The journey
Five days cycling from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai through hilltribe villages, mountain passes and river valleys, ending with a boat ride to the White Temple.
Cycling the Northern Hills traces a quiet, scenic route from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, through rice paddies, mountain passes and Hmong hilltribe villages rarely seen from a tour bus. Trek to a traditional hilltribe settlement, ride through the Nong Hoi Mountain Range and cool off beneath the Bua Thong Waterfalls, then explore the natural chambers of the Chiang Dao Caves. On the final day, swap bikes for a long-tail boat down the Maekok River before cycling on to the otherworldly White Temple, finishing in Chiang Rai.
Highlights
- Cycle over 200 km through villages, rice fields and mountain passes between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai
- Trek to Mae Khi, a traditional Hmong hilltribe village, for a face-to-face look at their way of life
- Cool off at the Bua Thong Waterfalls in Sri Lanna National Park
- Explore the natural chambers of the Chiang Dao Caves
- Swap bikes for a long-tail boat ride down the Maekok River
- Finish at the otherworldly White Temple, Wat Rong Khun, before browsing Chiang Rai's Night Bazaar
Included
Accommodation
4 nights across Mae Rim, Mae Taeng, Fang and Chiang Rai
Activities
Cycling along the Ping River through Mae Jo countryside · Trek to Mae Khi Hmong hilltribe village · Cycling through the Nong Hoi Mountain Range & local villages · Bua Thong Waterfalls, Sri Lanna National Park · Chiang Dao Caves · Cycling through the Maekok River Valley & local temples · Long-tail boat ride down the Maekok River · Wat Rong Khun (the White Temple) · Chiang Rai Night Bazaar
Also included
Bike, helmet & biking water bottle per person · Private guide & support vehicle throughout · Luggage transfer · Breakfast daily from Day 2, plus 4 lunches and 3 dinners · Entrance fees
The route
Five days across Thailand
4 stops · Mae Rim to Chiang Rai
Mae Rim
Mae Taeng
Fang
Chiang Rai
Stop 1 of 4
Journey's end
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Stop 1 of 4
Day by day
The route in detail
Day 1
Cycling to Mae Rim
Leave the bustle of Chiang Mai behind and head into the countryside of Mae Jo, cycling along the Ping River past emerald-green rice paddies and through charming villages at an easy pace. Stop along the way at bustling local markets to soak up northern Thailand's everyday culture. Arrive at the Hmong Hilltribe Lodge in the late afternoon, with time to freshen up before a dinner of local specialties, accompanied by a traditional dance performance. Overnight in Mae Rim.
Day 2
Hmong Hilltribes and the Bua Thong Waterfalls
After breakfast, set out on foot for a short trek through dense, untouched jungle to Mae Khi, a traditional Hmong hilltribe village, for a face-to-face look at their peaceful way of life. Back on the bikes, ride through the Nong Hoi Mountain Range and a string of villages lined with traditional Thai-style homes, stopping along the way to explore temples and meet local monks and villagers. Break for lunch at a local restaurant before the final stretch of the day's ride, finishing with a refreshing stop at the Bua Thong Waterfalls in Sri Lanna National Park. Overnight in Mae Taeng.
Day 3
Chiang Dao Caves and Onward to Fang
After breakfast, transfer over the mountains of Chiang Dao before the day's cycling begins. Start at the Chiang Dao Caves, a network of natural chambers well worth exploring, then grab a quick snack before continuing on to the quiet town of Fang. Most of today's ride rolls over gentle hills on tarmac, before a short transfer into town. After checking in and freshening up, head out for dinner at a local restaurant, with the rest of the evening free at leisure. Overnight in Fang.
Day 4
The Maekok River and the White Temple
Cycle out through Fang's quiet rural roads, watching locals tend their rice fields as you weave through winding, scenic backroads and small villages. Stop for a snack, then continue into the Maekok River Valley, visiting a few local temples along the way before a barbecue lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, swap the bikes for a long-tail boat and head downstream to Chiang Rai. Once ashore, get back on the bikes for the final stretch, cycling to the striking White Temple, Wat Rong Khun, for time to explore its intricate, otherworldly grounds. Before checking in, browse the stalls of Chiang Rai's bustling Night Bazaar. Overnight in Chiang Rai.
Day 5
Departure
After breakfast, check out and continue on with your onward travel plans.
Moments
Along the way
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