Cycling Thailand: Bangkok to Chiang Mai 11 Days
Chiang Mai and Bangkok are Thailand’s two most renowned cities, separated by 1,000 kilometers of diverse landscapes, including forested mountains, temple-studded plains, vibrant towns, gently flowing rivers, and expansive rice fields. On this road biking journey, we explore the Kingdom’s agrarian hinterland, cycle through the ruins of ancient cities, discover stunning Buddhist temples, and savor delightful Thai culinary delicacies.
We begin in Bangbok to Chiang Mai and head south through the rustic countryside of ‘Lanna’ – the local name for northern Thailand. This Cycling Thailand 11 days starts on a literal high as we navigate from valley to valley, tackling a series of challenging climbs between the provinces of Lamphun, Lampang, and Phrae. From there, we venture into the Central Plains, cycling through the heartland of the ancient Sukhothai Empire and visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the grand capital and the pottery-producing satellite city of Sri Satchanalai, as well as the military fortress of Kamphaeng Phet.
Next, we enjoy five days of biking through Thailand’s rice basket, starting at the source of the Chao Phraya River — known as the “River of Kings” — in Nakhon Sawan and continuing down to Ayutthaya. Here, the UNESCO-listed ruins of the former Siamese capital serve as a poignant reminder of past grandeur. Our journey culminates in a final ride to the outskirts of Bangkok, where we transition into the bustling metropolis. The tour concludes in Bangkok.
Skip the flight, train, or bus, and join us on this classic mountain bike cycling adventure between Chiang Mai and Bangkok!
- Day 1: Welcome in Bangkok
We meet in the early afternoon and head out for a relaxed warm-up ride in the outskirts of Bangkok. In the evening, we reconvene for a welcome dinner.
- Day 2: Bangkok – Ayutthaya
In the morning, we cycle through Ayutthaya’s UNESCO-listed ruins and riverside communities, reaching Bang Pa-In, the former summer palace of the Siamese kings. We then follow a canal road into the northern outskirts of Bangkok, where we dismount and transfer into the city.
- Day 3: Ayutthaya – Singburi
The tour’s final century ride takes us to Ayutthaya, Siam’s once-glorious capital just north of Bangkok. Along the way, we traverse a temple-dotted landscape, pausing to admire several larger-than-life Buddha statues.
- Day 4: Singburi – Nakorn Sawan
Today, we ride through four of Thailand’s 76 provinces! Heading south along the plains of the Chao Phraya, we enjoy scenic river views as we pass through the provinces of Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Chai Nat, and finally reach Singburi.
- Day 5: Nakhon Sawan – Kamphaeng Phet
Today’s ride takes us through rural Thailand to the city of Nakhon Sawan, where the Ping and Nan Rivers converge to form the Chao Phraya. Before reaching our hotel, we make a short detour to an art installation marking the origin of this much-revered “River of Kings.”
- Day 6: Khampeng Phet – Sukhothai
We skirt around the forested slopes of Ramkhamhaeng National Park and ride through a vast expanse of rice paddies. Our destination is Kamphaeng Phet, a military fortress from the Sukhothai Era, featuring fortification walls entwined with tree roots.
- Day 7: Sukhothai Exploration
Today is an easy day on the bikes as we explore the stunning Sukhothai Historical Park. We ride along roads connecting ancient temples and stop to admire some of the most impressive ruins. The afternoon is free to relax by the pool.
- Day 8: Sukhothai – Sri Satchanalai – Phrae
We transfer 1.5 hours south, where we begin our ride through the ancient landscape of Sri Satchanalai, known for its still discernible pottery kilns and temple ruins. We then follow the Yom River to the town of Sukhothai, where we will be based for two nights.
- Day 9: Phrae – Lampang
We begin on flat rural roads, but the terrain becomes hillier as we cross into Phrae Province via the main thoroughfare. We then follow a secondary road north, navigating the countryside and a few more hills before reaching the quaint provincial capital, which was once the center of the lucrative teak trade.
- Day 10: Lampang – Chiang Mai
We follow the Ping River and ride along flat roads through rice paddies and longan farms. After lunch near a picturesque railway bridge, we tackle a steep climb through Khun Than National Park. Finally, we roll into the plains, visit an ancient fortified temple, and reach our riverside hotel in Lampang.
- Day 11: Chiang Mai Departure
Extend your stay to discover more of Chiang Mai or head to the airport for your onward flight.