Language barrier, embrace it. Bookstore travel guide, dump it. Fear of street food, chuck it. Liberate yourself from all that. Wake up expecting anything. Mai pen rai (keep smiling). Because "hey, you’re in Thailand." Bike an uncharted oxcart path among lush rice paddies and garlic fields. Be startled by an ornate Buddhist temple quietly sitting in the middle of a jungle-filled valley. Relish a truly homemade curry and stare at the jagged limestone hills that have not changed for thousands of years. Say to yourself, "Is it Tuesday?" Even that doesn’t matter because you're in Thailand. So mai pen rai.
Days 1-2 Receive a blessing from the village elders and visit with the resident monk
Meet Ghing and Diak, our Thai guides who know the back roads of northern Thailand better than anyone Ride into the countryside on hard-packed paths, cutting through thriving rice and garlic fields, and stands of papaya and teak Light a traditional fire balloon and make a wish.
Days 3-4 Bike gorgeous backcountry lanes through remote villages,
where schoolchildren rush out to greet you Fall for the handmade jewelry at an Akha hilltribe village A scenic descent leads to the trading center of Fang and temple-rich Thaton Savor Thai cuisine at an atmospheric café - and find inspiration for your upcoming cooking class.
Day 5 A jungle trek aboard an elephant - hold on!
Beneath the White Buddha, offer alms to monks at sunrise Float in long-tail boats down the Maekok River Pedal on narrow lanes past small villages into vibrant Chiang Rai.
Days 6-8 A fascinating convergence of Thai, Laotian, Burmese and Chinese cultures
Bike alongside the Mekong River on the Laos and Myanmar border, passing tobacco fields and rice paddies on the way to the ancient Burmese kingdom of Chiang Saen It’s up to you: relax poolside, indulge in a massage or spin to the spectacular Chom Kitti temple - en route you can browse Sop Ruak’s market for delectable Thai iced tea and unique handicrafts.
Trip Highlights
- Bike gorgeous backcountry lanes through remote villages, where schoolchildren rush out to greet you
- Jungle trek aboard an elephant - hold on!
- Intriguing interactions with Buddhist monks at ornate temples
- Float down the Maekok River in traditional long-tail boats
- A fascinating convergence of Thai, Laotian, Burmese and Chinese cultures
Premiere Inns
Suanthip Vana Resort (2 nights): A simple countryside retreat blending Thai and Western comforts, with an open-air restaurant in forested surroundings. (pool)
Maekok River Village Resort (2 nights): Basic teak-framed rooms and a fantastic riverside setting at this authentic Thai-style inn. (pool)
The Legend Chiang Rai (1 night): With panoramic views of the hills, mountains and river, this small boutique hotel offers an ideal location for exploring Chiang Rai. (pool, spa)
Anantara Golden Triangle Resort & Spa (2 nights): This Travel + Leisure World's Best Award winner is described by Hideaway Report as a "stylish hill country retreat amid 160 acres of tranquil gardens in the Golden Triangle overlooking Burma." (pool, spa)
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- 5 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 1 to 2 2 Route Options Available
- 21, 25 miles
- 430 - 520 feet elevation gain
- Optional Walking 1.5 hours
Day 3
- Levels 2 to 4 2 Route Options Available
- 25, 45 miles
- 1000 - 2000 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 1 to 2 2 Route Options Available
- 16, 29 miles
- 1200 - 1250 feet elevation gain
- Optional Walking 1.2 miles
Day 5
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- 15 miles
- 500 - 1000 feet elevation gain
- Elephant Riding
Day 6
- Levels 2 to 5 3 Route Options Available
- 28, 40, 58 miles
- 800 - 1600 feet elevation gain
Day 7
- Level 2 1 Route Option Available
- 24 miles
- 330 feet elevation gain
Day 8
- Conclusion of Trip
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 |
2012 Dates & Pricing*
CLASSIC TRIPS
SINGLES+SOLOS TRIPS
*Prices may change. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.
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.- 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
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.- 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.- 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!- Cambridge, MA
I could not have asked for a more fabulous introduction to Thailand and SE Asia. As a woman traveling solo in so foreign a culture, I was admittedly nervous. I had no reason to be. I think the energy and the enthusiasm flows from the top - and our guides were phenomenal. It helped, too, that our fellow travelers were fascinating, energetic, fun and funny. The range of activities off the bikes were wonderful, and the various mileage options each day made individualization of the trip completely viable. Beyond the breathtaking Thai environment as seen from a bike, I truly feel that I got an inside look at Thai culture, religion, politics and history. Its amazing breadth and warmth and energy. I could not be happier I took this trip and I would definitely take another in the future. THANK YOU!- New York, NY
It seemed to be designed for me. Just the right amount of biking, wonderful food and accommodations and of course learning so much of the Thai people and cultures. I've taken many memorable active trips over the years but Backroads Thailand might be the benchmark for future ones.- Woodstock, MD