This is not your typical Barnowl tour. Our Chiang Mai Camp is designed for cyclists looking to rack up structured miles in a breathtaking yet focused environment. Set amidst the undulating terrain and quiet backroads of Northern Thailand, this camp prioritizes training over travel, performance over leisure.
Expect long rides, disciplined pace lines, and minimal frills. We’ll average 27/28 kmph on the flats, with a single support vehicle on hand for water, fruit, and essentials—not to sag riders. Participants are expected to be self-sufficient, fit, and capable of riding with the group. If you’re building for your next race or simply looking to sharpen your edge, this is the camp for you.
Fly - In
Chiang Mai International Airport
Fly - Out
Chiang Mai International Airport
Quick Navigation: Pricing & Dates | Highlights | Itinerary | Inclusions & Exclusions | FAQs | Gallery
CAMP CHIANG MAI
Ride Snapshot
Distance
Elevation Gain
Tour Fee
-
Twin Sharing ₹ 67,000
-
Single Occupancy ₹ 79,000
🗓️ 23 - 28 Dec, 2025
HIGHLIGHTS
- A focused week of riding designed to build endurance, sharpen group riding, and boost base fitness.
- Quiet, rolling roads with long climbs, smooth tarmac, and cool December weather — ideal for high-volume training.
- Disciplined pace lines, rotating turns, and consistent daily miles help you ride stronger and smarter.
- A single support vehicle for hydration and essentials — no sag. Just you, your legs, and the road.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & Orientation
Distance
NA
Elevation Gain
NA
Meals
Dinner
Arrive in Chiang Mai and transfer to our hotel, about 15 min drive from the airport.
Afternoon bike setup and mechanical checks, followed by an optional short 30 min spin to loosen the legs.
Evening: Camp orientation and rider briefing with the Barnowl crew.
Nestled in the foothills of northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is a city where ancient history and modern cycling culture meet. Once the capital of the Lanna Kingdom, it still retains its old-world charm with moated city walls, centuries-old temples, and a relaxed, welcoming vibe.
But for cyclists, it’s the roads that truly shine — smooth tarmac, steady climbs, quiet backroads, and a strong local riding culture have made Chiang Mai Southeast Asia’s go-to cycling base. Add to that its incredible street food, hip cafés, and hearty post-ride meals, and you’ve got the perfect place to ride hard and recover well.
This will be our base for all five nights of the camp — ride out each day straight from the hotel, and settle into a rhythm of miles, climbs, good food, and better legs.
Day 2: Flattish group ride + Doi Suthep
We roll out with a fast-paced 50 km on flat roads to dial in the pace and group flow. The second half of the ride is a sustained climbing effort — ascending the scenic route up to Doi Suthep, and further to Doi Pui Viewpoint, one of Chiang Mai’s most iconic climbs. After taking in the views, it’s a rewarding descent back to Chiang Mai.
Day 3: The Samoeng Loop (with Optional Climb Extension)
Distance
90 kms
Elevation Gain
1695 m
Ride Focus
Rolling terrain, climbing rhythm, aerobic endurance
Meals
Dinner
A Chiang Mai classic. The Samoeng Loop delivers a mix of fast descents, shaded forest roads, and steady climbs — a rolling route that keeps your legs honest.
Riders looking to add some further challenge can take on an optional 18 km detour with additional elevation, turning the day into a proper climbing challenge.
Day 4: Mae Rim & Elephant Camp Loop
Distance
~96 kms
Elevation Gain
~410 m
Ride Focus
Recovery pace, endurance miles, scenic route
Meals
NA
A relaxed day on flatter terrain, perfect for spinning out the legs and building consistent mileage. We head north towards Mae Rim, loop past the Elephant Camp, and return via the peaceful Canal Road, passing through quiet countryside and scenic farmland. A beautiful ride to recover, refocus, and enjoy the landscape.
Day 5: Group Ride or Out-and-Back to Mae Kampong
Distance
104 kms
Elevation Gain
1510 m
Ride Focus
Climbing, bunch riding, or steady endurance – your call
Meals
Dinner
On this penultimate day, you have two options:
Join Chiang Mai’s famous Saturday group ride, a fast-paced local bunch ride. The route is only announced closer to the day and often features a mix of flats and climbing.
OR
Ride a Barnowl-led loop to Mae Kampong, a beautiful village nestled in the mountains via the scenic Doi Saket climb. This route offers a sustained climb and a peaceful return through lush countryside.
Day 6: Final Climb to Doi Suthep & Check-Out
Distance
45 kms
Elevation Gain
1100 m
Ride Focus
Controlled climbing effort, final spin, strong finish
Meals
NA
We close out the Chiang Mai Cycling Camp with a final ascent of Doi Suthep — a familiar climb now, giving you the chance to test your legs one last time or simply enjoy the views and rhythm. It’s a shorter ride, timed so you can return to the hotel, freshen up, pack bikes, and check out comfortably.
Other Info
Inclusions
- 6 Days / 5 Nights Stay at a comfortable hotel at Chiang Mai
- 3 Dinners during the camp
- Bike Setup on Arrival + Post-Ride Tech Support (no on-road mechanical assistance during rides)
- Daily Ride Briefings & Group Ride Leadership by Barnowl
- Daily GPX Files for all routes, shared in advance
- One Support Vehicle for water, fruit, electrolytes and essentials (not for sag support)
- Dedicated Bike Wash Bay with chain lube, pump, and basic tools
- Bike Packing Help on Departure Day
- One Group airport Transfer from Chiang Mai Airport to hotel on 23 rd Dec 2025
- One Group airport Transfer from hotel to Chiang Mai Airport on 28 th Dec 2025
Exclusions
- International or Domestic Flights to/from Chiang Mai
- Bike Rental – participants must bring or arrange their own bikes
- Daily Breakfasts & Most Meals – only 3 dinners are included
- Sag Support – no backup vehicle for riders unable to continue; this is a no-sag camp
- Personal Ride Nutrition (gels, drink mixes, bars) beyond what’s provided in the welcome kit
- Travel Insurance – riders must arrange their own insurance, including for bikes and medical
- Visa Fees or Entry Requirements for Thailand (if applicable)
Repairs & Safety
Basic spares and tools are carried by the guide and on the support vehicle, though we cannot guarantee having spares for every conceivable problem. Carrying a basic tool kit, a spare tube and a pump while riding is recommended.
Wearing a helmet is required on all our biking adventures and is non negotiable. If you do not wear a helmet you will not be allowed to cycle. Your tour leader is trained in first aid and emergency rescue, but to a large degree you must be responsible for your own safety while riding.
FAQs
How do I reach Chiang Mai?
Chiang Mai is well connected by domestic flights from Bangkok, with multiple departures daily. Currently, there are no direct flights from India to Chiang Mai, so the most convenient option is to fly via Bangkok. From Bangkok, it’s about a 1-hour flight to Chiang Mai.
When should I arrive and depart?
Please plan to arrive on 23 Dec (the camp starts that afternoon) and depart after 12 pm on 28 Dec, allowing time for the final ride, shower, and checkout.
What kind of fitness level is required for this camp?
This camp is designed for experienced riders who can maintain 27–30 kmph on flat terrain in a group. You should be comfortable with consecutive days of riding ~90–100 km with significant elevation.
Is there a sag vehicle in case I need to stop mid-ride?
No sag support is provided. There is one support vehicle on the route for water, fruit, and essentials — not for pickups. Riders are expected to be self-sufficient and able to complete each day’s ride.
What kind of roads will we be riding on?
Mostly well-paved, low-traffic roads with a mix of flats, steady climbs, and forested descents. Chiang Mai offers some of the best riding terrain in Southeast Asia.
What kind of gearing should I have?
We recommend compact gearing or a wide-range cassette, as some climbs are sustained and steep. 50/34 at the front and 34 or 36 cogs at the back is a good choice.
Do I need to bring my own bike?
Yes. Riders should bring a well-maintained road bike, ideally with compact gearing for the climbs.
Can I rent a bike in Chiang Mai?
Yes, it’s possible to rent bikes in Chiang Mai, but availability is limited. Since this is a peak period, we strongly recommend booking as early as possible. Rental rates for good quality carbon road bikes with disc brakes typically range from 1,200 to 1,500 Thai Bhat per day.
Can I ride at my own pace?
The camp focuses on group riding discipline. While we’ll regroup at key points, riders are expected to maintain the bunch pace and ride together as much as possible.
What meals are included?
We provide 3 dinners. However, food is very easy to find in the area and prices are quite reasonable. The stay is self-catering friendly, with a fridge and microwave in each room and grocery stores nearby. At the start of the camp, we’ll also share a list of recommended local food joints and restaurants to help you explore the best of Chiang Mai’s cuisine.
Will I receive the routes in advance?
Yes. We’ll share GPX files for all planned rides before the camp begins so you can preload your device.
What if I need mechanical help during the ride?
We offer bike setup support on arrival and post-ride tech support each day. However, we do not provide on-road mechanical assistance during the rides.
Is the hotel bike-friendly?
Yes! There is secure bicycle storage, a dedicated bike wash bay, and basic tools, pump, and lube available on site.
I am a vegetarian. Are there going to be sufficient options for me?
Yes. There is a vegan cafe close to the hotel, and many local restaurants offer vegetarian options as well.
Is massage or recovery service available?
We don’t provide this as part of the package, but we can recommend local massage spots nearby that cater to cyclists.
Is there laundry for riding clothes?
Laundry service is not included, and the hotel does not offer laundry. However, there are several self-service laundromats within a 2-minute walk from our accommodation, making it easy and convenient to get your kit cleaned during the camp.
Gallery
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