Where to go cycling
If you are going it alone, there are a number of easily found
bicycle rides in Chiang Mai. Below is a selection of suggestions for unguided
cycling in Chiang Mai. Good luck and have fun!
Doi Suthep
Start at the zoo and climb 13 kilometers up the front of the mountain to
the temple. The climb is unrelenting but not too steep. A moderately fit
rider can do it in just over an hour. If you still have the power, continue
up another 4 kilometers to the Phuping Palace. It's not recommended to start
the climb later than 8 am. For the brave, this also makes a nice evening
ride. Choose an evening with at least a half moon. Start after 8 pm and the
traffic is minimal.
The Samoeng Ringroad
The Samoeng ringroad loops seventy kilometers around the Doi-Pui national
park linking Mae Rim (northern Chiang Mai) and Hangdong (southern Chiang
Mai) via Samoeng. This is a paved dual carriageway with some vicious climbing
and would take a very fit rider about seven or eight hours to complete the
loop. An alternative would be to break the ride into two and spend the night
in Samoeng where restaurants and accommodation is available.
Huay Tung Tao Reservoir
Start at the Chiang Mai University front entrance. Ride the canal road north
to the 700 Years Stadium (which is worth a ride through). Keep following
the canal past the stadium and look for the signs to the lake.
The River Ping
Roads follow Chiang Mai's main river on both banks going north and south.
You shouldn't get lost cycling along the river, but the roads sometimes leave
the river for a while. If the river is on your right, turn right at every
junction and you'll stay with it. If it's on your left...well, you get it.
The Canal Road
Start at Chiang Mai University and follow the canal south for as long as
you can. Much of the way you can drop off the paved road and ride single
track next to water. Avoid this road, however, during peak traffic times.