Good Dirty Fun
Intro
Total Trip - 4 days
If you love dirt biking this is the adventure for you. Designed from some of the most outstanding dirt biking trails in Thailand's Golden Triangle, this adventure is the result of more than 10 years exploring Thailand's northernmost province Chiang Rai.
Sandwiched between Myanmar and Laos, Chiang Rai provides some of the best terrain and memorable accommodations in the kingdom. The legendary greater Golden Triangle, once opium country, is home to a variety of hilltribe groups who you'll meet as you journey deep into the Thai bush.
Spend four days riding hidden dirt trails, while enjoying a gorgeous resort each night. Depending on group experience we'll chose routes with a perfect blend of challenge and enjoyment. This trip is best experienced during the dry season (Nov-June) as the clayish dirt gets very slippery and sticky during the rainy season (July-Oct). Hang on for the ride of your life.
Itinerary
Day 1: Hit the Trail
We'll be waiting when your plane touches down, check you in to your hotel, and prepare you for a fantastic day of dirtbiking. This morning we'll ride right from The Legend Resort & Spa on Honda 250cc on-off road bikes. We will provide you with a full-face off-road helmet, goggles, gloves and protective pads for knees and elbows. On today's ride we'll run for about six hours, followed by some r 'n r at the resort, sundown drinks, and then we'll hit the town for dinner and markets.
Riding: 6 hours, 80km, dirt trails, single-track, hilltribe footpaths
Meals: L,D
Flight: Early morning flight from Bangkok
Day 2: Down and Dirty
One of our all-time favourite trails today takes you along one of the highest mountains in the province, Doi Chang. After a brilliant climb to the summit we'll have a cup of locally grown coffee before traversing along mountain ridges and narrow ledges. You simply won't believe where you're riding. A steep drop takes you down 1,000m where we'll have lunch, but it's not over! Hang on for a series of twists on an awesome cross-country track with several streams and bamboo bridge crossings.
Riding: 8 hours, 120km, dirt trails, single-track, hilltribe footpaths
Meals: B,L
Day 3: Out There
This morning we'll leave Chiang Rai city along the river on remote paths to Mae Salak, inside Chiang Mai province. A 25km paved road takes us to a dirt track leading up a mountain to an old army post on the Thai-Myanmar border. An old outlaw town is visible in the distance in Myanmar, as rolling mountains form a spectacular backdrop. A further push takes us to one of the most stunning locations in Thailand, Doi Mae Salong. Home to terraced tea plantations and Chinese from Yunnan region, we'll find off-road trails and a bit of seald-road to the gorgeous Phu Chaisai Resort & Spa where we'll swim, enjoy and reflect on the day.
Note: A truck will shuttle our bags to the hotel while we're riding
Riding: 8 hours, 150km, dirt trails, hilltribe footpaths, paved roads
Meals: B,L
Day 4: Further Afield
Today is the capstone of the entire trip. We'll ride up to a royal reforestation project at Doi Tung, sample some locally grown coffee then head west to the far-flung town of Thoed Thai. Once home to one of the world's most wanted drug lords (Khun Sa) this is the starting point for some awesome singletrack through remote mountains and back into Doi Mae Salong. More dirt tracks and roads bring us back to Chiang Rai city where we'll enjoy a shower and bite to eat before your flight back to Bangkok.
Riding: 6 hours, 150km, dirt trails, single-track, paved roads
Meals: B,L,D
Flight: Evening flight
See a video of dirt biking in northern Thailand.
See some photos of dirt biking in northern Thailand.
Motorcycles
For this adventure we use well-maintained, Honda 250cc Baja (best for tall people), or Degree (best for shorter people), motorcycles. A support team and mechanic is always near and the rides are decided on group consensus considering abilities and weather conditions.
FAQs
Why Chiang Rai and not Chiang Mai?
While one destination is not necessarily better than another, we specialize in Chiang Rai Province for a few reasons: size, laid-back vibe and access to the outdoors. Chiang Rai city is a smaller regional centre (population 80,000), while Chiang Mai is a large city with about a million people.
Chiang Mai truly is one of the kingdom's most famous destinations, as the center of Thai Lanna culture, art and design, and a great place to experience Thailand, northern style. Chiang Rai on the other hand is less visited and many people say is like Chiang Mai was 30 years ago.
See the location of both cities on the Thailand map.
What kind of clothing and equipment should I bring for dirt biking?
Full-face off-road helmets, goggles, gloves and protective pads for your knees and elbows are provided. A sturdy pair of riding boots or outdoor shoes are recommended, along with a rain shell, light jacket, couple pairs of tough pants and a hydration pack. If you have other dirt biking clothing/equipment you're comfortable with, bring it along.
What if I have an accident - are hospitals nearby?
In some locations there will be no medical facilities and most we encounter are very primitive. Your guides will carry comprehensive first aid kits and we will send you a list of first items to bring before your trip. We require that all participants have emergency travel medical insurance including air evacuation. If you break a limb or have a major accident during your trip we can arrange an airlift out to seek proper medical attention in Bangkok, Thailand or Dehli, India.
How many people in a travel group?
2 - 8 guests. All trips need a minimum of two participants, the average trip has six travelers and our maximum is eight.
If you have a group or family larger than 8 - or are after a private solo adventure - we'll design the perfect trip especially for you, see our Custom Adventures.
Can my family or friends reach me during my adventure?
Yes. While getting off the beaten path is important, it feels good to know important people can get in touch should a need arise. All Smiling Albino hosts/guides carry mobile phones at all times. Should you need to be reached, call our main office in Bangkok at 662-718-9560, 6687-035-0705, 6681-171-0778 or our fax line at 662-718-9562 (these numbers include country and city codes). We'll be sure to connect everyone as quickly as possible. In addition, many Smiling Albino adventures provide you with a mobile phone during your trip to use as you wish. During your adventure you'll have access to an internet connection about half the time.
Upgrade Options
Want to do Chiang Rai in a Five star?
Virtually all of our trips are modifiable, and there's no reason you can't enjoy the same activities with 5-star accommodations along the way.
Treat yourself to Pool Villa for two nights at The Legend Chiang Rai. Additional trip cost: $165US/pp (double) or $330US/pp (single).
Also you can enjoy a Pool Villa for one night at The Phu Chaisai. Additional trip cost: $75US/pp (double) or $145US/pp (single).
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.
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.
Related Categories:
Thailand
Have any questions?
[email protected].
Itinerary
Length: 4 days
Cost: $1,400US/pp
Single Supp.: $175US
Includes: Guides/hosts, all transport, accommodation, most meals, return flights Bangkok to Chiang Rai, local SIM card, Adventure Kit, airport transfers, equipment, snacks and all admissions
Areas: Chiang Rai province - the Golden Triangle
Activities: motorcycling
Food: from fine dining to local fare
Accomodations: very cool, comfortable accommodations
