Luxury Thailand Cycle (The Golden Triangle From Chiang Mai To Chiang Rai) 8D7N, Fully Guided

TWO BIKING OPTIONS:
Level 1, Approx. 21 km (13 miles), 1-2 hours biking, Elevation gain: 91 m (300 ft)
Level 3, Approx. 40 km (25 miles), 3-5 hours biking, Elevation gain: 213 m (700 ft)

To begin our trip, meet your tour leaders at 9 a.m. in the lobby of the Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai, Thailand. Please, ensure you arrive dressed in your biking clothes and that you bring your luggage and a daypack containing your rain gear and anything else you may want for the day's ride.

Hello, Thailand! We begin the day by gathering at the exquisite Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai, away from the bustling city in the rustic Mae Rim Valley. The hotel's serene location gives us the freedom to bike through the nearby valleys and foothills and enjoy authentic Thai cuisine and hospitality. Soak in the tranquility at your grand getaway with terraced rice paddies, a canopy of lush, evergreen trees, multiple swimming pools, tennis courts, spacious outdoor lounges and adept therapists who give a form of Thai massage once reserved for the royal family. (Spa at own expense).

After a brief orientation at the hotel, we take a quick shuttle to a nearby wat (temple), where your tour leaders fit your bike and educate you briefly on biking techniques and safety, pointing out that you rode on the left side of the road in Thailand! You are then free to warm up as you ride through scenic neighborhoods and agricultural communities on the outskirts of Chiang Mai. Watch closely for the passengers' huge smiles as they wonder why you crazy farangs (foreigners) are working up a sweat in the jungle heat. However, it is still not rare to see the locals travelling on two wheels.

We have our first taste of Thailand's fresh and versatile cuisine as we make a brief stop along the way. Once we are done eating, we cycle back to the hotel, or you could join the shuttle and enjoy some downtime this afternoon.

Tonight, indulge in a traditional Bai Sii (pronounced "bye-see") ceremony before enjoying a luscious dinner under the stars. We have 32 guardian spirits known as khwan (represented by white strings) attached to us to protect us as we travel. Each khwan is assigned to protect a specific organ or function of the body, but they tend to stray when their owners begin a new project or journey. Tying them down with the help of elders from a local village is a genuine welcome blessing for those far from home.

THREE BIKING OPTIONS:
Level 1, Approx. 16 km (10 miles), 1-2 hours biking, Elevation gain: 122 m (400 ft)
Level 2, Approx. 29 km (18 miles), 2-3 hours biking, Elevation gain: 213 m (700 ft)
Level 3, Approx. 40 km (25 miles), 3-5 hours biking, 366 m (1200 ft)

We tour the flourishing hills at Doi Suthep mountain, part of the Mae Rim Valley. Leaving the hotel, we ride along rural roads through small communities passing by acres of rice paddies in varying stages of cultivation. This area is characterized by fertile farmland and a lush landscape. Things are also a lot calmer and move at a slower pace than nearby Chiang Mai. We take a short break to enjoy an authentic Northern Thai lunch, and if you're up for it, cycle back to the hotel or join the shuttle for a lift.

This afternoon is designated for relaxation. You can take a refreshing dip in the pool or get a therapeutic massage. However, if you are more interested in learning more about the rice paddies you passed earlier in the day, you are welcome to join your tour leaders and a head farmer at the hotel. With them, you'll learn about the life cycle of one of Thailand's main staple crops. Understand the planting, tending, and harvesting of rice, and even plant some seedlings yourself.

Dinner tonight is a memorable affair as we get to see how various Thai dishes are prepared. We are invited into the Rim Tai open kitchen for a behind-the-scenes look at this.

THREE BIKING OPTIONS:
Level 2, Approx. 29 km (18 miles), 2-3 hours biking, Elevation gain: 189 m (600 ft)
Level 4, Approx. 48 km (30 miles), 4-6 hours biking, Elevation gain: 274 m (900 ft)
Level 5, Approx. 82 km (51 miles), 5-7+ hours biking, Elevation gain: 366 m (1200 ft)

A morning shuttle takes us through a path that winds through the northern hills. Our ride begins at Tub Tao Caves, a serene oasis where monks pray and leave offerings at the many Buddhist shrines, including a giant reclining Buddha statue. As you continue cycling north, enjoy the ride to the Fang, a 1,000-year-old trading center whose bustling market serves the local Karen and Lisu hill tribe communities. Be prepared to have what might be the tastiest northern-style chicken curry you may have had when we make a stop at Khao Sou Parichart.

We leave Fang for the serene countryside, cycling past grazing water buffalo and waving to the villagers at work in rice fields dotted with egrets on our way to Ban Thaton. This small town is accessorized with temples, including Thai Buddhist and Burmese Buddhist styles.

For the next two nights, our home is the simple yet charming Maekok River Village Resort. Unwind in your bungalows of an authentic Thai-style inn. Idyllically set amid lush gardens by the Maekok River with sweeping views of the lush valley and just a few kilometers from the Myanmar border. Later, engage in a hands-on Thai cooking class and dinner or alternatively dine at your leisure at the resort.

TWO BIKING OPTIONS:
Level 2, Approx. 29 km (18 miles), 2-3 hours biking, Elevation gain: 189 km (600 ft)
Level 3, Approx. 42 km (26 miles), 3-5 hours biking, Elevation gain: 396 m (1300 ft)

If you wake up feeling energetic, join your tour leaders on an early morning stroll through the Ban Tha Ton temple complex. The walk is inspiring as it gives us an expansive view of the river covered in light mist and sparkling with pink reflections as it meanders its way across the valley floor.

Another experience you get to enjoy for rising early today is the chance to participate in a vital local morning ritual: giving alms. On our part, we offer food (bought from the morning market) to the monks and receive a special blessing in return.

We plan to spend the whole day in Ban Thaton, which allows us to explore less-frequented rural areas. Our bike route takes us far into the agriculturally blessed land around Maekok village. We cycle past sweeping hills and numerous fields of peanuts, rice, papaya, garlic, and many other staple crops. We take a break to enjoy a barbecue chicken lunch at a roadside restaurant. It is a regional specialty usually served with a mountain of veggies.

This afternoon, you have the choice to wander through Ban Thornton, where you will most likely encounter the region's colourful hill tribe people, including the Akha. Or maybe you would like to have a relaxing time at the hotel by either taking a dip in the pool or enjoying an in-room massage. We may also get to witness a performance by the hill tribe choir. We make donations to the music education programs, and they are generous enough to perform their new material for us when they are available.

We bring the adventurous day to a close with a relaxing dinner at the home of a local friend. When we are done eating, you could stay out and admire the night sky, take in the river's calming sounds, or turn in early.

THREE BIKING OPTIONS:
Level 1, Approx. 19 km (12 miles), 1-2 hours biking, Elevation gain: 244 m (800 ft)
Level 2, Approx. 29 km (18 miles), 2-3 hours biking, Elevation gain: 274 m (900 ft)
Level 4, Approx. 48 km (30 miles), 4-6 hours biking, Elevation gain: 467 m (1400 ft)

Today, we explore the countryside of northern Thailand by boat and by bicycle. We begin the day with a voyage on traditional Thai long tail boats that zoom down the Maekok River. (Ensure to bring an extra layer of clothing and a hat; it can be chilly on the water.) The route takes us through canyons, past bamboo houseboats, and riverside villages such as Mae Salak, an old tea-loading station associated with the hillside plantation close to Wawi. Coming ashore, we get on our bikes and cycle to the Mae Luang Art and Cultural Park—an outdoor exhibit spotlighting several Lanna architecture.

We enjoy our lunch break at a famed local haunt, Ban Noi's. Afterward, we either head directly to Chiang Rai to our next hotel, Le Méridien Chiang Rai Resort or go for a longer option that entails navigating quiet roads on the outskirts of Chiang Rai. On our way, we pass by the amazing Goddess of Mercy statue.

You’ll stay at a riverside home for the night at the Le Méridien Chiang Rai Resort. Relax your muscles as you set into your ensuite room. Bask in the serenity amongst 53 square metres of space with alluring views of the immaculate landscaping and lush greenery amidst the majestic rain trees. Take a refreshing dip in the pool, indulge in a spa treatment or delight your taste buds at its top-rated restaurant in the region.

In the evening, you have the opportunity to enjoy dinner at your own leisure. Adventure on a tuktuk for a ride into town to pursue the food stalls at the night market or dine at the hotel. We highly recommend cooked street food; it is usually prepared with purified water; it is clean, fresh, and delicious. Your leaders are also happy to recommend their favorites.

THREE BIKING OPTIONS:
Level 2, Approx. 34 km (21 miles), 2-3 hours biking, Elevation gain: 122 m (400 ft)
Level 2, Approx. 48 km (30 miles), 2-3 hours biking, Elevation gain: 244 m (800 ft)
Level 4, Approx. 79 km (49 miles), 4-6 hours biking, Elevation gain: 467 m (1400 ft)

Today, cycle over a calmly rolling landscape past a series of rice and garlic fields and rustic villages en route to the Golden Triangle, the northern limit of Thailand. Located at the junction of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar, the region is called the "Golden Triangle" because it lies at the convergence of the Sop Ruak and Mekong Rivers, creating a triangle of the land. As for a reason behind the "Golden," the area was once the center of the thriving opium trade (a drug worth its weight in gold.)

Our route winds past the small town of Chiang Saen, the former capital of the Lan Na Kingdom, and along the Mekong River. This important Southeast Asian highway begins in China's Yunnan province. It cuts through Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia before laying out into a delta as it reaches the South China Sea in Vietnam. The river hosts commercial shipping and fishing and takes care of creating floodplains vital for rice production throughout the region. Make a stop and watch the classical-looking trade boats traveling from China, loaded with apples and pears, and returning upstream with Thai concrete for China's growing provinces.

You’ll stay at the breathtaking Anantara Golden Triangle Resort. A location that will truly take your breath away. Perched on a ridge in a tranquil jungle setting overlooking the three-country views of Myanmar and the mist-covered mountains of Laos with an elephant camp at its doorstep. Unwind at the deep blue pool complete with a Jacuzzi, sun lounges and serene rural views or pamper yourself with a spa treatment with steam rooms and alfresco soaking tubs with Mekong Valley views (spa at own expense).

Later, join your tour leaders for a thrilling and fun night in town, where you have a chance to sample street food with our local guides in Chiang Saen.

THREE BIKING OPTIONS:
Level 1, Approx. 19 km (12 miles), 1-2 hours biking, Elevation gain: 152 m (500 ft)
Level 2, Approx. 31 km (19 miles), 2-3 hours biking, Elevation gain: 183 m (600 ft)
Level 3, Approx. 45 km (28 miles), 3-5 hours biking, Elevation gain: 335 m (1100 ft)

This morning, we head out on a terrific ride that crosses a short stretch of hills that leads to the Myanmar border and follows quiet roads to the vast agricultural areas of the Golden Triangle. Visit the magnificent Wat Chedi Luang, a temple that contains a Buddha relic, before returning through Chiang Saen, where you can stop at the local market and pick up some delightful snacks.

After returning to the hotel, you may want to visit the Hall of Opium, a captivating museum across the road from our property. Take a few hours to explore this place that gives insight into the history of the region's former cash crop and its impact on the world, from the Opium Wars to the drug problems affecting society today.

Today, you get the opportunity to grab a delectable lunch at your own leisure. Choose to sample some tasty street food in town and round off your lunch break by shopping in the local markets. Alternatively, enjoy lunch by the poolside while soaking up the sun. Spend time visiting Anantara’s Elephant Camp, a safe and relaxing environment for once-working elephants and engage with these friendly giants in their natural habitat (at own expense).

Tonight, we gather for a festive farewell reception in Anantara" s hilltop garden overlooking the border with Myanmar and Laos, followed by an authentic feast at the resort. We bid our farewells at the end of dinner, as some might be catching early morning shuttles while others might sleep in.

Enjoy a leisurely jungle breakfast before bidding your hearty farewells and boarding the shuttle for a scenic transfer to Chiang Rai airport to continue your journey onwards.

NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation.