Bangkok to Golden Triangle

Fourteen days of riding carry this journey north from Bangkok to the Golden Triangle, crossing rice plains, old kingdoms and forested hills on quiet roads rich in layered history and everyday village life. The tour begins with a walking tour of the ancient capital of Ayutthaya, then continues to Uthai Thani for dinner at a floating restaurant and the launch of traditional khom loy fire balloons.

The first riding days cross the flat farmlands of central Thailand to the Monkey Temple at Wat Khao No and its sunset flight of thousands of bats, then follow the Chao Phraya Valley to Kamphaeng Phet. Riders pedal through the UNESCO-listed ruins of Kamphaeng Phet and Sukhothai before heading into the northern foothills, climbing through teak forests and rural villages to Chiang Mai for a Khan Toke dinner with classical Thai and hill tribe dancing, followed by a free day to explore.

The route then follows the Mae Ping River past orchid and butterfly farms, visits the Mae Malai market and rides through the Mae Ping Gorge, before a thrilling descent toward Fang and the cavern temple of Tham Tub Tao. The final days take in the mountaintop tea plantations of Mae Salong and the 900-year-old ruins of Chiang Saen, ending with a farewell dinner overlooking the Mekong at the Golden Triangle and a visit to Chiang Rai's White Temple. Nights are spent in boutique heritage hotels, with local guides and a support van throughout.

Highlights:

• Ayutthaya's ancient ruins and khom loy fire balloons in Uthai Thani
• Sunset bat flight at Wat Khao No
• UNESCO-listed Kamphaeng Phet and Sukhothai Historical Parks
• Khan Toke dinner and a free day in Chiang Mai
• Tham Tub Tao cave temple and the Mae Salong tea plantations
• Chiang Saen ruins, the Golden Triangle on the Mekong and Chiang Rai's White Temple

Surface and terrain: Well-paved roads, often with wide shoulders. The first week crosses flat rice plains, while the northern half brings small hills and several big climbs through forested country. Daily distances 20-117 km across 11 riding days.

Weather:
Best season is November to February, Thailand's drier and cooler months, with warm days and cooler evenings in the northern hills.

Suitable for:
Fit riders comfortable with consecutive long days, including several over 90 km and some big climbs in the north, wanting a complete journey through Thailand's history, temples and village life. An eBike upgrade is available.