North Thailand
Etnies, Mountains & Remote Villages
Days
15
Km and Elevation
630km , 12500 D+
Riding Style
Mixed Surfaces - Gravel
Price
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Description
We will leave Chiang Mai at dawn, when the old city still smells of incense and charcoal and the monks walk barefoot through the streets. Before setting off, we’ll share a traditional north thai breakfast, and then follow the river north until the rice fields give way to forest.
From there the road will climb into the Taeng valley, up to Wiang Haeng, an old frontier town a few kilometres from the Burmese border, where Shan traders, smugglers and soldiers once crossed paths. We will cross the mountains to Pai and stop for a day, to wander the night market, taste the dishes of the Yunnanese villages nearby and let our legs and minds slow down.
Then we will ride south through remote ridges and hill-tribe country, where Karen, Hmong and other mountain peoples still farm the slopes in their own way. We’ll soak in the steaming waters of Pong Dueat, ride past the highland farms of Mon Cham, born to replace the old opium fields with fruit and flowers, and sleep in a Karen village among rice terraces, drinking coffee grown and roasted by the families who host us.
The last great climb will take us to the summit of Doi Inthanon, 2,565 metres, the highest point in Thailand, through a cloud forest of moss and ferns, past the twin royal pagodas that watch over the valleys. From there we’ll glide back down to Chiang Mai, with tired legs, full stomachs and a head full of mountains, faces and stories.
Program Details
Day 1 - Town visit and first kilometers
A gentle start to find our rhythm. After a last look at the temples of the old city, we’ll ride north along the valley, through villages and rice fields, to the banks of the Taeng river.
Km 45 , 200m D+
Highlits
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The roof of Thailand: climb to the summit of Doi Inthanon, 2,565 m, through a moss-covered cloud forest, and visit the twin royal pagodas.
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A night with a Karen family: sleep in Mae Klang Luang among rice terraces, and taste coffee grown and roasted in the village.
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To the edge of Burma: ride to Wiang Haeng, an old frontier town full of border stories.
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Pai, the mountain valley: a rest day among night markets, Yunnanese villages and sunsets over the canyon.
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Hot springs and geysers: soak in the mineral pools of Pong Dueat, where the steam rises two metres high.
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Flavours of the north: khao soi, street food and Hmong produce sold by the roadside.
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Waterfalls and highland farms: Mae Klang and Wachirathan falls, and the strawberry and flower fields of Mon Cham.
Included/Not Included
🟩 INCLUDED
* Accommodation as specified in the itinerary
* Route planning and navigation
* Ride support and trip coordination
* Pre-trip preparation and briefing
* Local logistics specified in the itinerary
* Technical and mechanical guidance before and during the ride
* Any additional services specifically listed in the trip description
Any service not expressly listed under “What’s Included” is not included in the trip price.
🟥 NOT INCLUDED
* Flights to and from the destination
* Travel and medical insurance
* Your bike and personal equipment
* Meals and drinks not specifically listed as included
* Personal expenses
* Visa and entry requirements, where applicable
* Costs arising from personal changes to the itinerary
* Any service not expressly listed under “What’s Included”
CANCELLATION & REFUND -Cancellation more than 30 days before departure: 30% of the trip price will be retained. The remaining 70% will be refunded. -Cancellation between 29 and 21 days before departure: 50% of the trip price will be retained. The remaining 50% will be refunded. -Cancellation between 20 and 14 days before departure: 80% of the trip price will be retained. The remaining 20% will be refunded. -Cancellation less than 14 days before departure: No refund will be provided. No-show or incomplete travel documents: No refund will be provided in the event of a no-show, late arrival, or failure to provide the documents required to participate in the trip. Changes or cancellation due to exceptional circumstances: In the event of circumstances beyond our reasonable control — including force majeure, war, border closures, natural disasters or other events that make the trip impossible or unsafe — the trip may need to be modified, postponed or cancelled. Any applicable refund or alternative arrangements will be communicated to participants according to the specific circumstances. Cancellation insurance: We strongly recommend taking out suitable travel cancellation insurance to protect you against costs resulting from having to cancel your participation for personal or unforeseen reasons.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Adventure cycling comes with inherent risks.
Riding long distances, travelling in remote areas and cycling in changing weather, road and terrain conditions require an appropriate level of fitness, preparation and personal responsibility.
You are responsible for ensuring that you are physically prepared for the trip and that your bike, equipment and personal documents are suitable and valid for the journey.
Before each ride, we provide route information, preparation guidance and practical support to help you prepare properly. During the trip, routes and plans may need to change due to weather, road conditions, safety considerations or other circumstances beyond our control.
Appropriate travel and medical insurance is strongly recommended and may be required depending on the trip.
By applying for a Ride Beyond trip, you acknowledge the nature of the experience and agree to follow the safety instructions and guidance provided by the Ride Beyond team.
Please read the specific trip information carefully before applying.
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