7 beautiful Chiang Mai bicycle trails

Cycling is enormously popular in Chiang Mai. We take a look at some of the best cycling trails in and around the city.

By | Sat 1 Apr 2017

(Don’t forget to wear your mask)

1. Rubber Trees Road–Saraphi trail

The lovely old Chiang Mai to Lamphun Road is flanked, on the most part, by towering rubber trees and offers a pleasant ride. Start at the Chiengmai Gymkhana Club, stop by the Foreign Cemetary on the way and continue on through Pakkong Village in Lamphun.

Distance: 30 kilometres

2. Mae Rim–Samoeng trail

Chiang Mai’s playground, this valley offers up waterfalls, elephant farms, hill tribe villages, Royal Projects, national parks, botanical gardens and more. Stunning views and a pleasant cycle.

Distance: 60 kilometres

3. Inthanon trail

It’s a tough slog to the peak of Thailand’s highest mountain, but well worth the ride, with stunning views, waterfalls, temples and villages along the way. The year-round cool mountain air at the mountain’s peak and surrounding views, are all the reward needed after a tough ride.

Distance: 50 kilometres

4. The old city trail

Do a dawn ride around the moat, stopping off for a rest at each of the city’s five gates. Best to go before the morning rushhour and end up with a hearty breakfast at any of the markets found along the way.

Distance: 13 kilometres

5. Chiang Mai Convention Centre–Huay Tung Tao trail

Our city’s only dedicated, and safe, bicycle trail goes along the foothills of the mountain towards this manmade lake. Plop down on a pontoon by the lake with a cold drink after your hot ride.

Distance: 5 kilometres

6. Royal Flora-Night Safari–Wat Phra That Doi Kham trail

This area offers numerous trails linking the famous attractions of Royal Flora, the Night Safari and the Doi Kham temple, a great ending point to your ride, offering sweeping views of the Chiang Mai valley below.

Distance: 18 kilometres

7. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep trail

Waterfalls, jungle temples, Doi Suthep temple and Phuping Palace, are just a few places to stop on this steep ride. Dawn and dusk are the best times to take it all in.

Distance: 18.8 kilometres