BOOK THIS TRIP Itinerary 7 day detail below Cost: $1,500US/person Single Supplement: $150US Includes: Guides, all transport, bike, 6 nights accommodation, most meals (as indicated), 2 internal airline tickets, airport transfers, all equipment, bike mechanic/vehicle, all snacks and all admissions.

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Dates: Apr 26 , May 10

Here's a thrilling northern-Thai cycling adventure that gives you a cultural charge and adrenaline rush. We’ve combined some of the Kingdom’s epic rides with fabulous accommodations, outstanding locations and culinary delights. This is an active, yet intimate exploration of some of Thailand’s hidden corners. Pedal with us on the experience of a lifetime.

These seven spectacular days bring us in touch with some of the most unique and memorable characters in northern Thailand. Chiang Rai, Thailand’s northernmost province, borders Myanmar and Laos to create the infamous ‘Golden Triangle’ – a perfect venue to truly gain a taste of northern Thai life. Using bicycles as our main form of transport and fun, we’ll see the many faces of Chiang Rai province, from jungles and hilltribe villages to multi-cultural mountain communities and enchanting life along the Mekong River. We’ll use high-quality, brand name mountain bikes, equipped with front suspension and rear-racks (optional), to navigate the back roads of Thailand’s remote north.

The price quoted is from the first day of the adventure in Bangkok until the end of your planned itinerary. The rides are modifiable and are best suited to riders with some experience on road and soft trail. The trip includes 90% of your meals, six nights of top-quality accommodation, all transport, two internal airline tickets, all admissions, snacks, mountain bike, helmet, water bottle, safety light, northern support vehicle, full-time bike technician, a customized rider’s handbook, Smiling Albino Adventure Kit, original SA biking maps of the regions we'll explore and the finest western and Thai adventure leaders. You'll rarely need to dig into your pocket to pay for things on your Smiling Albino adventure. Prepare to be hosted and have the cycling adventure of your life!

Day 1 – Welcome to Chiang Rai

In the morning, afternoon or evening you’ll fly north to Chiang Rai and enjoy a casual day in your 1st-class villas along the Mae Kok River. Take in the herbal spa or perhaps a traditional Thai massage. You’ll spend the first two nights of your cycling odyssey at a boutique riverside resort, The Legend Chiang Rai. This backdrop soothes the senses and sets the ideal tone for the adventure ahead.

Day 2 – Bikes, Boats & Elephants

Ride into the north in style as we bike out of town then board a boat and head upriver to a charming hilltribe village. This Karen settlement is surrounded by limestone mountains and is an ideal venue for an elephant ride, some hilltribe cuisine and the starting point for an epic day in the saddle. We’ll navigate back roads leading out of the village, up and over some medium-grade mountains on dirt road and blaze down some wonderful single track, passing by Ahka and Lisu villages. The final push will see us enjoy a sundown ride back to Chiang Rai city, stopping along the way for spectacular photos (known as rest stops to some).
A day biking deserves a northern Thai feast; tonight we’ll sample local specialties at one of the city’s most authentic restaurants. The night is yours to spend the evening bargaining at the Night Bazaar, sipping Thai whiskey, or top it all off with a traditional Thai massage to soothe those aching legs.

“We were expecting a good trip, but this was well beyond anything we imagined. The food, the hotels, the bikes and the terrain we rode knocked us out.” – Ingersols, Boston, MA

Biking: 35-55km, (depending on rider preference) sealed country roads, dirt roads, singletrack
Note: the off-road ride can be modified to suit abilities of those with limited off-road experience.
Meals: B,L,D

Day 3 – To Chinatown

Today we’ll say goodbye to Chiang Rai city and begin our ride to the beautiful mountain village of Doi Mae Salong, located just six kilometers from Burma. This jaw-dropping ride takes us through, up and over spectacular jungle covered mountains. Hilltribe villages dot the landscape and it’s hard not to feel like you’re starring in your own outdoor television special. Today’s ride involves a fair bit of climbing, combined with thrilling, windy descents. A support vehicle will follow the bikers, ready to assist anyone in need.
Upon arrival at Doi Mae Salong, we’ll spend the night at a cozy hillside villa. Our balcony view is one of the best in Thailand. This town of 8,000 has a large Chinese population as well as a broad mix of hilltribe groups. Spend the late afternoon wandering the windy town roads, hiking to a hilltop temple and enjoy a cup of locally grown tea. Tonight we’ll enjoy some northern Thai culinary favorites as well as local Chinese specialties. Anyone for some karaoke?

Day 4 – Hang on to Your Handlebars!!

Doi Mae Salong’s picturesque surrounding deserve a full day of trail exploration. SA has explored and mapped out many spectacular, mountainous trails, surrounded by lush, terraced tea plantations. Mount your bike and hold on to your handlebars as we spend a day conquering the gorgeous footpaths and stunning terrain around Doi Mae Salong. Rice paddies, water buffalo, farmers and lush vegetation provide a dream background...
Tonight we’ll sleep at our hillside villa, enjoy a huge feast and get some well-earned zzzs.

“Desite this being the first major biking trip I'd ever done, I still had a great time. Bird (mechanic) was so nice and never made me feel silly about taking a break and riding in the truck. This was the perfect biking trip.” – Helen, Amsterdam, NL

Biking: 15-32km (it’s up to you), dirt roads, singletrack
Meals: B,L,D

Day 5 – Mountains to River

Today’s ride begins with a wonderful climb out of Doi Tung and then along a thrilling, windy road that forms the border with Burma, towards Mae Sai – the northern most point in all of Thailand. A lunchtime stop and an opportunity to stroll through the markets gives a unique view of life at one of Thailand’s busiest borders. After lunch another 35km push takes us towards the confluence of the Mekong River and the infamous Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Burma, and Laos meet. Here we’ll visit the brand new, world-class Hall of Opium for a fascinating look at the regions colourful past.

Day 6 – The Mighty Mekong

In the am we’ll start our last 80km to our final destination of Chiang Khong. This ride takes us through local villages, gorgeous mountain farms and an enchanting stretch along the mighty Mekong River. After a few moderate climbs, our journey ends by arriving at our riverside accommodations in the sleepy riverside village of Chiang Khong. Early evening escapades may involve anything from snoozing on a hammock, a leisurely stroll along the banks of the Mekong or a celebration at the town pub.

“One of the best parts was riding with such a small group (8 riders). I always felt like I was traveling with friends and not on a tour.” – Moreen, Atherton, CA

Day 7 – Mekong Morning, then to Bangkok

Late in the morning we’ll bid adieu to this charming town and shuttle to the Chiang Rai airport where we’ll board our Thai Airways flight to Bangkok.

Saying goodbye is hard to do and we’re sure you’ll leave us dreaming about your next Smiling Albino adventure! “Krang na, pope gan mai na” (see you again next time).

About the Biking
While in the Kingdom's northernmost province, Chiang Rai, we use high-quality, 24-speed Shimano-equipped mountain bikes, with front suspension. A variety of sizes are available to accommodate all riders. Bike helmets, riding gloves and safety lights are also provided. We'll ride between 35-100km each day, with a total distance of 250-300km over the seven days. You’ll be riding on paved roads, dirt roads and even some singletrack. A professional bike technician and full-time support vehicle will follow us providing assistance to any riders in need of a break, service or lift. The rides are modifiable and are best suited to riders with some experience on road and soft-trail. It is common to have a variety of cycling abilities on the same trip. Come one come all, we can accommodate!

Things you may wish to add to your adventure: