RIDING THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE
Escorted Group Tour Dossier.TNCT16

Thailand is one of the largest and most varied countries in South East Asia, stretching 1500 km from north to south, and at its widest 870 km from east to west. Most people know of its beaches and nightlife, but far fewer of the rich culture and breathtaking scenery that can be found throughout the country. It is a land of palaces and temples, of ruined cities, colourful markets and friendly and hospitable people. Our trip visits the northern part of the country, a mountainous region bordering Burma and Laos, punctuated by the mighty Mekong River. A region made infamous by warlords and drug smugglers, a region baptised "the golden triangle" with a history as colourful as the people that inhabit it. High in the hills is a multitude of villages, linked by old opium trails. These trails make for some of the best mountain biking anywhere in Asia.
This tour combines a wonderful cultural exploration into the heart of North Thailand with its colourful hill tribes and long history. Plus some first-class off-road mountain biking. We visit many of the regions main attractions but in between we cut through the mountains and valleys in a way few people will ever know. Your guides are North Thailand's best and most experienced mountain bikers and over the years they have found some stunning trails.
Even so, this is an extremely varied tour and we swap our bikes for all manner of other vehicles: we ride elephants, take boat trips, walk through caves and visit temples. And don't forget, one of the best things about visiting Thailand is its cuisine. On this tour we eat like kings every night..
We have been running this trip in one guise or another for more than six years and it just gets better and better. You will find out crew to be the tightest and most helpful anywhere and whether you have never been to Thailand before or an old Asia hand you will find this really is the land of smiles.

MEKONG TRAVEL - SIGHTSEEING TOUR POLICY
Major sightseeing highlights of Indochina include a huge variety of religious and historic monuments; a rich cultural and artistic heritage; museums and beautiful scenery. Such key elements are naturally include in sightseeing tour itineraries, but Mekong Travel also seeks out the less obvious attractions - interesting local markets, festivals, wherever these coincide with travel plans, traditional handicrafts and industries, plus the opportunity to meet local people in their own environments. Also include are opportunities to try regional cuisine and to see typical or traditional forms of entertainment.

Mekong Travel includes such extra dimensions to make any visit to Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia or Laos a richer, more rewarding and more memorable experience.

GENERAL ADVICE ON TRAVELLING IN INDOCHINA

Biking Conditions/Suitability: This trip is a mountain bike tour and if you want to get the maximum from the trails it is advisable to have at least some off- road and preferably down-hill experience. We are not talking competition mountain bike standards, but just a reasonable level of confidence on difficult terrain. Fitness, of course, will be a huge asset but it is not essential as it is possible to dodge the big climbs. Over the last three years we have taken over 500 customers along some or all of these trails and every single one has enjoyed it. If you are in doubt please contact us for advice or a list of references.
Anyone in a good physical condition can join our regular cycling trips. Experienced bicycle riders will best enjoy them. If you feel tired, you can always rest in the escort vehicle. You don't have to carry your belongings, so the trip is more fun! On request and subject to space availability, noncycling accompanying persons are welcome to join the trip in our escort vehicle.

Bike Repairs
We will carry a certain amount of basic spares and a set of tools. We recommend that you have your bike serviced prior to the trip as we can not guarantee having available parts.

What to bring? Recommended personal equipment: Gloves, sunglasses. A pair of mountain-biking shoes, or running/cross-country shoes (hard soles reduce foot fatigue). Bicycle shorts and gear (if you do not have padded cycling shorts, we recommend light cotton shorts with elastic belts). We require participants to wear helmets. We can fit your SPD shoes and pedals on our bikes if you bring them. Waterbottle (1litre) is necessary and metal ones preferred.

Clothing: Long-sleeve sweater or jogging suit, windbreaker. T-shirts, packed in a soft bag we take in the escort vehicle. Pullover for winter season, and light nylon rain breaker (K-way type) for rainy season (May-September). A small backpack would be useful for small personal items, like cameras. For most trips, large suitcases can be carried in the support vehicle. Helmets, gloves and a small range of equipment can be purchased in Phnom Penh.

Never drink tap water - purified, bottled water is available everywhere.
The support Vehicle will carry supplies of water and snacks of fruit/bread etc.

Use an insect repellent against mosquitoes, especially in upcountry and forested areas. A high factor block cream is advisable as protection against the hot tropical sun when cycling.

Travellers should take adequate supplies of any prescription medicines they may need, as supplies may not be available locally. A first aid kit with items such as aspirin, elastoplast, antiseptic cream, anti-diarrhoea pills will be useful. A spare pair of eyeglasses, if worn, is also advisable. Useful too, is a flashlight, for exploring caves or details of temple interiors, which are often not properly illuminated

Take plenty of film, as locally available supplies are not always reliable. Photography in airports, railway stations and near any military installation is forbidden. Please use discretion when photographing people, especially with tribal people, who may have superstitions against this. For close-up shots always ask first.

Visitors are required to dress decently within the precincts of religious buildings. Ladies should not wear shorts or bra-less T-shirts in such places. Shoes and socks/stockings must always be removed at pagodas and monasteries. Shoulders and knees should be covered. Disregard of these rules causes serious cultural and religious offence to the devout Asian people. Visitors are advised to ignore touts who may approach them to exchange foreign currency, or to sell gems of dubious quality. Such offers, although apparently attractive, are breaking strict laws.

Begging is widespread in some parts of Indochina but not in others and visitors are requested not to encourage development of this practice by giving money, sweets etc. to children. If travellers wish to contribute to say, a village community, gifts should be directed to the local schoolteacher or headman.
Contributions can also be arranged to recognise local charities two of which we support.

HOTELS
In spite of the building boom that is creating new hotels up to international standards for the first time in key tourist centres, accommodations in Indochina still varies widely in quality and, during high seasons, availability can be limited. Mekong Travel clients will generally receive hotel reservation priority, but Mekong Travel cannot guarantee specific hotel requests and reserves the right to substitute accommodation of the best available alternative standard when a first-choice hotel is not available. Clients are advised that accommodations, especially outside the main locations, may not always be up to international standards.

ACCOMMODATION. We use a wide mixture of accommodation. Hotels and guesthouses are of Tourist classes standard and has private facilities and hot water. Facilities in the village stays are obviously quite limited but we make sure you have clean bedding, mosquito nets and plenty to eat. In Chiang Rai, Tha Ton, Mae Sai and Chiang Mai the hotels are high tourist class; on six nights the resorts have swimming pools. All accommodation as described in the itinerary is included in the tour cost.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

WEATHER. Northern Thailand has a tropical climate with fairly high humidity. There are three seasons: from March to June it is hot and dry, with temperatures between 27 and 40°C, with night temperatures in the 20s. The rainy season is from July to October, but temperatures are slightly lower, because of the effect of the rain. During this time it will not rain continuously, but in sharp bursts, and the sun can come out quickly. The cooler season is from October to February, with average temperatures between 20 and 30C. It can get quite cold at night in the mountains but riding conditions are very good.

VACCINATIONS. Recommended vaccinations are typhoid, polio, tetanus and hepatitis A. A certificate for Yellow Fever is required when arriving from an infected area within six days. Thailand is not a malarial country but as we will be close to the Burmese border it is recommended you take anti-malarial tablets. Please speak to your doctor for the most up to date information.

FOOD. All breakfasts (e.g. bread, eggs or fruit and tea or coffee) are included as are all Lunches & Dinners which are taken as a group and arranged in good local restaurants were a variety of local dishes can be tried. Nutrition is important when cycling. Main meals include rice and there is always enough food and we eat lots of fruits and vegetables. Drinking water, fruits and snacks are always available in our escort vehicle. Other drinks are not included in price, but widely available at local restaurants and shops along the way.

EXTRA EXPENSES: Departure tax: currently THB500. In addition to the meals listed above, entrance fees to museums, monuments etc are not included. It is also customary to tip the local guides. Your leader will guide you on such matters.

Passports and Visas All nationalities require a valid passport. Unless you are staying more than 30 days or do not have onward air tickets, a visa for Thailand is not required by British or most other nationalities; please check with your nearest Thailand embassy.

GROUP, STAFF & SUPPORT. The group size will be between 6 and 16. All groups will be accompanied by an experienced western guide, plus a local guide and where applicable a local driver. All your luggage and personal belongings will be carried by the support vehicle.

Bike Hire: We can provide well-maintained, high-quality mountain bikes. We carry a range of different bikes, mostly 21 speed Shimano STXs with front suspensions. Spare parts and tools are brought by our escort vehicle. We carry bikes to fit individuals from 130 cm to 195 cm (4" to 6,5"). Frame sizes 16" to 20."

TRIP PROFILE.
Approximately 50% of this tour is off-road and we have designed the route with mountain bikers in mind. There are some first class trails ranging single track to gentle tuck roads. North Thailand is a mountainous region and there are very few flat rides. But most of the big climbs are optional and on tar-mac. Most of road trails traverse though the mountains and wind up and down hillsides. There are some fantastic descents and some breathtaking rides with stunning views across rolling hillsides and valleys.
In the middle of the trip we take a break to take in the sights and along the way we often stop to visit caves, temples and villages. We ride right out into the wilderness and on three separate nights stay as gusts of local hill tribe people. The rest of the time we stay in comfortable resorts and often get a swimming pool to jump into at the end of the ride.
The trip is fully supported and your guide's expert knowledge of the area and terrain means that you always know what is coming up in terms of distance and difficulty. This makes a tremendous difference, as does the constant supply of cold drinks and fresh fruit.
The total distance is between 500 and 600 kilometres, of which just over 250kilometres is off road. Most days there are extra loops for hyperactive rider to explore with the guides, while more sensible people enjoy a swim or cocktails.

ITINERARY
From London

DAY 1 Mid-day departure with Thai International Airways from London, Heathrow.

DAY 2 We meet in Chiang Mai at the Chiang Mai Plaza Hotel near the night market (please contact us if you need rooms or flights from Bangkok) at lunchtime. Then transfer to our resort near Doi Saket, just north of Chaing Mai where we unbox and test our bikes. There is a pool to enjoy and some trails to explore around the resort. Wangthon Resort, Doi Saket. L D

DAY 3 After breakfast we ride to the nearby reservoir where we take a boat to our trail head. We ride a scenic trail through a teak forest to a beautiful lunch spot by a lake. In the afternoon we ride along country backroads to our resort near Chiang Dao. Again we are rewarded with a dip in the swimming pool. Ride 45 km. B L D. Mae Ping Resort.

DAY 4 After a short ride on tar mac we turn off onto some country lanes before hitting some wicked off road trails through the forest. We pass some Lahu hill villages before arriving in our Palong village. These colourful recent migrants from Burma know us well and always give us a great welcome. We are sure you will enjoy a unique and wonderful experience. There is an optional single-track loop for serious bikers before enjoying the hospitality of our friends in the evening. Ride 45-55km B L D. Palaung Village.

DAY 5 After an early breakfast we head north, taking dirt trails and tracks through numerous hill tribe villages & farming areas. We have lunch at a little known cave and temple retreat, which is home to a solitary monk who has been meditating in the forest for 15 years. We follow some outstanding trails that wind up and down through the forest. This is a day serious riders will revel in and others might take advantage of our excellent support and skip one or two sections. We stay at the Thaton Chalet, a beautiful hotel right on the riverbank. Ride 70km. B L D

DAY 6 After an early start from Tha Ton we follow riverside trails for 30 km before hitching a lift on a long-tail boat from a Lahu village downstream to a forestry office and lunch. In the afternoon we continue along a superb riverside trail to a Karen village, where we trek (or for a small fee take an elephant) for two hours up to a Lahu village where we will stay the night. While our guides cook dinner we can relax after the day's activities and enjoy the hospitality of our Lahu hosts. Accommodation here will be basic as there are limited facilities (we will sleep in a long house on foam mats, and clean cotton sleeping bags will be provided, and carried in by the group) but the fairy tail surroundings more than make up for it. Ride 60km B L D Village house.

DAY 7 Today begins with an hours trek through the forest to a cascading waterfall where we can take a refreshing dip before we meet our support vehicle and bikes. From here we ride along some more dirt trails, passing through a number of villages, to another scenic waterfall, where we take an exceptionally delicious lunch followed by a siesta. We then transfer to the foot of Doi Mae Salong where in the late afternoon we make our first big mountain climb evenytually arriving at the Yunnanes village that is home to the decendents of the Chinese KMT army. Most people enjoy this on-road climb, with its spectacular views across the mountains, as it is broken by a sweeping descent. Ride 50km B L D. Mae Salong Villa.

DAY 8 After breakfast we visit the temple at the very top of the hill and then hit the trail for one of the tours standout rides. A 30km descent through the forest along some glorious single track trails. After lunch in the valley, we ride along some more scenic trails before arriving at our resort. Ride 55km. B L D. Doi Kham Resort.

DAY 9 A tough on-road climb to start the day off. We head up to Doi Tung, where the Thai royal family has a palace. Again the climb is on good tarmac and the rewards are some amazing views. We take lunch on top of the mountain and visit a temple that is said to contain the Buddha's clavicle. In the afternoon we ride a ridgeback downhill. With views across Burma and the Golden triangle this has to be one of the most spectacular descents in Thailand. We stay in Mae Sai, a bustling market town and the border post between Thailand and Burma. Wangtong Hotel, Mae Sai. B L. Ride45 km.

DAY 10 At last a rest day where we take you on a sightseeing tour of the Burmese market, lunch overlooking the golden triangle and a tour of Chiang Saen before finishing up in Sop Ruak overlooking the Mekong River. Imperial Golden triangle Resort, Chiang Rai. B L.

DAY 11 We ride straight from the hotel and along the Mekong River to the ancient northern capital of Chiang Saen. We then cut through a scenic valley following a mixture of trails to Chiang Rai. We stay at a charming hotel in the center of town. Golden Triang Hotel. Chiang Rai. B L. Ride 80 km.

DAY 12 We ride straight from our hotel into the forest and up one of the most challenging short hills of the tour to a beautiful Akha village. Then, after a little porterage, we have a wicked down hill to the Kok River and lunch. Then we take a boat across the river and ride back into town along some pleasant country trails. Ride 60km.B L. Golden Triangle Hotel.

DAY 13 After a buffet breakfast, we take a minibus transfer south to Chiang Mai, In the afternoon the is an optional ride along the Ping River to Ban Tawai, an artists village that has become a flourishing shopping centre for wood carvings and antiques. Chiang Mai Plaza Hotel. Ride 50 km. B.

DAY 14 Our final ride is arguably the best, an 18 km climb to the top of Doi Suthep followed by one of best off road down-hill rides I've ever done. Fast and exciting, this ride has everything including a coffee plantation where we can stop and sample the local brew. At the bottom we wind up at reservoir, which has become a popular picnic stop and we can celebrate with som tam, grilled chicken and sticky rice (not to mention a couple of Singha beers.) From here we transfer into town for a shower and change before a celebratory meal and night out in lively Chiang mai town.. Ride 55km B L D. Chiang Mai Plaza Hotel.

DAY 15 The final day is free for shopping and site seeing before we bid you farewell. Remember Chiang Mai is our home town and we can easily arrange onward travel or extensions for you. Fly to Bangkok for onward flight to the UK.

DAY 16 Depart Bangkok at 00.45. Arrive London/Heathrow.

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

· Economy class return flights with Thai International airlines (will be booked separately if required, see main box).
· UK Air Passenger Duty Tax
· Accommodation as specified (tax and service charges are also included as is breakfast)
· Services of a Western tour leader throughout
· Local guide throughout
· Private air-conditioned vehicles in each location
· Private (group) transfers to and from airports and train stations
· Breakfasts, Lunch & Dinners
· The services of our local staff in Thailand.

NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE
· Items of a personal nature such as laundry, drinks, tips, etc.
· Visas
· Airport transfers on arrival and departure if you are not arriving on our standard flights (supplement payable).
· Bicycle Hire
· Entrance fees to museums, etc., permits, etc
· Helmet or equipment.
· Airport taxes payable locally on each departure

DEPARTURE DATES AND PRICES

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