CCCTS Northern and Central Thailand Tour (Chiang Mai to Bangkok) Nov. 18 to Dec. 11, 2025
Ride Leader: Robin Howe
Day 1: All participants arrive in Chiang Mai. Sequestered at the Rachamankha Hotel.
Day 2: (Nov. 19) began in Chiang Mai with bike fitting and a short 44.7 km ride from Wiang Ku Kan to Lamphun. And believe it or not, it rained the entire time, but the weather could not dampen the excitement of the cyclists who wanted to ride and explore. Excellent attitudes all the way around! The welcome supper allowed all to taste Tai food and experience traditional dishes. The Rachamankha Hotel was an amazing Tai experience in luxury and comfort as the breakfasts were superb.
Day 3: (Nov. 20) What a contrast the weather was from yesterday’s rainy weather! It was a gorgeous day: sunny and warm. The first part of our ride was a 10 km uphill climb into the lush forest. To say the road was steep is quite an understatement. In several sections we encountered 16+ degree slopes, but our intrepid crew rose to the challenge, albeit with a bit of huffing and puffing along the way to complete the 50 km ride.
One memorable mid-morning stop was at Bua Tong Waterfall (known as the “Sticky WaterFall”). This attraction is known for the textured rocks that allow adventurers to “hike” up the falls. Many of our group peeled off bike shoes and socks and climbed the waterfall. Thankfully, we were assisted by ropes hanging down several steep sections.
Our last stop of the day was at the impressive Wat Ban Den Buddhist temple. This complex is sprawling and colorful and was well worth the visit. Our night spent at the Azalea Village Wellness Resort.
Day 4: (Nov. 21) 58km Chaing Dao to Tha Ton
After another hearty breakfast bright and early, we headed off directly from the Azalea Village on our beautiful ride through lush hill country.
Not long into the ride, we had a photo opportunity while stopped to address a bicycle issue in front of a beautiful bougainvillea hedge in full bloom.
We rode on quiet roads surrounded by breathtaking scenery to our main highlight for the day to visit to the Chiang Dao Cave Temple. Ladies donned saris and the group entered exploring 350m of the huge cave with many individual places of worship disbursed amongst the stalactites and stalagmites.
We were treated again to excellent Thai cuisine lunch at a roadside open, air restaurant with a wonderful chicken vegetable noodle soup. Yum.
In addition, the beauty of the area full of teak trees we passed through Lahu tribe country who cultivate the land amongst the towering hills and lush valleys – a feast for the senses.
The ride for the day climaxed with a spectacular hill climb of 682m, then raced right back down again to meet the vans and transfer to the border town of Tha Ton for our night’s accommodation at the deluxe Maekok River Village Resort. Our rooms were spacious and comfortable, many with balconies overlooking the lush grounds.
We finished the day with an array of delicious Thai dishes in the Maekok restaurant, thoughtfully selected by our guide Natt.
Day 5: (Nov. 22) Today our Bike and Boat Day began in the rising fog of the Mae Kok River. Skillful drivers steered us downstream shooting thru rapids on Traditional Thai long-tail boats with views of Northern Hill tribe villages in the mountainous jungle on either side serving as home to the Lineated Barbet – Thai bird of the day!
The Organic Green restaurant topped off our lunch with refreshing coconut shell drinks before we undulated through the hillside jungle and onto the northern farmlands on every terrain imaginable. We then took a walk on the wild side at the “Black House,” Baandam Museum displaying the eclectic dark works of “The Master” (the Van Gough of Chiang Rai).
The ride into Chiang Rai city fast followed a last punchy climb to a white and a coloured temple reflecting the multicultural diversity of the region we explore over the next 2 nights while staying at the beautiful and modern Riverie Hotel and Resort. Not bad after 50 km on the bike!
Day 6: (Nov. 23) Rest Day – and it was spent with a tour of the White and Blue Temples nearby, with time at
markets that are deceptively large once you get past the first few stalls. A mixture of farm to table
foods with fresh vegetables, fruits, spices, meats, household goods, and clothing of every kind. A two
night stay at the Riverie Hotel was wonderful as the pool area was beautiful, while the 10th floor
restaurant offered spectacular views of the lush countryside and temples in the distance.
Day 7: (Nov. 24) After a fabulous rest day in Chiang Rai we were all ready to get our butts back on our bikes to explore 65 km more of Thailand. We enjoyed a beautiful sunny ride heading north, cycling beside many rice paddies where we had the opportunity to see the plant up close. We also saw recently harvested rice raked out to dry in the sunshine.
Our first rest stop was the “Silver Temple” with some similarities to the well-known “White” and “Blue” temples in Chiang Rai, all works of art by different artists based in Chiang Rai.
We then carried on to the famous Golden triangle, the junction of northern Thailand with Myanmar to the north and Laos to the east. The Ruak River forms the border with Myanmar and the well-known Mekong River forms the border with Laos. We had a great view of this junction, spotting the well-known Kings Romans Casino in Laos. We also visited the Opium Museum at this location, learning about the very long history of the role of opium in human civilization. We arrived at our Siam Triangle Hotel to rest and relax.
Nat, our Ride Leader!
Day 8: (Nov. 25) Day 8 was another lovely day of 67 km of cycling, following the Mekong River and passing corn fields, fruit orchards and rice paddies. Some adventurous members of our group tried their hands at rice threshing. The morning also included a coffee stop at Ananta cafe where Danielle got her iced mocha. We had a delicious lunch of Pad Thai sitting with a view of the river at an organic farm. The afternoon included some steep climbs before arriving at our hotel Chiangkhong Teak Garden Riverfront Hotel in Chiang Khong.
Day 9: (Nov. 26) A shorter 55 km ride today with a 2 hour transfer with good reason, as the ride was steep and twisty, while seeming to go ever up to our hotel at The Rico Resort in Chiam Kham. A coffee stop helped add flavour to our ride as we tasted sweet arabica coffee beans.
Day 10: (Nov. 27) Today’s ride was spectacular for its variation of countryside and terrain, providing cycling challenges with significant hill climbs as well the scenic vistas of valleys surrounded by forest clad mountains. First stop was at a beautiful Lanna style temple, notable for the Buddha sitting on the ground instead of raised up on high.
After our usual yummy snacks that included Thai specialties of sticky rice with coconut and mangoes, we meandered through the country roads of Phayao Province’s cultivated gardens and rice paddies. Notable were the many groves of rubber trees. We learned (from Nat, our guide) how the rubber sap is collected in coconut shells, a lucrative crop for local farmers. An extra riding challenge came during the final 13 kms where we climbed 450m at a 12-13% grade – a test of stamina during our 66 km ride at a total of 816 metres of elevation. Once arriving at the Sangthong Resort, we quickly showered and of course, relaxed with tasty bar drinks while we waited for dinner.
Day 11: (Nov. 28) Today, it was Black Friday elsewhere, but instead, we were cycling 81 km through Nan province , known as Lanna, the Land of a Million Rice Fields under blue skies. We traversed smooth, well paved highways with shoulders and steep undulating hilltops on our way to the Nan Riverside Art Gallery and delicious northern noodles with curry (Khao Soi) for lunch. Don, our guide, found a rice crab at our break for show and tell, while we watched tobacco being planted as we sipped ice cold fresh coconut water. The ancient temple offered local musicians performing tunes and expansive wall murals depicting the history of Nan Province. In the
evening we explored downtown Nan with its night market and Wat Phumin, the Whisper of Love” temple. The Emmaline Hotel Nan provided easy access as we could walk and return at our leisure.
Day 12: (Nov. 29) As we achieve half way done with our fun, it is a great time to reflect on how a collection of individuals has become a tribe. I feel that even ephemeral friendships have great value.
Today’s 55 km ride started with morning mist along an irrigation canal from Prae and culminated in a shady climb to a forested overlook. Along the way we learned about teak, sala and bhodi Trees. Tonight, we head to a rest day in Sukhothai. As we look forward to beer, laundry and massage we should learn and reflect on the golden age of Siam, perhaps think of our own golden age when we have the trifecta of health, time and money. Perhaps also think about the end of the American century, 1917-2017. The Phoom Thai Garden Hotel was delightful and restful!
Day 13: (Nov. 30): Okay! Those hills! This day tested our reserves as we rode 83.8 km with 715 m of elevation that was tacked on at the end. Wow! Amazing effort by all who worked their way up those long rises. Clearly, we are getting stronger….as time winds its way through our trip.
Day 13/14: (Nov. 30/Dec. 1). Rest Days at the Sriwilai Resort & Spa A beautiful hotel with a “delicious” pool that afforded these somewhat tired cyclists time to recharge batteries and discover a little about the area after a rather tough 84 km ride. Nat was kind enough to guide us on a 15 km tour of the UNESCO sight of a Buddhist temple ruin.
Day 15: ( Dec. 2) Today was the fish farm/fishing men competing for fish at the bridge, and later, meeting the crocodiles at the sanctuary at our lunch stop. Our 84 km ride was leisurely and largely flat, and this was a welcome ride as the temperatures soared above 30 degrees. We arrived at Chaliang Hotel in time to dip in the pool and enjoy the poolside bar.
Day 16: (Dec. 3) Today was a day with several interesting and amazing sites. Our first stop was the dazzling temple Wat Chan Tawan Tok where we took a group shot in front of the golden temple. Next, we stopped at a local market where Natt showed us some murals and local goods sold in small shops. Finally, we visited the temple at the top of the mountain called Wat Phra That Pha Sorn Kaew with the amazing sculpture with five Buddhas. A shorter ride at 48 km and after some long days were glad ofit. We are staying at a modern mountain top hotel, Pima Latte, with amazing views of the valley below.
Day 17: (Dec. 4) Day 17 had us cycling through Strawberry land and beautiful rural Thailand. The first 30 km was filled with not so rolling hills, lol and plenty of descents to make your brake pads hot, hot, hot. Water and electrolytes desperately needed for this 80 km ride.
Day 18: (Dec. 5) The night of the double birthday celebration on the rooftop of the flawlessly designed Hotel Livist in Phetchabun was lively. We arrived after 78 kms to rooms that were beautiful; the beds facing the windows. What a treat.
Mid-morning on “his Majesty King Bhumibol’s Birthday, remember the dynasty is highly respected in Thailand, we stopped on a small agricultural road. Three kids were flying a home-made kite in a light breeze, at least 2 meters long, made from a very light bamboo frame covered in light plastic: the shape of a swallow. One launched the kite the other had to run, first on a path than through a newly plowed filed. They were proud seeing the kite flying.
At the second morning stop my chain needed repair. Experienced cyclist admired how small and practical Natt’s tools were. The chain was repaired in no time.
The ride started with overcast sky, but got quite hot and humid, often on busier road than usual, mostly flat. The breaks were greatly appreciated. Pickled Tamarind was a “new” snack, quite tasty!
After a short bus transfer, we arrived in Wichian Burri, in a “Motel” on the other end of the design spectrum, a roof over our head with AC.
Day 19: (Dec. 6). Day 19 started early, at seven we drove with our hosts
For breakfast with a treat of fresh avocado toast.
Then off to Kai Kang Nok where ancient monuments abound
We toured in ancient trams that drove us around
When cycling we had to stop, when goats had to pass
With herds of Kho-pan (Thailand) cattle at roadside munching the grass
We rode through fields of sugar cane most of the day
With blazes of Yellow Trumpetbush marking our way
A stop to see local palm leaf weavers showing their wares
And a few of our riders now have new things to wear
67 k got us to Sara Buri,
A hot sunny day with so much to see.
Day 20: (Dec. 7 & 8). Thank goodness for the rest day after a short 40 km ride at our stunning hotel, the Atta Lakeside. Everyone can kick back and relax for a day as the last few days have been grueling in 34 degrees Celsius. The pool was gorgeous and the surrounding lake views from our beautiful condo-like rooms was spectacular.
Day 21 (Dec. 9) Prachinburi, and the Siam Dasada Hotel. Beautiful grounds and a supper at a local eatery across the highway were special as it was among the locals, and reflective of the life of the Thai people. After a day travelling through the Kho Yai Park and climbing up the “The Big Mountain”, everyone was ready for a nice rest.
Day 22 (Dec. 10) After a short ride, we arrived at the Rice Resort in Nakhon Nayok, and it is here we celebrated our final dinner with all CCCTS members, and all our Spice Roads Guides and drivers. An amazing group, as we are grateful for their leadership during our trip. We were so happy we danced around the table and celebrated in the Thai way with song and dance.
Day 23 (Dec. 11). The last day and a very sad realization we are at the end of our tour. Spice Roads has provided us with impeccable service and support for the entire trip, and we are now being transferred to our preferred hotels within the city of Bangkok after our 49 km ride. We will miss everyone, as fast friends were made and connections throughout north America established. Isn’t this the best thing about a well-organized tour with CCCTS!
The team that ensured our Thai experience was amazing! Nat, Pim, Don, and Aum saw us through an adventure we will never forget. Our four support men (Kik, Pre, Ron, and Suwat), had impeccable manners, a rambunctious sense of humour, and an unrelenting skill in seeing to our every need. We thank you!
A special thank you to Peter and Heather for their attention to the cataloguing of the bird and butterfly populations during the tour. We are very sorry we could not add more, as space is so very limited.