14 days
From US $3,395
Bangkok to Chiang Rai Bike Tour
On this trip, journey through the well-watered central plains, and northern mountain landscapes of Thailand. The initial half is flat as we wind our way through the plains followed by some spectacular undulating mountain trails in the second half of the trip.
Our trip is aimed at travelers who want to pace out their journey to really let the region sink in well. Enjoy Thailand’s lush paddy gently swaying in the breeze, world heritage sites, river valleys, and hill-tribe culture, with karst mountains looming in the backdrop all throughout. Your tryst with rural Thailand.
Bangkok | 17:00hrs
Chiang Rai
casual
easy to moderate
60km or 36mi
11
BKK
CEI
Highlights
rural experience
Your tryst with rural Thailand. The trip ensures that you get a peek inside local life of hinterland Thailand, ride by the paddy fields and get to see the ancient Wats of the country.
Itinerary
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Place | casual Inns (subject to availability) | Meals | Distance | Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DAY 1 | Bangkok | X2 Vibe Bangkok Sukhumvit Hotel | D | ||
| DAY 2 | Ayutthaya | Krungsri River Hotel | B,L,D | 30km / 18mi | cycling |
| DAY 3 | Nakhon Sawan | Bonito Chinos Resort | B,L,D | 70km / 42mi | cycling |
| DAY 4 | Kamphang Phet | Chakungrao Riverview Hotel | B,L,D | 80km / 48mi | cycling |
| DAY 5 | Sukhothai | Rueanthai Hotel | B,L,D | 70km / 42mi | cycling |
| DAY 6 | Sukhothai | Rueanthai Hotel | B,L | 30km / 18mi | cycling |
| DAY 7 | Uttaradit | Seeharaj Hotel | B,L,D | 60km / 36mi | cycling |
| DAY 8 | Lampang | Wianglakor Hotel | B,L,D | 70km / 42mi | cycling |
| DAY 9 | Chiang Mai | Kampaeng Ngam Hotel | B,L,D | 70km / 42mi | cycling |
| DAY 10 | Chiang Mai | Kampaeng Ngam Hotel | B | ||
| DAY 11 | Chiang Dao | Marisa Resort | B,L,D | 60km / 36mi | cycling |
| DAY 12 | Tha Ton | Huai Khum Resort | B,L,D | 80km / 48mi | cycling |
| DAY 13 | Chiang Rai | Nak Nakara | B,L,D | 50km / 30mi | cycling |
| DAY 14 | Chiang Rai | B |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Bangkok
Arrive in Bangkok and settle into your hotel. Today you can plan your own day visiting some of the classic highlights of Bangkok. Our guide meets you at 17.00hrs at your hotel lobby for a tour briefing. We convene tonight to celebrate the start of our awesome journey on a bike.
Day 2: Ayutthaya
Our guide meets you at your hotel lobby at 7:30 am and we start with a shuttle transfer from Bangkok to Bang Pa-In. Visit the former summer palace of King Chulalongkorn here and then ride along the Chao Phraya River. Explore the stunning Ayutthaya Historical Park by bike and get to visit various Wats.
At night, we can choose to eat at the in-house restaurant, or head to get a taste of local fare. If your palate is new to Thai food, start with the more popular green curry and rice. Be well rested for the next morning, as we start our Thai adventure with a slightly longer day of cycling.
Day 3: Nakhon Sawan
We take a long shuttle transfer in the morning and then go more into the hinterlands of Northern Thailand. The landscape offers amazing insights into the hinterlands. As we ride through the bucolic villages, enjoy the sights of chickens, and geese, and monitor lizards with paddy fields and plantations in the backdrop.
Day 4: Kamphang Phet
Today expect to see the hinterland whitewashed with bright green hues of paddy and fruit plantations. It is not uncommon to see water buffaloes ambling in a row making their way to the rice fields.
Day 5: Sukhothai
The paddy fields cling onto the side of the village road for almost the entire way. The ride is largely on flat roads. We also come across several bucolic villages on the way – perfect to get great photographs of the interiors of Thailand. The locals are quite friendly and don’t be surprised if you are invited to a home for a cup of tea (or red Fanta).
Day 6: Sukhothai
Today enjoy some of the classic highlights of the original capital of Thailand by bike.
Day 7: Uttaradit
Our ride is through areas replete with vegetation – rice fields, papaya, and garlic being the most prominent.
Day 8: Lampang
Brace for an undulating ride today through a rich green valley, unfolding one dramatic scenery after another. Hilltop farming to teak plantations, bamboo huts by the river, and elephants lazily relaxing in the river- this is Thailand at its most authentic best! After being submerged in nature, we take the cycles and ride along the river.
Day 9: Chiang Mai
The ride is extremely refreshing as the crisp morning air and clear skies welcome you on the road. We reach Chiang Mai by afternoon.
Day 10: Chiang Mai
Today you can plan your own day visiting some of the classic highlights of Chiang Mai by walk: Wats (temples) like Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Elephant Rescue Park where you can bathe and feed bareback elephants and gentle giants (7.45 – 14.00, need to book in advance).
Day 11: Chiang Dao
Head out for a ride to the Chiang Dao, which lies on the northern part of the Chiang Mai district. Amidst lush jungles and limestone mountains, Chiang Dao is a heavenly escape from the heat of plains and a popular stop for birders and trekkers. The base of the mountain is a highly venerated wát marking the entrance to one of Thailand’s deepest limestone caverns.
Day 12: Tha Ton
The day begins with a visit to Tub Tao Caves and a temple retreat. Later ride to Fang through hinterland trails dotted with farmlands. The ride from Fang to Thaton traverses across paddy fields. The fields cling onto the side of the village road for almost the entire way. The ride is mostly on flat roads, with occasional dips and climbs, which add to the interest for a cyclist. We also come across several villages on the way – perfect to get great photographs of the interiors of Thailand.
We pace out our journey to Thaton and arrive at this beautiful town at the edge of a River. Thaton is one of the last towns bordering Myanmar in this area. The great part of this is that one gets to see the blend of Burmese, Thai and Chinese influences in language and culture.
Day 13: Chiang Rai
We trade our bike with a long-tail boat today to arrive at a scenic riverside area. This brings us to our starting point for cycling. Ride past fruit orchards, paddy fields, banana plantations and arrive at Chiang Rai. The region is home to a distinct array of food, music, art, and lush landscapes.
Day 14: Chiang Rai
Travel as per your onward travel plans.
Ready to plan your adventure? Download a print-ready detailed itinerary.
Map
Dates and Prices
Single Supplement
From US $800
E-Bike Upgrade
From US $275
Couldn't find a trip with convenient dates?
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Essential Info
Inclusions
LODGING
All hotels as mentioned in the tour details or similar (subject to availability).
trip leader
Expert Trip Leader(s) who look after your every need and add meaning to your vacation.
bike
Immaculately maintained bike with helmet, suited to a terrain.
shuttle
A Van support follows the group of riders and carries all belongings.
meals
Meals as per itinerary. Guests are given the opportunity to dine on their own so that they discover a location independently.
refreshments
Refreshments and mineral water while cycling.
entrance
Entrance fees to most of the monuments and temples.
Exclusions
Airport pickup and drop
We recommend to book direclty from airport or hotel.
Beverages
Beverages such as alcohol, tea, coffee, juice at a hotel or restaurant.
Gratuity
Gratuities for your guide team are not included in the trip price.
Bikes
When you have a road and the thrill of a journey ahead of you, it’s imperative to have a good bike to enjoy it. Our fleet majorly consist of the below bikes as a part of this tour. However, sometimes due to height or availability constraints, we may provide a different but similar quality bike.
Merida Speeder T3 or similar
Included in your trip price
Kaze or similar
Available at a surcharge
Arrival & Departure Details
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.
Weather
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.
January
Best
February
Best
March
Mixed
April
Offseason
May
Offseason
June
Mixed
July
Mixed
August
Offseason
September
Offseason
October
Good
November
Best
December
Best
Best
Good
Mixed
Offseason
What to Pack
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 medium-sized suitcase and one carry-on bag. Mark your luggage with your name, address, and phone number.
Visa Information
Before venturing on your adventure, make sure you're equipped with essential travel advice, including security updates, local laws, and crucial passport and visa information. Start by visiting the official government website of your home country for accurate and reliable guidance:
- UK Residents: Stay informed by reviewing the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice.
- US Residents: Access vital travel tips and updates through the US Department of State Travel Advice.
- Australian Residents: Plan ahead with the latest updates on the Smart Traveller website.
- Canadian Residents: Find comprehensive travel and visa guidance on the Government of Canada's Travel Advice and Advisories.
- New Zealand Residents: Get practical travel advice on the New Zealand SafeTravel website
- Residents of Other Countries: Check with your government or local consulate for tailored travel advice and requirements.
Note: Passport and visa regulations can change at any time. Stay proactive by checking for the latest updates to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey.
Insurance
Medical insurance that covers medical costs in case of an accident during the trip is mandatory to participate in our tours.
We recommend to purchase adequate travel insurance in order to participate in our tours and protect yourself from unforeseen events. Our experience shows that guests who purchase travel insurance—including coverage for trip cancellation, interruption, delay, baggage damage, loss or theft, personal accident, death and repatriation costs, medical and emergency expenses (including Covid-19), and personal liability—travel with greater peace of mind.
We do not sell travel insurance directly, as we believe our customers should have the freedom to choose a policy that best suits their needs. However, we recommend Insured Nomads as a great starting point.
Frequently Asked Questions
The fitness level required for each trip is indicated by the "level" of the tour, which in turn is mentioned on each tour page right next to the price and the trip duration.
Easy: The terrain is mostly flat with a few gentle climbs.
Moderate: The terrain is either mostly flat or consists of rolling hills with a few challenging climbs. There could also be a few days with longer riding distances of up to 75 kms (45 miles)
Difficult: The terrain is mostly hilly with strong elevation gains and/or has long days on the bike. Such trips are recommended for intermediate to advanced cyclists.
Please note that we usually bike around 4-5 hours per day irrespective of the level of the trip.
Yes, your trip leader will carry bottled water or RO water in a camper in the support van for guests' use.
Yes, please communicate your dietary preferences to your trip leader and they'll ensure that the food you eat is spiced as per your requirements.
The road surface is mostly good. 90% of the cycling on this bike tour happens on paved roads.
We've designed this itinerary such that most of the cycling happens on quieter countryside roads far from busy traffic. The shuttle transfers on this tour have been strategically planned to bypass busy vehicular traffic.
We are not medical advisors, and as such are not qualified to dispense medical advice. However, we recommend consulting the resources below for advice on vaccines and medications:
- CDC portal for travelers from the US
- NHS' Fit For Travel portal for travelers from the UK
- Smart Traveller portal or travelers from Australia.
In addition to the above, you may also refer to the travel advice issued from time to time by your government.
While your tour price covers most common expenses, a few meals are not included in the itinerary. This allows you the opportunity to dine independently and explore the local cuisine at your own pace. Your guides will be happy to provide recommendations if desired. As a general guideline, you can budget approximately US $100–200 per person for additional expenditures over the course of the trip.
Tips are not included in your tour price.
As a general rule, you may tip US$ 15-25 per person per day.
This figure is for the entire crew including the trip leader, the driver, and other support staff.
However, you are not obligated to tip, and you can always tip less or more than the above amount depending on the level of service you received on tour.
It is usually the norm to tip the tour guide, who then distributes the amount among the entire crew. However, you can also tip each individual member of the crew if you so desire.
In case you want to tip the staff at a hotel such as porters, you may pay them US $2-3 per day.
The meeting time on Day 1 is mentioned in your travel planner shared with you. You can arrive either on the morning of Day 1 depending on the meeting time, or book a pre-tour night to arrive a day earlier.
We don't have anything planned for the last day, so you are free to depart at your discretion.
Yes, you may wear riding shorts while riding your bike. When not cycling, it would be advisable to wear comfortable full-length pants. We recommend keeping a pair of comfortable pants handy in you support van.
When visiting temples and monuments, visitors should wear full-length, loose-fitting pants. Holy places of certain religions may also require covering your head. Your guide will inform of the dress etiquette required for visiting specific religious places.
You can exchange currency at the airport itself, or at ATMs in larger cities. Most commercial establishments will accept international credit cards for payments, though its good to carry some local currency with you at all times.
Farmers in northern Thailand and Laos typically burn crop residue from late-March to early-June. We do not recommend this as a good time to go cycling in northern Thailand and Laos.
This does not, however, impact the air quality in southern Thailand.
For answers to broader questions, please visit our Comprehensive FAQs section.
