waterfall), so named because it's easy to climb the tiers without slipping - the finest reward after a week pedaling around the northern highlands.

Day-by-Day

Day 1

Map

Chiang Rai

Start in Chiang Rai, Thailand’s northernmost large city and once the royal capital of the Mangrai dynasty. Have a relaxing, leisurely warm-up ride befor the trip ahead. This pleasant afternoon journey will help you adjust to biking in Thailand. Bikers ride on the left side in Thailand, which is often a change for many travelers. Bike through stunning rice paddy fields following the Mae Lao River until reaching Wat Rong Khun - famously known as the White Temple. A local architect created the temple in a unique style. Relax at your hotel - we recommend Le Méridien Chiang Rai Resort - before perusing the bustling night bazaar and indulging in Northern-style Thai food.

Hotel Options
About

The perfect little hideaway, Le Méridien Chiang Rai Resort is the ideal oasis for travelers in northern Thailand. This luxurious resort, sprawling over 10 glorious acres, is situated on the Mae Kok river and boasts an outdoor pool, spa and children’s center for ultimate relaxation.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 2

Map

Mae Salak

Rise this morning and begin the first stage of your cycling journey with a 25-mile flat stretch. Then it’s time to begin the ascent. Enjoy the incredible views of crops ranging from sugar cane to maize and rice. Smile at the local farmers as you pass through their small villages. Stop and enjoy a panoramic of the area before finishing your 76-mile ride in Mae Salak. The town is situated next to a Lahu village. This evening, you will have the opportunity to see a traditional dance and musical performance put on by a few of the local children.

Hotel Options
About

Escape to the tranquil Huai Khum Resort and experience the serene wilderness and scenic landscapes of Chiang Rai. Set on the stunning Mae Kok River and surrounded by pristine jungle, the resort offers peace and comfort to its guests.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Mae Salak
Mae Salak

Day 3

Map

Chiang Saen

Ease into the day, as you won’t need to start pedaling hard until about 10 miles into the ride. Begin a gradual climb, followed by a short downhill section. Pass hill tribe farmers hard at work in their fields. You will probably pass a massive water buffalo or two grazing along the roadside. Make your descent into the quaint 7th-century town of Chiang Saen along the Mekong River on the border with Laos. All of the ancient walls surrounding the city are still standing.

Hotel Options
About

Set on the banks of the gorgeous Mekong River, the Siam Triangle Hotel is a breathtaking four-star hotel that will fulfill most travel desires. Choose from 52 modern rooms, each equipped with stylish décor, spacious balconies with a scenic river view, free WiFi, flat-screen TV and basic kitchen facilities.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 4

Map

Chiang Khong

It’s an easy day of riding with a fast and flat ride in the morning! The rest of the day is free for your relaxation needs. The ride traces the Mekong River, which forms the border between Thailand and Laos. Finish your 48-mile ride in the border town of Chiang Khong. Check into a local hotel before hitting the town in search of savory northern curries or flat-egg noodle dishes.

Hotel Options
About

Resting along the serene Mekong River, the charming Chiang Khong Teak Garden Hotel is the perfect place to discover the scenic gems of Northern Thailand. Surrounded by a garden of century-old golden teak trees, the hotel features 72 contemporary rooms and four spacious suites.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 5

Map

Phu Chi Fa Forest Park

Start the day by heading south to Phu Chi Fah for an incredible view. Warm up for 25 miles at a leisurely pace before beginning to bike up the steep ascent. Pause along the way at viewpoints for an unrivaled view of the surrounding valleys and lush forests. The finish is atop an amazing cliff formation unlike any other in the region. After biking 50 miles, spend the evening relaxing at the accommodation of your choice.

Hotel Options
About

Thailand’s north is blessed with verdant hills and emerald carpeted mountains, home to jungles, cliffs, flowing streams and waterfalls — a paradise for adventurers seeking treks, scenic views, and hilltribes. In these rural areas, accommodation can be found in small guesthouses which offer travelers a chance to experience the warm hospitality of locals.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Phu Chi Fa Forest Park
Phu Chi Fa Forest Park

Day 6

Map

Phayao

It’s time to make your way back down the mountain with an exhilarating descent. The ride levels out and you will pass through a blooming vibrant valley. Watch locals about their business as you pass through rural villages and towns. The 84-mile ride ends at Phayao Lake - an artificial lake that is home to 22 species of fish. Enjoy the welcoming, relaxed town and check into your hotel before heading over to the lake to enjoy a feast.

Day 7

Map

Wiang Pa Pao

Spend the morning at leisure in the laidback atmosphere for which Phayao is famous. After lunch, climb back on your bike and travel to the next valley, biking through the mountain range. After reaching over 3,000 feet, pause and enjoy the stunning views. Ride through the foothills of the mountains as the sun dips in the sky. Reach your resting place for the night after finishing a 45-mile ride.

Hotel Options
About

Thailand’s north is blessed with verdant hills and emerald carpeted mountains, home to jungles, cliffs, flowing streams and waterfalls — a paradise for adventurers seeking treks, scenic views, and hilltribes. In these rural areas, accommodation can be found in small guesthouses which offer travelers a chance to experience the warm hospitality of locals.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 8

Map

Chiang Mai

It’s a fun day of climbs and riding through the dense forests. Look for exotic birds flitting in and out of the trees. Continue the 65-mile ride through rice fields and orchards until you reach the Bua Thong Waterfall. Take a refreshing dip and keep your eye out for freshwater crabs! Finish the day with a transfer to Chiang Mai. 

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Individuality: The 137 Pillars House is a recently opened, renovated, historically colonial boutique property of select suites.

Added Extras: Guests receive complimentary breakfasts, soft drinks and beer from the mini bar.

Location: Situated in one of Chiang Mai’s most stylish areas, by the Ping River and near unique art galleries, antique shops, coffee houses and just a stone’s throw from some of the cities most up-market nightlife venues.

Read More
137 Pillars House Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: The vast resort grounds comprise verdant rice terraces and lush landscaped rainforest gardens over looking a stunning Thai mountain range in the distance.

Dining: Four superb restaurants and a handful of bars in beautiful locations serving Thai, Italian and international cuisine, as well as afternoon tea, signature cocktails and fine wines.

Facilities: Guests may enjoy plenty of world-class facilities including an award winning spa, fitness center, infinity pool, tennis courts, cooking school, library and children’s clubs.

Privacy: The hideaway resort is situated away from the hustle of Chiang Mai city, yet within easy reach of the areas attractions. There are five daily shuttle services to the city center.

Read More
Four Seasons Chiang Mai Preferred Hotel
About

Chiang Mai's Villa Mahabhirom is located west of the old city, a short walk from the 700-year-old Wat Umong Buddhist temple and only a 15-minute drive from the international airport. The name translates as "Villa of Great Pleasure," and the property is designed around the concept of groups of friends and families spending time together.

If our Preferred Hotel is unavailable, this accommodation is a reliable alternative and has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai

Day 9

Map

Chiang Mai

Do a ride around Chiang Mai’s famous Doi Suthep Mountain, famous for the temple on its summit. From the top, you can view all of the city below. Ride to Samoeng, a farming village, and stop for lunch. Ride to the top of Doi Suthep - it will be quite a workout, but likely the crown of your journey. The ride back is a refreshing downhill loop into the foothills around Chiang Mai.

Day 10

Map

Departure

Enjoy an amazing sense of accomplishment after touring the north of Thailand by bike. The morning is yours to relax before beginning your journey back home.

Why Remote Lands?

Exclusively Asia

With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.

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