Luxury Bikepacking Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai

Bikepacking Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai. A thrilling ride through remote villages, rice paddies, and stunning temples.

Bikepacking from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai was a mix of adventure, solitude, and cultural surprises.

Both stages brought something new, from steep jungle climbs to gravel roads with no one in sight. I passed rice paddies at sunrise, remote villages, and even stumbled upon a local parade.

Chiang Rai was the perfect place to unwind, with must-visit sights like the White Temple’s surreal beauty and the Blue Temple’s deep sapphire glow.

This ride wasn’t just about the distance. It was about the unforgettable moments along the way.

Look:

This YouTube video showcases my bikepacking adventure from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai. It features the route, stunning views, and highlights of my journey.

Luxury Bikepacking Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai Itinerary

Day 1: Chiang Mai to Mae Khachan

Today marked the first stage of my bikepacking trip from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai.

I started early, as usual, setting off before sunrise to avoid the midday heat. The initial stretch through Chiang Mai wasn’t the most enjoyable, with its traffic lights and bustling roads, but it didn’t take long to reach the quieter backroads.

Cycling through small Thai villages and endless rice paddies was a dream. The first 40 to 45 kilometers were nearly perfect. The roads were peaceful, the views stunning, and even a few gravel sections added fun to the mix.

One highlight of the morning was a gravel climb through the jungle with steep gradients of up to 20%. It was challenging but thrilling, a great warm-up for what’s ahead. Not long after, I found a small local restaurant where I stopped for breakfast or perhaps an early lunch.

The stir-fried vegetables with chicken and rice, paired with a Thai tea, hit the spot. The setting couldn’t have been better—overlooking a serene pond and rice paddies. While not speaking English, the locals were incredibly kind, which is always a special part of traveling in Thailand.

After that peaceful stretch, the ride shifted gears. I eventually had to join the main highway between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai for the remaining 50 or 60 kilometers. While it wasn’t as scenic as the morning’s ride, it was manageable.

Traffic was steady but not overwhelming, and I didn’t encounter any unsafe situations. Still, I couldn’t help but miss the charm of the smaller roads.

One unexpected highlight was stumbling upon what looked like an abandoned temple. I couldn’t resist stopping to take photos and soak in the atmosphere.

While there, I met a Russian traveler and a Chinese couple, exploring the region by motorbike. A quick chat with fellow adventurers always adds something unique to the day.

Reaching my hotel in Mae Kha Chan felt like an achievement. Despite not cycling for three weeks before this trip, I felt surprisingly good. Today was a great start to the journey, and I’m looking forward to tomorrow’s stage with fresh legs and excitement for what’s to come.

Day 2: Mae Khachan to Chiang Rai

The second stage of my bikepacking journey from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai covered 120 km, and what a ride it was!

I set off early in the morning, wrapped in a jacket for the first time.

Yes, Thailand can be freezing at dawn, especially in the mountains. But as I pedaled away from civilization, the chill was soon forgotten, replaced by the magic of rural Thailand.

The route took me along narrow, winding roads, past tiny Thai villages, and across endless rice paddies, bathed in the soft golden light of sunrise.

The misty mountains in the background made for postcard-worthy scenery at every turn. There’s something special about cycling through these landscapes before the world fully wakes up.

At one point, I stumbled upon an unexpected local parade. It was a moment that felt straight out of a travel documentary.

Dozens of students in crisp uniforms marched along the street, drums echoing in the morning air, while villagers lined the road, watching with pride. These are the kinds of surprises that make bikepacking so unique.

These moments you’d never find in a guidebook!

The next challenge came in the form of 40 to 50 km of gravel roads. It was so remote that I didn’t see another soul for at least an hour.

It was just me, my bike, and the rhythm of my tires crunching over the uneven path. The solitude was both eerie and exhilarating, the kind of silence that makes you feel like you’re truly in the middle of nowhere.

There were a few steep climbs, but they felt manageable, thanks to the cooler temperatures at altitude. Still, food stops were scarce along this route, so if you’re planning to ride this stage, be sure to stock up on snacks and grab a meal whenever you find a decent spot.

A quick note for those wanting to add a cultural stop: the famous White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) is actually 14 km outside of Chiang Rai in the direction you’re coming from.

If you have the energy, I highly recommend making the detour. It’s one of the most breathtaking temples in Thailand. Plus, it’s the perfect place to snap a photo with your bike as a souvenir of the ride.

Overall, this was a fantastic, much more enjoyable stage than yesterday’s ride, which had too many sections on busy roads.

Today was all about the scenery, solitude, and raw beauty of the Thai countryside. One tip for anyone doing this ride: don’t rush. Take your time, soak in the views, and be ready to stop for photos. You’ll want to capture every moment.

Chiang Rai Sightseeing

I spent three nights in Chiang Rai, exploring the city’s cultural highlights and unique temples.

Two absolute must-sees are the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) and the Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten). Each offers a wholly different but equally mesmerizing experience.

The White Temple is like stepping into a surreal dream. Its intricate white facade shimmers under the sunlight, symbolizing purity and enlightenment.

Walking across the bridge of rebirth, surrounded by outstretched hands, feels almost otherworldly. It is a reminder of the Buddhist journey toward wisdom.

Inside, unexpected modern murals featuring pop culture icons blend with traditional art, creating a striking contrast. It’s one of Thailand’s most famous landmarks, and seeing it in person is an experience you won’t forget.

In contrast, the Blue Temple enchants with its deep sapphire hues and intricate gold details, creating a mystical, almost celestial atmosphere.

The massive white Buddha inside glows against the temple’s rich blue interior, adding to its serene, almost hypnotic beauty.

Unlike the White Temple, the Blue Temple has a more relaxed vibe, perfect for sitting and absorbing the peaceful surroundings.