
Thailand Biking
Bordering Laos and Myanmar, Thailand’s Golden Triangle is a region of jungle-filled valleys, meandering rivers and ornate temples, where indigenous people still thrive on isolated mountainsides and time seems to stand still. More than a biking vacation, this Backroads journey is an exploration of the traditions and lifestyles of this Buddhist-influenced peaceful region. Pedal past lush rice paddies and garlic fields and through hilltribe villages. Float down the Maekok
Days 1-2 mae suai
Gather in Chiang Mai
Get acquainted over a picnic lunch of tasty northern Thai dishes
Bike in the surrounding countryside, where villagers greet you with a smile
Receive a blessing from village elders and meet the resident monk.
Day 3 ban thaton
Visit an Akha hilltribe village
Pedal the scenic downhill verdant route leading to the trading center of Fang and temple-rich Thaton
Savor delicious and distinctive Thai cuisine at a local cafe
Ride along rural roads with grazing water buffalo as your audience.
Days 4-5 chiang rai
Greet the sunrise by offering alms to monks on a hilltop beneath the shadow of the White Buddha
Board long-tail boats for a ride down the Maekok River
Visit the Karen settlement of Ruam Mit for an elephant trek through the jungle
During downtime, take a Thai cooking class, explore local markets, spin through the countryside or treat yourself to a massage.
Days 6-8 chiang saen
Bike alongside the Mekong River on the Laos and Myanmar border, past tobacco fields and rice paddies into the ancient Burmese kingdom of Chiang Saen
Visit Sop Ruak’s market stalls in search of delicious Thai iced tea and unique handicrafts.
THAI TASTE : Premiere Inns
Suanthip Vana Resort (2 nights): A countryside retreat that perfectly blends Thai and Western comforts, including a pool, spa and open-air restaurant overlooking forested surroundings.
Maekok River Village Resort (1 night): An authentic Thai-style inn with a pool, simple teak-framed rooms and a riverside setting.
The Legend Chiang Rai (2 nights): With panoramic views of the hills, mountains and river, this small boutique resort features Thai art, a pool and spa.
Anantara Resort & Spa (2 nights): With traditional Thai architecture, this luxurious hotel offers stunning vistas of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar.
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Level 1
1 Route Option Available
- Biking 5 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 1 to 2
3 Route Options Available
- Optional Walk 1.5 hours
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
- Biking 21, 25 miles
- 500 - 1500 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 2 to 5
3 Route Options Available
- Biking 25, 45, 71 miles
- 1000 - 2000 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Level 1
2 Route Options Available
- Optional Walk 1.2 miles
- 500 - 1000 feet elevation gain
- Biking 13 miles
- 500 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 1 to 3
2 Route Options Available
- Biking 16, 35 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Levels 1 to 5
3 Route Options Available
- Biking 14, 43, 57 miles
- 500 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 7
- Levels 1 to 2
2 Route Options Available
- Biking 15, 22 miles
- 500 - 1500 feet elevation gain
Day 8
- Conclusion of Trip
Trips For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Average Distance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biking | Walking & Hiking | ||
| Level 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 mile | 2-5 miles |
| Level 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| Level 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| Level 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| Level 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
2008 DATES
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 11/25-12/2Price: $3698 pp dbl. occ., (+ $860 for sgl. occ.)
- 12/23-30Price: $3998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $860 for sgl. occ.)
2009 DATES
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 1/2-9Price: $4198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $860 for sgl. occ.)
The trip you have selected is different from the one displayed. Here's how:
Meal variation: All meals are included except 1 lunch and 1 dinner. - 1/27-2/3Price: $4298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $860 for sgl. occ.)
The trip you have selected is different from the one displayed. Here's how:
Meal variation: All meals are included except 1 lunch and 1 dinner. - 12/24-31Price: $4398 pp dbl. occ., (+ $860 for sgl. occ.)
The trip you have selected is different from the one displayed. Here's how:
Meal variation: All meals are included except 1 lunch and 1 dinner.
SINGLES+SOLOS TRIPS
- 2/5-12Price: $3998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $860 for sgl. occ.)
The trip you have selected is different from the one displayed. Here's how:
Meal variation: All meals are included except 1 lunch and 1 dinner. - 12/15-22Price: $3998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $860 for sgl. occ.)
The trip you have selected is different from the one displayed. Here's how:
Meal variation: All meals are included except 1 lunch and 1 dinner.
Reserve early for the best available price. Prices may change during the course of the year--if they do change, the best prices are available earlier. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.
Trip praise
This was my third Backroads trip, each of which has been fabulous. The Thailand trip was the best trip yet!!! The leaders were fabulous and incredibly accommodating.- New York, NY
The immersion into the local Thai culture along with the Backroads' leadership made this trip a truly amazing experience. The daily itinerary with all the special "surprises" was beautifully orchestrated. After 23 trips with Backroads, I can say with no hesitation that the quality of Backroads trips remains superb...off the charts in every way!- Minneapolis, MN
It was a great way for me, as a solo traveler, to experience Asia for the first time.- Saint Petersburg, FL
Just returned home from the Backroads Thailand bicycle adventure. I am exhilarated, enthused and disappointed that it had to end. This was my first experience with Backroads, and all aspects of the trip were exceptional. Your organization sets a very high standard of customer service, and it is very much appreciated. The leaders were exceptional. Their enthusiasm for their jobs and their lives is contagious, and their dedication to service is obvious. What a pleasure to spend a week in such an exotic location and have these great people take care of everything. The complete success of each day was never doubted. You can be assured that I will travel with Backroads in the future, and will probably become a Backroads junkie! Thanks for a great trip.- Seattle, WA
Having never been on a Backroads trip, I didn't have too many expectations.In fact,I don't generally (historically) travel with groups or organizations.It was on the first day that I realized that I was not only in good hands, but travelling with experts who not only were well organized, but were excellent communicators and engaging with all participants.- Seattle, WA
Backroads never ceases to amaze me...they plan and think ahead for you so that you can enjoy and savor each moment of your vacation!- New York, NY
What an incredible trip - in every way! I couldn't believe how HAPPY, kind, genuine the Thai people are, how delicious the food was. I have such wonderful images of happy faces, gorgeous scenery, cooking class, long boats, wats, monks, water buffalos, massages - not a dull moment the entire time.- Kentfield, CA
My wife and I had a wonderful trip, and the entire experience was so much better than we could have ever hoped for. The trip was well balanced with great food, activity and cultural experiences. It far exceeded our desires. We look forward to our next Backroads adventure.- Lafayette, CA