{"id":1523,"date":"2018-01-17T08:15:28","date_gmt":"2018-01-17T08:15:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tripfuser.com\/blog\/?p=1523"},"modified":"2024-11-18T03:12:42","modified_gmt":"2024-11-18T03:12:42","slug":"thailand-cycling-tours","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.designerjourneys.com\/blog\/thailand-cycling-tours\/","title":{"rendered":"The Ultimate Guide to Thailand Cycling"},"content":{"rendered":"

Thailand: a country known for its great eats, great beaches and \u2018great\u2019 full moon parties (… that last one depends on who you talk to). But, as more visitors are veering off the standard tourist trail – ourselves included – other experiences are rising the ranks in traveller\u2019s lists of Thai greats. Enter: Thailand biking.<\/p>\n

We know what you\u2019re thinking: \u2018Cycling across Thailand, really?\u2019 We get it, our limbs hurt just thinking about it. So why would anyone besides masochists willingly cycle their way around a country where the year-round average temperature is 30\u00b0C and humidity levels are through the roof? For one, the scenery is breathtaking. Enduring kilometres on kilometres of riding is also extremely rewarding, and – music to our ears – it\u2019s relatively cheap to do. Yep, Thailand is well worth a two-wheeled visit. Here\u2019s the best of the best cycling routes to take in the country.<\/p>\n

The Routes: Northern Thailand<\/h2>\n

Road riding and racing finds its natural home in Thailand\u2019s north, where steep mountainous terrain, a lively local scene, and the (mostly) favourable climate attracts foreign riders by the truckload. The best spots to cycle in northern Thailand centre around the ancient city of Chiang Mai.<\/p>\n

Why Chiang Mai?<\/h2>\n

In a nutshell, Thailand\u2019s \u201csecond city\u201d is known for its hill tribes, unique mix of architecture (the city\u2019s close proximity to the border means most of the sites are a combination of Lanna, Burmese and Mon building styles) and beautiful mountains. The country\u2019s tallest mountain, Doi Inthanon, looms over the Chiang Mai Provence at 2565 metres tall and yes, you can cycle there.<\/p>\n

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The Best Cycle Routes in the North<\/h2>\n

For experienced riders: Chiang Mai to Samoeng loop – 100km<\/h3>\n

If you\u2019re a reasonably fit rider looking for a good day trip from Chiang Mai, the popular Samoeng loop should fit the bill nicely. This 100km round-trip covers the mountains northwest of the city, reaching a total elevation gain of 1975 meters. The quickest this ride has ever been completed is 3 hours and 15 minutes, but it will take the average cyclist around 8 hours to finish up. Here\u2019s what rider Alex Malone made of it. <\/b><\/p>\n

For expert riders, bordering on fanatics: Chiang Mai to Mo Ha Son loop \u2013 600km<\/h3>\n

Riding the Moe Ha Son loop that starts and ends in Chiang Mai is akin to embarking on a fun game of \u2018how much pain can you endure?\u2019 Nevertheless, the route remains a popular one, thanks in many parts to it being unattainable for so many. It\u2019s a gruelling weeklong slog of misty mountain roads and, we\u2019re telling you now, it\u2019s not for everyone. Before you take on this mammoth trail, read Luke Pegrums\u2019s account<\/a> of the brutal, almost friendship-ruining five days he spent riding Moe Ha Son. Don\u2019t worry, it ends well.<\/p>\n

Other noteworthy routes…<\/h3>\n

Some other popular routes you can ride solo or with a group in North Thailand are\u2026<\/p>\n