North Thailand by Road Bike

Itinerary Details

1. Day 1Meet in Chiang Rai

   You arrive at the tour hotel in the early afternoon and prepare for a warm-up ride around Chiang Rai. Your main stop is the city’s most iconic landmark, the White Temple, a breathtaking fusion of Buddhist architecture and surreal modern art that reflects the Buddha’s teachings in a contemporary style. After exploring the temple’s intricate details, you’ll return to the hotel and later enjoy an evening stroll through Chiang Rai’s vibrant Night Bazaar, followed by a welcome dinner.
   

   • 26.1 miles
   • 3.3 ft
     780.8 ft
     777.6 ft
   • Laluna Hotel & Resort
   • Dinner
2. Day 2Chiang Rai - Tha Ton

   You navigate out of Chiang Rai, starting on a provincial throughway before turning onto a secondary road around the 45-km mark. This road leads you into the remote highlands of Wa Wi. Your first leg-testing climb offers breathtaking views of the Mae Suai Reservoir as your reward. After a brisk descent, the journey becomes an undulating ride through a lush valley filled with jungles, farmlands, hill tribe villages, and endless mountain vistas.  
   
   At around 84 km, you face the day’s main challenge: a winding 15-km climb to a pass over 1,000 meters above sea level. Thankfully, it’s not all uphill—relieving dips, flat stretches, and stunning views make the climb an enjoyable test of endurance. At the top, you’ll pause at a scenic viewpoint before a thrilling 10-km downhill ride into the Mae Kok River valley. The final stretch takes you across the plains to your riverside resort, where tranquil gardens and a refreshing pool await to cap off the day.

   • 77.7 miles
   • 183.7 ft
     5,223.1 ft
     5,013.1 ft
   • Maekok River Village Resort
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

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     Maekok River Village Resort

     Idyllically situated and on the banks of the Mae Kok River, the hotel has stunning views, a fabulous pool and very comfortable rooms

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     Maekok River Village Resort

     Idyllically situated and on the banks of the Mae Kok River, the hotel has stunning views, a fabulous pool and very comfortable rooms

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     Maekok River Village Resort

     Idyllically situated and on the banks of the Mae Kok River, the hotel has stunning views, a fabulous pool and very comfortable rooms

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     Elevation Profile

3. Day 3Tha Ton - Chiang Saen

   Today’s ride takes you to the enchanting Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos meet at the majestic confluence of the Mekong River in northeast Chiang Rai Province. The journey won’t be easy, but it’s worth every pedal stroke! You’ll start with a 20-km ride eastward along a provincial road, passing rolling hills blanketed with farms and dotted with Buddhist stupas.  
   
   From there, a series of climbs takes you into the Mae Salong mountains, renowned for their tea plantations and Chinese heritage. Two demanding 5-km ascents with steep, double-digit gradients test your endurance, but each summit offers panoramic views and exhilarating descents. By the 50-km mark, the tough climbs are behind you, and the second half of the ride glides through the fertile rice fields of eastern Chiang Rai Province.  
   
   As you approach the riverside town of Chiang Saen, the gateway to the Golden Triangle, you’ll ride alongside the ancient fortification walls that tell stories of the past. The day ends at your charming hotel on the Mekong River, where a sunset toast awaits to celebrate your incredible accomplishment.
   

   • 70.2 miles
   • -285.4 ft
     4,301.2 ft
     4,586.6 ft
   • Siam Triangle Hotel
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
4. Day 4Chiang Saen to Chiang Khong

   After the intensity of the tour’s start and with more challenging climbs ahead, today’s ride offers a chance to slow down and enjoy a gentler pace. You’ll follow the winding course of the Mekong River through the lush rice basin of eastern Chiang Rai Province. The fertile, silt-rich land creates a vibrant patchwork of greens as you cycle through expansive agricultural fields and the thriving communities that tend them.  
   
   Along the way, you’ll pass fruit orchards, paddy fields, and banana plantations, interspersed with more developed areas of this bustling commercial region. Across the river lies Laos, and while the Mekong isn’t always in sight, certain stretches provide stunning views of the majestic landscape. The route is mostly flat, with a few undulating sections and one short but steep climb to a ridge that rewards you with scenic vistas.  
   
   You’ll finish the ride in the quaint border town of Chiang Khong, arriving in time for lunch. The afternoon is yours to unwind at the riverside hotel or enjoy a leisurely stroll along the boardwalk.

   • 41.6 miles
   • 42.7 ft
     1,190.9 ft
     1,227 ft
   • Chiangkhong Teak Garden Riverfront Hotel
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Snacks

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     Chiangkhong Teak Garden Riverfront Hotel

     A modern hotel in Chiang Khong with a youthful vibe and splendid views of the Mekong River

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     Chiangkhong Teak Garden Riverfront Hotel

     A modern hotel in Chiang Khong with a youthful vibe and splendid views of the Mekong River

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     Chiangkhong Teak Garden Riverfront Hotel

     A modern hotel in Chiang Khong with a youthful vibe and splendid views of the Mekong River

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     Elevation Profile

5. Day 5Chiang Khong - Phu Chi Fah

   Prepare yourself for one of the tour’s most challenging climbs and a true badge of honor for road cyclists in Thailand: the ascent to Phu Chi Fah. Your day begins with a 50-km warm-up ride along the plains of the Mekong River and through a picturesque valley nestled between two mountain ridges.  
   
   Once you transition onto a winding highland road, the real test begins. The first climb is the toughest, ascending nearly 800 meters over a relentless 5 km. After catching your breath at a scenic viewpoint, the ride continues with undulating stretches along a ridge at 1,200 meters above sea level. Here, you’ll pass patchwork fields carved into the mountainsides, growing crops like cabbage, corn, strawberries, and lychees.  
   
   The journey culminates at the summit of Phu Chi Fah, a popular destination for Thais seeking cool weather and breathtaking views of the mountains and valleys of Laos. Tonight, you’ll unwind at a simple yet charming Thai-style hotel with cozy bungalows, where the crisp mountain air serves as a well-earned reward for your incredible effort.
   

   • 53.4 miles
   • 2,834.6 ft
     5,419.9 ft
     2,585.3 ft
   • Ukrist Farm Hill Resort
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
6. Day 6Phu Chi Fah - Phayao

   For one of Thailand’s most breathtaking sunrises, start your day early with a visit to the Phu Chi Fah Viewpoint. After a short drive and hike, you’ll stand atop a steep cliff, watching the sun light up mist-filled valleys and the jungle-covered peaks of Laos in the distance. Keep in mind that sunrise views depend on the weather, and your guide will go over the plan with you the night before.  
   
   After breakfast, it’s time to hop back on the bike and begin your descent. The first 20 km takes you along the same undulating ridge as the previous day, but from there, it’s a thrilling downhill ride through a twisty road lined with dense jungle. With some steep sections, you’ll take it slow and regroup at the mountain’s base around the 35-km mark.  
   
   The rest of the ride leads you through the rice-growing basin of Phayao Province. While some sections pass through busier stretches on provincial roads, the route prioritises quieter secondary paths whenever possible. Your journey concludes in the provincial capital of Phayao, where a large, scenic lake surrounded by mountains offers the perfect ending to the day.
   

   • 84.5 miles
   • -2,690.3 ft
     1,460 ft
     4,150.3 ft
   • M2 Hotel Waterside
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
7. Day 7Phayao - Wiang Pa Pao

   Your day begins with a picturesque ride along the shores of Lake Phayao, a vital hub for the region’s ecology and economy. Keep an eye out for birdlife and local fishing boats as you pedal around the edges of this vibrant wetland. After about 10 km, you leave the lake behind and follow rural roads into the foothills of the impressive Doi Luang Mountain.  
   
   The first challenge of the day awaits as you ascend a 12-km pass through the southern reaches of Doi Luang National Park. The climb winds along a scenic road, offering gradients between 2-6%, and rewards you with stunning views at the top before a descent into the Wang River Valley.  
   
   From there, you’ll traverse the rice-covered valley floor on an undulating provincial road. The day concludes with a final, steeper pass leading into the Pa Pao Valley, where your ride ends. Tonight, you’ll stay in a simple yet charming hotel nestled beside a Buddhist temple and school, offering an authentic glimpse into the rustic countryside of northern Thailand.

   • 45.4 miles
   • 508.5 ft
     3,618.8 ft
     2,982.3 ft
   • Me Vadsana Hotel
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

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     Elevation Profile

8. Day 8Wiang Pa Pao - Chiang Mai

   Your day begins with a 20-km ride north through the serene Pa Pao Valley, a gentle warm-up before the first real challenge: a twisty, steep 5-km climb that will test your legs. A rewarding downhill follows, leading you to the next ascent—a gradual 15-km climb into the eastern edge of Chiang Mai Province. The winding highland road is surrounded by dense forests, offering both shade and scenery as you climb.  
   
   At the top of the pass, you’ll take a well-earned break before a thrilling 20-km descent into the Phrao Valley. This wide, low-lying agricultural region is framed by the lush mountains of Sri Lanna National Park. You’ll then follow a flat road south through the valley for about 30 km, soaking in the peaceful surroundings.  
   
   A final short climb brings you back to higher elevations, where the day’s ride concludes at Bua Tong Waterfall. Known as the “sticky waterfall” for its unique limestone surface that’s easy to climb, it’s the perfect spot to cool down and explore. Afterward, you’ll transfer about an hour to your riverside hotel in Chiang Mai, ready to relax after an exhilarating day.

   • 72.7 miles
   • 52.5 ft
     4,986.9 ft
     5,239.5 ft
   • Aruntara Riverside Boutique Hotel
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

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     Aruntara Riverside Boutique Hotel

     An elegant and luxurious hotel on the Mae Ping River in downtown Chiang Mai

   • 

     Aruntara Riverside Boutique Hotel

     An elegant and luxurious hotel on the Mae Ping River in downtown Chiang Mai

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     Elevation Profile

9. Day 9Samoeng Loop

   You conclude your adventure with the Samoeng Loop, one of Chiang Mai’s most iconic cycling routes, renowned for its peaceful, winding roads framed by lush jungle scenery. After a quick 30-minute transfer from the hotel, you begin at the forested foothills of Doi Suthep-Pui National Park.  
   
   The ride starts with a gentle 15 km, gradually warming you up before tackling a series of twisting climbs that lead to the Samoeng viewpoint, perched at around 1,100 meters above sea level. After a well-earned break to take in the breathtaking views, you descend into the Mae Sa River Valley, riding through vibrant forests and agricultural fields, with the chance to spot elephants at one of the nearby camps!  
   
   Next, you follow a few kilometers along the main road before reaching the Huay Tueng Thao Reservoir. This tranquil spot is a favourite among locals, featuring a large lake surrounded by forests and traffic-free roads. Keep an eye out for some large and whimsical straw statues!  
   
   From here, you transfer back to the hotel, where you’ll gather in the evening for a celebratory farewell dinner, reflecting on the incredible journey you’ve shared.

   • 46.6 miles
   • 3.3 ft
     4,629.3 ft
     4,524.3 ft
   • Aruntara Riverside Boutique Hotel
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

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     Aruntara Riverside Boutique Hotel

     An elegant and luxurious hotel on the Mae Ping River in downtown Chiang Mai

   • 

     Aruntara Riverside Boutique Hotel

     An elegant and luxurious hotel on the Mae Ping River in downtown Chiang Mai

   • 

     Elevation Profile

10. Day 10Departure

    The tour has come to an end. Extend your stay in Chiang Mai, explore other parts of Thailand, or head to the airport for your flight home.
    

    • Breakfast