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.