Smiling Albino

Intro

Total Trip - 10 days

Suit up for the ride of your life. For Thailand's finest cycling adventure, years of research and composition have gone into providing a diversity of locales, terrains and grades to present challenges and thrills to every kind of cyclist. Begin with a couple days in the kingdom's bustling capital, then enjoy a day exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ayutthaya and its stone palaces before heading north to the country's northernmost province, Chiang Rai. Here you'll ride some of the most spectacular roads in Asia as stunning scenery creates a postcard backdrop. From flat country cruises, to challenging, twisty climbs, a few dirt trails and gorgeous, well-paved roads. The journey is supplemented with a mid-trip day of hiking hilltribe footpaths through Oolong tea fields.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Welcome to the Land of Smiles

Welcome you to the Land of Smiles. A private car will shuttle you to your beautiful home away from home at the Majestic Grande in central Bangkok. Upon check-in you'll receive your Adventure Kit, full of lots tidbits, including maps, trip overview, tips to help you make the most of your time and your own complimentary mobile phone.

Day 2 - Bangkok Multi Transport Adventure

Today we'll explore five must-see sites while using all forms of urban transport (tuk-tuk, motorcycle, rapid train, canal boats and water taxi) in a citywide blitz of temples, alleyways, rivers, canals and fine eats to give you a true appreciation of the City of Angels. Not only can you tick Bangkok off your list, but you'll do it in style!

Meals: B,L

Day 3 - Ancient Ayutthaya

Prior to its sacking by the Burmese in 1767, Ayutthaya was the crowning jewel of Siam. We'll take a private shuttle from Bangkok then use Mary Poppins-style bicycles to explore the ancient ruins and stone palaces that make up this UNESCO World Heritage Site. After our day exploring, we'll shuttle back to Bangkok and catch an early evening flight to the country's northernmost province, Chiang Rai where we'll settle-in at The Legend Chiang Rai.

Biking: 10km (paved roads)
Meals: B,L

Day 4 - Bikes, Boats & Elephants

We'll cycle through the city of Chiang Rai then place our bikes on a private longtail 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 village cuisine and the starting point for an epic day in the saddle. We'll navigate country roads leading out of the village passing Ahka and Lisu settlements back Chiang Rai city. Tonight we'll reward ourselves with outstanding northern Thai cuisine at one of the city's hippest restaurants.

Biking: 30-50km sealed & dirt road, single-track
Meals: B,L,D

Day 5 - Chiang Rai to Wawi

It's a big ride today as we climb along the Doi Chaang mountain range - famous for northern Thai Arabica-style coffee - and make our way to Wawi. This highland outpost is inhabited mainly by Yunnan Chinese and doesn't appear on most country maps. Dig in for a challenging day in the saddle as you cruise flats and creep up challenging climbs that will leave you breathless and a wide-eyed from the incredible scenery. Curious locals spur us on with friendly waves and smiles. Tonight we'll refuel with some Thai-Chinese dishes served on a balcony over looking Wawi valley.

Biking: 55-100km, sealed road, thrilling turns and climbs
Meals: B,L,D

Day 6 - Out There (Wawi - Mae Salak - Tha Ton - Mae Salak)

This is the ultimate combo day designed to please every kind of rider. We start with a short climb out of Wawi, then an exhilerating 12km downhill on dirt road to the Mae Salak valley in Chiang Mai province. Next we'll make our way through the valley, following the main river to Tha Ton, a traditional Shan outpost and formerly part of Myanmar (Burma). From here you can enjoy a final 20km spin back to the resort or hop into a boat and cruise downstream to the pier at our riverside resort.

Biking: 20-70km, paved road, some dirt road climbs
Meals: B,L,D

Day 7 - Hilltribe Hiatus

Put on your hiking shoes for a mid-trip trek through terraced tea and rice plantations, hilltribe villages and the rolling mountains around Doi Mae Salong. This region was settled first by indigenous hilltribe groups such as the Ahka and Lahu peoples and more recently by Yunnanese from China, who fled the Communist Revolution. An afternoon shuttle takes us to the luxurious Phu Chaisai Mountain Resort and Spa .

Hiking: 15km, hilly dirt footpaths
Meals: B,L,D

Day 8 - Run for the Border (Mae Fah Luang - Doi Tung - Mae Sai - Golden Triangle)

Start with a cup of locally grown cup of coffee before pedaling along a steady 12km, 600 vertical meter ridge to the summit of Doi Chang Mub, one of the province's highest mountains. From here we'll glide down along a breathtaking road that literally straddles the Thai-Myanmar border. Hang on to your handlebars as a long, dramatic descent brings you to the country's northernmost city, Mae Sai. A final flat stretch through farmland takes you to the infamous Golden Triangle.

Biking: 60-90km (over 1,000m descent), thrilling descents, mountain passes, exhilarating climbs
Meals: B,L,D

Day 9 - The Mighty Mekong (Golden Triangle - Chiang Khong)

Start with a visit to the world-class Hall of Opium to learn about the historical importance of this distinctive region and the role this illicit drug played. The final ride of the trip is an epic one. Make your way through lush farmland, weave through quiet rural villages and slither along the banks of the spectacular Mekong River to our final destination of Chiang Khong. This beautiful stretch of road is one of the nicest rides in Asia and is the ultimate capstone to our cycling epic.

Biking: 80km, paved country roads
Meals: B,L,D

Day 10 - Mekong Morning, then to Bangkok

Enjoy the morning to soak up the majestic views of the Mekong. Around mid-day 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).

Meals: B

 

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FAQs

What kind of bikes and equipment do you provide on this trip?

We use high-quality, 24-speed Shimano-equipped mountain bikes, with front suspension. A variety of bike sizes are available to accommodate all riders. In addition to your bike, we provide bike helmets, riding gloves, safety lights and water bottles. You are of course welcome to bring your own equipment as well. A hydration pack is a handy item to bring along, as well as clip-less pedals and your favorite bike seat if you're attached to one.

What is the cycling like?

You'll ride well-paved roads, dirt roads and some single-track. We'll ride between 35-80km each riding day, with a total distance of 300km. The rides are best suited to riders with a good deal of prior riding experience, but are modifiable. It is common to have a variety of cycling abilities on the same trip. A full-time support vehicle will follow us on biking days providing assistance to any riders in need of a break or service. Ample water, electrolyte beverages and snacks are always provided. Daily riding maps also enhance the journey.

Can I bring my own bike?

Sure, we understand that riding your own bike is important - nothing else fits as well or feels as good. We'll help move your bike from Bangkok to Chiang Rai, then help assemble it and package it up again at the end of your journey. Thai Airways allows your checked bike (packed in a box) as a piece of luggage, so getting it up north is no problem.

What kind of clothing & equipment is specific to this trip?

For the cycling portions on this trip you might want to bring cycling shorts and shirt. We provide helmets, gloves, bottles, etc., but you are of course welcome to bring your own.

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 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!

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

Want a Five star stay in Bangkok?

During your three nights in Bangkok, enjoy a Deluxe Room at the Four Seasons, one of the world's great hotels: $300US/room/night.

Want to upgrade your accommodations in the Golden Triangle?

This trip is modifiable, and there's no reason you can't enjoy the same activities while upgrading in Chiang Rai or while in the Golden Triangle.

Treat yourself to Pool Villa for two nights at The Legend Chiang Rai. Additional trip cost: $165US/pp (double) or $330US/pp (single).

Enjoy a Deluxe room at the amazing Anantara Golden Triangle. Additional trip cost: $115US/pp (double) or $225US/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.

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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