Arrive at your leisure. We’ll be waiting when your plane touches down, brush off the airline peanut shells and welcome you to the Land of Smiles. A private car will shuttle you to the Majestic Grande, a hotel in the center of the city. Upon check-in you’ll receive your Adventure Kit that contains handy items, maps, a trip overview and tips to help you make the most of your time.

This morning we’ll meet for a Breakfast Greeting and Orientation where we’ll go over the trip’s itinerary then board a private van to the Bangkok airport for our late morning flight to Chiang Mai, the kingdom’s northern capital. As the center of ‘Lanna’ culture (traditional northern Thai), Chiang Mai serves as the ultimate introduction to the far north. After checking into our incredible digs we’ll build or fit our bikes and head out for a historic stroll around the city, learning about its heritage, seeing some of the prime sites then head back to the hotel and freshen up for a great night on the town. We’ll enjoy dinner on a boat along the Ping River then cut the chord allowing you time to explore the city’s incredible Night Bazaar and get some rest for tomorrow.

After a leisurely breakfast we’ll ride through town to the base of Doi Suthep, the area’s highest mountain and home to its holiest temple, Phra That Doi Suthep. To get there you’ll first have to pedal 15km up a mild-graded hill. Upon your arrival explore this beautiful temple, marvel at the great views of the city below. Then it’s downhill back to the hotel where you can enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure: relax by the pool, go shopping at Chiang Mai’s famous market, it’s up to you. Total distance: 40 kilometers.

This morning we’ll have a quick shuttle out of Chiang Mai to Mae Rim where our bikes will be waiting. Then we head north, passing gorgeous green rice fields, water buffalo and smiling farmers en-route to Chang Dao one of the north’s highest mountains, which we are not climbing. Along the way we’ll stop for a simple, yet delicious Thai lunch. Tonight, sit back, relax and get into the northern groove as frogs and crickets create the ultimate background soundtrack. We’ll have the hotel’s chef prepare a slate of Thai favourites to fill the void before tomorrow’s ride. Total distance: Approx. 60 kilometers.

Another day; another great day in the saddle where we head further north through Chiang Mai province, up some steep hills (some may wish to jump in the support vehicle) towards the Thai-Myanmar (Burma) border, passing villagers living traditional lives, children who relish at the opportunity to try their English as you pass by and smiles abound. Enjoy a great lunch along the way before checking into your very comfy lodgings, where you’ll have time for a stroll, turn some pages in your book and enjoy another Thai feast before hitting the sack. Total distance: Approx. 80 kilometers.

Today will expose you to truly quiet northern Thai life. We start the day with a steep plunge down into the valley, then ride beautiful back roads through quaint villages inhabited by ‘Shan’ people originally from Myanmar (Burma). Shan-style temples dot the landscape, glowing-green rice fields form the backdrop and then your hotel truly amazes. The Huai Khum is a piece of paradise tucked in a remote corner along the banks of the Mae Kok River. You’ll enjoy tastefully designed bamboo bungalows with hot showers, big windows with screens and scenery that’s right out of a story book. In keeping with our ‘eating your way around northern Thailand’ theme you’ll enjoy dinner prepared by Lahu hilltribe people and even get a chance to see them perform traditional dances. Total distance: 80 kilometers.

Today’s ride is to Doi Mae Salong, a fascinating town set atop a mountain covered with terraced Oolong tea fields is one of the kingdom’s most enchanting destinations, but a challenge to get to. Today’s route is steep and windy. Take your time as you find a low gear, spin and go up, up, up, then down and up, up, up again. Upon arrival we’ll check into a Chinese-style villa, sample locally grown teas and learn about these interesting settlers originally from Yunnan, China. Tonight a Chinese-Thai culinary festival will cap off an incredible day. Option: For those wanting something a bit different and a break from the saddle, you can shuttle to Doi Mae Salong by private vehicle then enjoy a gorgeous three-hour hike through tea fields and hilltribe villages. Total distance: 40 kilometers.

‘Amphur Mae Fah Luang’ (a county of Chiang Rai province named after the current King’s late mother) is stunning. Home to rolling green mountains, bamboo huts and various hilltribe groups, this is truly amazing country. The day begins with some steep climbs, mountaintop cruises, thrilling descents and a final pedal to one of the north’s most incredible properties, the Phu Chaisai Resort and Spa. Designed and operated by a well-known Thai architect, you’ll enjoy true paradise on earth. The luxurious, thoughtfully designed bamboo bungalows will blow your mind. Add the infinity pool, spa, walking trails, library, amazing restaurant and you’ll immediately understand why we’re spending two nights here. Soak it all in and be dazzled! Total distance: 35 kilometers.

Today is yours to enjoy doing as little or much as you like. The Phu Chaisai truly is a place you don’t want to leave, so kicking back and relaxing is the perfect choice. Read a book by the pool, go for a hike, learn Thai cooking, umbrella painting or book a treatment at the spa – it’s up to you. Option: For those wanting to keep the wheels turning we can head out for a spectacular and challenging ride - along farmers’ fields, 12km up a mountain, down the backside, up another mountain and back to the hotel. Imagine how good a swim and massage will feel after this day! Total distance: 55 kilometers (optional).

Get ready for the most incredible day of the trip, or at least one of them. For those craving an epic challenge, head out 1.5 hours ahead of the group for a 30 kilometer ride up Doi Tung to the ‘start’ of the ride. Here we’ll meet the rest of the group at Doi Tung Royal Royal Villa, the country’s premier reforestation and drug rehabilitation project (Mae Fah Luang Foundation). Enjoy a locally grown cup of coffee then it’s off and up a steady but moderate 12 kilometer, 500 vertical meter climb to the top of Doi Chang Mub, one of Chiang Rai’s highest mountains. From here, hang on to your handlebars for a dizzying 20 kilometer descent along a road that literally forms the Thai-Myanmar border to Mae Sai, the Kingdom’s northernmost town. After perusing the border markets and enjoying a huge lunch, we’ll pedal a final 30km, flat country ride to the world-famous Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Myanmar and Laos converge on the Mekong River. Tonight is an opportunity to enjoy the most authentic meal of the trip – northern dishes enjoyed along the banks of the mighty Mekong. Total distance: 60 or 90 kilometers.

Start the day with a visit to the very interesting ‘Hall of Opium’. This incredibly innovative and interactive museum covers the entire history of opium, the Opium Wars and the role this illicit drug played in this part of the world – truly one of the world’s great museums. Next it’s on the bikes for one of the most beautiful rides of the trip as we pedal out of the Golden Triangle, down very quiet country roads and right along the Mekong River. Your arrival at the sleepy village of Chiang Khong is a treat as you roll into your hotel room, on the banks of the Mekong River. Spend the evening strolling the boardwalk, getting to know curious locals and soaking it all in. Total distance: 80 kilometers.

An early morning 2-hour shuttle takes us Chiang Rai city, the starting point of our final ride. We’ll enjoy an easy ride along quiet country roads, past tobacco and corn fields, relishing in those final smiling Thai faces of the trip. After roughly 30km of spinning we’ll reach Ban Ruammit Elephant Camp. Here we’ll learn about these amazing creatures, go for a ride atop their strong backs, enjoy lunch along the river, then we’ll board longtail boats with our bikes in tow and head down-river to a Monk’s Cave where we’ll learn to make a traditional Buddhist offering. Then it’s back to the city and your amazing room at The Legend, set along the Mae Kok River. Tonight we’ll hit the town for a dinner of champions, share tales of the kilometers behind us and shop for last minute souvenirs at the Night Market. Total distance: 30 kilometers.

After a relaxing morning lounging by the pool, getting a Thai massage and shooting those final photos we’ll shuttle to the airport for our noon flight back to Bangkok. Upon arrival at the Bangkok International Airport we’ll say ‘farewell.’ From here you can head home or fly south to one of Thailand’s famous beach resorts!