Thailand Bike Tour

The Golden Triangle from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai

From $4,699 pp dbl. occ. | 8 days / 7 nights

(+$1,140 for sgl. occ.)

Bike an oxcart path among lush rice paddies. Admire an ornate Buddhist temple in a jungle-filled valley. Relish a homemade curry and marvel at jagged limestone hills. Welcome to Thailand, where the only thing more impressive than the trumpeting elephants, towering cliffs and timeless villages is how perfectly at home you feel, immersed in the beauty of it all.

Highlights

Receive a traditional blessing from a local elder, a ritual for travelers who have arrived from faraway locales
Float along the gently flowing Maekok River aboard longtail boats, then bike the short stretch into colorful Chiang Rai
Delve into Thailand's intriguing cultural roots and connect with our local friends—they're happy to share stories with you
Pedal from temple to temple along stunning backcountry lanes, where schoolchildren rush out to greet you

Thailand

Start Chiang Mai / End Chiang Rai

Itinerary

Days 1-2 Experience a fascinating convergence of Thai, Laotian, Burmese and Chinese cultures | Receive a blessing from the village elders and visit with the resident monk | Spin into the countryside past thriving rice and garlic fields and stands of papaya and teak | Learn from a local gardener how to plant and harvest rice | Get a behind-the-scenes look at how traditional Thai dishes are prepared.

Days 3-4 Curious locals welcome you as you bike picturesque rural roads through remote villages | Beneath the white Buddha, offer alms to monks at sunrise | A scenic descent leads to the trading center of Fang and temple-rich Thaton | Learn about the Shan people, originally from China and Burma | Put your culinary skills to the test during a cooking class, then taste the fruits of your own labor | Listen to a remarkable performance of a hill tribe choir.

Day 5 Float in longtail boats down the Maekok River | Ride through a peaceful village-dotted landscape into vibrant Chiang Rai | Embark on a culinary adventure as you wander the streets of Chiang Rai and sample some of Thailand's unique delicacies and delicious street food.

Days 6-8 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 | Spin to the spectacular Chom Kitti temple | Learn about the area's history of the lucrative opium trade, a commodity worth its weight in gold | Browse Sop Ruak's market for a refreshing Thai iced tea and one-of-a-kind handicrafts.

Next: Dates & Prices

The earlier you book, the more choice you'll have and the lower your price. And you can always change your mind — you won't be charged to transfer to a different trip before your final payment is due. View cancellation policy.

If you must cancel your reservation, your cancellation fee will be determined according to the policy outlined below. Exceptions to our cancellation policy cannot be made for any reason, including weather, terrorism, civil unrest or personal emergencies. There is no refund for arriving late or leaving a trip early. Private room or tent, bike rental and internal air charges are considered part of the total trip cost and are subject to cancellation fees. Percentage charges are calculated on total trip cost.

Cancellation Fees (Per Person)
Days Prior to Trip Start	Scheduled Trips	Private Trips	Custom Trips
126+ days	$200**	$600	30%
95-125	$200**	30%	50%
61-95 days	30%	50%	75%
31-60 days	60%	75%	100%
0-30 days	100%	100%	100%

** Rather than paying the cancellation fees, you may choose to keep your trip deposit ($600) in a holding account to use on a future Backroads trip with no expiration date.

Bike Cancellation Policies: If you are renting a Specialized Roubaix, Ruby, e-bike or Co-Motion Tandem, a full cancellation fee will apply in the event you cancel your trip reservation inside 30 days.

Transfers: You may transfer from one trip to another up to 95 days before trip departure without penalty—except Private or Custom Trips.

Release of Liability: Guests are required to provide a signed Release of Liability, Assumption of All Risks, and Arbitration Agreement and a completed Personal Information forms prior to trip departure; you will receive these materials shortly after reserving your trip. You may also complete your forms online. We are unable to allow guests to participate in any aspect of a Backroads trip without a signed release form.

Please click on a date below for specific pricing and possible itinerary variations.

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C Classic Dates

Gather your favorite people to share a Backroads adventure on a ready-to-book Private Trip - featuring all the legendary Backroads hallmarks from expert leaders to unforgettable activities. You can pick from the selection of dates below for your group of 8 or more. If your party has fewer than 8 guests, or your preferred date is not available, we'll create a departure just for you. Call or email us to reserve your date.

Private Trip Pricing

10 or more Guests: from $4,699 pp dbl occ

9 Guests: from $5,199 pp dbl occ

8 Guests: from $5,399 pp dbl occ
2-7 Guests: Give us a call or reach out here!

Please click on a date below for specific pricing and possible itinerary variations.

Don't see your ideal travel date? Make a Date

2+ AVAILABLE TO BOOK
for 2 or more guests
8+ AVAILABLE TO BOOK
for 8 or more guests
16+ AVAILABLE TO BOOK
for 16 or more guests
Reserved

C Couples, Friends & Solos Tours

2020 November

8+ 11/29–12/6

2020 December

8+ 12/6–12/13

2021 January

8+ 1/2–1/9

8+ 1/6–1/13

8+ 1/10–1/17

8+ 1/24–1/31

8+ 1/31–2/7

2021 February

8+ 2/7–2/14

8+ 2/14–2/21

8+ 2/21–2/28

View Scheduled Dates

Tell us what your dream trip would be and we'll make it happen! Whether you're looking for a honeymoon trip for 2, a 30-person family reunion or a 100-person corporate trip, we can do it all. A dedicated Custom Trip Consultant will work closely with you to bring your dreams to reality. Call us at 800-462-2848 to speak with your Custom Trip Consultant or click on the button below.

REQUEST YOUR CUSTOM TRIP NOW

Previous: Overview

Dates

C Couples, Friends & Solos Tours

2020
Feb
Mar
Nov
Dec

2021
Jan
Feb

View Scheduled Dates
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Go Custom

Prices

From $4,699 pp dbl. occ.
8 days / 7 nights

(+$1,140 for sgl. occ.)

Reviews

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Premiere Hotels*

Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai

Mae Rim (2 nights)

Maekok River Village Resort

Ban Thaton (2 nights)

* Casual Hotel

Le Méridien Chiang Rai Resort

Chiang Rai (1 night)

Anantara Golden Triangle Resort

Chiang Saen (2 nights)

See Lodging Details

Activity Level

This trip is rated Levels 1-4

See Daily Route Options

What's Included

Services and equipment are included.

See how we include more

Why Backroads

Why Travel with Backroads in Thailand

Find out What sets us apart

More On This Trip

View more photos

Watch videos

Detailed Itinerary Reserve This Trip

Reviews by Power Reviews ®

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Next: Lodging

Premiere Hotels*

Accommodations may vary based on departure date. Any difference from what is listed below can be found by clicking on your desired date on the View Scheduled Dates or Private Dates tabs.

Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai

Mae Rim (2 nights)

This impeccable hotel amid rice paddies, mountains and lush gardens, sets the industry standard for luxury. Condé Nast Traveler Gold List. Travel + Leisure World's Best. (pool, spa)

Maekok River Village Resort

Ban Thaton (2 nights)

* Casual Hotel

Basic bungalows and a fantastic riverside location await at this authentic Thai-style inn. (pool)

Le Méridien Chiang Rai Resort

Chiang Rai (1 night)

A large yet inviting resort with modern furnishings and an idyllic setting along the banks of the Kok River. (pool, spa)

Anantara Golden Triangle Resort

Chiang Saen (2 nights)

Described by the Hideaway Report as a "stylish hill country retreat amid 160 acres of tranquil gardens in the Golden Triangle overlooking Burma." (pool, spa)

Previous: Reviews

Next: Activity Level

This Trip Is Rated Levels 1-4

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.

Daily Route Options (drag to see full )

Day	EASYGOING				ACTIVE				AVID
Daily Route Options
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Level 4		Level 5
	miles	feet gain	miles	feet gain	miles	feet gain	miles	feet gain	miles	feet gain
1	12*	300			24	700
2	10*	600	18*	1100	25	1400
3	12*	300					30*	1000	51*	1400
4			18*	900	26	1700
5			12*	1200	17*	1400	30*	1900
6			20*	600	28*	1000			48	1800
7	11*	800	20	1000			28	1400

Note:

* Includes shuttle.

Learn more about how we determine our activity level and fully support a range of abilities and interests.

Please note that our distance and elevation figures come from Ride with GPS. Other sources may give differing elevation figures due to different GPS and mapping technologies and other external factors.

Previous: Lodging

Next: What's Included

Meals

All breakfasts, 6 lunches, 6 dinners

Available Bike Options

The key to a stellar day’s ride is a bike that’s perfectly in tune with your cycling style… Backroads has you covered with the best bike fleet in the world! Read on for your available bike options for this trip.

Backroads Titanium Bikes (Included in your trip price)

Our custom-built titanium bikes are specially designed for you—and we offer different models for varied terrain so your bike is ideally suited to the region. Our custom-made bikes are included in your trip price.

Touring Bike (Included)

Backroads Custom Electric-Assist Bike (Included in your trip price– Available until 4/1/20)

Wishing for a little extra assistance up those hills? Our custom Backroads Electric-Assist Bike lets you experience the thrill of exploring on two wheels while providing a boost when you want it. We've modified a selection of our great Titanium Bikes with the intuitive BionX "pedal-assist" system.

Backroads Custom Electric-Assist Bike (Included)

NEW! Backroads Custom Electric-Assist Bike (Included in your trip price – Available beginning 4/1 in North America, 5/1 in Europe and 11/1 outside of Europe and North America.)

Our newly redesigned Titanium Electric-Assist Bike is a lightweight yet powerful machine unique in the world of e-bikes. It provides plenty of power (and then some!) to flatten the hills and more than enough battery range to cover the distance. Other outstanding features include the same comfort as our Touring Bikes and lower top tubes for easier mounting and dismounting.

Backroads Custom Electric-Assist Bike (Included)

Also Included

Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
Snacks and beverages between meals
Additional guides and experts from the region on many trips
Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
Comprehensive Travel Planner with detailed pre-trip information
Private guided tours at museums, historic sites, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the Travel Planner
All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
Special events, including wine tastings and other select attractions as mentioned in the Travel Planner
On biking and multi-adventure trips, use of fully equipped Backroads titanium bike plus helmet and accessories
Trailercycles, carriers, and kid-sized helmets for Family Trips
Equipment and experienced guides for kayaking, rafting, snorkeling, sailing and canoeing as described
Park and other entry fees
Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the Travel Planner
Select coach transfers
Baggage transfers and porterage

Previous: Activity Level

Next: Straight Talk

Next: Why Backroads

Get the Straight Talk about This Trip

We want to make sure you're on the right trip and that you have the best experience possible. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.

Accommodations

Throughout the trip we've selected hotels that, in addition to being both comfortable and authentic, allow us to provide you with an itinerary that flows naturally and with purpose, becoming a genuine travel experience and not simply a collection of sightseeing events.The Maekok River Village Resort, a Casual Hotel, is our home for two nights. Although it offers simpler guest rooms than the other hotels on this trip, it is by far the nicest lodging in the area and has been selected because of its access to the best riding in the region.

Previous: What's Included

Next: Why Backroads

Why Travel with Backroads in Thailand

The Best Leaders in Thailand

Backroads has the best-qualified people to lead your trip in Thailand, and our guests back that up, rating our Trip Leaders an average of 9.75 out of 10 for all-around quality of performance. Get the facts (and no fluff) on how we recruit and develop the very best people for your trip.

We Stand Behind Our Trips

Most companies' trips in Thailand are run by local operators. At Backroads we manage our own trips; we would never subcontract your precious vacation to a third party. So as you enjoy the support of your seasoned Trip Leaders, along with our expert local guides and drivers, you have the confidence of knowing we're with you every step of the way.

Our Cultural Roots Run Deep

Thanks to our extensive connections in Thailand, Backroads takes you off the beaten track and deep into the region's culture in ways that traditional travel can never hope to do. We know the people and their customs, the legacy of art and architecture, the complex history and politics – and if we're not sure, our amazing local experts can fill in the blanks.

The Right Local Pairings

Our Trip Leaders combine deep local expertise with a firm grasp of North American expectations around quality of service. By the same token, we pair experienced Backroads leaders with local guides who know how to cater to your needs while cracking open the culture or natural history in ways that are meaningful, memorable and often magical.

Experts with Secrets to Share

In choosing the ideal experts to enrich your travel experience, we look for people with a wealth of local knowledge, but also the ability to convey their insights in English. Too often travelers find themselves smiling politely, not quite understanding what they're being told. Our experts share intriguing facts, anecdotes and inside stories that stay with you forever.

Our Superb Bikes Included

A great bike is obviously critical for a great biking trip; you don't want to gamble on one that's been sourced locally to trim costs. This trip features our acclaimed Backroads Custom Titanium bikes, expertly tuned and fitted, and included in your trip price. Learn why our titanium bikes are ideal for most riders.

A Variety of Routes Each Day

In Thailand you head off each morning after choosing among several expertly designed routes—all with detailed directions, mileage and shuttle options. Unlike trips with one fixed daily route (or worse, one guide that everyone's obliged to follow), you're free to enjoy the best of the region at your pace, stopping wherever you want to explore further.

Everyone at Their Own Pace

We design and support our Thailand trips to suit mixed abilities and varied interests—so you can set your own pace, then change things up as the day unfolds. And all guests are free to do the same, traveling together or apart, with no one cramping anyone else's style. Which sounds easy in theory, but it's hard to pull off. Here's more on how we do it.

Choose Your Fellow Travelers

With Backroads you won't end up with kids on what you thought was an adult trip; we have exclusive departures for families, so they're off having their own adventures. As you browse our unrivaled selection of trips and dates, you can count on finding a trip in Thailand that's geared exclusively to your choice of traveling companions.

Your Hotels Are Locked In

It may seem obvious to say the great hotels we tell you about are the ones you'll actually stay in. But the fact is many companies haven't even booked the places they promise and are later forced to settle for inferior alternatives. We book our hotels and exact rooms long in advance—often over two years—so you stay where you expect to stay.

Previous: Straight Talk

Previous: What's Included

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