Bangkok to Chiang Rai Bike Tour

Suvarnabhumi Airport Bangkok

Taxis are found on the 1st floor of the airport (arrival is the 2nd floor).

All taxis are dispatched through the same system. Passengers go to the ticket machine at the entry to the taxi lines, get a ticket and find the taxi parked in the corresponding slot. You can't choose a specific taxi company.

Taxi fare is metered by distance and time, plus a 50 baht airport fee.

The driver may give the option to go by the toll roads (quicker) for which the passenger pays tolls. There is also an optional bag fee for luggage, but rarely charged unless you have too many bags. Taxi fare to hotels in town runs up to about 350 to 500 baht (10.5 to 16 USD).

AOT Limousine also offers transfer from the airport to hotels in town, with options for cars, luxury cars, SUVs and vans. They have several desks both in baggage claim and in arrivals lobby and always have cars available. You can also prebook online at https://www.aot-limousine.com/ Prices are higher at 800 to 1500 Thai baht ( 24 to 45 USD) , but cars are always clean and in great shape, and the drivers well trained.

Don Mueang Airport Bangkok

The same procedures as Suvarnabhumi airport apply to the Don Mueang Airport as well.

Please note that all over Thailand, most taxis are small sedans, suitable for two adults, with a couple of suitcases. They run on compressed natural gas (CNG) and part of the trunk space is taken up by the gas cylinder. SUV taxis are available but you may need to wait longer for these.

The northern highlands in which Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai are located have a cooler climate than the rest of Thailand. The cycle tour season here consequently runs from October to March. During the months of December and January, night-time temperatures may dip below the freezing point in some parts.

• The best time of year is winter (November through February). It is the dry season and temperatures are cooler. The north normally has no rain. Temperatures in the north are in the mid to upper 20s.
• March through May is quite hot in the north (the upper 30s and low 40s) and probably a good time to avoid trips north of Bangkok.
• June through October is the rainy season (or green season as the hotels like to call it). In the north, rains peak in August and are winding down in early October. Rain tends to be short but heavy tropical downpours, then clearing out, usually happening in the afternoon or evening, so cycling tours are still possible.

In a nutshell, winter is great (Nov - Feb), summer (Apr-May) avoid going in the north, and the rest of the year is ok.

Packing smart is essential for a safe and enjoyable cycling adventure. From essential biking gear to clothing and travel necessities, this guide ensures you're prepared for any terrain or climate.

Recommended Bicycling Clothes & Gear

• Bicycling shoes or stiff-soled sneakers.
• Padded cycling shorts.
• Short-fingered cycling gloves (personal gloves are ideal).
• Brightly colored cycling jerseys or synthetic T-shirts for visibility.
• Synthetic cycling socks.
• Sunglasses with UV protection.
• Personal helmet (recommended even though provided).
• Personal saddle (optional for added comfort).
• Rain jacket or windbreaker.
• Cycling water bottle (to reduce plastic waste).

Note: Helmets, gloves, and water bottles are personal items, so bringing your own is recommended for maximum comfort and hygiene.

Clothing

• Light, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen.
• Full-sleeved clothing for sun protection.
• Warm layers for chilly mornings and evenings (if traveling in winter).
• Comfortable footwear for non-cycling time.
• Bring a compact rain jacket in case of sudden weather changes.
• Ethnic or modest clothing for exploring towns and temples.

Other Necessities

• Toiletries: Basic hygiene essentials, including insect/mosquito repellent and sunscreen.
• Hand sanitizer and wet wipes.
• Plug socket adaptor.
• Binoculars for wildlife spotting or desert landscapes.

Pro Tips

• Pack light but plan for the varying temperatures: warm days, chilly evenings, and desert winds.
• Use brightly colored clothing for visibility on roads.
• Pack light to leave room for shopping.

Luggage

Please limit your luggage to one soft-sided medium-sized suitcase and one carry-on bag. Mark your luggage with your name, address, and phone number.

Travelers wishing to enter Thailand have two options: through an airport or overland. Regardless of the mode of entry, the same rules apply to all travelers.

As of July 2024, there are now 93 countries whose citizens can enter without a visa for periods up to 60 days as a tourist. These entries can also be extended once for an additional 30 days. (previously it was 64 countries & 30 day stays) You can find the full list of countries eligible for visa free entry here.

An expanded list of 31 countries can now apply for a Visa on Arrival for stays up to 15 days. The Visa on Arrival entries can not be extended. You can find the updated list of VOA eligible countries here.

Single Entry Tourist Visas (Type TR) allow stays of up to 60 days and are available to all nationalities. They can also be extended once for an additional 30 days. These tourist visas are for citizens of countries that do not qualify for visa-free entry.

To comply with the rules, travelers entering visa-free or applying for a VOA must present an airline ticket that departs Thailand before their initial entry period ends (60 and 15 days, respectively). Other travelers may also be asked by the airline to show proof of a departing flight.

When applying for a VOA, travelers must be able to demonstrate that they have 10,000 THB for an individual or 20,000 THB for a family. For those entering visa-free or with a Tourist or Non-Immigrant visa, proof of financial ability must be shown in the form of 20,000 THB and 40,000 THB, respectively. It's important to note that cash is the only acceptable form of proof of financial ability, and credit cards or bank statements do not count. Any major currency is equivalent is acceptable.

Although the majority of travelers are not asked to show proof of financial ability, some travelers may occasionally be asked to do so at Immigration. Therefore, travelers should always be prepared to provide evidence of their financial ability.

Citizens of most countries can apply for a Thai tourist visa at the official Thai government website here.

If your country is not eligible for online applications, then visas must be applied for through the nearest Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate.