Get on board for the ultimate Thai adventure. The biking, hiking, great lodgings and incredible food will leave you dreaming of this experience for years to come!
This Thailand adventure stands out as the paramount for those wanting a physical adventure that takes it up a few notches. At the same time, it’s designed for those with a good level of fitness, but not having to be an Olympian. A few days of city life and ancient culture prepare us for an adrenalizing seven days in the far north. With a major focus on biking, this trip also combines hiking, boating, riding elephants and a host of other exciting transportation!
You’re guaranteed to have ear-to-ear smiles, be dazzled by life along the Thai borders with Laos and Myanmar, be covered in a nice sweat and rarely bump into other travelers. You’ll also be exposed to various hilltribe groups throughout your journey and see them in the their day to day lives, while enjoying proper comforts each night to keep you fresh and anew for each day.
The price quoted is from the first day of the adventure in Bangkok until the end of your planned itinerary. The adventure includes 80% of your meals, 9 nights of quality accommodation, all transport, two domestic airline tickets, a personalized Adventure Kit, all admissions, tips, snacks, and the finest adventure leaders. You will rarely need to dig into your pocket to pay for things on your adventure. Prepare to be hosted and truly taken care of!
Day 01 Welcome to Thailand!!
We’ll be waiting when your plane touches down, brush off the airline peanut shells and welcome you to the ‘Land of Smiles’. Our local representative will escort you to your home away from home at the very comfy CitiChic Hotel and introduce you to your surroundings. Sit back, relax, enjoy a swim and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime.
Day 02 Bangkok Multi Transport Adventure
Today we’ll explore several of the must-see sites, while using all kinds of urban transport (tuk-tuk, motorcycle, rapid train and boats) in a citywide blitz of temples, alleyways, rivers, canals and fine eats to give you a true appreciation of the City of Angels. Not only can you check Bangkok off your list, but you’ll do it in swinging style!
Meals: B, L
Day 03 Ancient Ayutthaya
Prior to its sacking by the Burmese in 1767, Ayutthaya was the crowning jewel of Siam. We’ll board a private shuttle from Bangkok then use Mary-Poppins-style bicycles to explore the ancient ruins and stone palaces that make up this UNESCO World Heritage Site. After our day exploring, we’ll shuttle back to Bangkok and catch an early evening flight to the country’s northernmost province, Chiang Rai. Arriving at Chiang Rai just after sunset sets the ideal tone for the next five days. We’ll spend the next two nights of our odyssey at The Legend Chiang Rai, a stunning boutique riverside resort.
Riding: 10km (paved roads)
Meals: B, L
Day 05 Into the Bush
Today’s a gorgeous one as we head out on our bikes to the far-flung town of Mae Salak, and a very cool bamboo resort along the banks of the Mae Kok River. We can either take a tough dirt path or hilly paved road there, either way the ride is amazing. You’ll pass jungle-covered mountains, lush fields and smiling locals all the way. A short longtail boat ride takes us into the Huai Khum Resort and truly away from civilization. Enjoy the rest of the day swimming in the pool, relaxing on your balcony and exploring the Lahu hilltribe village next door.
Biking: 50km (paved road or dirt trails)
Meals: B, L, D
Day 06 Paddler’s Paradise
Enjoy a leisurely morning then we’ll go up-river to Tha Ton, a riverside town near the Thai-Myanmar border. Here we’ll learn about the Shan people that inhabit the area and have a look at local weaving shops before the main event – kayaking. We’ll board sit-on-top sea kayaks for a multi-hour journey down the quiet Mae Kok River, passing hilltribe villages and lush fields. A riverside picnic will round things out and an optional short hike back to the hotel is the capstone on a perfect day!
Paddling: 3-4 hours
Hiking: 1-2 hours
Meals: B, L, D
Day 07 Hilltribe Hiatus
Today it’s off to one of Thailand’s most stunning destinations – Doi Mae Salong. Nestled amongst terraced tea plantations, this area was once opium country, but is now home to Thailand’s premier Oolong tea production, and Chinese who fled China during the Cultural Revolution. Put on your hiking shoes for a day trekking through terraced tea and rice plantations, hilltribe villages and stunning rolling mountains around the Doi Mae Salong area. Locals are bound to be as curious about you as you are with them. We’ll also sample local teas, visit a mountain-top temple and local school. Tonight we’ll enjoy a Thai-Chinese feast of local favorites and stay at the Mae Salong Villa.
Hiking: 15km (dirt footpaths)
Meals: B, L, D
Day 08 The Far, Far North
An early morning shuttle through the mountains takes us to one of the kingdom’s best community development projects – Doi Tung, run by the Mae Fah Luang Foundation. Here we’ll learn about the foundation’s successful eradication of opium production, then head out for a challenging day in the saddle. We’ll pedal to the top of Doi Chang Mub, one of the province’s highest mountains and along a spectacular road that literally straddles the Thai-Myanmar border, passing through several military checkpoints along the way. Hang on to your handlebars as incredibly windy and steep descents bring you to the country’s northernmost city Mae Sai. Here we’ll have lunch, stroll colorful markets and check out the bustling border trading. Then it’s back on the bikes for a final ride through flat farmland to the infamous Golden Triangle where Thailand, Myanmar and Laos meet. Tonight we’ll enjoy a Thai-style dinner along the banks of the Mekong River and enjoy a stay at the Greater Mekong Lodge.
Biking: 65km (hilly, paved roads)
Meals: B, L, D
Day 09 Golden Triangle
Get ready for the final ride of the adventure. Today’s pedal is stunning! You’ll make your way through lush farmland, over a couple of small mountains and finally along the banks of the Mekong River to our destination Chiang Khong. Tonight we’ll stay in a riverside hotel, Namkhong Riverside and enjoy the best Mexican food in Thailand!
Biking: 80km (paved roads)
Meals: B, L, D
Day 10 Mekong Life
Our final day in the far north is a great one to sit back, relax and take it all in over a relaxing breakfast. We’ll then drive to the Golden Triangle where you’ll visit the fascinating Hall of Opium, a world-class museum that covers the global history of the drug and the role it played in this area. A final lunch together along the Mekong River and then it’s to the Chiang Rai airport for your flight to Bangkok and onwards. Until next time…
Meals: B
