Overview
This is the best way to tour Thailand's north, cycling from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.
Start off in Thailand’s busy capital, Bangkok, before riding through the ancient kingdoms of Sukhothai and Chiang Mai. Explore the highlights of the rural north on two-wheels and immerse yourself in the country’s early history along the way. Among many other cultural and historic sites of note, this back-country cycle route takes you past Thailand's tallest mountain, Doi Inthanon, through small Thai villages and the imposing walled city of Lamphun.
With smiling locals cheering you on, you will discover a great deal about the northern reaches of this exciting country on two wheels, topping off a memorable bike adventure with your arrival in the city of Chiang Mai.
This is a fulfilling bike tour that will leave you with new cherished memories of your journey from one great Thai city to another, through back roads and byways, with plenty of sights, smells, delicious food and highlights discovered best on two wheels.
326 Km riding. This ride is a mixture of flat terrain with a few days of rolling hills. Most of the trip is on rural back roads and occasionally on dirt roads and highways. This ride is achievable by anyone who can ride a bike for the distances involved (and if not just jump in the air conditioned support vehicle for a rest).
For tours commencing from Dec 20 to Jan 5, and Apr 13-16 there is a peak season surcharge of 15% on the price of this tour due to hotel rate increases at this time of year.
Highlights
Cycle country roads along the Yom River and visit local artisans who weave gold into cloth and make pottery.
Explore the ancient kingdom of Sukhothai with a ride through the Historical Park to visit ruins on the way to Ramkhamhaeng National Park.
Join locals in the rice fields and visit their workplaces to check out some fascinating craftsmanship.
Ride to the ancient Kingdom of Hariphunchai then an artisan village before arriving in Chiang Mai.
Day to Day
We will meet in the late afternoon at a hotel near Bangkok's main railway station. If you are flying in, we will gladly pick you up from the airport (Please note that your flight needs to arrive before 3 pm) before we board a train. The sleeper train is a nice alternative to flying for long-distance travel in Thailand. The train is well run, relatively punctual and a pleasant way to travel through the country. We have dinner before boarding the train, and as we leave the metropolis of Bangkok the rocking motion will send you into an early sleep.
The train arrives early in Uttaradit, so we make use of some rooms at a guesthouse to shower and change into cycling gear. Enjoy a great local breakfast before setting off on the bikes. As we leave town, we find Wat Phrathat Thung Yang, an ancient temple that features an unusual image of the Buddha and is still in use today. From there, we cycle to the countryside, pedaling through sugar fields and orchards over fairly flat terrain. We reach the small town of Si Satchanalai in the early afternoon and have plenty of time to explore this small town at a relaxed pace.
This morning we will ride along country roads next to the Yom River and visit artisans who are weaving gold into cloth and crafting pieces of pottery. From there we cycle through the Si Satchanalai Historical Park past ancient ruins. This evening we settle in our hotel outside the city gate of Thailand's first capital: Sukhothai.
Today is our first opportunity to stretch out and enjoy the landscape of the ancient kingdom of Sukhothai. We start off with a gentle pedal through the Sukhothai Historical Park, visiting the scattered ruins of the ancient city. We then cycle south along the base of a mountain to a temple in the Ramkhamhaeng National Park.
Following lunch, we have a fun outing to explore the local community. You'll have the chance to see and experience local life as we join Thai in the rice fields and their places of work, checking out rural handicrafts such as weaving, woodwork or making coal. This will be a fascinating cultural immersion.
Following a 1.5 hour transfer, you're in store for one of our most scenic and enjoyable days of cycling! Today's ride brings us into hill country with lots of easy ups and downs and interesting twists and turns. The cycling journey is peppered with villages and charming hilltop temples and stupas - the most impressive of these being Wat Prathat Huai Thom. At the end of a great day's cycling, we transfer 1 hour to Chom Thong.
Starting off in the shadow of Thailand’s tallest mountain Doi Inthanon, we pedal our way across rice paddies and through small villages and towns to the site of the ancient Kingdom of Hariphunchai- now called Lamphun. From Lamphun, we ride out of town down tree-lined roads, through fruit orchards, along irrigation canals, and across fields. Eventually, we arrive in the artisan village of Ban Tawai. From Ban Tawai we will transfer the last bit by van into the city of Chiang Mai. This evening we'll enjoy a special dinner to commemorate the final evening of your tour.
The bike tour concludes after breakfast today. Our team, including your leader, will be more than happy to assist you in confirming any onward travel plans from Chiang Mai. Should you need to reach the airport, our van will be waiting for you.
WHAT MAKES US STAND OUT
GRASSHOPPER STYLE
At Grasshopper Adventures, we strive not only to deliver excellent cycling opportunities, but also to create unique opportunities for an authentic connection with local life and culture. On this tour, you will have several chances to get an up-close look at various Thai village industries as you visit local artisans and even help out in the rice fields. Along the way, you will also stop at plenty of intricate temples and ancient ruins, and with the expertise of your guide, you’ll learn about the history of the land you are cycling. All of this comes together to create a satisfying and mind-opening experience.
