Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai Bike Tour

Itinerary Details

1. Day 1Chiang Mai - Sticky Waterfall - Wat Ban Den

   In the morning, you'll be picked up from your pre-tour hotel in Chiang Mai City and enjoy a scenic 1.5-hour transfer to Bua Tong Waterfall. Known as the “sticky waterfall” for its grippy limestone surface, this natural wonder invites you to climb its cascades and immerse yourself in the lush surroundings while the bikes are prepared. From here, your ride begins on smooth roads winding through serene forests bordering Sri Lanna National Park. A thrilling descent takes you into a landscape of vast farmlands framed by majestic mountain backdrops.  
   
   At the 15 km mark, a short yet rewarding climb offers stunning views of the Mae Ngat Reservoir. The second half of today’s ride takes you on a mix of gravel, dirt, and concrete roads through longan orchards and rice fields in the district of Mae Taeng. Before arriving at the day’s hotel, you'll swing by Wat Ban Den, a sprawling temple complex renowned for its large sculptures of creatures from northern Thai mythology.

   • 19.9 miles
   • -551.2 ft
     502 ft
     1,053.1 ft
   • Phusanfah Resort
   • Lunch and Dinner

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     Phusanfha Resort

     Relax at this lovely resort with all the needed amenities after a day of exploring

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     Phusanfha Resort

     Relax at this lovely resort with all the needed amenities after a day of exploring

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     Elevation Profile

2. Day 2Mae Taeng - Chiang Dao Loop

   A quick 30-minute transfer takes you north into the Chiang Dao Valley, home to Thailand’s third-largest mountain. Here you'll hop on your bikes and explore this beautiful rural area, cycling through bountiful farmlands framed by the silhouettes of towering ridges and peaks.

   The first 15 km take you on mixed surface roads to reach the sacred Chiang Dao Caves. By foot, you'll enter narrow chambers housing an eclectic mix of stalagmites, stalactites, Buddha images, and other religious relics. You'll then weave along the valley floor on predominantly paved roads for another 20 km, surrounded by rice paddies and fruit orchards with the majestic Chang Dao Mountain looming in the background. The rest of the day is free to lounge by the pool and enjoy the views at your resort nestled amidst the rural idyll of the valley.

   • 22.4 miles
   • 3.3 ft
     1,177.8 ft
     1,174.5 ft
   • Buraphat Resort
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

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     Buraphat Resort

     In a lovely setting with a peaceful atmosphere and wonderful views

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     Buraphat Resort

     In a lovely setting with a peaceful atmosphere and wonderful views

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     Elevation Profile

3. Day 3Chiang Dao - Fang - Tha Ton

   You'll begin the day with a 1.5-hour transfer to the far north of Thailand, where the mountains form a natural border with Myanmar. The first half of the route is predominantly paved, cycling on minor roads through a region dominated by orange groves.

   After some low-gradient climbing, you'll stop at a Lahu hilltribe village where you may be invited for some local tea and learn about traditional Lahu lifeways and spirituality. You'll then cruise downhill back into the plains, where seemingly every inch available is covered by rice paddies. This is the arena for the second half of today’s ride, navigating small dirt and gravel trails that follow irrigation canals and embankments. Paved surfaces are few and far between, all the way to the market town of Tha Ton, which sits on the banks of the Mae Kok River. You'll aim to arrive in time for lunch at a local restaurant and then ride a very short distance to your riverside hotel, replete with peaceful gardens and a refreshing pool. The afternoon is yours to relax. An optional drive up to a nearby hilltop temple with panoramic views can also be arranged.

   • 26.7 miles
   • -272.3 ft
     757.9 ft
     1,030.2 ft
   • Maekok River Village Resort
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

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     Maekok River Village Resort

     Laid back resort that's surrounded by a river and mountains.

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     Maekok River Village Resort

     Laid back resort that's surrounded by a river and mountains.

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     Elevation Profile

4. Day 4Tha Ton - White Temple - Chiang Rai

   You'll start things a little differently today. After a short transfer to a pier, you’ll hitch a ride on a long-tail boat that takes you downstream on the Mae Kok River. After about an hour, you’ll disembark and saddle up to follow the river as it cuts through a narrow valley dotted with hill tribe villages and surrounded by forested slopes and terraced agricultural fields. Eventually, you'll spill out onto the plains surrounding Chiang Rai, concluding your ride at the eccentric White Temple, Chiang Rai’s top attraction, where traditional Thai temple architecture meets modern art and pop culture.

   After your visit and lunch, you'll end the adventure with a transfer to your post-tour hotel (30 - 45 minutes). 

   • 26.1 miles
   • -72.2 ft
     1,184.4 ft
     1,256.6 ft
   • Breakfast and Lunch

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     Elevation Profile