Day 1 – MONDAY – Cycle 30 to 40 km (25 miles)
08.30 Pick-up from your Chiang Mai hotels and drive north by covered pick-up truck (songtaew in Thai) to Chiangdao. Our first stop is at the Chiangdao Elephant Camp, where we will have an insight into elephants’ lifestyles and behavior. Watch elephants bathing and demonstrating their skills, pulling and hauling logs., After the show, we transfer further north to avoid the main road, to eventually reach our cycling starting place. Quick bike fitting and we start pedaling through the great countryside, with a climb, to warm up participants! Next is a flat and a ride in the forest, on a tarmac road, to reach the Chiangdao caves. Take some time to explore the main chamber of the caves, and have lunch at a local restaurant. Afternoon, we ride again through rural back roads first, followed by off-road trails, across a pristine landscape leading to small hill-tribe villages. On the way, we visit Lahu, Lisu, and Akha villages, and discover the Palong people from Myanmar, with only a few settlements in northern Thailand. We cycle a few more kilometers to find our accommodation for tonight. Overnight and dinner at the Padeng lodge.
[Meals: lunch, dinner]
Day 2 – TUESDAY – cycle 60 km (38 miles)
Today is a day of intense riding through stunning nature! We have a long day on the road today, but for exhausted participants, our escort vehicle is always nearby., After breakfast at the lodge, we ride exciting dirt trails (15km) through plantations and forests. We continue onto a paved road. Lunch stop and visit a Buddhist forest temple and caves. Afternoon cycling is rolling hills on the tarmac, until car transfer to Ban Thaton for overnight. Overnight at a simple hotel located on the bank of the Maekok River. Dinner at the hotel.
[Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner]
Day 3 – WEDNESDAY – cycle 45 to 60 km (38 miles+)
Early morning, after breakfast, we cycle through the Maekok river valley, past rice fields and plantations. Then we follow exciting trails along the river. We will also take a local long-tail boat downriver, to enjoy a rest and the scenic landscapes. Disembark and continue cycling to a Karen village. Depending on the participant’s abilities, we can cycle to Chiang Rai city, or transfer by vehicle. Drop off at your hotel, or if pre-arranged, at Chiang Rai Airport.
[Meals: breakfast, lunch]
End of the tour
Note: Flights from Chiangrai airport (airport code CEI) to Bangkok Suvanhabhum airport are available every day on Thai Airways and to Don Muang airport on Thai Air Asia. We recommend you book a flight departing around 7 pm, to enjoy this trip to its fullest.
Please consider the environment before printing