☐

BIKING

THAILAND PREMIERE INNS

You’re in Thailand, so mai pen rai—no worries! Bike an oxcart path among lush rice paddies. Admire an ornate Buddhist temple in a jungle-filled valley. Relish a homemade curry. Stare at jagged limestone hills that haven’t changed for a thousand years. Ask yourself, “Is it Tuesday?” It doesn’t matter because you’re in Thailand. Mai pen rai.

15-16BTLIR1G_PGI (4/23/15)

It seemed to be designed for me. Just the right amount of biking, wonderful food and accommodations and of course learning so much of the Thai people and cultures. I’ve taken many memorable active trips over the years but Backroads Thailand might be the benchmark for future ones.

Bill Berg - Woodstock, MD

Click HERE to read more guest reviews

8 DAYS, 7 NIGHTS Click HERE for departure dates and pricing

details

ROUTE RATING LEVELS 2–5 See below for details

TO RESERVE YOUR TRIP Sign up online HERE or call

800-GO-ACTIVE (462-2848) or 510-527-1555

Open daily 6 a.m.–6 p.m. Pacific time

NEVER SUBCONTRACTED We operate our own trips around the globe. That way we control the quality—and we're fully responsible for your great experience. TWO SUPPORT VANS We provide two support vans on all of our trips* so you can count on us to be there when you need us, regardless of the route you take. THREE LEADERS Our trips have three leaders*, for an average 6:1 guest-to-leader ratio. Guests consistently score our leaders 9.7 out of 10, telling us they make all the difference. THOUGHTFUL TRIP DESIGN We know how to create exceptional travel experiences, ensuring that you get the most from every moment as your trip unfolds. MULTIPLE DAILY ROUTES Being able to choose among several expertly designed routes each day gives you the freedom to enjoy the best of a region at your own pace. WE CELEBRATE MIXED ABILITIES To accommodate varied activity levels, you need three leaders, two vans, multiple route options, detailed directions, a rating system showing if shuttles are required, and plenty of well-matched riding/hiking companions.

*95% of Backroads guests travel with the support of two or more vans and three leaders. The remaining 5% are on trips with very few guests where only one van and two leaders are needed to maintain our high standards.

Click HERE to learn more about the Backroads Quality Index

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We want to make sure you’re on the right trip and that you have the best experience possible. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.

Accommodations Throughout the trip we’ve selected hotels that, in addition to being both comfortable and authentic, allow us to provide you with an itinerary that flows naturally and with purpose, becoming a genuine travel experi-ence and not simply a collection of sightseeing events.

The Maekok River Village Resort, a Casual Inn, is our home for two nights. Although it offers simpler guest rooms than the other ho-tels on this trip, it is by far the nicest lodging in the area—and has been selected because of its access to the best riding in the region.

Day 1 On the first day of the trip, meet your Backroads Trip Leaders (the folks in Backroads T-shirts) at 10:30 a.m. in the lobby of the Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai (+66-(0)53-298181), located at 502 Moo 1, Mae Rim-Samoeng Old Road in the Mae Rim District of Chiang Mai. Please arrive dressed in your biking clothes and bring a daypack with your rain gear and anything else you may want for today’s ride.

Nong Hoi Warm-Up Loop 22 Miles (900’ elevation gain)

Welcome to Thailand! This morning we gather at the extraordinary Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai, set away from the bustling city in the bucolic Mae Rim Valley. The hotel’s fantastic location allows us to bike in areas far from the tourist route and enjoy genuine Thai cuisine and hospitality. Settle in at this luxurious getaway with terraced rice paddies, a canopy of evergreen trees, multiple swimming pools, tennis courts and skilled massage therapists who employ a form of Thai massage once reserved for the royal family. (Spa treatments are not included in the trip price. Advance reservations are recommended.)

Following a trip orientation and lunch your Backroads Trip Leaders fit your bike and give a brief talk on biking techniques and safety. You’re then free to warm up on a loop through the countryside to a nearby wat (tem-ple). Be prepared for honking trucks during a brief stretch on the main road—that’s just their loud way of saying hello. Notice the passengers’ big smiles as they wonder why you crazy farangs (foreigners) are working up a sweat in the jungle heat while they’ve hitched a free ride. Along the way pass by the Nong Hoi Royal Project, which has helped the local hill tribe people transition from poppy cultivation to more viable eco-tourism and food production.

Before dinner under the stars, take part in a traditional Bai Sii (pronounced “bye-see”) ceremony. To protect us during our travels we have 32 guardian spirits known as khwan (represented by white strings) bound to us. The khwan each defend a different organ or function of the body but tend to stray when their owner begins a new project or journey. Tying them down is truly a welcome

Thailand Biking 4

PREMIERE INNS*

FOUR SEASONS RESORT CHIANG MAI 2 NIGHTS This impeccable hotel, amid rice paddies,

mountains and lush gardens, sets the industry standard for luxury. Travel + Leisure World’s Best.

(pool, spa, tennis)

Mae Rim +66-(0)53-298181

www.fourseasons.com/chiangmai

MAEKOK RIVER VILLAGE RESORT 2 NIGHTS (ABOVE – CASUAL INN)

Basic teak-framed rooms and a fantastic riverside setting at this authentic Thai-style inn. (pool)

Ban Thaton +66-(0)53-053628

www.maekok-river-village-resort.com

LE MERIDIEN CHIANG RAI RESORT 1 NIGHT A large yet inviting resort with modern furnishings

and an idyllic setting along the banks of the Kok River. (pool, spa)

Chiang Rai +66-(0)53-603333

www.starwoodhotels.com

ANANTARA GOLDEN TRIANGLE RESORT & SPA 2 NIGHTS

Described by the Hideaway Report as a “stylish hill country retreat amid 160 acres of tranquil gardens in the Golden Triangle overlooking Burma.” (pool, spa)

Chiang Saen +66-(0)53-784084

www.goldentriangle.anantara.com

*With 2 Casual Inn nights at Maekok River Village Resort

KEEPING YOU UP TO DATE We are always seeking opportunities to enhance this

itinerary. We’ll be certain to notify you of any important changes prior to departure; other changes

may be communicated on trip by your leaders.

blessing for Backroads folks far from home. Lodging: Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai

Day 2 Biking Options: Wat Pra Prabat Si Roy Route: 18 Miles* (600’ elevation gain) Ban Saluang Countryside Route: 25 Miles (500’) Wat Pra Prabat Si Roy Loop: 33 Miles (1,100’)

*with shuttle

After breakfast, bike along a paved road past rice and garlic fields, and forests filled with papaya and teak. As you ride, notice the settlements dotting the horizon: there are six different ethnic tribes inhabiting more than 100 villages in northern Thailand. Having migrated here from Myanmar and southern China over the last century, these tribes now live predominantly along the Laos and Myanmar borders. Most have retained their distinct languages, religious beliefs, cultural practices, dress and architecture.

Take a break at Wat Pra Prabat Si Roy, a picturesque forest temple named for the site’s earthen depressions that are said to be the Buddha’s footprints. At the temple you’ll meet the abbot and have the unique opportunity to ask about Buddhism and monastic life. The questions he poses to us may be as revealing of his worldview as are his answers to our queries. If you’re up for more mileage—and some climbing—consider pedaling the longer option into the Ban Saluang coun-tryside. We reconvene for a traditional lunch at a favorite local spot. If this is your first experience with a Thai papaya salad, you’re in for a spicy treat.

The afternoon is yours to relax at the hotel with a swim or a massage. Dinner this evening features another northern Thai dish that’s quite a mouthful: khanom chin kaeng khiao wan kai (rice noodles with green chicken curry). This type of noodle is a staple in a number of Thai dishes and very satisfying after a day on the bike. Lodging: Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai

5 QUESTIONS? Call 800-462-2848

ROUTE RATING INFORMATION The routes on this trip are rated Levels 2–5.

LEVEL 2

16-20 miles (mtn. biking) 2–4 hours

LEVEL 3

21-25 miles (mtn. biking) 3–5 hours

LEVEL 4

26-30 miles (mtn. biking) 4–6 hours

LEVEL 5

31+ miles (mtn. biking) 5–7+ hours

Review the “Route Rating” section on the web for

more details on daily route options.

Day 3 Shuttle to Ride Start 1¾ Hours

Biking Options: Fang Route: 35 Miles* (200’ elevation gain) Thaton Countryside Route: 55 Miles* (400’)

*with shuttle

After a morning shuttle into the northern hills, our ride begins at the Tap Tao Caves, a tranquil oasis where monks come to pray and leave offerings at the many Buddha shrines, including a giant reclining Buddha. Continuing north by bike, relish the flat spin to Fang, a 1,000-year-old trading center whose lively market serves the local Karen and Lisu hill tribe communities. You’re in for one of the best meals of the week when we stop at Khao Soi Parichart for khao soi, a northern-style chicken curry that may just be the best you’ve ever tasted!

From Fang, return to the peaceful countryside, pedaling past grazing water buffaloes and waving to villagers at work in the rice fields en route to Ban Thaton. This small town has a remarkable assortment of temples, including Thai, Chinese and Burmese styles, but we’re fond of more than the rich displays of spirituality. Ban Thaton has welcomed Backroads for years and to show our gratitude, over 75 Backroads employees contributed materials and time to assist a local Shan primary school. The Shan people, originally from China and Myanmar, have struggled to gain acceptance from their Thai neighbors. As a result, resources for the Shan are scarce. Let your Trip Leaders know if you would like to donate to a project in Thailand, and they’ll be happy to put you in contact with local organizers.

We spend the next two nights at the charming but casual Maekok River Village Resort, authentic Thai accommodations on the Maekok River, just a few miles from the Myanmar border. Although it offers simple guest rooms and service—quite a change from the luxurious Four Seasons!—it’s by far the nicest lodging in the area and offers access to the region’s best riding. Tonight you’re free to dine at your leisure at the resort. Lodging: Maekok River Village Resort

Day 4 Sunrise Walk 1.2 Miles

Biking Options: River Route: 17 Miles (1,200’ elevation gain) Maekok Resort Loop: 24 Miles (1,200’)

If you’re up for a short and inspiring stroll this morning, start from the hotel and climb to the white Buddha at sunrise and offer alms to the monks. Your reward for rising early is a sweeping panorama of the river snaking its way across the valley floor, cloaked in light mist and glowing with pink reflections. Participate in the monks’ morning ritual by placing food offerings (that you

Thailand Biking 6

obtained at the morning market) into their alms bowls and receiving a blessing in return.

A full day in Ban Thaton affords you the opportunity to explore rarely visited rural areas. Except for a few miles on the main road, today’s ride is exclusively on dirt roads that take us deep into the agriculturally rich land around Maekok Village. Ride over rolling hills and past endless fields of peanuts, rice, papaya, garlic and many other staple crops. A roadside restaurant is the perfect place to break for a lunch of barbecue chicken—a regional specialty—served with a mountain of veggies.

In the afternoon, wander through Ban Thaton—where you’ll likely see the region’s colorful hill tribe people, including the Akha—and along the river to the Myan-mar border. Or maybe you’d prefer to kick back by the pool or slip into deep relaxation mode with a massage? We may have the good fortune of also being treated to a performance by a hill tribe choir. Backroads donates to the group’s music education programs, and they are kind enough to perform their new material for us when they’re available.

Get ready for a fun evening as you put your culinary skills to the test during our Thai cooking class. Enjoy the fruits of your labor afterward with a delicious dinner! Lodging: Maekok River Village Resort

Day 5 Ban Thaton to Mae Faj Luang via Long-Tail Boats 2 Hours

Biking Options: Ban Noi Route: 8 Miles* (400’ elevation gain) Méridien Route: 12 Miles (400’) Chiang Rai Route: 43 Miles (1,000’)

*with shuttle

Today we explore the countryside of northern Thailand by boat and bike. The day begins with a voyage on traditional Thai long-tail boats down the meandering Maekok River. (Bring an extra layer of clothing and a hat; it can be chilly on the water.) Drift through gorges and past bamboo houseboats and riverside villages such as Mae Salak, an old tea-loading station affiliated with the hillside plantation near Wawi. After coming ashore, we ride to the Mae Fah Luang Art and Cultural Park—an outdoor exhibit highlighting Lanna architecture, from traditional dwellings to temples and boat construction. From here, we ride to a local favorite haunt, Ban Noi’s, for lunch.

Afterward, either hop in the shuttle to Chiang Rai and spend the afternoon enjoying our hotel, or stretch your legs with a short bike ride along quiet roads, passing a carved limestone Buddha en route. You may also choose to embark on a fantastic but challenging ride through the hills that surround Chiang Rai. The route includes invigorating single track and amazing views.

Our riverside home, Le Méridien Chiang Rai Resort, is Chiang Rai’s new flagship hotel, featuring an inviting swimming pool and extensive spa services. (If you’re interested in a massage, please advise your leaders who’ll help you make reservations.) Le Méridien is a wonderful new addition to Chiang Rai, a city with many

YOUR LOCAL GUIDES Along with your Trip Leaders, we are delighted to

introduce you to our longtime friends and exceptional local guides, two of whom will join us on our journey through Thailand. Ghing and Yunn are an important part of our Backroads family, and it is our privilege to know—and work with—such wonderful

individuals. Backroads relies on them for their expertise, ingenuity and good humor. We’re certain that you’ll feel your experience has been enhanced

by their acquaintance, just as thousands of other Backroads guests over the past 15 years have.

7 QUESTIONS? Call 800-462-2848

hotels but few luxury options actually in town. Though it is not one of the typical boutique-sized, characterful places we prefer, Le Méridien stands far above the rest in town in terms of creature comforts and service, and has a lovely location along the river.

For dinner on your own, consider hopping into a tuk-tuk or a samlor (bicycle-taxi) for a lift into town to wander the night market. Or enjoy one of our resort’s restau-rants. We highly encourage you to sample any of the cooked street food—it’s clean (always prepared with purified water) and delicious. Use the Thai you’ve learned in the last few days to order the best fried bugs on the menu and a cold Singha beer. If you prefer restaurant fare, your leaders will be happy to point out a few of their favorite eateries. Lodging: Le Méridien Chiang Rai Resort

Day 6 Biking Options: Khun Tui Route: 28 Miles* (400’ elevation gain) Happy Buddha Route: 41 Miles* (800’) Golden Triangle Route: 60 Miles (1,600’)

*with shuttle

Pedal over gently rolling terrain past a succession of rice and garlic fields, and rural villages on your way to the Golden Triangle, the northern limits of Thailand. Located at the junction of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar, the region is so named because it lies at the confluence of the Sop Ruak and Mekong Rivers, which creates a triangle of land. As for the origin of “Golden,” the area was once the center of the lucrative opium trade—a drug that was worth its weight in gold.

The route curls through the small town of Chiang Saen, the former capital of the Chiang Saen Kingdom and one

of the last Burmese strongholds in the Middle Ages, and along the Mekong River. This vital Southeast Asia artery starts in the Yunnan Province of China and cuts through Thailand, Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia before spread-ing into a delta as it reaches the South China Sea in Vietnam. The river, host to commercial shipping and fishing, is responsible for creating the floodplains so important for rice production throughout the region. Take a break and watch the ancient-looking trade boats traveling from China to Thailand, loaded with apples and pears, and returning upriver with Thai concrete for China’s growing provinces. For lunch we sit down at a rustic café for some local flavor. The phad sei yu (wide noodles in light gravy) and the catfish salad are recom-mended.

From the Anantara Golden Triangle Resort & Spa, our home for the night, you can gaze across the river to Myanmar and also take in views of the mist-covered mountains of Laos. Savor the hotel’s luxuries before sitting down to dinner at your leisure in the open-air restaurant. Or, if you’re feeling more adventurous, you also have another chance to try street food with our local guides in Chiang Saen. Lodging: Anantara Golden Triangle Resort & Spa

Day 7 Elephant Camp Visit 3 Hours

Wat Chomkitti Loop 24 Miles (300’ elevation gain)

Ever ridden an elephant? Join us for a special experi-ence at Anantara’s Elephant Camp—where working elephants once kept in horrible conditions are provided a safe therapeutic home. Learn how to be a mahout (elephant driver), and help feed and bathe a friendly pachyderm down at the river. And of course go for a ride! Initially you may feel a little unnerved as you climb aboard the stately creature—the ride over the hilly, rugged terrain is rough and rocky! But once you get used to your perch, you’ll enjoy the incredible new perspective as we gradually make our way through the jungle.

You’re on your own for lunch today. Grab a meal poolside while soaking up the sun. Or hop on your bike and head into town for some tasty street food and some shopping in the local markets.

Today’s biking route, one of the most scenic of the trip, crosses a short stretch of hills leading to the Myanmar

Thailand Biking 8

border and then follows quiet roads to the rolling agricultural areas of the Golden Triangle. Check out spectacular Wat Chomkitti, a temple said to contain a Buddha relic, before returning back to Chiang Saen, where you can stop at the local market and pick up some interesting snacks. Farther on is the Hall of Opium, a fascinating museum that sheds light on the history of the region’s former cash crop as well as its impact on the world, from the Opium Wars to the drug problems affecting society today. Allow a few hours to explore.

At day’s end we gather for a festive farewell feast at the resort. Lodging: Anantara Golden Triangle Resort & Spa

Day 8 Shuttle to the Chiang Rai Airport 1 Hour

After breakfast we say our goodbyes before you shuttle to the Chiang Rai airport, where the trip ends. Please see “Arriving & Departing” for end-of-trip logistics.

Arriving & Departing See Day 1 for meeting time and location.

All prices are in US dollars and subject to change. The standard unit of currency in Thailand is the baht (THB). At the time of printing, 33 THB = 1 USD.

CONCLUSION OF THE TRIP On the last day of the trip, Backroads provides a morning shuttle from the Anantara Golden Triangle Resort & Spa to the Chiang Rai airport. You’ll arrive at the airport at approximately 9:15 a.m., in time to catch a late-morning flight. There is also a noon shuttle to accommodate those taking the 1:30 p.m. flight out of Chiang Rai.

If you’re taking a later flight out of Chiang Rai and would like some extra time in Chiang Saen on the last day of the trip, the staff at Anantara can arrange a shuttle to the airport for around $80 for two people; a van for up to six passengers costs around $120.

Both Air Asia (www.airasia.com) and Thai Airways (www.thaiairways.com) offer a morning, early-afternoon, late-afternoon, early-evening and late-evening flight out of Chiang Rai to Bangkok. Note: these schedules change. We schedule our shuttles based on years of experience as to when most flights leave Chiang Rai, but a private shuttle from Anantara to Chiang Rai may suit your personal timing better.

FLIGHT ARRANGEMENTS This trip starts in Chiang Mai, Thailand, and ends in Chiang Rai, Thailand. All international flights to Bangkok arrive at the Suvarnabhumi International Airport (airport code: BKK; www.bangkokairportonline.com). We recommend buying a round-trip ticket to Bangkok, then two one-way tickets: one from Bangkok to Chiang Mai (CNX) and one from Chiang Rai (CEI) to Bangkok. There are several daily flights available from Bangkok to Chiang Mai; the flight takes just over an hour.

We highly recommend that you arrive in Thailand at least a day or two before the trip starts. An early arrival will give you a chance to explore Bangkok and/or Chiang Mai, as well as adjust to the time difference.

If you’re traveling on your own before or after the Backroads trip and would like to store extra luggage, facilities are available at the Bangkok airport.

9 QUESTIONS? Call 800-462-2848

For help arranging air transport to and from your Backroads trip, please work with your own travel agent or you may choose to work with the Backroads Travel Desk. Our expert travel advisors are ready to share their insiders’ knowledge of Backroads and our worldwide destinations. These professional agents are available to assist you with any of your travel needs. Call 800-GO-ACTIVE (462-2848) to be connected with an advisor. Please note that consulting or ticketing fees may apply, depending on the services requested. The Backroads Travel Desk is open Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Pacific time.

GETTING TO THE FOUR SEASONS RESORT CHIANG MAI A taxi ride from the Chiang Mai airport or downtown hotels to the Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai in Mae Rim takes about 45 minutes and costs around $20. It isn’t customary to flag taxis down yourself, but they’re readily available at the airport or your hotel can call one for you. You can also contact the Four Seasons before your trip to pre-arrange a transfer, which costs around $90.

Climate Compared with other Asian countries, northern Thai-land’s weather is cooler and less humid, thanks to the elevation (1,000–3,000 feet), the northern latitude and the time of year we visit. Lightweight clothing is suitable for Thailand’s tropical daytime climate, but a fleece jacket or warm sweater and long pants are essential for the cooler evenings and mornings in the north. Rain is always possible, even though we visit during Thailand’s “dry” season. Come prepared for all types of weather to ensure that your trip is as enjoyable as possible. Please see “Suggested Packing List” in your Travel Planner for more details on clothing and gear.

Chiang Mai

Average: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun

High °F 84 90 95 97 93 90

Low °F 55 57 63 70 74 74

Precip. In. 0.3 0.2 0.6 1.8 6.0 5.3

Average: Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

High °F 89 87 88 87 86 83

Low °F 74 74 73 71 66 59

Precip. In. 6.6 8.9 9.9 5.2 1.7 0.6

Chiang Rai

Average: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun

High °F 81 87 92 95 92 90

Low °F 53 55 60 67 71 73

Precip. In. 0.6 0.2 1.1 3.1 8.5 9.8

Average: Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

High °F 87 87 87 86 84 80

Low °F 73 73 72 69 63 55

Precip. In. 11.7 17.4 10.1 5.3 1.9 0.5

Temperatures in Thailand are measured in degrees Celsius. Zero degrees Celsius is 32 degrees Fahrenheit. For a quick conversion, double the Celsius reading and add 30 to determine the approximate temperature in degrees Fahrenheit.

PRICES & SCHEDULES All prices and schedules were current at the time of

printing, but are subject to change at any time.

Thailand Biking 10

Where to Stay Before & After Your Trip For help making hotel reservations for before and after your Backroads trip, please work with your own travel agent, or you may choose to work with the Backroads Travel Desk. Call 800-GO-ACTIVE (462-2848) to be connected with an advisor. Please note that consulting or ticketing fees may apply, depending on the services requested. The Backroads Travel Desk is open Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Pacific time. Of course, we also recommend extending your stay at any of the hotels we visit on this trip; see the accom-modations sidebar for details.

Refer to the Hotel Room Rate Guide for starting double-occupancy rates. Note that the chart reflects the internet and/or best available rates, which were accurate at the time of printing, but hotel rates are always subject to change. Also be aware that some hotels may require a minimum stay. We recommend that you consult directly with the hotels for specific details, as these requirements can change depending on the season and time of the week. Book early, especially during peak travel season!

CHIANG MAI If you stay at the Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai, our first night’s accommodation, before the trip starts, let the reservations agent know that you’re traveling with Backroads; that way you may be able to avoid changing rooms. See the accommodations sidebar for the hotel’s contact information.

Dhara Dhevi Chiang Mai Impeccable suites and gorgeous villas are scattered over 60 tropical acres at this award winning luxury resort on the outskirts of Chiang Mai. (pool, spa) | Condé Nast Traveler Gold List 2015; Travel + Leisure World’s Best 2015 | 51/4 Sankampaeng Road, Moo 1 | www.dharadhevi.com | +66-(0)53-888888 | 123 rooms | Rates:

137 Pillars House Located in the riverside Wat Gate neighborhood of Chiang Mai, this Small Luxury Hotels of the World-member hotel strives to impress with luxurious suites and impeccable personal service. (pool, spa) | 2 Soi 1, Nawatgate Road | www.137pillarshouse.com | +66-(0)53-247788 | 30 suites | Rates:

Anantara Chiang Mai Resort & Spa The Anantara, one of Chiang Mai’s top accommoda-tions, sits on the banks of the scenic Mae Ping River. (pool, spa) | 123-123/1 Charoen Prathet Road | +66-(0)53-253333 | www.chiang-mai.anantara.com | 84 rooms & suites | Rates:

Rachamankha Hotel Chiang Mai This stunning hotel located behind Wat Phra Sing, is designed to resemble a 16th-century Buddhist monas-tery cloister. (pool, spa) | 6 Rachamankha 9, Phra Singh | +66-(0)53-904-111| www.rachamankha.com | 25 rooms & suites | Rates:

Tamarind Village Created to resemble a traditional Thai village, this Leading Hotels of the World member provides a tranquil escape from the commotion of the surrounding old city. (pool, spa) | 50/1 Rajdamnoen Road | +66-

11 QUESTIONS? Call 800-462-2848

(0)53-418896 | www.tamarindvillage.com | 45 rooms & suites | Rates:

Shewe Wana Boutique Resort and Spa Set on the east bank of the Ping River, this garden oasis was built to reflect Thai culture and heritage, from its teakwood flooring to natural spa products. (pool, spa) | 296, 298 Charoen Muang Road | +66-(0)53-240020 | www.shewewana.com | 33 rooms & suites | Rates:

Rimping Village This beautiful boutique hotel enjoys a prime location in the historic Wat Gate community, approximately 15 minutes from the Chiang Mai airport and a short walk to the Ping River, restaurants and shops. (pool) | 13/1 Soi 2, Chiangmai-Lamphun Road, T. Wat Gate | www.rimpingvillage.com | +66-(0)53-243915 | 34 rooms | Rates:

Shangri-La Hotel Chiang Mai Walk to the famous Night Bazaar and many of Chiang Mai’s most fascinating cultural and historical sites from the Shangri-La Hotel Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai Interna-tional Airport is only a 10-minute drive away. (pool, spa, tennis) | 89/8 Chang Klan Road | www.shangri-la.com | +66-(0)53-253888 | 281 rooms | Rates:

CHIANG RAI AREA Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle This leading hotel chain’s foray into luxury tent accom-modations is impressive, giving guests an exotic experience not available in a brick-and-mortar hotel. A two-night minimum stay is required. (pool, spa) | Condé Nast Traveler Gold List 2015 | 499 Moo 1 Tumbol Wieng Amphur Chiang Rai | +66 (0)53-910200 | www.fourseasons.com/goldentriangle | 15 tents | Rates:

BANGKOK Mandarin Oriental Bangkok With a prime location overlooking the Chao Phraya River, the illustrious Mandarin Oriental features one of the world’s finest spas. (pool, spa, tennis) | Condé Nast Traveler Gold List 2015; Travel + Leisure World’s Best 2015 | 48 Oriental Avenue | www.mandarin-oriental.com/bangkok | +66-(2)-659-9000 | 393 rooms & suites | Rates:

The Peninsula Bangkok The Peninsula features outstanding city views and spacious colonial-style guest rooms. (pool, spa, tennis, golf) | Travel + Leisure World’s Best 2015 | 333 Char-oennakorn Road | www.peninsula.com | +66-(2)-861-2888 | 370 rooms & suites | Rates:

AriyasomVilla Recently refurbished into a boutique hotel, AriyasomVil-la maintains many of the attributes and all of the charm of a traditional Thai-style house but with all the modern facilities and amenities. (pool, spa) | 65 Sukhumvit Soi 1, Klongtoey | www.ariyasom.com | +66-(2)-254-8880 | 25 rooms & suites | Rates:

Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok The Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok is highly regarded for its flawless service, sophisticated décor of Thai antiques and silks, state-of-the-art health club, elegant boutiques and variety of restaurants. (pool, spa) | Travel + Leisure World’s Best 2015 | 155 Rajadamri Road | www.fourseasons.com/bangkok | 800-819-5053 (from the US) or +66-(2)-126-8866 | 354 rooms & suites | Rates:

The Sukhothai A member of Leading Hotels of the World, The Su-khothai takes both its name and its architectural inspiration from Sukhothai, the first capital of Siam, founded in 1238. The hotel is situated in the prestigious South Sathorn Road neighborhood near Lumpini Park in the heart of Bangkok. (pool, spa, tennis) | 13/3 South Sathorn Road | www.sukhothai.com | +66-(2)-344-8888 | 210 rooms & suites | Rates:

Thailand Biking 12

Arun Residence This 4-story boutique hotel stands alongside the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok’s Old City. If you’re a light sleeper, keep in mind that the nearby river is a bustling thoroughfare and you will hear the noise of water taxis, river barges and crowing roosters, so earplugs may be in order! Consider calling ahead for directions to Arun, as many taxi drivers have not heard of it. | 36–38 Soi Pratoo Nok Yoong (off Maharat Road), Rattanakosin Island | www.arunresidence.com | +66-(2)-221-9158 | 6 rooms & suites | Rates:

Landmark Bangkok Hotel Set in the heart of Bangkok, this modern 31-story hotel offers many amenities. You can walk to several major shopping complexes and a variety of great restaurants, and the Nana Skytrain stop is right outside. (pool) | 138 Sukhumvit Road | www.landmarkbangkok.com | +66-(2)-254-0404 | 414 rooms & suites | Rates:

Metropolitan Bangkok The Metropolitan Bangkok offers chic accommodations near Lumpini Park, the Skytrain and subway. Guests can dine at acclaimed chef David Thompson’s Nahm restaurant (whose London location has earned a Michelin star). (pool, spa) | 27 South Sathorn Road | www.comohotels.com/metropolitanbangkok | +66-(2)-625-3333 | 171 rooms & suites | Rates:

Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel The Novotel is a 5-minute walk via an underground walkway or a short shuttle ride from Bangkok’s interna-tional airport. (pool, spa) | Moo 1 Nongprue Bang Phli | www.novotel.com | +66-(2)-131-1111 | 612 rooms & suites | Rates: