To ensure you get to experience everything this charming town has to offer, we will embark on a late morning cultural tour of the Old Town including the magical temples of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh, local markets and incredible street food. 

Later in the day, we'll do a quick orientation on our bikes and at the end of the day, head our to the Night Market for dinner.

We will set off early as the ride to Mae Hong Son is a long one and arguably one of the most beautiful. Tracing the route of the best sections of the famous Mae Hong Son loop, we'll stop for lunch at the stunning Rachiratan Waterfall and then head up to Doi Inanton, the highest mountain in the country, in the national park of the same name. Beautifully paved mountain roads gradually lead us to our digs for the night, the sublimely serene Fern Resort. 

The route to Pai is much shorter than the day prior, but don't fret: our 60km side diversion to the village of Ban Rak Thai, directly on the Burmese border, adds an exotic addition. Set around a lake, this Chinese village in as if out of a story book complete with lakeside restaurants, paddle boats and views of the surrounding hills.

The road out of Pai is a serene country road that winds through rice fields and forest. It becomes a lovely 2 lane highway as we skirt Chiang Dao wildlife sanctuary. We then turn north and pass through areas devoid of tourists with the nation's second highest peak in Pha Daeng national park gracing our left flank. We spend the night in a remote ecolodge on the Kok river. We wake to the sound of birds and after a meal of noodle soup, continue our ride toward Chiang Kham.

Ready for something more exotic? Today our twisty route takes us into the hills toward Santikhiri Chinese Village.  Rural and devoid of cars, the pavement winds up and down over mountains for hour. Around lunchtime we reach the village of Santikihiri, set up in the mountains along the Thai-Burmese border. Once known for growing opium poppies, Santikihiri is now famous predominantly for growing tea.. . The town’s Chinese heritage is owed to a number of Yunnanese soldiers who refused surrender during the Chinese Civil War and were eventually granted asylum. After lunch, the switchbacks return in abundance. We reach our beautiful, traditional hotel in Chiang Saen in time for a short walk to bank of the Mekong for a local dinner. 

The first order of the day is the 8km ride up to the Golden Triangle, the river confluence where Laos, Burma and Thailand meet. A truly fascinating sight combining colourful kitsch and soaring spirituality. We then back track to Chiang Saen and ride along the Mekong with Laos over our left shoulder. From there, the river run turns to wide, sweeping perfect roads through the mountains taking time to take in some beautiful temples along the way. 

Dinner will be at the Nighy Bazaar, a cultural and culinary treat in the old town centre.

A long waited and must deserved 'off day', our digs about 5 minutes from the town centre is the Le Meridien Chiang Rai Resort. After we take a cultural tour of the town, the afternoon is yours to chill by the pool, get a message or hit the gym.

The evening will be spent dining at the one of the best spots in town.

About 1 hour from Chiang Rai, the urban road heads into mountains and tight switchbacks are the order of the day.

Seemingly on the edge of civilisation, we ride through Phu Chi Fa National Park, ditch the bikes and take a 710 metre hike to the famous lookout with a beautiful view of the Mekong and Laos in the distance. After we burn some carbs, it's lunch with a magical view of the world below.

Our beds for the night are at Rico Resort, a beautiful place in the forest owned by Rico and his girl, Emmy. If there is anywhere to be treated like family, it is here! Great, home cooked food, beer in abundance, a pool table and stories without end.

Tonight is a real treat. We spend the night at the architectural marvel of Phunanakan Resort. Easily one of the most beautiful hotels in our lineup, whether in a dome or a villa, you will feel at ease situated between the soothing river and the captivating fields of rice.

Our final long ride puts punctuation on all of the beauty and flow of the ride thus far.  Runs through forest and farmland blur past as we lean right - left - right over perfectly paved road surface making our way to the quaint riverside market town of Lampang. 

After a leisurely breakfast, we prepare for a short-ish run back to our our hotel in Chiang Mai. But don't fear! we have sorted some beautiful, verdant backroads for your re-entry and close out of this magnificent circuit! 

Our last night sees us to return to our luxury accommodations in Chiang Mai. We share a drink or two, enjoy a final meal and then it's on to whatever happens next. A glorious 13 days behind us, we hug and bid au revoir!