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Thai Northern Roads

9 days

From $2,100

Difficulty

Hard

Duration

9 days

Active days

7 days

Daily distance

98 km / day avg.

Daily climb

2,194 m / day avg.

About this tour

This ride is not for the faint-hearted; you can expect those legs of yours to be screaming. But that is well worth it as it will make those coffees more deserved, and those dishes taste oh-so-much better! That goes without mentioning the amazing vistas, rubber plantations, and the very interesting people we can meet along the Thai-Myanmar border. All these are in fact the real highlights of this trip. So get ready, lube your chain (we will actually do it for you) and come join us on the saddle!

Day by day itinerary

Day 1

Chiang Mai

Welcome to the “Rose of the North”!


We meet in the afternoon after check-in for bike fitting and for an overall briefing of our trip to get you excited! The evening is yours to discover the city, the famous Chiang Mai night market and its myriad of food hawkers.


Day 2

Chiang Mai – Samoeng – Mae Rim
87 kms / 2,105m ascent

The start of today is common to one of local cyclists’ favourites, the Samoeng loop. We circumnavigate Doi Suthep to the tranquil and fertile region of Samoeng that grows fruits, vegetables, and flowers aplenty. Climbs and downhills are many, as we pass through lush green forests, farmlands and charming rural villages.

We will stop at a local market to enjoy a traditional lunch in what was one of the earliest Lua then Lanna settlements, before we get back on our saddles for a challenging climb and then down to Mae Rim.


Day 3

Mae Rim – Pai
118 kms / 2,255m ascent

Once again, the peaceful warm-up through rice paddies on easy flat roads is only an illusion, as the climbing starts soon after. We go up steadily on a nice, wide, winding road to a pass as high as 1,420 meters of altitude.

We take a break at the top to enjoy the scenery, regroup and snack on local delicacies, and then it’s down down down to the valley on a fast and curvy road.

We reach our hotel in downtown Pai, where you can have a stroll by the river or stop at one of the many cafes before dinner. Or chill by the pool, you may want just that!


Day 4

Pai – Mae Hong Son
107 kms / 2,610m ascent

We set out early today. After waking up the legs slowly comes our first and longest climb of the day: 13 kilometers with 840 meters of ascent. It’s a long winding road typical of the region, the kind that you’ll be able to boast about afterwards.

We dive into the next valley and the rest of the day is essentially downhill. With a few climbs thrown in to keep the fun going of course, but nothing serious compared to what you have achieved earlier.


We reach the multicultural town of Mae Hong Son, where you’ll be able to visit the amazing market where farmers from surrounding villages come and sell their produce daily. Thai and Burmese ethnicities share the space in a vibrant atmosphere that will sure pick your interest.


Day 5

Mae Hong Son – Khun Yuam
71 kms / 1,370m ascent

We have an easier day ahead of us today, and we will take it easy to keep our legs fresh as can be before tomorrow.

Starting at low altitude we soon get higher up in the hills, passing local communities that are a fascinating blend of many tribes.

We will finish the day at a beautiful little hotel overlooking rice paddies for a quiet afternoon. You may walk around and see local farmers go about their daily life and – in season – witness the great moment that is rice harvesting.


Day 6

Khun Yuam – Mae Sariang
98 kms / 1,570m ascent

We start early as we have a tough day ahead of us with over 3,000m of climbing.

After the first easy 10km road patch, the challenge debuts with a 37kms and 1,440m ascent section that will surely test our legs. There are a few downhills to rest over this part, but the higher-double-digit gradients in some places will make one’s breathing hard.

Fear not, the support van is always close by for those who need – and you have here a subject of conversation over lunch and dinner for sure!

We then ride downwards with a few ascents, through forests, farmland and naked mountain tops. We are into remote lands where not many people usually venture so take in the scenery and enjoy!


Once in Mae Chaem, time to enjoy some well-deserved rest and refill the energy tanks before the last big day tomorrow!


Day 7

Mae Sariang – Mae Chaem
126 kms / 3,140m ascent

We start early as we have a tough day ahead of us with over 3,000m of climbing.

After the first easy 10km road patch, the challenge debuts with a 37kms and 1,440m ascent section that will surely test our legs. There are a few downhills to rest over this part, but the higher-double-digit gradients in some places will make one’s breathing hard.

Fear not, the support van is always close by for those who need – and you have here a subject of conversation over lunch and dinner for sure!

We then ride downwards with a few ascents, through forests, farmland and naked mountain tops. We are into remote lands where not many people usually venture so take in the scenery and enjoy!


Once in Mae Chaem, time to enjoy some well-deserved rest and refill the energy tanks before the last big day tomorrow!


Day 8

Mae Chaem – Doi Inthanon – Chiang Mai
77 kms / 2,310m ascent

Today covers a short distance, but don’t expect it to be a rest day as we embark on the ultimate Thai climbing challenge. The first 20 kms right out of our hotel door are a long steady climb on a mostly shaded and slightly windy road, a cyclist’s paradise if you forget the elevation gain of 1,380m over that section…

The real test start at the junction where will turn right towards the Roof of Thailand, Doi Inthanon, for the last 10 kms and 880m of ascent. It sure gets tough but the rewarding views and the pagodas at the top, not mentioning the bragging rights you’ll get, are well wort it.

It's then all downhill from here on the amazingly smooth winding road out of the National Park. Enjoy!


We regroup and have the option to continue all the way to central Chiang Mai in the van or keep riding the last flat 60 kms to town.


Freshen up, relax, tonight is time to celebrate what we have accomplished!


Day 9

Chiang Mai
(Option for a 47 kms ride / 1,270m ascent)

The day is yours to visit the charming town of Chiang Mai and all the culture it has to offer, chill by the pool, have a massage or catch your next flight to the Southern beaches.

Or go on one more ride to the nearby Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, a revered Buddhist temple dating back to the 14th century and overlooking the whole city of Chiang Mai.





Itinerary
Included

What is included:

  • Support vehicle

  • Accommodation (twin-sharing basis)

  • Meals

  • Snacks and drinks during activities

  • Tour leader

What is excluded:

  • International flights

  • Domestic flights

  • Airport pick up

  • Airport drop off

  • Visa fees

  • Alcohol

  • Bicycle rental (can be arranged at an extra cost)

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