HIDDEN TRAILS OF THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE
& BEYOND - 12 Days / 11 Nights

Day 1 : Arrive Bangkok
Arrival Bangkok airport, transfer to NARAI HOTEL. Rest of the day free at leisure.

Day 2 : Sightseeing in Bangkok (B+L)
Today's sightseeing include a boat trip along the Chao phya river and the canals of Bangkok where we stop to visit the Temple of Dawn. After lunch, we visit the Grand Palace and the magnificent Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew).

Day 3 : Fly Bangkok -  Chiang Mai (B)
Morning free to wander around town. This afternoon, we fly to Chiang Mai, the second largest city in Thailand. Tonight, you can stroll down the vibrant night bazaar. O/N at SURIWONGSE HOTEL.

Day 4 : In Chiang Mai (B)
We visit the famous Doi Suthep Mountain Temple and enjoy a panoramic view over the surrounding countryside from atop. We follow this with a visit to the old and new sections of the town. Chiang Mai has always been noted for exquisite handicrafts and traditional wares of the hill tribe people. We get on our bike to visit Sankampaeng and Borsarng to see the various cottage industries including silk weaving, wood carving, silver ware, lacquer ware, hand painted umbrellas, etc.. O/N in Chiang Mai.

Day 5 : Chiang Mai - Chiang Dao (B+L+D)
Heading out of twon, we drive north towards Chiang Dao. Westop at the elephant camp where we watch elephants taking their morning bath and working the tropical jungle. Afterwards, we pedal on rural back roads and along off road trails where we make several stops to visit the Lahu, Lisu and Akha hill tribes. We also explore a remote village which is home to the Paluang hill tribe people. This ethnic group migrated from Myanmar. O/N at Village Huts.

Day 6 : Chiang Dao - Thaton (B+L+D)
The intense cycling day begins as we leave the village and peddle through the scenic landscape of undulating terrains and forests. After some 30 km of cycling, we arrive at a forestry temple cave where we have a picnic lunch and have time to stretch our legs. We resume our trip over various trails and paved roads, riding mostly off-road before we meet up with our vehicle and continue onward to Ban Thaton, a sleepy riverside village. O/N at THATON RIVERVIEW HOTEL.

Day 7 : Thaton - Chiang Rai (B+L+D)
We cycle through the valley, passing rice fields and fruit plantations towards the Mae Kok River where we board a long-tail boat for a leisurely trip downriver. Afterwards, we cycle again to visit a riverside village, home to the Karen hill tribe and travel to Chiang Rai with a mixture of biking and driving. O/N at RIMKOK RESORT.

Day 8 : Chiang Rai - Doi Mae Salong (B+L+D)
The beautiful region of Chiang Rai is an ideal place for anyone seeking a real adventure. We further explore Chiang Rai, meet local people on a day biking from paved roads to dirt trails. The experience is unforgettable as we cycle through the scenic mountain backdrop and passing numerous hill tribe villages leading to the Chinese refugee camp. O/N at MAE SALONG RESORT.

Day 9 : Doi Mae Salong - Mae Chan (B+L+D)
This morning, we get warmed up by cycling the very steep roads to conquer Doi Mae Salong, then pedal the off-road trails down to Mae Chan Valley. We cycle past many fruit plantations and see smiling faces of local people working in the fields.

Day 10 : Mae Chan - Mae Sai - Chiang Saen (B+L+D)
On leaving Mae Chan, we cycle up to Doi Thung where we visit the mountain top temple, then embark on a scenic ride back to the valley. We visit the famous Golden Triangle where powerful warlords have fought for control of the opium trade. We then cycle along the border, crossing some steep climbs before arriving at the town of Mae Sai. After strolling around the town, we get back on our bike and cycle to Chiang Saen. O/N at CHIANG SAEN RIVERHILL HOTEL.

Day 11 : Chiang Saen - Chiang Rai - Bangkok (B+L)
The ancient capital of the Lanna Kingdom, Chiang Saen is nestled on the bank of the Mekong River at the Thai / Lao border. We cycle around town, visiting some major sights including Wat Prathat Jom Kitti, Wat Chedi Luang and a nearby museum. Afterwards, back to Chiang Rai with a mixture of driving and cycling, then fly back to Bangkok and transfer to NARAI HOTEL.

Day 12 : Bangkok departure (B)
Free time to wander around town on your own and catch up on the shopping areas. The trip ends after transfer to Bangkok airport for your onward departure.

INCLUDES :
All transfers and transportation (boat, bike, truck), domestic airfare Bangkok / Chiang Mai + Chiang Rai / Bangkok, accommodation on twin / triple sharing at hotels, guesthouse or village huts, meals as indicated, entrance fees at tour sites and service of English speaking guide.