Thailand Biking
Exploring the Golden Triangle near Laos & Myanmar
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
Trip Planning Links
- Bike gorgeous backcountry lanes through remote villages, where school kids 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 on traditional long-tail boats
- A fascinating convergence of Thai, Laotian, Burmese and Chinese cultures
The Day-to-Day Itinerary
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.
- Premiere Inns: These lodgings possess both elegance and authentic regional flair.
- Casual Inns: These lodgings are comfortable and appropriate to the area with such characteristics as authenticity, scenic settings and proximity to our activities.
- Deluxe Family Camping: We set up the tents (and take them down), handle every camp chore and perform culinary magic.
Other Trips You Might Like:
Vietnam Biking China Biking Bali BikingOther Asia/Pacific Trips
Look at what other guests are saying about this trip!
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 More about this Trip All Guest Reviews
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Thailand Biking
THAI TASTE: Premiere Inns*
Suanthip Vana Resort
Mae Suai (2 nights) A simple countryside retreat blending Thai and Western comforts, including a pool, spa and open-air restaurant in forested surroundings.
* Casual Inn
Maekok River Village Resort
Ban Thaton (1 night) An authentic Thai-style inn with a pool, simple teak-framed rooms and a fantastic riverside setting.
* Casual Inn
The Legend Chiang Rai
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
Chiang Saen (2 nights) With traditional Thai architecture, this luxurious hotel offers stunning vistas of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar.
Thailand Biking
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insider Trips | Explore at a leisurely pace—on village walks, market strolls, art history excursions, hands-on cooking classes and more. | ||
| 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 2-5 miles |
| 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
Day 1
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- Biking 5 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 1 to 2 3 Route Options Available
- Optional Walk 1.5 hours
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
- Biking 21, 25 miles
- 500 - 1500 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 2 to 4 2 Route Options Available
- Biking 25, 45 miles
- 1000 - 2000 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Level 1 2 Route Options Available
- Optional Walk 1.2 miles
- 500 - 1000 feet elevation gain
- Biking, Boats & Elephants 11 miles
- 500 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 1 to 3 2 Route Options Available
- Biking 15, 35 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Levels 2 to 5 3 Route Options Available
- Biking 28, 40, 57 miles
- 500 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 7
- Level 2 1 Route Option Available
- Biking 24 miles
- 500 - 1500 feet elevation gain
Day 8
- Conclusion of Trip