Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai

The Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai e-bike Tour follows Northern Thailand's secondary roads rather than main highways, trading traffic for texture and pace for depth. Over five days of riding, e-bikes let travellers handle hill sections comfortably while lingering in mountain villages and noticing regional detail that a faster-paced trip would miss.

The route links Chiang Mai's old city temples and riverside dining with a homestay in the mountain village of Pang Hai, forest riding through Chae Son National Park, and the white stupas of Wat Chaloem Phrakiat. Further north, farmland cycling around Phayao Lake gives way to the ancient ruins of Wiang Lo (explored by traditional samlor), the teak temple of Wat Nantaram, and Tai Lue heritage sites, before a final approach to Chiang Rai via Phu Sang National Park's waterfalls and hot springs.

This is a moderate, culturally immersive route suited to riders who prefer quieter backroads over tourist circuits.

Highlights:

• Ride Northern Thailand's quiet secondary roads on e-bikes, linking mountain villages and forest climbs
• Overnight at a mountain village homestay in Pang Hai and ride through Chae Son National Park
• Visit the white stupas of Wat Chaloem Phrakiat and cycle farmland around Phayao Lake
• Explore the ancient ruins of Wiang Lo by traditional samlor (pedicab) and visit the teak temple of Wat Nantaram
• Discover Tai Lue heritage sites and Phu Sang National Park's waterfalls and hot springs en route to Chiang Rai

Surface and terrain:

Riding is on Northern Thailand's secondary roads rather than main highways. Terrain varies by day: hilly with a slow climb on Day 2, a long slow climb through Chae Son National Park on Day 3, flat farmland and lakeside riding on Days 4 and 5, and a mix of flat sections and small hills approaching Chiang Rai on Day 6. e-bikes (Kaze e-bikes with pedal assist, spare batteries carried by the guide team) are provided throughout to smooth out the climbs.

Weather:

Best season is October to February. Typically warm days, upper 20s to low 30s°C.

Suitable for:

Riders with some cycling experience wanting a moderate, e-bike-assisted tour, best suited to "weekend warriors." Less experienced riders may still manage the trip but pre-tour conditioning is strongly recommended.