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Two-day leisure cycling tour south of Chiang Mai

Code: CNX-CLMS

Departure at 08:30 am

Overview

This two day leisure cycling tour is ideal for people who want to enjoy and see as much as possible of Chiang Mai and Northern Thailand in a very short period. The cycling is on carefully planned routes down quiet roads and lanes, chosen for the interest and contact with the Thai countryside and Thai way of life. The cycling tour is made for adventurous people who have an average level of fitness, an interest in cycling, history, culture, local handicrafts, rural life and scenery.

Itinerary

Day 1: About 55 km flat. (L, D)

After a short safety briefing and bike fitting, we start cycling down narrow lanes and alleyways, leaving Chiang Mai behind us. We follow the Ping River south and visit a Chinese temple on the outskirts of the city. This Chinese temple is well worth a visit for its somewhat quirky architecture. Our next stop is a former leper colony, founded originally by missionaries, now a nursing home, hospital and rehabilitation center. Cyclists will find here a heaven of peace and tranquility in woodland surroundings. We soon rejoin the river and follow it south to the village of Ban Tawai, famous for its woodcarving artisans. There is plenty of time to wander and take a closer look at the craftsmanship exhibited in the workshops. After lunch at a local restaurant, we cycle through paddy fields, ride past various fruit orchards and encounter the Thai way of life as we weave our way through villages and farmland. Your overnight accommodation is a resort converted from old tobacco barns, with elegantly and luxuriously decorated rooms. It is situated in quiet and peaceful surroundings and has a large swimming pool.

Day 2: About 55 km flat. (B, L)

At the first village, we discover several chedis and ruins, some of which are over seven centuries old. After a short stop, our bicycle journey continues on back roads through ever changing scenery till we reach Lamphun. Here we visit the Wat Phrathat Haripunchai, one of the most revered temples in Northern Thailand. Once leaving Lamphun, we follow small canals, pass various fruit orchards and cycle through small villages till we meet the Ping River again and follow it upstream. We explore the ancient ruins of Wiang Kum Kam, the former site of Chiang Mai, before we cycle back to town. You will soon be looking back with pleasure at the highlights of this adventurous leisure cycling tour south of Chiang Mai.

Facts

Duration: 2 days, 01 night, about 5-6 hours cycling each day
Distance: total cycling distance is around 100-110 km, mainly flat
Group size: 2-12 people
Category: leisure cycling, families with children older than 10 are welcome
Key features: Chinese temple, former leper colony, rural life and scenery, orchards, Baan Tawai, paddy fields, Wat Haripunchai and the ruins of Wiang Kum Kam
Included: English speaking local bike 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: elegantly and luxuriously decorated rooms in old converted tobacco barns, nice restaurant with good Thai food, large swimming pool, several massages are available such as traditional Thai, aroma, foot, oil and face massages.
Grading:

General information

Bicycles: adapted mountain bikes, also know as comfort bikes, with 24 gears and front suspension are used for their versatility and comfort. The bikes come equipped with water bottle carriers, rack and panniers. Both men and lady bikes are available.
Clothes: suitable 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 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.

More Info

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