4-Day Northern Thailand Mountain-Biking Adventure from Chiang Mai

Day 1: Chiang Mai to Chiangdao (cycling distance 30 to 45 km/ 18 to 28 miles)

You will be picked up from your Chiang Mai hotel and driven north to the Chiangdao valley, our starting point. After a short briefing and bike fitting, we will start pedaling on easy dirt road trails linking hill tribe villages. Visit Lahu and Akha villages, as well as the Palaung people from Myanmar, with only a few settlements in northern Thailand. Thai set lunch at local restaurant. The afternoon will be spent riding along rural back roads and pristine landscape. The imposing Doi Luang Chiang Dao, the country's third tallest mountain being always in the background. Arrive at the Chiang Dao caves, a Buddhist sanctuary, for some exploration. Ride your bike, or transfer by vehicle to the Padeng Lodge for overnight. Enjoy a succulent dinner served at the lodge. Meals: lunch and dinner.

Day 2: Chiangdao to Ban Thaton (cycling distance 30 to 60 km cycling / 20 to 38 miles)

This morning we ride through more scenic landscape! The route is not too difficult and the escort vehicle is always with us. Our morning cycling distance will be approximately 30 km (20 miles), on a mix of dirt trails and paved roads. Lunch stop and visit at another Buddhist forest temple. Afternoon cycling distance is 25 km on paved road, followed by a vehicle transfer to Ban Thaton for overnight. Thaton is a small village located by the Burmese border on the bank of the Maekok River. Dinner at local restaurant. Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 3: Ban Thaton to Chiang Rai Town, with a scenic route along the river (distances 45 to 60 km cycling / 28 to 38 miles)

Early morning, after breakfast, we cycle through the Maekok river valley, passing rice fields and plantations. We then follow an exciting trail winding its way along the river. Next we ride a local long-tail boat downriver, to reach a forest park and take our bike again, to continue cycling to a Karen village by the river. After a short visit, we ride, or transfer by car, to our Chiang Rai hotel. Evening and dinner free at leisure. If you are not tired, you can stroll the local night market. Meals: breakfast and lunch.

DAY 4: Chiang Rai Hhalf Day Cycling Loop, and back to Chiang Mai (Cycling distance between 20 to 40 km / 12 to 24 miles)

Cycling itinerary is flexible today and to some extent will depends on the season. We ride out of the city and follow the river bank to discover exciting new trails. Cycle a loop up the mountain village, and downhill on the other side. Ride back in the valley to reach a waterfall for a local lunch. Relax and shower at the waterfall before an overland transfer back to Chiang Mai (3 hours+). Drop off at your hotel in the city. Meals: breakfast and lunch.