Day 1 - Arrive and meet in Chiang Mai (D) 40kms
We meet at 13:00 at the hotel where the guide will brief everyone thoroughly and make sure the bikes fit. In the afternoon we head out on our adventure. We take a short transfer out of town and then start a nice easy ride along the Ping River to get accustomed to riding in Thailand. The ride takes us to the handicraft centre at Ban Tawai where you will have to time to enjoy some shopping before transferring back to Chiang Mai. Overnight at the Imperial Mae Ping
Day 2 - Chiang Dao Tribal Trails (BLD) 75Kms
We take a transfer from Chiang Mai to Chiang Dao caves to the start of our ride. This ride is a real treat for mountain bikers. We ride through rice fields and among soaring limestone cliffs before hitting the dirt. We ride truck paths cut by local hill tribes and we will meet Akha, Lisu, Lau and Palaung people. The colourful Palaung are recent migrants and you will see their women adorned with heavy brass waist-bands working the fields. We stop for lunch at a Forestry Camp before a memorable afternoon riding some quite outstanding mountain trails. Our support vehicle will be waiting at the trail-head to transport us to our comfortable Thai style inn. Overnight at the Saimoonburi Hotel
Day 3 – Back Roads to Mae Salak (BLD) 115Kms
After an early breakfast we ride the back roads through many small villages before arriving in Fang and our stop for lunch. In contrast to the previous day, much of the ride is flat and we will make the distance quite quickly. The ride to Mae Salak is one of the most scenic on the trip and a real pleasure to ride. We end at Mae Salak a small town that has an excellent resort complete with pool. The rooms have a splendid view over the river and is situated next to a Lahu village and the local children will come to the resort and perform traditional music and dance. Overnight at the Huai Khum Resort
Day 4 – Mae Salak to Chiang Rai (BLD) 60Kms
We start from the resort and ride 8 km off road to a Jakhu village where we then hitch a ride on a long-tail boat (with our bikes) to a scenic riverside area. We have a brief stop at the forestry reserve before heading off for another 20 km off road ride to Ban Ruamitr. We have lunch at a local restaurant by the river before continuing the ride on tarmac all the way into Chiang Rai. We’ll stop for a visit to the White Temple, a unique modern temple that was designed and built by a local artist. Overnight is at a resort with a nice swimming pool centrally located in the town of Chiang Rai. Overnight at the Laluna Resort
Day 5 – Chiang Rai to Lanjia Lodge (BLD) 100-120Kms
After breakfast we take a nice easy ride through the outskirts of the city and follow the Mae Lao River to the interesting Wat Rong Khun, White Temple. Created by a local artist this temple stands out for its distinctive style. We contine east towards the mighty Mekong where we ride alongside the river. The morning ride is nice and easy: good road surface and flat. After a picnic lunch we encounter a few hills and get some great views across the river into Laos. We overnight at a lovely lodge right in the middle of a Hmong village and there are great views of the valley from your terrace. Those views of course means that it is an uphill to the lodge, but those looking for an easy end to their day can take the van the last 20 km up. After you have settled in we’ll have tea with the shaman and learn some Hmong customs. There’ll also be the option to help villagers plant trees at the Herbal Plant Nursery Project for a small fee. Overnight at the Lanjia Lodge
Day 6 – Chiang Khong to Pakbeng by boat (BLD)
After breakfast we’ll take a short transport to Chiang Khong and cross the border into Laos. After immigration formalities we load the bikes into our private riverboat (please note we do not use the public boat for safety reasons) and spend a relaxing day cruising downstream into the interior of this enigmatic country. We stop to visit some riverside villages before reaching the charming town of Pakbeng before dusk and spend the night in a great lodge. Overnight at the Phetsoksai Hotel
Day 7 – Pakbeng to Udom Xai (BLD) 144Kms
Today can be an epic day if you are up for the challenge! Our best overnight choice is a 144 km away, but we’ll see how the group does and transfer as necessary to cover the distance. Setting off on our bikes from Pakbeng we follow a broken track along the Beng river, riding through pretty Lao villages and unforgettable mountain and jungle scenery. We’ll have a picnic lunch before we head into the north of Udom Xai province where the broken road and dirt tracks double as thoroughfares for the local people (the population here is made up of an astonishing 23 ethnic groups), sharing the trail with all manner of colourful vehicles and livestock – a glimpse of real rural life in Asia. Towards the end of the day we have a long down hill into the town of Udom Xai (also known as Muang Xai), which has a large market where the various languages of the area mingle along with the smells of the produce. Overnight at the Dansavanh Hotel
Day 8 – Udom Xai to Nong Kiau (BLD) 95-115Kms
We are now in the central highlands, and there are some spectacular views across the rugged mountain landscape ahead in an area that suffered extraordinarily heavy bombing during the 'Secret War' against the Americans during the early 1970s. The morning sees us climb over 1,000 metres up into the mountains to Hmong villages few people will ever visit. In the afternoon we have a breathtaking descent through some of the region’s last remaining rainforest. Although this is one of the hardest days it is also one of the most rewarding as the views and ‘sense of nature’ are nothing short of breathtaking. Some people skip the last 25 km along the river valley to Nong Kiau, our great little guesthouse is very comfortable in a great location overlooking the river and quite unexpected in such a small place. Overnight at the Nong Kiau Riverside Hotel
Day 9 – Nong Kiau Rest Day (BD) Optional ride 40-50kms
After two challenging cycling days it’s time to take it easy. You can spend the day relaxing on the balcony of your riverside room or take a leisurely stroll around town. If you do feel like your legs are ready for more cycling we will be happy to lead you on a tour around the area where you we can see some local villages, ride to caves or just admire the beauty of the lime stone mountains. Today is yours to enjoy as you wish! Overnight at the Nong Kiau Riverside Hotel
Day 10 – Nong Kiau to Luang Prabang (BLD) 30Kms
After breakfast we load our bikes into a waiting boat that will takes us on a river journey through the steaming jungle. Eventually the Nam Ou river spills into the Mekong, which is like a sea in comparison, at Pak Ou. We stop for lunch and to visit the famous caves, which are crammed with sacred Buddha images. We take the bikes out at Sanghai village, famous for its home made rice whisky and take a scenic ride to our destination, the town of Luang Prabang. This is one of Asia's most picturesque towns, and as we arrive at twilight and our ride through the streets is an unforgettable experience. Overnight at the Ancient Luang Prabang
Day 11 – Free day in Luang Prabang (B)
A free day to explore Luang Prabang. Dawn watching the monks collecting alms, or early morning ride to Krungsri falls (33 km). Ask us about our optional extension stay in Luang Prabang.
