(4 days Northern Mountain Biking Discovery)
Ex. Chiang Mai

Biking is one of the great ways to explore the northern Thailand. With several biking trails, you are offered the opportunity to take an adventure while admiring the stunning scenery of the soaring mountains, verdant forest as well as cultural scence of tribal villages.

Itinerary

Day 1: Chiang Mai - Chiang Dao (L/D) (cycling distance is 30-45 km / 20-30 miles)
Pick-up at your hotel in Chiang Mai in the morning. The day starts with a drive in a covered pick-up truck in northern direction towards the Chiang-Dao area. At the Chiang Dao Elephant Camp you can watch elephants take their daily morning bath and demonstrate their skills. From there start cycling on paved roads until lunch, then ride small road and trails, which are crossing tropical forest and plantations and lead through remote villages. Visit Lahu, Lisu and Akha villages along the way. Discover also the Palaung people, who migrated from Myanmar and live in only few settlements in Northern Thailand. The cycling trip ends at a hill-tribe village, where you will spend the night as guests at a family's home (basic comfort, dormitory style). Your guides will prepare and cook dinner for you tonight. 

Day 2: Chiang Dao - Thatorn (B/L/D) (cycling distance around 60 km / 40 miles)
Today is a strenuous cycling day in the nature. We follow seldom traveled trails through scenic landscapes of limestone peaks and teakwood forest! The escort vehicle will carry supplies of food, fruit and water for you. Start riding on challenging 25 km trails before lunch at a Buddhist forestry temple cave. In the afternoon follow various trails and paved roads in the valley, riding 25 km mostly off-road, before you meet up with the escort vehicle again, which will transfer you to Ban Thaton for dinner and overnight. Overnight at Thatorn Chalet or similar 

Day 3: Thatorn - Chiang Rai (B/L) (cycling distance is 45-60 km / 30-40 miles)
After breakfast departure for the great Maekok River valley ride, which passes rice fields and plantations first and then follows exciting trails along the river. Experience also a local long-tail boat transfer down river as the trails ends. After the boat ride, enjoy a picnic lunch, then cycle again on a scenic riverside trail section to reach a hot-spring, where we can relax. Continue cycling the last stretch to Chiang Rai, or transfer by truck. Overnight at Golden Triangle Inn or similar (dinner not included). 

Day 4: Chiang Rai (B/L) (cycle between 20-40 km / 12- 25 miles)
After breakfast start to cycle from the hotel on paved roads to reach the outskirts of town where you continue on dirt trails uphill to reach several hill-tribe villages. Cycle down the valley to a scenic waterfall with time to relax and picnic lunch. Relax, shower and change before your transfer to Chiang-Rai airport

Price is per person in half twin in BAHT  (Minimum 2 Persons)

Price valid Now - 31 Oct 08

Private Tour in a party of (TSA-02) - daily departure		Seat-In-Coach	Single supplement
	2 pax
Cycling participant	24,800	19,150	3,600
Non-cycling accompanying	14,100	14,100	3,600

Includes:

• Transportation by covered pick-up truck
• English-speaking guide / mechanic
• Well maintained Mountain-Bikes 21 speed, front-suspension with safety helmets and water bottle
• Entrance fees as described in program
• Boat transfers
• Meals as specified in program (including drinking water and fruit throughout the trip
• Service charge and Government tax

Note:

• Seat-in-coach (guaranteed departure every MON) Minimum 2 persons

Small deviations in the tour program are sometimes necessary, depending on road and weather on road and weather conditions and according to the season (off-road biking can be impossible during rainy season) and availability of rooms. Depending on participants' physical conditions and abilities, adjustments to the routing might be necessary as well.

Participants understand that this type of adventure travel may incur some risks. We do not provide personal insurance and strongly recommend participants to contract one before taking this trip. We require participants to sign a release of responsibility before trip departure, stating agreement to disclose all responsibility to tour operator and or its affiliates, for any causes as accidents, monetary loss, bodily injure or death

Accommodation in twin shared rooms with air-conditioned and attached bathroom with western style toilets in Thatorn and Chiang Rai. Accommodation at hill-tribe village is very basic, dormitory style, with mats and sleeping bag. Thai-style toilet is outside and shower is at the stream (no western toilet facilities)! The experience will certainly compensate the lack of comfort.