Upon arrival, your bikes will be fitted before a warm-up ride around Chiang Mai, allowing you to explore the area.
Today you will cycle along an old highway and explore one of the oldest Chedis in Thailand which has high religious importance. Built in 1044, the Wat Phra That Hariphunchai is a gold Chedi with spectacular attention to detail. You’ll then move onto a slightly challenging climb, leading to the cowboy town of Lampang, where horse and carriages are still in use as a form of transport.
Fill yourself up at breakfast and prepare for a challenging day. You’ll conquer not one, not two but three sets of hills today with a large ride distance. The ascents can get steep so don’t peak too early, although the rustic scenery of forests are there to keep you relaxed throughout. You’ll see and feel a true sense of Thailand, cycling past incredible temples, a huge gold reclining Buddha statue and serene and peaceful countryside.
Today you’ll ride away from the tourist trail to discover hidden country roads. This undiscovered route is sheltered by palm trees, providing you with some much appreciated shade. Cycling to Thailand’s first capital, Sukhothai, you’ll pass through luscious rice paddies, secluded villages and truly authentic Thailand.
Today is a more relaxed day and you can immerse yourself in another universe at this UNESCO World Heritage Sight. Composed of 193 ruins and countless Buddha statues, which are protected by three moats and four bridged gateways, this site is sure to impress. Cycling will be the best way to explore this ancient city, however you are welcome to have a day off in Sukhothai if you wish.
Today is another day of natural beauty as you cycle to Khampeng Phet, previously known as the “Diamond Wall City”. This former military fortress is dressed in moss and flowers, giving it an interesting juxtaposition given its former use.
Today you’ll see how and why Thailand is renowned for its rice exportation en route to Nakorn Sawan, which takes you through the heart of the Thai countryside. This is an area of Thailand which is not visited by many tourists, so you will pique the interest of locals (especially if you tell them you have ridden from Chiang Mai) and it is a good opportunity to stop and say Sawadee.
The scenery will switch between countryside and towns, which are a little more built up, as we draw closer to Bangkok. This will be a welcome change, but we will still find time to stop in Ang Thong and appreciate the beauty of the 60 foot Buddha statue that resides there.
Today’s cycling will take you to another historical park and UNESCO World Heritage Site, the former capital of Ayutthaya, Siam. It was capital for 400 years but was sacked by the Burmese around 1767. You will be amazed by some truly magnificent temples in a world of history. The town lies along the Chao Phraya River and our hotel for the night is located on its banks.
The final day of cycling will take you to Bangkok. You will discover Bang Pa-In, the former summer residence of King Chulakorn. After a transfer to Thailand’s current capital it’s time for a final farewell dinner with the group to celebrate your achievements over the last 9 days!
Today you have free time to explore Bangkok before saying goodbye to your fellow cyclists and continue your onward travel.
Our ride from the North to the Centre of Thailand snakes its way through areas undiscovered by virtually any tourist. Cycling on some of the most secluded and local roads in Thailand, we will pass through village after village unaccustomed to tourism. Witness first hand the simple life of the countryside with the tranquillity of rural Thailand that can only be experienced on 2 wheels.
The ride is challenging with climbs out of the countryside and long distances but you will be rewarded with some of the most picturesque and remarkable scenery anywhere in Asia.
