Bikepacking from Bangkok to Chiang Mai: My Ultimate 8-Day Adventure Guide

Bikepacking from Bangkok to Chiang Mai: Here is my exact route, including the hotels I stayed at and all the cafes and restaurants I visited.

Three weeks ago, I embarked on one of my most exciting adventures.

It started with an idea that popped into my head and wouldn’t let go. Before I could overthink it, I bought a gravel bike and panniers, packed everything into a bike box, and booked a flight to Bangkok.

That’s it, no detailed plans, no second-guessing.

Thailand has been like a second home to me. I’ve been there more than 30 times, but this time felt different.

I wasn’t interested in the usual tourist spots or the well-trodden paths. Instead, I wanted to dive deeper and explore the hidden corners of this beautiful country. And for that, a bike felt like the perfect way to go.

I used Komoot to map out an 8-day route and just went for it. There was no hardcore training or intense prep, just a loose plan and a lot of excitement.

My journey took me from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, cycling through lush landscapes, quiet backroads, and tiny villages that felt untouched by time. Along the way, I found cozy little cafes, met the kindest people, and fell in love with the simple joys of life on the road.

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The primary purpose of this article is to share my exact route, all the cafes & restaurants I stopped at along the way, and the hotels I stayed at.

Bikepacking from Bangkok to Chiang Mai Itinerary

Day 1: Bangkok to Suphan Buri

Day 1 of my bike-packing trip from Bangkok to Chiang Mai began with excitement and a bit of nervousness as I set off from the bustling streets of Bangkok.

Navigating through the city’s chaotic traffic was challenging, but I was amazed by how respectful drivers were. Thankfully, I didn’t encounter any dangerous situations.

Once I left the city, the scenery dramatically changed. I cycled along peaceful countryside roads flanked by canals and small farms—a refreshing escape from the urban chaos.

The heat was brutal, and every sip of water felt like a lifeline as I pushed through long stretches under the glaring sun.

By the time I reached Suphan Buri at sunset, my legs ached, but the sense of accomplishment was worth every ounce of effort. A quick dip in the guesthouse pool and a simple dinner made for the perfect end to a tough but rewarding day.

Accommodation: Songphanburi Hotel

Day 2: Suphan Buri to Wat Sing

Day 2 of my bike-packing adventure brought unexpected challenges. The morning ride was smooth, weaving through peaceful villages that seemed frozen in time.

However, disaster struck when I got a flat tire in the middle of nowhere. Thankfully, a kind local appeared, offering help and even guiding me to a nearby shop to get a new tube.

The day ended at a serene bungalow by a pond, where I cooled off with an evening swim. Despite the hiccups, the unpredictable joys of this journey continued to amaze me.

Accommodation: Srihome ยายศรีโฮมแอนแคมป์ปิ้ง

Day 3: Wat Sing to Ban Wang Khaem

The alarm went off at 5 a.m., and I reluctantly dragged myself out of bed to take advantage of the cool morning air. Cycling through quiet roads as the sun rose was magical, a moment of serenity I’ll never forget.

By mid-morning, the heat had become relentless, so I stopped at a roadside shop to recharge with a Coke. However, my plans were thrown off when I discovered my accommodation was fully booked. Several detours later, I finally found a simple but welcoming place to stay.

Despite the challenges, the day’s highlights—a peaceful café break and the unwavering kindness of locals—reminded me why I love exploring this country.

Day 4: Ban Wang Khaem to Kamphaeng Phet

Waking up sore from the previous day, I was grateful that today’s stage was shorter—an active recovery day. I planned to cycle half the distance, take a long break, and cruise to my destination.

An early wrong turn led me through a quiet Thai village, where a man on a motorcycle handed me a drink with a warm smile. This small act of kindness was a highlight of my day.

The ride was uneventful but calming, apart from an unexpected encounter with a snake darting across my path. I reached Kamphaeng Phet feeling refreshed and ready for the days ahead.

Day 5: Kamphaeng Phet to Tak

The day began early, with a quick breakfast to beat the relentless Thai sun. As I pedaled through rolling hills, the gentle climbs hinted at the mountains ahead.

Passing through tiny villages, I was greeted by friendly locals and playful dogs who chased my bike but never posed a real threat. A visit to a mechanic for a chain oiling reminded me of the warm Thai hospitality—he refused to accept payment, offering only a smile.

Later, I encountered another bike-packer, a woman from the UK traveling in the opposite direction. Sharing stories and encouragement felt like meeting a kindred spirit on this solo journey.

By late afternoon, I arrived at my hotel near a serene wooden bridge. A refreshing swim in the pool was the perfect way to end a hot, dusty day.

Day 6: Tak to Mae Wa Den Chai

Exhaustion hit before I even started, thanks to a restless night. I lingered over breakfast, hoping to muster energy before tackling the long ride.

The first climb was surprisingly pleasant, offering enough challenge to keep me engaged. However, a blocked road forced an unexpected detour, adding unplanned kilometers to an already ambitious route.

By mid-afternoon, the unrelenting sun tested my endurance. Each stretch of flat, monotonous road felt endless. When I finally reached my accommodation, the sight of a pool and tranquil surroundings made every grueling moment worthwhile.

Day 7: Mae Wa Den Chai to Hang Chat

The optimism of a more leisurely day carried me forward. The mix of off-road trails and paved sections kept the ride enjoyable, but an unexpected tangle with a roadside plant forced a quick repair.

Cows playfully chased me at one point, adding humor to the journey, while my left shoe—still stubbornly stuck to the pedal—reminded me of the quirky challenges of bikepacking.

A serene café overlooking rice fields provided a peaceful break. As I sipped iced peach tea, the distant mountains reminded me how far I’d come.

By evening, I arrived at a cozy hotel with a terrace overlooking farmland. It was the perfect place to recharge before tackling the final, grueling stage.

Day 8: Hang Chat to Chiang Mai

With sore muscles and little sleep, I braced myself for the final leg of the journey. Today promised to be the toughest day—a relentless series of climbs over 107 kilometers.

The early part of the day tested my patience with dead-end paths and steep inclines. Yet, as the hours passed, I found my rhythm. Each pedal stroke became a testament to the strength I’d built over the past week.

The last climb felt like a victory lap. As I rolled into Chiang Mai at sunset, exhaustion gave way to euphoria. The journey—830 kilometers of sweat, grit, and discovery—was complete.

That evening, I celebrated with good food, a cold beer, and the promise of a few days of well-deserved rest.

Conclusion

Reflecting on my bikepacking tour from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, I am reminded of the beauty of spontaneity and the rewards of stepping outside your comfort zone.

Bikepacking offered a unique lens to see Thailand—a country I thought I already knew well. From the quiet backroads to the bustling cities, every kilometer taught me something new about the land, its people, and myself.

This trip was not just about cycling; it was about connection—connecting with locals, nature, and the simplicity of life on two wheels. The challenges were plentiful, but so were the moments of pure joy and discovery.

If you’re considering your own adventure, I hope this guide inspires you to take the leap. Plan loosely, pack light, and embrace the journey. Thailand has so much to offer beyond its iconic landmarks, and bikepacking is a perfect way to uncover its hidden treasures.

Here’s to the next ride and the adventures yet to come!

Tim Kroeger( International Tourism Management Expert )