Bike, Hike & Kayak Northern Thailand

Upon arrival at Chiang Mai airport, you will be met and transferred to the hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Overnight: The Empress Hotel or similar

Meals: Nil

This morning, after a bike fitting and briefing we pedal the 30mins to the railway station to catch the train to Lamphun. Bike from the Lamphun railway station through quiet streets and lanes past the ancient city wall to the sacred Temple of Phra That Hariphunchai with its imposing golden chedi. Pedaling out of the city, the bike tour will cut across the countryside towards Chiang Mai, wandering through fruit orchards and along canals. We take a break in a small village on the banks of the Ping River for some deliciously simple Thai food. After lunch bike across the Ping River and on through rice paddies arriving at the wood carving village of Ban Tawai. Parking our bikes we will take a few moments to admire the carved wood splendour of the wood carvers' temple. Bike from Ban Tawai along the main road to the Hang Dong District Market. At the market hop off the bikes for a tour of the local market and take the opportunity to have some cold drinks and local Thai snacks. Cycling the backroads and country lanes making our way through small villages, out across the plain to forested lanes in the foothills of Doi Suthep. Along the way we will stop at an ancient shrine and a beekeeping training center. After a few rolling hills we come to the renowned forest temple and meditation center of Wat Umong. Leaving the bikes once again, we take a stroll through the temple’s caves. Back on the bike for the last stretch into the city passing the the University of Chiang Mai campus along the way. Eventually you and your bicycles will arrive back at the bicycle shop in Chiang Mai’s old city to conclude the bike tour. Cycling distance: ~57km Overnight:The Empress Hotel or similar

Meals: B,L

Doi Inthanon is one of Thailand’s most famous national parks and for good reason. The park boasts the greatest diversity of forest types and bird species found in any single park in the country and features some beautiful waterfalls, dramatic views and extraordinary nature. This scenery will be the setting for your three day nature hike. Doi means 'mountain' in Northern Thai language. Doi Inthanon is the highest mountain in Thailand (2,565 m). It was declared a national park in 1972. Explore one of its most beautiful nature trails together with our guide and a local hilltribe guide. Get ready for a great adventure! At 8:00 am you will be picked up by your guide and driver, and leave Chiang Mai in southern direction towards Doi Inthanon National Park. Doi Inthanon is with 2,565 meters elevation above sea level the highest mountain of Thailand. The mountain is the source of many rivers and is an important watershed area. Forest types include moist evergreen forest, pine forest and mixed deciduous forest. The park supports the largest number of bird s pieces of any site in Thailand. We will stop at a local market to buy some supplies after which we will continue to the summit of Doi Inthanon. After a brief forest walk around the summit we will descend and stop at the two pagodas that were erected in the honour of the King and Queen of Thailand. We continue to the Hmong Village, Meo Khun Klang that is part of a Royal Project. At the spectacular Wachirathan Waterfall we will have lunch. After lunch we will start trekking. We will trek through dense forest. Your guide will explain about the different forest types of Northern Thailand. We will continue our trek today to the White Karen Village of Ban Khun Puai. Dinner and overnight will be in the village where your guide will tell you the fascinating history of the local people. Hiking: ~3-4hrs Overnight & dinner: Local village homestay

Meals: B,L,D

Your guide will prepare a delicious traditional breakfast for you. After breakfast we will continue our trek. In the morning we will walk mainly downhill to the White Karen village. You will have time to look around in the village and practice your language skills while your guide prepares lunch. After lunch we will walk up and down through the forest until we reach the Karen village Huay Khao Lip. This is a small and quiet village. Your guide will ask you to assist you with the preparation of dinner tonight. He will explain the herbs and ingredients he uses. After dinner you will visit a village house to get to know some of the villagers. Hiking distance: ~4-5hrs Overnight & dinner: Local village homestay

Meals: B,L,D

After an early morning breakfast, we will say goodbye to the village and trek uphill for almost one hour. Then it is another hour downhill to a pretty waterfall where we will spend some time relaxing, swimming and enjoying nature. After this we will continue to the Karen Village Baan Mae Sa Pok. After lunch in the village we will have time to look around before start to make our way back to Chiang Mai. Hiking: ~2-3hrs Overnight:The Empress Hotel or similar

Meals: B,L

Today we transfer to Mae Ngat Valley. Following some instructions about safety and technique in basic kayaking we can start our journey. Gliding along the shady side at the Mae Taeng Forest Reserve. The Mid Valley Trip river section has all the fun turns and twists the Mae Ping River has to offer here in the Mae Ngat Valley. After the initial easy entry at the dam flow, the river challenges us to pick the right line between the sand banks and the river shores. The mighty Ping River here a playful “large Creek” gives a handful of opportunities to practice our art of river navigation. Because of its mild “consequences but challenging nature of this terrain it is a favorite for newcomers to the sport. The Mae Ping River’s cool water keeps the immediate environment at a comfortable temperature. The final destination the Mae Tang Forest Reserve ads a continuous alley of large overhanging trees keeping us in the shade. The absence of civilization reminds us how quiet nature can be without modern life present. In the late afternoon we drive back to Chiang Mai. Note: There are two options for today’s kayaking to cater to varying experience and fitness levels. A: 16km ~3hrs (Easy beginners welcome) B: 32km ~6hrs (Very fit beginners welcome) Overnight:The Empress Hotel, Superior room or similar

Meals: B,L

The trip concludes this morning in Chiang Mai. After breakfast you will have a transfer to the airport for your flight to your next destination.

Meals: B