Four day bike tour around Chiang Mai

Code: CNX-CLMC

Departure at 08:30 am

Overview

This 4-day leisure cycling tour east and south of Chiang Mai gives you a complete idea of this beautiful area. You can witness the farmer's daily life, the beautiful scenery, enjoy the comfort of a very good accommodation and the good food. The biking is on well planned routes down quiet roads and lanes, chosen for the interest and contact with the Thai countryside and Thai way of life. This bike tour is ideal for people who have a good level of fitness and an interest in biking.

Day 1: About 40 km flat. (L, D)

After a short safety briefing, we cycle down narrow lanes through some of Chiang Mai’s interesting neighbourhoods, past beautiful houses and through areas rarely seen by tourists. The route continues on country roads through beautiful changing scenery. We witness the farmer’s daily life activities and introduce you to ‘the real Thailand’. Our first night is in a resort hotel with swimming pool. Nearby is a reservoir for the more energetic to explore.

Day 2: About 30 km, with 6 km gently rolling. (B, L, D)

Today’s cycling will give us further insight into the Thai way of life. We pass a Chinese cemetery and glimpse tantalizing views of a temple on top of a hill. We visit the beautiful temple, which is also an important social center and school for the area. After a visit to the local market we continue through rice fields, orchards, and small villages. The day will end at a resort with hot springs. The water in your room and in the swimming pool is directly tapped from the hot springs. There are facilities for traditional massage, mud baths, sauna, and jacuzzi, all at reasonable prices. Don’t hesitate to indulge in these luxuries to recuperate from the strains of the day.

Day 3: About 80 km, with 10 km gently rolling. (B, L, D)

This is the longest day of the tour but we feel fit to tackle the challenge. The first 10 km we, cross some low hills. The scenery is beautiful and different. The country flattens out and we are back into an area of paddy fields. We pass a 29 metre high standing Buddha protruding from the flat countryside. Cycling on to Lamphun we visit the Wat Phrathat Haripunchai, one of the most revered temples in Northern Thailand. Avoiding the traffic, we cross Lamphun and continue the ride on quiet back roads. The last part is through a village where time has stood still. On either side we discover chedis and ruins, some of which are over seven centuries old. Our overnight accommodation is in a resort converted from old tobacco barns, tastefully and luxuriously decorated in quiet and peaceful surroundings, with a swimming pool.

Day 4: About 50 km flat. (B, L)

At first we ride through mainly longan orchards. Families in this area make sa paper using traditional methods. Via nice routes we cycle to Ban Tawai, a small village famous for its wood carving artisans. We have enough time to look around the various stalls. Soon we join the Ping River, the banks lush with growth due to the availability of water throughout the year. A visit to a former leper colony, now a rehabilitation center, gives some insight into the activities of the missionaries in days gone bye. A visit to ancient ruins of the former site of Chiang Mai rounds off the day. With pleasure you will look back and remember the highlights of this cycling adventure.

Facts

Duration: 4 days, 3 nights>
Distance: total cycling distance is about 200 km, mainly flat with 16 km gently rolling
Group size: 2-12 people
Category: leisure cycling for everyone in good condition
Key features: country life, farmer's activities, hot springs, temples, wood carving village, beautiful scenery
Included: English speaking cycling guide, modified mountain bike with 24 gears and front suspension, helmet (mandatory), insurance, snacks and bottled water, meals as specified in the itinerary, B-breakfast, L-lunch, D-dinner
Accommodation: First night is in a resort hotel with swimming pool. Second night is in a resort with hot springs. The water in your room and in the swimming pool is directly tapped from the hot springs. Traditional massage, mud baths, sauna, and jacuzzi are available at reasonable prices. Third night is in a resort converted from old tobacco barns, tastefully and luxuriously decorated in quiet and peaceful surroundings, with a swimming pool.
Grading:

General information

Bicycles: adapted mountain bikes, also known as comfort bikes, with 24 gears and front suspension are used for their multifunctionality and comfort. The bikes are equipped with water bottle carriers, rack and panniers. Frames for both men and women are available.
Clothes: suitable cycling clothes are shorts and firm footwear. Please no loose fitting dresses that can get caught up in wheels, and no flip-flops. Your safety is a major concern to us. We provide a light poncho during the rainy season.
Packing list: sunglasses, sun block, insect repellent, pocket money and a small camera. You will receive a complete packing list after your booking of this bike tour is confirmed.
Support: this environmentally friendly bike tour does not need a support vehicle; however back up is provided when necessary.
Important: people with particular requirements are advised to bring their own pedals, shoes, saddles, helmets and other personal items of cycling clothes.
Remark: the use of GPS or other tracking devices is not allowed during our tours.

When: this tour can be booked on following days:

Day	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat	Sun
Private	N	N	Y	Y	Y	N	N
Join*	N	N	N	Y	N	N	N

* Minimum 2 people are needed to operate the join tour.

This four day bike tour is also available as a self-guided biking tour.

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