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Thailand Biking

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 peaceful Buddhist-influenced region. Pedal past lush rice paddies and garlic fields and through hilltribe villages. Float down the Maekok River by long-tail boat and venture through forests astride elephants. With ornate temples, cultural revelations, divine cuisine and wonderfully friendly people, Thailand offers unique riches to the active traveler.

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 café Ride along rural roads with grazing water buffalo as your audience  Put your culinary skills to the test during a Thai cooking class.

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, 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, passing tobacco fields and rice paddies en route to the ancient Burmese kingdom of Chiang Saen The day is yours: relax poolside, head to the spa or ride to the spectacular Chom Kitti temple, perhaps stopping en route to visit Sop Ruak's market stalls in search of delicious Thai iced tea and unique handicrafts.

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THAI TASTE: Premiere Inns

Suanthip Vana Resort (2 nights): A simple countryside retreat blending Thai and Western comforts, including a pool, spa and open-air restaurant in forested surroundings.

Maekok River Village Resort (1 night): An authentic Thai-style inn with a pool, simple teak-framed rooms and a fantastic 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, and a location suited to exploring Chiang Rai.

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
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8

Routes 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 Biking Average Walking Average
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
2010 DATES
CLASSIC TRIPS
2011 DATES
CLASSIC TRIPS

Guest Trip Reviews

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.
Paula Rosen - 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!
Jean Knox - Minneapolis, MN

It was a great way for me, as a solo traveler, to experience Asia for the first time.
Jackie Hunt - 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.
Michael Peterson - 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.
Jonathan Engle - 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!
Leah Kamon - 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.
Bonnie Blackaller - 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.
Mike Dixon - Lafayette, CA

I am still overwhelmed by what a great trip this was. Perfect support (always there when needed, never hovering), great rides, incredible cultural experiences, unbelievable accommodations and delicious food experiences.
Cathy Linn - Issaquah, WA

Having lived in Thailand for 7 years growing up, I was looking forward to EXPERIENCING it from a completely new and different perspective. My expectations were greatly exceeded in all areas. I could not have imagined a more enjoyable trip in any way.
Millie Milton - Northborough, MA

What an awesome trip! Taking in the culture, people, and scenery by bike is such a wonderful way to experience Thailand. The various activities planned throughout the trip, combined with great leaders and support staff made the trip very enjoyable and enriching. Thanks Backroads for some great memories and a great travel experience!
Justine Oppenheim - Cambridge, MA