3 Days / 2 Nights • Cycle Tour Golden Triangle |
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Guaranteed departures every Friday with a minimum group of 2 persons.
This tour is a wonderful way to explore the area known as Sop Ruak, the official centre of the Golden Triangle – which is where the Nam Ruak and Mekong rivers meet. This area has for centuries been the crossroads for border trade between Thailand, Burma and Laos. Located in Chiang Rai province, the most northerly of all the 76 in Thailand, the Golden Triangle itself is steeped in history and did not become part of Thailand until the 1880s.
Taking you into the heart of the countryside to areas usually missed by most visitors, this tour allows you to really see and feel what living in this part of Thailand is all about. We start the trip by visiting the Opium Museum which documents the history of opium trade and how one of the most abundant crops in the area has now been replaced by legal produce thanks to various royal projects. On day two we have a great ride following the Mekong River towards Chiang Khong, which gives you expansive views over the Mekong, the natural border that separates Thailand from Laos. Our final day we head as far north as we can go by riding to the border town of Mae Sai and a chance to cross the border into Burma and visit the market there. After we head back to Chiang Rai and the conclusion of the tour.
RIDING PROFILE
This tour is a mixture of wide, hard-packed dirt trails and smooth tarmac. The riding on day two is a little more challenging as we have some small climbs after lunch and a longer climb to get to the viewpoint – but the bus is always available if you would like to rest.
This trip is suitable for most levels of riders and is an excellent trip for families. |
ITINERARY |
Day 1 |
Tour the Hall of Opium / Explore the Golden Triangle 28 km [L,D] |
Pick up in Chiang Rai and then transfer to the Golden Triangle area. Upon arrival visit the Opium Museum which depicts the story of opium cultivation and its affect on the society from its use and for the people who grow the poppies. We then check into the hotel, have a trip briefing and bike fitting before lunch. After lunch, ride a scenic loop through the countryside surrounding Chiang Saen. The ride passes fruit plantations, temples and farming villages. We'll have a chance to stop at family operated rice mills or distilleries that are common to this area. Visit the hilltop temple, Wat Phra Tat Chom Kitti which offers a unique and spectacular view of the Mekong River, Laos, and Chiang Saen. You'll have a choice of taking the stairs to the top or to ride up the hill on the nice smooth tarmac road. We then return to our hotel before heading to dinner at a local restaurant.
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Day 2 |
Follow the Mekong River south toward Chiang Khong 45 km [B,L] |
After breakfast, a short shuttle takes us to the Golden Buddha near the village of Ban Saeo, the starting point for today's more challenging ride. We follow the Mekong, riding east from Chiang Saen towards Chiang Khong. Our destination is Huai Sai Man Viewpoint, offering a spectacular vista across the Mekong into Laos. Ride through plantations of lychee, banana, chilli, eggplant, corn and more. We have a riverside lunch stop today at a restaurant where our hosts grow most of the vegetables for our meal. After a few more kilometres we have a choice to either get in the van or try the challenging 2 km climb to Huai Sai Man viewpoint and our end point for today. After spending some time taking in the wonderful views we head back to our hotel and the rest of the day is yours to relax. |
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Day 3 |
Ride north to Mae Sai 45 km [B,L]
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Today we ride north to Mae Sai the most northerly town in Thailand. After a leisurely ride we have a chance to cross the border into Burma, visit the market where you can buy Burmese specialities such as longyis (sarongs), Cheroots (Burmese cigars) and lacquer ware. After lunch we will then start heading back to Chiang Rai and the end of our tour. We can drop you off at the airport or hotel.
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End of Services |
TOUR INFORMATION
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Children |
Children aged 12 - 16 years old are welcome on this trip and receive a 25% discount. |
Total Distance |
118 km |
Number of cycling days |
Two full days and one half day of riding |
Road Surface |
A mix of asphalt roads, vehicle-width dirt roads. There is no technical riding so suitable for everyone. |
Support |
One or two 8-seat air-conditioned minibuses fitted with two-way radio and specially converted to take bikes and bikers. |
Group |
Minimum 2 persons. Maximum 16 persons. |
Staff |
Each tour is led by at least one local fully-trained SpiceRoads English speaking tour guide. |
Accommodation |
Accommodation is not included in the tour cost, please see hotel selection below. |
Food |
Full board from lunch on Day 1 to lunch on Day 3. Soft drinks, water and fruit are available all day while cycling. |
NET RATES PER PERSON IN THAI BAHT
SCHEDULED TOURS
Valid from Now - 31 October 2010
TOUR CODE |
TOUR DATES |
RATE |
SGL SUP |
BIKE HIRE |
MIN NO. |
START |
FINISH |
TGT |
Fri |
Sun |
8,500 |
N/A |
INC |
2 |
HOTEL SELECTION
HOTEL |
ROOM TYPE |
DATES |
RATE |
Imperial Golden Triangle
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Superior
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1 Nov - 28 Feb |
3,250 |
1 Mar - 31 Oct |
2,400 |
Anantara Golden Triangle
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Deluxe
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8 Jan - 30 Apr |
10,750 |
1 May - 15 Jul |
8,850 |
16 Jul - 31 Aug |
10,500 |
1 Sep - 31 Oct |
8,850 |
N.B. Other room types can be quoted on request. |
All rooms are per night and included breakfast - price is same for a double or single room. |
Tour Price Includes
• Accident insurance
• All transfers and support by a/c vehicles
• All entrances to parks mentioned.
• All water and snacks whilst riding
• Bike Hire, Helmet and Spares for 3 days
• English speaking SpiceRoads cycle guide
• Three lunches
• One Dinner
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Tour Price Excludes
• International Flights
• Accommodation
• Departure Tax
• Visa Fees
• Personal travel insurance
• Alcoholic beverages.
• Soft drinks and other beverages in the evenings
• Massage
• Tips for guides
• Any services not mentioned in itinerary
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24-Hours Internet Reservation Hotline
in Bangkok:
Tel: (66-2) 677 6240 to 5; 679 7185
Fax: (66-2) 677 6246 to 7
THAILAND CYCLING TOURS || BANGKOK SIGHTSEEING TOURS
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