Northern Thailand Golden Triangle Cycling Tour
About this tour
This Chiang Mai cycling tour will go through the Golden Triangle which is the border region between Burma, Laos, and Thailand, once notorious for the cultivation of opium.
Our journey takes us there from the cultural oasis Chiang Mai in an exciting loop, then on via Chiang Rai and Phayao through the “land of a hundred thousand rice fields” back to the Capital of the North. The tour profile is mostly flat with some moderate climbs through the breathtaking, rugged landscape. Due to the cooler and drier climate, this region is not only suitable for fruit growing but also ideal for cyclists. The wild and romantic, hilly surroundings and the excellent, low-traffic roads make this trip an unforgettable experience.
11 Days | 10 Nights | 8 Stages from 70 to 105 km | Total 595 km | Rest Day in Chiang Rai
Tour Package: 65,000 THB
Tour Package incl. Single Supplement: 82,000 THB
STARTS IN Chiang Mai
ARRIVE AT
Chiang Mai Intl Airport (CNX)
ENDS IN Chiang Mai
DEPART FROM
Chiang Mai Intl Airport (CNX)
TOTAL CYCLING DISTANCE
595 KM
DISTANCE PER DAY
70 - 105 KM
Tour Highlights
- Chiang Mai, the cultural capital of northern Thailand
- Cave exploration – Chiang Dao
- Boat trip Thaton Maekok River
- Boat trip Mekong River – Golden Triangle
(Border region Burma, Laos & Thailand) - 3 nights in 5-star hotels
- Full service
Included
Not Included
Day 1 | Arrival in Chiang Mai “The Rose of the North”
Individual arrival and transfer to the hotel, where we will meet and spend the next two nights. In the evening we will gather for a welcome and orientation in the hotel. You will receive all information regarding the tour and learn some interesting trivia about our host country. We will also hand out the Siam Bike Tours jerseys to all participants. We follow on with a dinner together, during which we will have the opportunity to get to know one another.
Day 2 | 1st Stage: Doi Suthep Mountain & Warm Up Ride
40 km | flat | B included
The day starts with a visit to the temple on Doi Suthep Mountain. Here, you can then enjoy the various art workshops that include local silk fabrics and handmade paper umbrellas.
Day 3 | 2nd Stage: Chiang Mai – Chiang Dao
93 km | 500 m ascent | B/L included
We say goodbye to Chiang Mai. The ride goes slightly undulating past the imposing, jungle-covered mountain scenery to Chiang Dao. Our gaze falls on Doi Chiang Dao: at 2,175 meters above sea level, it is the third highest mountain in Thailand. Nearby is the famous Dao Cave (Tham Chiang Dao), which we can explore if we wish.
Day 4 | 3rd Stage: Chiang Dao – Thaton
102 km | 610 m ascent | B/L included
Today’s stage is dominated by a mountainous jungle landscape. Thaton is on the border with Myanmar. On arrival, we enjoy a river cruise on the Mae Kok River.
Day 5 | 4th Stage: Thaton – Mae Chan
72 km | 785 m ascent | B included
This scenic coastal road looks like it is straight out of a picture book. The green of palm groves, gum trees and oil palms alternate with sandy beaches.
Day 6 | 5th Stage: Mae Chan – Golden Triangle
70 km | 140 m ascent | B included
The bustling border town of Mae Sai is the northernmost town in Thailand. From here we ride to the “Golden Triangle”, which is located at the border of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos.
Day 7 | 6th Stage: Golden Triangle – Chiang Rai
70 km | flat | B included
We begin by riding along the mighty Mekong River. Countless rice fields line our way with the stunning mountainous landscape of Chiang Rai as the backdrop.
Day 8 | Rest Day in Chiang Rai
B included
Our luxury resort, Le Meridien Chiang Rai, is located on the bank of the Mae Kok River and leaves nothing to be desired. We have a rest day here to make the most of the tranquillity of this magnificent resort.
Day 9 | 7th Stage: Chiang Rai – Phayao
105 km | 315 m ascent | B/L included
Rice fields and farming villages continue to shape this rural region. The trendy town of Phayao is located on a lake. The promenade is lined with restaurants and coffee houses and invites you to relax and absorb the atmosphere.
Day 10 | 8th Stage: Phayao – Chiang Mai
83 km | 1.100 m ascent | B/L included
Today’s stage brings a lot of variety. A beautiful road up to the pass is then rewarded with a rushing downhill section. Riding through jungle-covered hills, we arrive in Chiang Mai.
Day 11 | Chiang Mai
B included
Individual onward journey
All of our cycling tours will be arranged into small groups and guided by an experienced tour guide. Our bike tours are suitable for any enthusiastic cyclist in reasonable shape.
The group will determine the riding speed on any stage; faster riders may go ahead together, regrouping at selected refreshment stops with the others. During our tours it is mandatory to wear a helmet.
The Siam Bike Tours minibus will transport all luggage, spare parts, wheels, tools, etc. During all of the rides we will offer water, soft drinks and fresh fruit. If desired, any rider may complete the day’s stage by bus.
The Thai currency is the baht. ATM’s, which are abundant, are the easiest ways to get Thai baht. Have a supply of US dollars in cash on hand, just in case your card doesn’t work. Banks or the rarer private money changers offer the best foreign-exchange rates. Credit cards are accepted in big cities and resort hotels but you’ll need baht for family-run guesthouses or restaurants.
We recommend that you visit a travel medical doctor and ask about the following vaccinations: typhoid, polio, tetanus and hepatitis A. A certificate for Yellow Fever is required when arriving from an infected area within six days.
All nationalities require a passport for entry into Thailand. Please ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond the duration of your stay in the country. If staying less than 30 days then a visa in advance is not required by European, North American, Australian and many other nationalities. You will need to show proof of an onward flight out of Thailand to be eligible for the visa on arrival. This is strictly enforced.
Thailand generally has a tropical climate with fairly high humidity. The North and Central region have a tropical climate with fairly high humidity. Northeast Thailand has a humid hot and dry weather alternatively with medium rain while the coastal areas of the east are humid and hot with intermittent rain. The South of Thailand has a tropical climate with fairly high humidity. There are three seasons: from March to June it is hot and dry, with temperatures between 27˚C/80 F and 40˚C/104 F, with night temperatures in the 20s. The rainy season is from July to October, but temperatures are slightly lower, because of the effect of the rain. During this time it will not rain continuously, but in sharp bursts, and the sun can come out quickly. The cooler season is from October to February, with average temperatures between 20˚C/68 F and 30˚C/86 F
Completion of Contract
A contract is being completed between you and Siam Bike Tours (SBT) by inscribing yourself. The terms of the business of SBT are the basis of this contract. The person inscribing will be held responsible for the liability of all person inscribed by him.
Services
Our services are being described within the present website. Any special requests or side agreements will only be part of the contract if confirmed unconditionally by SBT in written form.
Payment
Upon receiving SBT’s booking confirmation, you will have to make a down payment of 25% of the amount due. The rest has to be paid 6 weeks ahead of the starting date of your trip. If the payment has not been made on time, SBT may deny the booked services and claim processing fees.
Withdrawal by Traveller
The traveler’s withdrawal will take effect after a written withdrawal declaration has come in at SBT. The following cancellation fees will be charged:
- 90 days before starting the tour: Admin expenses (Bank fees, any costs caused by cancellation)
- 60 to 89 days before starting the tour: Deposit paid
- 45 to 59 days before starting the tour: 50% of tour price
- 15 to 44 days before starting the tour: 70% of tour price
- 0 to 14 days before starting the tour: 100% of tour price
Change of Reservation
There is no legal right to make changes with respect to the date of the journey and the destination after concluding the contract. If changes of reservation are possible and Siam Bike Tours agrees to them, the following cancellation fees will be charged. You have to alert us to this change in writing.
- 59 to 45 days before departure: THB 10,000
- 15 to 44 days before departure: THB 15,000
SBT reserves the right to change the catalog of services and prices/rates before your booking. If this is the case, SBT will duly inform you before the completion of the contract. Any increase in prices and rates may be necessary for the cost of transport or the hotel rates increase, or if the currency exchange rate is modified.
Minimum Number of Participants
All offered trips will take place at a minimum number of 4 participants. If this number is not reached, SBT may cancel the trip until 14 days before its starting date.
Cancellation
SBT is entitled to cancel the trip if by your acts or omissions you are creating a justifiable cause. In this case, SBT will refund the traveling price paid. You are starting a trip but cannot finish it. If due to any reason you abandon a trip ahead of time, no refund can be made.
Changes of Programme, Failure of Service
If during the trip a change of program has to be made (e.g. due to weather conditions) that affects a considerable part of the planned trip, SBT will refund the possible difference between the agreed travel price and this of the services adduced.
Force Majeure
Any events of force majeure such as riots, catastrophes, epidemics, etc. may cause SBT to cancel the trip. In such a case SBT will inform you as soon as possible.
Travel Cancellation Insurance
A travel cancellation insurance is not included in SBT’s tours. Such an insurance may be contracted with any travel insurance company.
Liability
SBT is liable within the limits of its obligation to exercise diligence for all specified services. The traveler takes part in the trip at his own risk. Particularly, the traveler is responsible for his state of health, his road behavior, the observance of the traffic regulations and all other local regulations regarding traffic. In no case, SBT may be held liable for any physical or material damages, that the traveler may suffer or cause by practicing cycling, even when riding in an SBT’s group or with a guide.
Court of Jurisdiction
The Court of Jurisdiction is in Thailand.