« Return to Normal Layout
Thailand Family Biking

Thailand Family Biking

Bordering Laos and Myanmar, Thailand's Golden Triangle is a region of jungle-filled valleys, meandering rivers and ornate temples. Here, 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 along the banks of the famed Mekong, hike to hilltribe villages, float down the Maekok River by 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 tasty Northern Thai lunch at the hotel  Bike in the surrounding countryside, where villagers greet us with a smile Delight in traditional music performed by local children.

Days 3-4 ban thaton

Visit an Akha hilltribe village, then enjoy the scenic downhill and flat ride   leading to the trading center of Fang Savor delicious and distinctive Thai barbecue cuisine  Pedal along quiet rural roads with grazing water buffalo as your audience.

Day 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 surrounding countryside or treat yourself to a massage.

Days 6-8 chiang saen

Bike alongside the Mekong River on the Laos border, past tobacco fields and rice paddies into the ancient kingdom of Chiang Saen Visit Sop Ruak's market stalls to sample delicious Thai iced tea and shop for local handicrafts  Kids attend a mahout (elephant driver) camp.

big map Thailand Family Biking

THAI TASTE: Premiere Inns

Suanthip Vana Resort (2 nights): A countryside retreat that perfectly blends Thai and Western comforts, including a pool, a spa and an open-air restaurant overlooking forested surroundings.

Maekok River Village Resort (2 nights): A casual authentic Thai-style inn with a pool, simple teak-framed rooms and a riverside setting.

The Legend Chiang Rai (1 night): With panoramic views of the hills, mountains and river, this small boutique resort features Thai design and 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
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Thailand Family Biking
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
FAMILY TRIPS
2009 DATES
FAMILY TRIPS
2010 DATES
FAMILY TRIPS

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.

Recommended Kids Ages

Minimum Ages:

Recommended minimum age for the trip: 9 years

Minimum age restriction to ride own bike: 9 years

Minimum age restriction to ride elephant: 8 years

No burleys available on this trip

General Info on Minimum Ages:

We strongly encourage families to join our Family Trips, designed with kid- and adult-friendly features. Please note that we have a minimum age requirement of 1 year for all Inn trips and 2 years for all Camping trips. Other than that, we do not restrict trips to a minimum age except in the rare case of a hotel age restriction. We do, however, recommend minimum ages based on the following criteria:

Please note that a trip may feature an activity with an older age requirement than the minimum age recommendation for the trip. Younger kids are still welcome on the trip and while they will not be able to participate in the activity, the leaders will suggest an alternate activity. For safety reasons, children under 7 may not ride their own bikes and are required to ride on a Piccolo or in a Burley. For certain destinations, children must be 9 or older to ride their own bikes.

Guest Trip Reviews

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

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