Mountain biking in Chiang Mai, Thailand: explore the twin peaks of Doi Suthep and Doi Pui on a guided ride
- Northern Thailand’s ‘rose city’ of Chiang Mai has the reputation of being Southeast Asia’s mountain biking capital
- Riding with local guides who know the many unmarked trails can offer even the most experienced rider a thrilling adventure to remember
Fallen leaves have made the usually dry and dusty trails of northern Thailand surprisingly slippery. Throw in the slightly chilled morning mist, and our off-road cycling trip has a rather European feel.
It’s early November, and, despite the unexpected hazards, a great time to be riding a bike in the countryside around Chiang Mai, with the rainy season almost over and the forests a verdant green.
Even at this time of year, the daytime temperatures can sometimes hit 38 degrees Celsius (100 degrees Fahrenheit) on the flatlands below. That can be punishing when you’re travelling at low speeds and there’s no wind to cool your sweat. Thankfully, the nights are comfortable in town, at around 20C; in the mountains, they can be almost freezing.
Today, the mist and healthy cloud covering also keeps the heat below simmering point for longer than usual, making it just right for a long assault on the high ridge route between the two peaks of Doi Suthep and Doi Pui.
