Cycling in the Golden Triangle, Thailand

RIDING THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE

TRIP PROFILE:

Thailand has become a tourist Mecca; its beaches are justifiably touted as the best in the world, even Bangkok and Chiang Mai have become mainstream tourist attractions. But for those that know where to go, Thailand still has some hidden treasures tucked away off the beaten track.

Our tour takes you off road and away from the tour groups into a Thailand few tourists get the chance to see. We visit the friendly people of Lanna and ride up into the mountains to stay with migratory hill-tribe people still living as they have for centuries, unfazed by the modern world in the valley.
We ride through ruined cities, colourful markets and sample some superb cuisine on this widely varied tour. We enter a land made infamous by warlords and drug smugglers, a region baptized, the golden triangle, with a history as colourful as the people that inhabit it. We ride along many of the dirt trails that were once opium roads.

Some of the trails could almost have been purpose built for mountain biking and can only be described as outstanding. We promise you some of the best descents you will find anywhere in the world and some truly awesome mountain bike trails. Add to that a generous splash of local colour and plenty of fun on the way and you have a mountain bike tour all self-respecting riders should die to get on.

DAY 1: Mid-day departure with Thai International Airways from London, Heathrow.
DAY 2: Arrive/meet in Chiang Mai. Transfer to Doi Saket and overnight at our resort.
DAY 3: Reservoir ride. Off road trail through teak forest. Overnight Chiang Dao inn.
DAY 4: Ride to Palaung Hill village.
DAY 5: Off road trail ride to Tha Ton.
DAY 6: Ride along Mae Kok River to Jafu Hill village.
DAY 7: Trek and ride to Mae Chan. Ride up Doi Mae Salong.
DAY 8: Off road descent into Mae Chan valley.
DAY 9: Ride up Doi Tung, Burmese border descent.
DAY 10: Rest day. Optional Burmese market visit and sightseeing at the Golden Triangle.
DAY 11: Ride to Chiang Rai.
DAY 12: Akha Hill tribe ride. Transfer to Chiang Mai.
DAY 13: Mae Ping river Ride.
DAY 14: Doi Suthep climb and off road descent. Overnight Chiang Mai.
DAY 15: Morning free for shopping. transfer to Airport for flight to Bangkok for onward flight to the UK.
DAY 16: Depart Bangkok at 00.45. Arrive London/Heathrow.

Click here for full details in dossier NTCT16

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

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.

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.

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.

DEPARTURE DATES AND PRICES

From The UK	Duration	Price	Flight ex London
Feb 5 - 20	16	£660.00	£550.00
Sep 18 - Oct 3	16	£660.00	£550.00
Nov 20 - Dec 6	16	£660.00	£550.00
Dec 08 - Jan 2	16	£660.00	£625.00
Single supplement		£135
Bicycle Hire		£100.00

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