Northern Thailand Cycling Tour

The day

Today, we leave Chiang Rai and ride toward Chiang Khong, following scenic country roads. The journey begins along the Kok River, leading us out of town before we pass through rubber plantations and onto quiet backroads, with mountains stretching into the distance.

Destination

Chiang Khong is a quaint and picturesque little town. This riverside town also serves as a sleepy traveler’s gateway to Laos. From Huay Xai, on the opposite side of the Mekong, it’s either a two-day slow boat journey or a 13-hour bus ride to Luang Prabang .

Highlights

• Ride through beautiful Thai countryside, past rice fields and rubber plantations
• Stay at a charming boutique hotel by the Mekong river
• Explore the sleepy town of Chiang Khong by foot

The day

Today’s relaxed out-and-back ride follows the quiet Mekong riverside road from Chiang Khong, with sweeping views across the river into Laos. Riding along Highway 1155, you’ll pass small riverside villages, fishing boats, and gently rolling terrain as the landscape gradually rises toward the hills leading to Phu Chi Fa Forest Park.

Midway, we pause at a peaceful riverside coffee shop before turning back after about 30 km. The rest of the day is yours to unwind, perhaps enjoy a traditional Thai massage or take a leisurely stroll along the charming riverfront. Enjoy lunch on your own today.

Highlights

• Ride through beautiful Thai countryside, past rice fields and rubber plantations
• Stay at a charming boutique hotel by the Mekong river
• Explore the sleepy town of Chiang Khong by foot

The day

There’s something special about cycling along the Mekong River, which separates Thailand from Laos.

There is a Barnowl tradition on this day: a hot pot dinner beside the Mekong at Chiang Saen once the riding is done. It is not on the itinerary and it happens anyway.

It’s a relatively short day, giving us the luxury of a relaxed breakfast before we set off. The ride begins with a couple of short but steep climbs to wake up the legs, before we transition onto a stunning, winding road along the Mekong River. As we pass through lush orchards and farmlands, the river twists and narrows, at times, Laos feels just a stone’s throw away.

Our destination for the day is Chiang Saen, where we stop for a well-earned lunch. After some rest, we head to the legendary Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar converge. This is where the Ruak River meets the mighty Mekong, offering a breathtaking vantage point to see all three countries at once. While this serene landscape has become a draw for travelers, it was once infamous as one of the world’s largest opium-producing regions until Afghanistan overtook it in the early 1990s.

To cap off the day, we take a boat ride on the Mekong, a unique way to experience the river’s vastness while taking in views of Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos from the water.

Destination

Chiang Saen is the oldest city in Thailand, believed to date back to the 7th century. It was one of the main cities of the Lanna kingdom and was the capital before Chiang Rai was established by King Mengrai in 1262. As we ride through Chiang Saen, you’ll see ruins of the old city wall and other glimpses of a bygone era. It is very pleasant to just walk along the banks of the Mekong River or sit and watch everyday life go by. The evening street-side vendors offer delicious meals.

Highlights

• Ride along the mythical Mekong – a river that divides Thailand and Laos
• Stay at a beautiful riverside resort overlooking Laos
• Visit Golden triangle and enjoy a boat ride on the Mekong river

The day

After breakfast, we set off on scenic country roads, cycling through traditional Thai villages and rice fields, with Doi Tung and the mountains of Myanmar visible in the distance.

About an hour and a half into the ride, the landscape shifts dramatically as we enter serene pine forests. A couple of forested climbs follow, the first one being the longer but more picturesque, before we stop at a quaint roadside eatery for some Phat Kaprao, a local favorite. From there, we descend toward a small village by the Kok River, where the final leg of our journey takes place on a private longtail boat.

Our destination for the day is Tha Ton, a charming northern Thai town nestled near the Myanmar border.

Destination

The small and highly picturesque town of Tha Ton lies on the banks of the Kok River at the point where the river emerges into Thailand from the neighboring hills of Burma’s Shan state. Its picturesque riverside setting is captivating, with the stunning hilltop temple, Wat Tha Ton, overlooking the town. Friendly locals and Akha women in their traditional regalia, coming into town to sell their handmade crafts, add to the town’s unique character.

Our destination is a beautiful riverside resort, perfectly nestled just before the entrance to Tha Ton.

Highlights

• Ride past lush rice fields, dense forests, and rolling mountains
• Glide along the scenic Kok River on a long-tail boat, the river twisting and turning through stunning mountain backdrops
• Stay at a tranquil riverside retreat – with lush gardens, mountain views, and the perfect place to relax and recharge

The day

Heading out of our resort, we ride past traditional Thai villages and orange orchards. It is a beautiful ride through some serene backroads. You will enjoy gentle climbs, exhilarating descents, and charming local villages that offer glimpses into rural Thai life. As we start riding towards Chiang Dao, we are accompanied by some superb mountain scenery. The day’s ride concludes in Chiang Dao, known for its majestic limestone mountains.

Destination

Dominated by the mighty Doi Luang Chiang Dao (Thailand’s 3rd highest mountain at 2225 meters), Chiang Dao is located in a beautiful, peaceful mountainous area. Chiang Dao serves as a peaceful retreat, perfectly balancing adventure and relaxation.

Highlights

• Ride on backroads past orange orchards and local temples
• Stay at a beautiful resort overlooking Doi Chiang Dao
• Unwind at a charming nearby café with breathtaking mountain scenery

The day

After about an hour on Highway 107, we turn onto quiet country roads that wind through rural landscapes, passing idyllic Thai villages and serene temple grounds. The riding feels increasingly peaceful as traffic fades and the scenery becomes more intimate.

Soon we find ourselves on the beautiful canal road tracing the banks of the Ping River, a smooth, scenic stretch that offers some of the most relaxing riding of the day. A final coffee stop gives us time to soak it all in before continuing toward Chiang Mai.

As we approach the old town, the historic stone walls and surrounding moat come into view, enduring reminders of the ancient fortified city, and we ride alongside them before entering the heart of the old town and our hotel.

In the evening, it is time to pack your bikes up (Don’t pack them yet if you are doing Doi Suthep tomorrow!) and go for a celebratory dinner. Relaxing with a much deserved beer, we can reflect on a journey that has taken us from the beautiful city of Chiang Rai to the historic Golden Triangle, and then to the laid back river side town of Thaton and finally to the ancient Lanna kingdom of Chiang Mai. Over the last one week, we have seen and experienced Northern Thailand in a way that only a few travelers do.

Destination

Chiang Mai is the largest city in Northern Thailand and the third largest city in the nation. The settlement, founded as a royal residence in 1292 and as a town in 1296, served as the capital of the Lanna Thai kingdom until 1558, when it fell to the Myanmar. The older part of town, particularly the 18th-century walled settlement, is on the west bank of the river; it contains ruins of many 13th and 14th century temples.

Highlights

• A picturesque ride through the lush valleys and forested hills surrounding Chiang Dao
• Conclude your journey with a triumphant ride into Chiang Mai, one of Thailand’s most culturally rich cities
• Celebrate the finale with a well-deserved celebratory dinner