Local: 1.604.731.2442 | Canada & US Toll: 1.888.805.0061 | UK: 0808.2341403 | Email: info@bikehike.com
| $2399 USD |
| Oct 11, 2008 | - | Oct 21, 2008 |
| Nov 13, 2008 | - | Nov 23, 2008 |
| Dec 13, 2008 | - | Dec 23, 2008 |
| Jan 10, 2009 | - | Jan 20, 2009 |
| Feb 14, 2009 | - | Feb 24, 2009 |
| Mar 14, 2009 | - | Mar 24, 2009 |
| Apr 11, 2009 | - | Apr 21, 2009 |
| May 9, 2009 | - | May 19, 2009 |
| Jun 13, 2009 | - | Jun 23, 2009 |
| Jul 11, 2009 | - | Jul 21, 2009 |
| Aug 8, 2009 | - | Aug 18, 2009 |
| Sept 12, 2009 | - | Sept 22, 2009 |
| 10 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches, 6 Dinners |
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| Hotel | |||
| 10 Nights |
All accommodation (twin shared), all transportation including two domestic flights, all admissions, Meals as indicated (b-breakfast, l-lunch, d-dinner), and veteran western and Thai guides.
International airfare, airport taxes, gratuities, items of personal nature.
Thailand
Adventure Siam
Mountain Biking, Hiking and Elephant Riding
(11 Days)
Slide Show
This trip shines as a winner for you outdoor enthusiasts looking to get physical in a country that bursts with spiritual and cultural flavor. A whole slew of transportation modes make up the itinerary from biking and hiking to boating and elephant riding. We kick off in Bangkok and shoot north for a backcountry traverse alongside the borders of Laos and Myanmar. We’re exposed to a multitude of grandiose Buddhist temples glistening in the morning sunrays, where monks draped in brilliant saffron robes meander barefoot to make their daily offerings. As we wind further north, we'll meet with various ethnic groups that reside in the hillsides and dress in distinctive colourful attire. If you're in search of an active adventure combined with cultural flavour, this trip is a sure bet to satisfy.
Trip Highlights
- Biking the ancient ruins of Ayutthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Elephant Riding through the hills of Chiang Mai
- Hiking in Doi Mae Salong through terraced rice plantations and hilltribe villages
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival Bangkok
A BikeHike Adventures representative will be awaiting as your plane touches down in Bangkok, welcoming you to the ‘Land of Smiles’. You’ll be escorted to your hotel and introduced to the local surroundings. Sit back, relax, enjoy a swim and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime.
Day 2: Bangkok (Tuk-Tuk, Motorcycle, Train and Boat)
This day is simply incredible! Today we’ll tick off five must-see sites, while using all forms of urban transport (tuk-tuk, motorcycle, rapid train and boats) in a citywide blitz of temples, alleyways, rivers, canals and fine eats to give you a true appreciation of the ‘City of Angels’. Today you’ll see the Golden Mount, the stunning Grand Palace, Wat Po (reclining Buddha), Wat Arun and the urban-canals of Bangkok Noi, to name but a few of our stops. Not only can you tick Bangkok off your list, but you’ll do it in swinging style! (B,L)
Day 3: Ancient Ayutthaya (Mountain Bike)
Prior to its sacking by the Burmese in 1767, Ayutthaya was the crowning jewel of Siam. We’ll board 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. The best part is there are no ropes between you and the sites, affording an up close and personal look at these historic stone temples. After our day exploring, we’ll blast back to Bangkok in our private shuttle and catch an early evening flight to the country’s northernmost province, Chiang Rai, where we’ll spend the next two nights at The Legend, a beautiful Thai-style, boutique hotel. Riding: 20km/12 miles on paved roads. (B,L)
Day 4: Chang Rai (Mountain Bike, Boat & Elephant)
Hang on for a day you’ll never forget. We’ll put mountain bikes on a longtail boat and head up river to a Karen (hilltribe community) elephant camp. You’ll get a chance to mount your very own jumbo and ride through the hills. After lunch we’ll ride incredible country routes back to Chiang Rai city. Tonight we’ll celebrate with a dinner of champions at a charming outdoor restaurant. Afterwards it’s up to you to visit the Night Bazaar and maybe even treat yourself to a well-earned traditional Thai massage to soothe those legs. Riding: 20-55km/12-34 miles, depending on group abilities, on dirt trails & paved roads. (B,L,D)
Day 5: Chinatown (Mountain Bike)
Today it’s off to one of Thailand’s most stunning destinations – Doi Mae Salong. Nestled amongst terraced tea plantations, this area was once opium country, but is now home to Thailand’s premier Oolong tea production, and Chinese who fled China during the Cultural Revolution. We’ll ride mountain bikes along, up and over stunning mountains while you try to keep your jaw from hitting the ground – the views are that incredible! You’ll pass through several Ahka hilltribe villages en-route to your mountainside chalet. Enjoy paradise! Riding: 25km/15 miles on dirt trails & paved road. (B,L,D)
Day 6: Hilltribe Hiatus (Hike)
Put on your hiking shoes for a day of trekking through terraced tea and rice plantations, hilltribe villages and stunning rolling mountains around the Doi Mae Salong area. Today is a photographer’s dream and great shots abound. Locals are sure to be as curious about you as you are with them. We’ll also sample local teas, visit a mountain-top temple and local school. The evening is yours to explore other nooks and crannies. Hiking: 15km/9 miles on dirt footpaths. (B,L)
Day 7: Doi Mae Salong -Into the Sticks (Hike)
Today is a hiker’s dream. We’ll head into the mountains using ancient hilltribe footpaths to make our way to the far-flung Thai/Chinese community of Thoed Thai – not found in most travel books. This outpost, just a few kilometres from the Burmese border, was a former hideout for drug lords and is seldom visited by foreigners. We’ll get dirty and truly ‘out there’. Upon arrival we’ll settle into charming riverside chalets and enjoy a wonderful Thai/Chinese feast. Hiking: 17 km/10 miles on dirt footpaths. (B,L,D)
Day 8: Doi Tung - The Far Far North (Mountain Bike)
An early morning shuttle through the mountains takes us to one of the kingdom’s most renowned community development projects – Doi Tung, run by the Mae Fah Luang Foundation. Here we’ll learn about the foundation’s successful eradication of opium production, then head out for a challenging day in the saddle. We’ll pedal to the top of Doi Chang Mub, one of the province’s highest mountains and along a spectacular road that literally straddles the Thai-Myanmar border, passing through several military checkpoints along the way. Hang on to your handlebars as dramatic descents bring you to the country’s northernmost city Mae Sai. Here we’ll have lunch, stroll colourful markets and check out the bustling border trading. Then it’s back on the bikes for a final ride through flat farmland to the infamous Golden Triangle where Thailand, Myanmar and Laos meet. Tonight we’ll sleep at the ‘Greater Mekong Lodge’, run by the Mae Fah Luang Foundation. Biking: 65km/40 miles on hilly paved and backroads. (B,L,D)
Day 9: Mae Sai - Golden Triangle (Mountain Bike)
We’ll start the morning with a visit to the fascinating ‘Hall of Opium’. Here we’ll learn about the area’s rich historical importance and the role this illicit drug played. Next we’ll board a high-speed longtail boat, blasting our way down the legendary Mekong to a Laotian market for a look at things, then it’s back to Thailand for lunch along the river to fuel up for our final bike ride of the adventure. Today’s pedal is an exhilarating capstone to a great adventure! We ’ll make our way through lush farmland, over a couple of small mountains and finally along the banks of the Mekong River to our destination Chiang Khong. Tonight we’ll stay in a riverside teak hotel and enjoy the best Mexican food in Thailand! Biking: 65-80km/37-50 miles on paved and country roads. (B,L,D)
Day 10: Bangkok - Mekong Life (Boat and Plane)
Our final day in the far north is a great one to sit back, relax and take it all in. Chiang Khong serves as a border crossing point between Thailand and Laos. This small town is full of ultra laid-back characters and effuses a charming, quiet bliss. Enjoy the morning to do as much or little as you like. In the early afternoon we’ll shuttle to the Chiang Rai airport for our flight back to bustling Bangkok. Upon arrival we’ll transfer to a super-comfy airport hotel to recuperate from our northern escapades. (B,L,D)
Day 11: Departure
After breakfast we’ll transfer you to the airport to connect with your international flights home. Pop Gan Mai Na Krap (until next time)! (B)
Bring on the beach with the Krabi Extension!
Located 850km/530 miles south of Bangkok, Krabi is quickly becoming ‘the’ sun and fun destination in Thailand. This exhilarating experience at the far southern beach paradise and rock climbing mecca of Ao Nang & Railay Bay is the perfect way to round out your time after your adventure.
You’ll stay in a charming bungalow, backing on to jungle-covered mountains, providing easy access to all that’s happening and quiet solitude as well.
Nearby Railay Bay, where climbers dangle from limestone cliffs that rise hundreds of feet straight from the ocean is just a short longtail boat ride away and a perfect place to waste your days away on one of the many beaches. For the more adventurous, the area is a perfect place to paddle a sea kayak, take a climbing course, snorkel, scuba dive, hike, bike or learn how to be a fire-juggler from one of the locals.
Ask us for more details on the Krabi Extensions.