Thailand · Chiang Mai ride camp
Chiang Mai Cycling Camp
Train. Suffer. Evolve.
- Days
- 8
- Distance
- 655
km - Climbing
- 9,038
m - Group
- 6–9
- Grade
- Advanced
The ride
About this tour
This is a training camp, not a supported tour
Every other Barnowl tour carries a support van that will pick you up. This one does not. The vehicle here is for water, food and spares, and it stays with the group rather than sweeping up behind it.
You are expected to ride at the group's pace without being waited for: long days, disciplined pace lines, and around 27 to 28 kmph on the flat. Riders who need to sit up and recover on their own will find it a hard week.
Come with the fitness already in your legs. This camp is for sharpening form before a season or a race, not for building it.
Seven days of riding based in Chiang Mai, 655 km with a little over 9,000 metres of climbing. Every ride is a loop from the same base, so nothing is spent on transfers or packing and the whole week goes into the legs.
The roads north of the city are quiet, well surfaced and rarely flat. You climb Doi Suthep twice, once early on and again as the last ride of the week, take the Samoeng loop in both its lengths, and ride the long drag out to Mae Kampong. Mornings at the turn of the year are cool and dry, which is why the camp runs then.
The shape of the week
655 km
9,038 m up
Each bar is one day's climbing.
- Arrive
- 1,510m 1,510m
- 2,177m 2,177m
- 410m 410m
- 1,250m 1,250m
- 2,791m 2,791m
- 200m 200m
- 700m 700m
- D1 — —
- D2 91 km 91 km
- D3 108 km 108 km
- D4 96 km 96 km
- D5 104 km 104 km
- D6 126 km 126 km
- D7 100 km 100 km
- D8 30 km 30 km
Highlights
What you'll
remember
Doi Suthep twice: once early in the week off a flatter day, and again as the final climb on the last morning.
The Samoeng loop in both its lengths, 108 km with 2,177 m one day and 126 km with 2,791 m later in the week.
The long climb out to Mae Kampong, and a gentler loop through Mae Rim to sit between the harder days.
Cool, dry mornings and good tarmac, which is what makes a high-volume week worth flying for.
Day by day
The itinerary
Day 1 Arrival & Orientation No riding
- Distance
- —
- Climbing
- —
- Night stay
- —
- Meals
- Dinner
The day
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.
Destination
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 91 km1,510 m
- Distance
- 91 km
- Climbing
- 1,510 m
- Night stay
- —
- Meals
- NA
The day
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 XL 108 km2,177 m
- Distance
- 108 km
- Climbing
- 2,177 m
- Night stay
- —
- Meals
- NA
The day
We take on the first big mountain ride of the camp with the Samoeng XL route, including the climb towards Mon Cham. The ride moves away from Chiang Mai into quieter mountain roads, with a mix of long climbs, rolling terrain, and rewarding descents. This is a strong endurance day where pacing and fueling will be important, but the scenery and flow of the route make it one of the most memorable rides of the camp.
Day 4 Mae Rim & Elephant Camp Loop 96 km410 m
- Distance
- 96 km
- Climbing
- 410 m
- Night stay
- —
- Meals
- NA
The day
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 Mae Kampong 104 km1,250 m
- Distance
- 104 km
- Climbing
- 1,250 m
- Night stay
- —
- Meals
- NA
The day
We head east of Chiang Mai for a beautiful endurance ride towards Mae Kampong, a charming mountain village known for its quiet roads, greenery, cafés, and peaceful atmosphere. The ride gradually builds through rolling terrain before the main climbing sections begin, making it a steady but enjoyable day in the saddle. After reaching Mae Kampong and taking time to soak in the village setting, we regroup for the return ride back to Chiang Mai.
Day 6 Samoeng Mega 126 km2,791 m
- Distance
- 126 km
- Climbing
- 2,791 m
- Night stay
- —
- Meals
- NA
The day
This is the biggest ride of the camp and the main queen stage. We take on the extended Samoeng route, covering a long and demanding mountain loop with sustained climbs, rolling sections, technical descents, and some of the most rewarding cycling roads around Chiang Mai. The day will require smart pacing, steady fueling, and good group discipline, with riders managing their effort carefully across the full distance before returning to Chiang Mai.
Day 7 Group Ride or Out-and-Back to Mae Kampong 100 km200 m
- Distance
- 100 km
- Climbing
- 200 m
- Night stay
- —
- Meals
- Dinner
The day
We join Chiang Mai’s famous Saturday 55 Club Ride, a fast local group ride that attracts strong riders from the city and visiting cyclists. The official ride is described as a 90 km out-and-back route towards Chomthong / Tha Li, with typical group speeds of 35–40 km/h and faster sections reaching 45–50 km/h. The format includes controlled fast riding, a mid-ride stop near Chomthong, and a hard final segment on the return, making it a thrilling day for riders who enjoy disciplined bunch riding and high-speed efforts.
Day 8 Final Climb to Doi Suthep & Check-Out 30 km700 m
- Distance
- 30 km
- Climbing
- 700 m
- Night stay
- —
- Meals
- NA
The day
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.
Dates & pricing
Booking open
Camp Chiang Mai
- Twin sharing
- $880
- Single occupancy
- $1,100
Every departure runs with a minimum of 6 riders.
The detail
What's included
Included
- 6 Days / 5 Nights Stay at a comfortable hotel at Chiang Mai
- 2 dinners
- 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 29th Nov 2026
- One Group airport Transfer from hotel to Chiang Mai Airport on 6th Dec 2026
Not included
- International or Domestic Flights to/from Chiang Mai
Before you come
Practical
information
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.
More on cycling tours abroad from India, including visas, connections and which month suits where.
Questions
Asked before
you book
If yours isn't here, ask us directly.
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?
Arrive by noon on 29 November 2026 and leave any time after breakfast on 6 December 2026. The camp starts on the afternoon of the first day, and the last day allows time for the final ride, a shower and checkout. Airport transfers on both days are included.
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?
Dinners only, and the exact count is in the inclusions above. 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.
Read about it
The story of
this route
Photographs
From the road
Private groups
Bring your own
group of six
6 riders or more and we will run Chiang Mai on your dates rather than ours, with the week built around what your group actually rides.
The week that suits you
Not the departures listed above. Tell us roughly when, and we will work back from the season.
Set to your riders
Daily distance and climbing pitched at the group you are actually bringing, not at an average.
Longer or shorter
The itinerary here runs 8 days. Yours can run longer if you want more of the country, or shorter if the time is what it is.
We scout every route ourselves, so a change to the itinerary is one we plan rather than pass to somebody else. Corporate groups, clubs and friends riding together are all the same job to us.
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More destinations, dates to be announced: Goa, Mae Hong Son, Sri Lanka, Meghalaya, Girona, Mallorca, Portugal.
Difficulty
What the grades mean
Climbing sets the grade, not distance. Measured per riding day, averaged across the tour, with rest days excluded.
Beginner
- Climbing
- Under 500 m
- Distance
- Varies with the terrain
Flatter terrain with fewer challenging inclines. A more relaxed ride, suitable for those not yet accustomed to frequent climbing.
Intermediate
- Climbing
- 500 – 1,200 m
- Distance
- Usually 48 to 88 km
A mix of flat sections, rolling hills and occasional moderate climbs. A more diverse range of landscapes and challenges through the week.
Advanced
This tour- Climbing
- 1,200 m+
- Distance
- Usually 68 to 99 km
For experienced cyclists after a genuinely demanding week. Steep ascents and descents, and a real test of climbing.
On Camp Chiang Mai the average riding day is 94 km with 1,291 m of climbing, across 7 riding days.
Not sure it's for you? Read the full guide or ask us. We will tell you honestly.
Booking
What happens after you pay
PayPal confirms the payment to us straight away, so your place is held the moment it goes through.
You get an email with your booking reference immediately, and we call you within a day to talk through fitness, bike and logistics. There is nothing further for you to send us.
The balance is arranged with you afterwards, on the schedule shown beside the prices. Nothing is taken automatically; every payment is one you make yourself.
Booking
What you pay, and when
Three payments, not one. The deposit holds your place for 72 hours, and the rest is due on the dates below.
- To bookHolds your place
- $60
- Within 3 daysCompletes the first half
- $380
- 30 days before departureThe balance
- $440
Twin sharing, per person: $880 in total, including GST.