Lamphun & Chiang Mai Countryside Bike Tour with Lunch

• Day tours by bike
• Thailand
• Chiang Mai

Discover the forests and villages of Chiang Mai Province

The rolling hills, tiered rice paddies, and forested foothills around Chiang Mai are famous for making this province the most beautiful in Northern Thailand. Known as 'The Rose of the North' for good reason, you'll experience some of Thailand's most spectacular scenery on this guided tour from Chiang Mai.

This bike tour includes train tickets from Chiang Mai to Lamphun, where your ride begins. After a tranquil train ride to the ancient city, this family-friendly day tour sets off into the countryside towards Wat Phra That Hariphunchai. Your route then includes a stop for lunch in a village on the banks of the Ping River, a stop in the village of Ban Tawai, a ride through the foothills of Doi Suthep, and a final stop at Wat Umong.

Lamphun is an ancient city, dating back to the 9th century, and your first stop on this guided tour takes in its most famous site: Wat Phra That Hariphunchai. The temple's prominent gold stupa is believed to house relics of Lord Buddha, making it a site of pilgrimage that attracts visitors from around the globe to marvel at the deep spirituality and contemplative atmosphere of this historic building.

Leave the ancient city behind and pedal into the countryside for the next portion of this day tour. Cycling along, you'll pass many fruit orchards, where the trees are heavy with an abundance of tropical fruits such as mangoes, lychees, and longans. Your route will lead you along canals where fishermen cast their nets, and past clusters of traditional houses, as the smoke of wood fires and the aromas of Thai cooking are carried towards you on the breeze.

Stop off in one of these villages for your lunch break to enjoy a traditional Thai meal, included in the cost of your bike tour. If you're riding with kids and are concerned about being able to cover the whole distance, an early transfer option is available at this point on the guided tour. Transport can pick you up and return you to Chiang Mai.

Alternatively, continue onwards to Wat Ban Tawai and the handicraft village that surrounds it. You'll have an opportunity to appreciate the shrines and gardens of the temple complex, as well as plenty of time to observe the village artisans at work and purchase some unique souvenirs. Wood carving is the specialty of Wat Ban Tawai, and as you wander through the village, you'll spot carvings that depict religious motifs, mythical creatures, and traditional Thai designs.

Hop back in the saddle to tackle the lush foothills of Doi Suthep. Ride among the verdant, tropical trees before stopping at an ancient forest shrine dedicated to one of the founding kings of Chiang Mai.

Your route then leads you to your final stop on this bicycle tour, the renowned forest temple and meditation center of Wat Umong. This temple is also known as the 'Tunnel Temple' due to the vast network of underground tunnels that connect the various buildings in the complex. These were designed so that monks' contemplative, focused state wouldn't be interrupted by the outside world.

As you wend your way through the cool, dark tunnels, you'll experience the stillness and tranquility of these quiet passages, lined with shrines and statues. Savor this state of meditative calm as you ride back to Chiang Mai, contemplating the splendid natural landscapes and spiritual sites you've experienced over the course of this day tour. Once back in Chiang Mai, continue your exploration of Northern Thailand on the Historic Chiang Mai Bike Tour.

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Highlights

Lamphun, Wat Phra That Hariphunchai, Lunch in a village on the banks of the Ping River, Ban Tawai, Doi Suthep, Wat Umong

What’s included

• Bike and helmet rental
• English-speaking guide
• Lunch
• Snacks
• Refreshments
• Train ticket

Meeting place & directions

Discova Chiang Mai Bike Shop

10, 3 Wiang Kaew Rd, Tambon Si Phum, Muang, Chiang Mai 50000 (please look for a co-working space called 'Punspace Wiang Kaew' - office will be located in front of it).