Four-day self-guided cycling tour around Chiang Mai |
Code: CNX-CLSG 4EJB
Code: CNX-HSSG 4EJB including guided half day tour south
Itinerary
Day before the trip
- CNX-CLSG 4EJB: At around 17:00 -18:00, you will be picked up from your hotel or guesthouse in Chiang Mai for a meeting and briefing at our office about the self-guided tour.
- CNX-HSSG 4EJB: After the guided tour, you will get a final briefing at our office.
Day 1: About 42 km flat.
After leaving Chiang Mai you will cycle on country roads through beautiful ever changing scenery. You will see orchards, rice fields, irrigation canals, pass through small villages and witness the farmer’s daily life activities. You will pass a Chinese cemetery and glimpse tantalizing views of a temple on top of a hill. You can visit this beautiful temple, which is also an important social centre and school for the area. You may want to visit the nearby local market before you continue to cycle through small villages and paddy fields. Your first accommodation is a small scale project; it has only a few but very nice and well decorated bungalows in a very peaceful setting. It has a nice swimming pool and the food is great.
Day 2: About 42 km, 10 km gently rolling hills (B).
Today’s cycling will give us further insight into the Thai way of life. You continue to cycle through rice fields, orchards, and small villages. Along the way you can also visit some local hotsprings, caves and an interesting temple. Today’s accommodation is a small lodge in a local village. It has only a couple nicely decorated rooms available. The lodge has a nice swimming pool with bar where excellent cocktails are served. The restaurant has a very good choice of delicious Thai food. Thai massage is available.
Day 3: About 64 km in total (B).
After a short warm up the next few kilometres are uphill. Then the country flattens out and you are back into an area of paddy fields and local villages. The scenery of today is completely different again. You pass a large standing Buddha protruding from the flat countryside. On the road to Lamphun, you can visit the Wat Phrathat Haripunchai, one of the most revered temples in Northern Thailand (dress nicely). If you have time, you can visit some other interesting places as well. Our route description avoids the traffic to cross Lamphun and the cycling continues on quiet back roads. The last part is through a village where time has stood still. On either side you will discover chedis and ruins, some of which are over seven centuries old. Your overnight accommodation is in a resort converted from old tobacco barns, tastefully and luxuriously decorated in quiet and peaceful surroundings, with a large swimming pool. They offer several different massages and an art & cultural workshop as well.
Day 4: About 50 km flat (B).
During the first part of today you will ride through mainly longan orchards. Families in this area make sa paper still using traditional methods. Via nice routes you cycle to Ban Tawai, a small village famous for wood carving artisans. You have enough time to look around the various stalls. If you want good quality souvenirs for a very good price, this is the place to be. (It’s your last cycling day anyway). Soon after leaving Ban Tawai you will join the Ping River that will lead you back to Chiang Mai again.
Tour Facts
Duration: 4 days, 3 nights.
Distance: Total biking distance is about 200 km, mainly flat with 10 km gently rolling.
Included:
- modified mountain bike.
- waterproof "Ortlieb" panniers.
- cyclometer, pump, lock, repair kit, inner tubes and multi tool.
- helmet, local insurance and backup.
- a light poncho will be provided during the rainy season.
- detailed route description.
- local map and map holder.
- the best guidebook of the area.
- accommodation.
- meals as specified in the itinerary: B-breakfast, L-lunch, D-dinner.
Not included: overnight before and after the cycling tour.
Grading: 
General information
Bicycles: Adapted mountain bikes, also known as comfort bikes, with 24 gears and front suspension are used for their multifunctionality and comfort. The bikes are equipped with water bottle carriers and racks. Frames for both men and women are available.
Personal gear:People with particular requirements are advised to bring their own pedals, shoes, saddle, helmet, gloves or other cycling clothes.
Meeting: We will answer all your remaining questions and your bicycles will be setup according to your needs. You will receive all supporting material and will be briefed how to read the route description and use the cyclometer.
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 of this cycling tour is confirmed.
Support: This environmentally friendly cycling tour does not need a support vehicle; however, backup is provided when necessary.
Supporting material: All route descriptions, maps, guide books and equipment are the property of Click and Travel Ltd. and must be returned to Click and Travel Ltd. after the tour.
GPS: The use of GPS or other tracking devices is not allowed during our tours.
