If you’re looking for a cycling adventure that takes you beyond Thailand’s usual tourist routes, our Bangkok to Chiang Rai Tour is one of the most rewarding ways to experience the country.
Over 11 days and 10 nights, this journey takes you from the energy of Bangkok into the peaceful countryside and spectacular mountains of Northern Thailand. Along the way, you’ll cycle through national parks, rice fields, orchards, plantations and rural villages, discovering a side of Thailand that many visitors never get to experience.
From challenging mountain climbs to quiet backroads and unforgettable cultural experiences, here are 10 highlights of our Bangkok to Chiang Rai cycling tour.
1. đźš´ Cycle from Bangkok All the Way to Northern Thailand
There is something special about beginning your adventure in Bangkok and gradually making your way north by bicycle.
After meeting your Thailand Cycle Tours guides and support team, we transfer to Pasak Chonlasit Reservoir, where the cycling begins with a relaxed 70 km introductory ride. You’ll cycle alongside the reservoir and through countryside filled with tobacco fields and orchards, with mountain views providing your first taste of the landscapes ahead.
From there, the journey continues north through Chai Badan, Phetchabun, Dan Sai, Ban Haeo, Nam Pat, Na Man, Nan and Phayao, before eventually reaching Chiang Rai.
2. 🌿 Ride Thailand’s Quiet Backroads
One of the biggest highlights of this tour is the opportunity to leave the busy tourist routes behind.
Much of the journey follows quiet, low-traffic roads through rural Thailand, allowing you to concentrate on the scenery and enjoy the freedom of cycling through the countryside.
One particularly beautiful section features a 20 km lakeside road on the way to Phetchabun, surrounded by sweeping countryside views.
These peaceful roads are exactly what makes exploring Thailand by bicycle so special.
3. ⛰️ Experience Spectacular Mountain Stages
For cyclists who enjoy a challenge, the mountain stages are among the most memorable parts of the adventure.
The tour includes several demanding stages through some of Thailand’s most beautiful and less-visited mountain landscapes.
One of the biggest challenges comes on the ride from Ban Haeo to Nam Pat: 123 km with 2,445 metres of elevation gain. The route climbs through Phu Suan Sai National Park, rising from approximately 500 metres to 1,100 metres on gradients averaging 5–7%, before continuing through lush mountain and jungle scenery.
It is a challenging day on the bike—but also one of the most rewarding.
4. 🌲 Cycle Through Two Beautiful National Parks
Thailand’s natural landscapes take centre stage as the route passes through Phu Suan Sai National Park and Phu Soi Dao National Park.
During the first major mountain stage, you’ll climb through Phu Suan Sai before stopping for lunch by a waterfall. The ride then continues along the lush jungle roads of Phu Soi Dao before descending towards Nam Pat.
It is a fantastic opportunity to experience Thailand’s mountains and forests from the saddle rather than through the window of a tour bus.
5. 🌾 Discover Rural Thailand Far from the Tourist Trail
This tour isn’t only about the kilometres you ride—it’s also about where those kilometres take you.
You’ll pass through rice fields, sugarcane plantations, orchards, vegetable farms, traditional villages and small communities as the landscape gradually changes from Central to Northern Thailand.
Later in the journey, you’ll cycle along quiet local roads surrounded by rice fields, cornfields and orchards on the way to Nan.
These are the moments that allow you to see everyday Thailand at a completely different pace.
6. ⛴️ Cross the Water at Paknai Fishing Village
The ride from Nam Pat to Na Man delivers one of the tour’s most distinctive experiences.
This challenging 95 km mountain stage includes a series of short climbs and beautiful ridgeline roads with views on both sides. Eventually, you’ll reach the traditional fishing village of Paknai, where the route includes a ferry crossing and lunch stop.
Afterwards, the journey continues to Na Man, where a family-hosted dinner adds another memorable local experience to the day.
7. 🛕 Explore the Cultural Heritage of Nan
After several demanding mountain stages, the ride into Nan provides a change of pace.
The 80 km stage is mostly flat and follows quiet roads through farmland and orchards before arriving in this charming provincial capital.
While in Nan, you’ll visit Wat Phumin Temple, known for its beautiful murals and cultural significance.
It is a chance to combine cycling with a deeper look at the history and Buddhist culture of Northern Thailand.
8. đź’Ş Take on the Epic Ride to Phayao
For riders who love a serious challenge, Nan to Phayao is one of the defining stages of the tour.
At 146 km with 2,198 metres of elevation gain, it is the longest and one of the most challenging rides of the journey. Climbs reach gradients of up to 15%, with spectacular mountain scenery throughout the day.
Along the way, you’ll pass traditional farming villages and historic Thai houses before arriving at beautiful Phayao Lake. 🌊
After a big day on the bike, the lake’s waterfront promenade, restaurants and cafĂ©s provide a rewarding place to finish.
9. 🍜 Experience Authentic Thai Food & Hospitality
A cycling tour through Thailand wouldn’t be complete without the food!
Throughout the journey, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy authentic regional Thai cuisine and local hospitality as you travel through different provinces and communities.
The tour includes 7 dinners, 9 lunches, daily hotel breakfasts, and food and drinks during the rides, giving you plenty of opportunities to refuel while experiencing the flavours of Thailand.
And after a long mountain stage, a delicious Thai meal tastes even better!
10. ✨ Finish at Chiang Rai’s Iconic White Temple
What better way to finish an epic ride across Thailand than at one of the country’s most recognisable landmarks?
The final cycling stage takes you 125 km from Phayao to Chiang Rai, following mostly flat roads through Northern Thailand’s peaceful countryside and rice fields.
Before reaching Chiang Rai, you’ll visit the spectacular Wat Rong Khun, better known as the White Temple. From there, it’s time to celebrate completing an unforgettable journey from Bangkok to Northern Thailand.
🇹🇠Ready for the Adventure?
Our Bangkok to Chiang Rai Tour combines challenging cycling with spectacular scenery, Thai culture, regional food and the opportunity to explore parts of the country that most visitors never see.
From peaceful reservoir roads and rural farming communities to national parks, mountain passes, temples and the final ride into Chiang Rai, every stage brings something different.
And you won’t be tackling the journey alone. The tour includes a professional guide and support minibus, as well as 10 nights of accommodation with breakfast. Road-bike and carbon E-road-bike rental options are also available as optional extras.
Ready to cycle from Bangkok to Chiang Rai? đźš´
Join Thailand Cycle Tours and experience one epic cycling adventure through the heart of Thailand. 🇹đź‡
