11 days
From US $2,795
Mae Hong Son Highlands Loop Bike Tour
A classic loop of a lifetime in the verdant topography of Thailand’s interiors Mae Hong Son hills. Pedal along to your next destination across misty mountains, through deep valleys and riversides.
This tour takes you through the more remote landlocked region of Mae Hong Son.
Guided
casual hotels
Chiang Mai | 13:00hrs
Chiang Mai
moderate to challenging
85km or 67mi
8
CNX
CNX
Highlights
highland loop
A classic rolling highlands loop, one of the best in ThailandItinerary
Brief Itinerary
Meals are indicated as B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner.
Listed hotels are subject to availability and may be replaced with similar alternatives of equal standard.
| Day | Place | casual Inns | Meals | Distance | Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DAY 1 | Chiang Mai | Aksara Heritage | D | ||
| DAY 2 | Chom Thong | Doi Inthanon Riverside Resort | B,L,D | 75km / 45mi | cycling |
| DAY 3 | Bo Luang | Pak Doi OK Farm Stay | B,L,D | 72km / 42mi | cycling |
| DAY 4 | Mae Sariang | Riverhouse Hotel | B,L,D | 65km / 40mi | cycling |
| DAY 5 | Khum Yuan | Mit Khoon Youm Hotel | B,L,D | 100km / 60mi | cycling |
| DAY 6 | Mae Hong Son | Palm House Normal Loft | B,L,D | 70km / 42mi | cycling |
| DAY 7 | Mae Hong Son | Palm House Normal Loft | B | ||
| DAY 8 | Soppong | Soppong River Inn | B,L,D | 68km / 42mi | cycling |
| DAY 9 | Pai | The Quarter Pai | B,L,D | 45km / 27mi | cycling |
| DAY 10 | Chiang Mai | Aksara Heritage Hotel | B,L,D | 100km / 60mi | cycling |
| DAY 11 | Departure | B |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Chiang Mai
Meet with your guides in the early afternoon at our hotel to enjoy a walking tour through parts of the Old City section of Chiang Mai. Discover stupa ruins dating back 700 years and historic wats (temples) sprinkled in among the shops and houses of locals. Gather for orientation and bike fitting before heading out for some excellent Lanna cuisine.
Day 2: Chom Thong
Avoiding morning rush hour, we will shuttle out to Wiang Khum Kam Visitor Center to start our ride. Cycle around this area where Chiang Mai was originally founded 735 years ago, exploring the ruins of ancient temples. From here the route turns south cycling along the Mae Ping (Ping River) through small villages, past fish farms, and through expansive longan orchards. Tonight we relax riverside at our hotel in Chom Thong.
Day 3: Bo Luang
After breakfast enjoy a bit more riverside cycling before we turn towards the mountain and start the reason cyclists come here, alpine cycling. Today's ride starts in thick forests of teak and other trees, slowly gaining altitude along the Mae Chaem (Chaem River). Take a walking break to explore the Ob Luang Gorge, before reaching the tiny village of Bo Luang where we spend the night at a farm stay, enjoying a farm-to-table dinner.
Day 4: Mae Sariang
Our route stays high in the Thong Chai Mountain Range, cycling up and down a number of smaller ridge lines as we cross over what many geologists believe to be the southeastern end of the Himalayas. In the afternoon we enjoy a downhill run to the Yuam River Valley and our overnight stop in Mae Sariang. Relax on the balcony of your room overlooking the river before dinner.
Day 5: Khum Yuan
Departing early from the tranquil town of Mae Sariang, the journey begins with gentle climbs and scenic views of lush forests, rolling hills, and rice paddies bathed in the soft morning light. As the day progresses, the terrain becomes more challenging, featuring steeper ascents and winding roads that test endurance and navigation skills.
Midway through, a rest break allows for rehydration and a chance to absorb the serene surroundings. Continuing through dense forests, the ride offers glimpses of streams, waterfalls, and vibrant local villages, providing cultural insights and photographic opportunities. After a lunch break, the afternoon ride brings more stunning vistas and cultural encounters, culminating in a late afternoon arrival at the peaceful village of Khum Yuan.
Day 6: Mae Hong Son
Another day of rolling terrain through forests, farmlands, and small towns. Enjoy photo breaks at several overlooks, then faster descending at the end of the day, a quick stop at Pha Bong Hot Spring before rolling into town. Our hotel sits in rice paddies on the edge of town, yet within walking distance of all the interesting aspects of the town.
Day 7: Mae Hong Son
The day is to your leisure, perhaps stroll around Nong Chong Park to explore the Burmese-style temple complex or the night markets.
Day 8: Soppong
Today is what you have been building up your legs for as we tackle a couple of big climbs crossing back over the Thong Chai Mountain Range. Take a short break from cycling to visit Tham Pla the fish cave and So Tong Bamboo Bridge, before starting the first big climb. If time allows go to visit Tham Lod and catch the evening return of some 300,000 swallows to the cave.
Day 9: Pai
You have one long uphill this morning gaining 1000 meters in 17 kms, then a long downhill runs to the mountain town of Pai. You have the afternoon free to explore this old hippy paradise, perhaps a hot spring visit or ride out to Pai Canyon or simply relax at the hotel.
Day 10: Chiang Mai
The grand finale of our alpine cycling tour takes us over one of the highest points of the ride and then we start a downhill roller coaster, descending and climbing again and again until we find ourselves at the edge of the Ping River Valley again. We finish our descent out of the mountains into the Ping River Valley. Passing Mae Malai our ride picks up quiet farm roads along the Klong Kiat, an irrigation canal, with beautiful panoramic views of the valley and its surrounding mountains and no traffic. We will end the ride at Wat Mae Ket Noi, with its Good & Evil teaching garden full of rather bizarre and colorful statuary. We shuttle from here to our hotel to avoid downtown traffic.
Day 11: Departure
Travel further 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 $600
E-Bike Upgrade
From US $300
Couldn't find a trip with convenient dates?
Open your date as a join-in tour or customize further as a private one.
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
Included in your trip price
Arrival & Departure Details
Chiang Mai International Airport
There are several taxi desks in the arrival lobby, any of which are fine to use. There isn't a appreciable difference between the taxi companies, and they all provide the same quality of service here. Taxi boarding is at the north end of the lobby, through the domestic part of the airport.
Taxi fares are usually 150 to 200 Thai baht ( 4.5 to 6 USD) from the airport to anywhere in the central district of the city.
Grab, a ride hailing app like Uber, also picks up from the airport for the same price. Their pick up point is out the same door as other taxis but further away along the sidewalk on exit road from the airport.
Taxi fares when leaving the airport are fixed by the government. Fares going to the airport, however, are negotiable, but usually not appreciably higher. Taxis need to be ordered, and they are not waiting around at hotels or driving the roads looking for fares.
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.
January
Best
February
Best
March
Offseason
April
Offseason
May
Offseason
June
Mixed
July
Offseason
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 all activities on the itinerary, 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.
Can I use my credit card insurance?
Yes, as long as it meets our requirements and provides adequate coverage. Ensure you have an emergency contact number and policy number available.
When should I buy travel insurance?
Purchase travel insurance as soon as you've paid in full or booked your flights.
Is proof of travel insurance required?
Yes. You must provide your insurer's name, policy number, and emergency contact via our reservation form. This is mandatory. If you cannot provide proof, you’ll need to purchase insurance before traveling with us.
Does Art of Bicycle Trips sell travel insurance?
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.
