Smiling Albino

Intro

Total Trip - 12 days

We'll shed a new light on Bangkok peering through back streets and cruising remote canals. Then, turn the far north on its heels with five high-octane days of motorcycling the celebrated Chiang Mai-Pai-Mae Sarieng loop - considered one of the finest rides in SE Asia. Another day in Chiang Mai nestled in our temple-like sanctuary, The Rachamankha, is just the right warm up for Angkor's mystical wonders and one of the hippest hotels on earth. Spectacular roads lead to inspired hotels and to-die-for dining. This is one of our dream trips. Flexible touring ensures maximum jollity, of course, and we look forward to raising a glass to you.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Welcome to Bangkok

When you touch down we'll have a car waiting to whisk you to your home away from home, a Grande Deluxe Suite at the Majestic Grande. Take today to relax, enjoy a swim, then we'll head out on the town for Thai-haute cuisine and drinks at one of the city's top restaurants to celebrate your arrival.

Meals: D

Day 2 - Chinatown, Rocketboats, Hidden Corners

An inspired journey deserves a bold beginning, and navigating the labyrinthine maze of Chinatown followed by a rocketboat journey through the remote canals of Nontaburi is just the tonic. Get ready for a fun new twist through the capital, checking out lesser explored corners of the City of Angels. Step out in style!

Meals: B,L

Day 3 - Dramatic Northern Climbs on Bikes

We'll fly early to Chiang Mai, the northern cultural capital, get acquainted with our bikes, then head-out on a dazzling day cruising the north's mountains easy-rider-style. Nestled in the hills of Thailand's remote north, Pai has become the northern chill-out location. Best described as a bohemian mountain village, spend the evening in Pai, sipping cocktails at a riverside bar and digging the ultra-relaxed northern vibe. Tonight you'll stay at Pai River Corner.

Motorcycling: 160km, hairpin turns; Motorcycles are well-maintained Honda 250cc Degree bikes
Meals: B,L,D

Day 4 - Funky Riverside Goodness

Rise at your leisure, then head-out for a half-day exploring the incredible valley that makes up the Pai area. From waterfalls, to lush fields and desert-like canyons, you'll be amazed at the vast variety of environments here. After our exploration sip coffee, get a massage treatment or just people-watch (there's lots of interesting ones here). Tonight we'll indulge into one of Pai's specialities: northern Thai-Shan cuisine.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 5 - Misty Mountain Cruising

Today we'll ride along thrilling roads to one of the north's most famous outposts - Mae Hong Son. Long known as a hardship posting, today it has some neat shops, beautiful Shan-style temples and is a stone's-throw from the Myanmar border. This is also the area where famous longneck villagers live. Of course we'll be sure to treat you to the best meal to be had as well. Lay your head tonight at the Tara Mae Hong Son.

Motorcycling: 120km, thrilling turns and tempting straight-aways
Meals: B,L,D

Day 6 - Twisty Bliss

One of the most fun and outstanding roads in Thailand, the Mae Hong Son-Mae Sariang curcuit is a rider's dream. Curves abound as you make your way through hilltribe country, past Shan temples, terraced fields, mountains and lush forest. On this legendary ride we'll encounter a staggering 1,800 curves along the Thai-Myanmar border - hang on to your handlebars. The Riverhouse Resort in Mae Sariang welcomes you for the night.

Motorcycling: 170km, thrilling turns and tempting straight-aways
Meals: B,L,D

Day 7 - Winding back to Chiang Mai

The capstone to our motorcycle journey features a cruise over and around the kingdom's tallest mountain, Doi Inthanon, as we head back to Chiang Mai city. Here you'll check into the stunning Rachamankha, an artistic and cultural masterpiece unto itself, and a wonderful representation of traditional Thai-Lanna architecture. Enjoy tonight as you wish.

Motorcycling: 190km, big climbs and sharp descents
Meals: B,L

Day 8 - Legendary Lanna

As the art and design capital of Thailand, Chiang Mai has been a long-time favorite of travelers seeking to tap in to the country's artistic pulse. We'll explore essential markets, ancient temples, art galleries and more. Tonight it's dinner at one of our favorite restaurants, then perhaps visit the legendary Night Market.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 9 - To Siem Reap, Cambodia

Fly directly to Siem Reap, home of one of the Wonders of the World, Angkor Wat. After checking into the ultra-cool Hotel de la Paix, an almost spiritual transformation of traditional Khmer and modern design, enjoy sparkling wine and fine cheese as the sun sets on the Angkor temples. Tonight you'll be treated to a Khmer dining experience at the city's most famous local haunt.

Meals: B,D

Day 10 - Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat is the world's largest and most spectacular temple complex. Its magnitude and artistic significance are unparalleled. We'll have a local host treat you to a day exploring these alluring masterpieces - Angkor Wat, Angkor Tom and Tha Prom. Enjoy a free night to dine at one of the city's many fine restaurants.

Meals: B,L

Day 11 - Angkor Wat

Flexible touring ensures that you can return to Angkor this morning, or perhaps visit the outer Angkor temple group, including the lovely in pink Bantea Srie, considered one of the artistic darlings of Angkor. Your host will help you explore the area's masterpiece stone palaces as you wish, and/or a visit to the floating villages along the largest freshwater lake in Asia, the Tonle Sap. Tonight it's our final dinner together. We'll celebrate with a feast fit for royalty.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 12 - On and On

Enjoy the morning as you wish before boarding a mid-day flight back to Bangkok where your adventure comes to a close. You're sure to be plotting your next Smiling Albino adventure. See you soon...

Meals: B

 

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FAQs

How active will the day be?

This adventure features multiple modes of transport and is ideally suited to anyone who likes walking and has no major physical limitations. Great for adventurous souls of all ages.

What kind of clothing should I bring?

Travel in clothing you feel comfortable wearing in hot weather for an entire day. Quick-dry, wick-away fabric is ideal for active days. For a more on this subject, check out What to Pack.

What if I don't ride a motorscooter?

No problem. Roughly half our guests ride motorscooters on our adventures. Motorcycling or motorscootering is best-suited to those with some prior experience. If you have no experience but are very keen, we run a comprehensive training course prior to riding that you can try. If motorcycles aren't for you, enjoy the trip from the comfort of our van, with relaxing music, big windows and chilled beverages. You're also welcome to ride on the back of your guide's motorscooter to experience the wind in your face.

*Safety note*: while our Team is willing to train you on the motorscootering portion, it must be understood that in the interests of overall safety we can not guarantee that everyone interested will ride. The final decision must ultimately rest with your ground team. A safe, injury free vacation is a fun vacation!

What if it rains?

Our adventures run year-round, rain or shine. During the rainy season (July-Oct) it's a good idea to bring an umbrella and be prepared to get a bit wet. When it really pours we take shelter, enjoy a beverage and let it pass, which is usually quickly - then we'll continue exploring. It's a great experience to see a SE Asian rain shower up close!

Are mosquito nets provided during the trip?

Generally they are not necessary for our trips in South East Asia. Lodgings we use have sealed doors and windows. Should you wish to enjoy the extra peace-of-mind of a mosquito net, feel free to bring one along and we're always happy to help you put it up.

Our group includes a variety of ages, interests and abilities - will we enjoy the same trip?

Yes, our adventures are flexible. If one member of your group doesn't want to ride a bike, we'll have a van waiting while you enjoy a good pedal. You may not want to ride a motorscooter, so you can enjoy the comfort of our van or even try riding on the back of your guide's bike for a while. We are experienced in ensuring everyone has their own perfect holiday while traveling together.

Read our Testimonials to learn more about how flexible our trips are.

Will I be sardined in a bus with a bunch of tourists?

Not a chance. There is no coach class on a Smiling Albino adventure. For more on our travel philosophies see Our Promises.

How do I get a Visa?

It's easy to obtain a visa upon arrival in Asia for Cambodia and Laos. Prior to your trip we'll send you a comprehensive pre-trip kit with all the information you'll need to touch down fully prepared.The visa costs about $20US and you will need one passport-sized photograph. Wait about 10 minutes and your visa is in hand!

Have more questions?

We have lots more information in our Travel Tips section that will give you an idea of what it's like to travel with Smiling Albino. You can read more on food, weather, language, history and culture, see where you'll be travelling, and maybe find a book or two that you can read before your adventure.

Visit the Travel Tips area.

 

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Trip Gallery

Upgrade Options

Need extra nights in Siem Reap at the Hotel de la Paix?

We can book you at the Hotel de la Paix.

May - September: $190US/room/night

October - March: $275US/room/night

Need time on the beach when you're done? Our Thailand beach escapes are second to none.

Smiling Albino has an extensive selection of amazing beach resorts and destinations. Check out our options and let us know if we can add a beach escape to your trip.

Flights to & from Bangkok can be arranged.

Need a hotel in Bangkok before or after the trip?

Either downtown or at the airport we can accomodate you.

Downtown: Majestic Grande $115US/night or the Four Seasons $300US/pp/night (double) or $600US/pp/night (single).
Airport: Novotel Suvarnabhumi $220US/night.

Like to customize this adventure as a private trip?

Any of our trips can be changed up and moved around to give you the perfect experience. Take a look at one of our custom trip examples and let us know what we can do for you.

 

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