Thailand. The Golden Triangle Mountains

Transcription

1 Thailand The Golden Triangle Mountains

2 TOUR DESIGNER ALEXANDRE He knows just about all there is to know about motorbike tours in Asia, having launched the Vintage Rides concept 10 years ago. The passion is still there -more than ever- and the eagerness to discover always makes him want to try new roads! 1

3 MAP A TRIP WITH UNIQUE SENSATIONS Short on time, but dreaming of escape and a physical challenge? Sign up for our all-new Royal Enfield adventure along the sublime roads of Northern Thailand. For a few days, you negotiate hundreds of exhilarating bends amid the enchanting landscapes. Small secret routes and deserted tracks bordering Burma and Laos that will set your head spinning. After a tough day in the saddle, what could be better than a Thai massage and delicious food to revive you? A demanding bike trip for those who fancy getting intimate with Thailand's roads and who will quickly get addicted to Asian road trips. 2

4 AT A GLANCE 6-8h riding a day A remarkable diversity Remote regions Period Duration November to February 7 days including 5 days riding Level Demanding English-speaking tour leader Accommodation Standard From

5 YOUR TRIP IN 7 STAGES STAGE 1 Chiang Mai International Airport Chiang Mai: You arrive at the airport and are transferred to your hotel. Make the most out of this first day to discover Chiang Mai, great urban center of North Thailand. Ideally located in the heart of former Kindom of Lanna, its architectural heritage is breathtaking with no less than 300 temples! Visit the Wat Chiang Man, stroll around the city's various markets, the Talad Waroot or famous night market where you can taste your first Thai specialities. Chiang Mai Chiang Dao [160 km 4/5H riding]: The adventure begins heading north through Chiang Mai s gardens, going up the banks of Ping river. You perceive the first ricefields on a quiet undulating road, then go up in altitude to cross the luxuriant massif which separates you from the Mae Taeng valley. You arrive at the end of the day in Chiang Dao, a small hamlet nested at the foothills of an impressive mountain, 2 STAGE famous for its ancient Buddhist temples and its cave full of history. It s in the Mae Hong Son region that can be found giraffe women, belonging to the Padong tribe of Karen ethnicity. They have become famous due to their ring-distended neck. Most of the Padong people have run away from Burma and are now political refugees. 4

6 YOUR TRIP IN 7 STAGES Chiang Dao Tha Ton [200 km 6/7H riding]: In the morning, you discover the first karst cliffs emerging from a dense forest, dotted with majestic teks along the road. Continue up north towards the Burmese border through changing landscapes, increasingly wild. The road will propel you without any transition towards Doi Angkhang, almost at 2000m of altitude. This summit and its views on the surrounding countryside will please your eyes! After a traditional meal in the village of Ban Luang, you go down into the great plain of Fang and finish this stage in the small town of Thaton, where you ll see a few long Tail boats on the banks of the Kok River. Elisa beth F ieujan STAG E3 Thaton Mae Sai [140 km 5H riding]: The adventure continues up north, closer to the Burmese border, progressing on small, breathtaking mountain roads. After crossing the plain of Fang, we climb up to Doi Mae Salong known for its Chinese mountain village Santikhiri. In the botanical garden of Mae Fah Luang, coffee and tea crops replace the vibrant poppy colors. Small secondary roads TAGE 4 S crisscrossing the border of the Burmese border lead us to Mae Sai. Mae Sai is Thailand s northernmost city. It forms a border point with Burma, accessible by a bridge. From Wat Phra That Doi Wao s height, the view on the city and on neighbouring Burma is incredible. 5

7 YOUR TRIP IN 7 STAGES Mae Sai Chiang Kham [250 km 7H riding]: Still in the north of Chiang Rai province, you head now for the Mekong. After 30 Km you find yourself at the heart of the "Golden Triangle". This region which is home to three borders - Thailand, Laos and Burma is a place full of symbolical power. You cross Chiang Saen before bordering the Meking until Chiang Khong. Next you ride due south along a sublime stretch of road, running parallel to the Laos 5 E G A T S border. You stick mainly to the high ridges with their magnificent panoramic views. You reach the province of Phayao s northeast side and your hotel for the night. STAGE 6 Chiang Kham Chiang Mai [220Km 5/6H riding] Saddle up for your last day's riding, heading southwest towards Lampang. Small break in this town much appreciated by the Thai. You won t see any bikes in the streets of Lampang but horse-carriages! Then take the main road to Chiang Mai for the last 100 km of the trip. A final night in Chiang Mai to do a bit of shopping or simply enjoy a last Thai massage. Opposite to the women s prison of Chiang Mai is a rehabilitation center where prisonners are trained to the techniques of traditional massage. 6

8 YOUR TRIP IN 7 STAGES STAGE 7 Chiang Mai Chiang Mai International airport= Depending on your flight time, you may have a few more hours to enjoy Chiang Mai's charms. Transfer to the international airport. Elisabeth Fieujan 6

9 HOW DO YOU WANT TO GO? Join a group on fixed dates From 18/10/2017 to 24/10/17 From 10/01/2018 to 26/01/ / pilot* 1590 / pillion* Single Sup. 120 From 03/02/18 to 09/02/18 Only 9 bikes are available on this destination, start your reservation as soon as possible by contacting : contact@vintagerides.com *Valid prices when travelling between 1st of November 2016 and 15th of February Or create your own group Personalise your motorbike trip by creating your own dates and group! ''A la carte'' trips don't depend on the number of bikers in the group - you can even set off in a duo! For an A La Carte Formula, contact us And enjoy 5% off your second trip 10% off your third trip and more Always in the limit of 300 8

10 MORE INFO PRICE INCLUDES A Royal Enfield 500cc motorcycle is provided with full mechanical assistance and all spare parts Domestic transfers as appearing in the program, by private vehicle An English speaking Tour Leader (from day 2 to day 6) Fuel expenses An expert mechanic of Royal Enfield motorcycles A support vehicle with driver for groups with 4 or more participants; side luggage carrier for groups of less than 4 participants Accommodation : in standard hotels with twin (two single beds) or triple (three single beds) bedroom. People travelling alone will share a twin or triple bedroom with one or two other participants. If you wish to stay in a single room (extra), please inform your travel advisor at the time of registration. Meals: Half board meals during riding days (except during days of transfer: day 1, day 7) Third party motorcycle insurance PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE Compulsory insurances: an insurance covering on-site medical expenses Repatriation insurance, which covers you in case of 2 wheels accident (large motorcycle) in Thailand International flights and airport taxes Visa fees A refundable security deposit of 400 for every motorcy Dinners Meals outside riding days (day 1 and day 7) Admission fees to various monuments, temples etc. Souvenirs and personal expenses Drinks Tips 9

11 MY CHECKLIST Appropriate equipment is a component of a successful trip! Travel lightly, it will get the handlings less painful : Try to stay under 45 Lbs (20 Kilos)! BAGS : A sailor bag would be perfect (with a few plastic bags inside to protect its content) or a big backpack without any steel bars... You can close it with a padlock. (Don t forget to tag it with your address + Vintage Rides one). A small backpack of 10/20 liters for the day (camera, sunscreen lotions, etc...) BIKE CLOTHES Motorcycle boots or trekking shoes (on boots or rain shoes) Light motorcycle jacket (leather or synthetic) Rain suit Light gloves Sunglasses Compulsory helmet RECOMMENDED PERSONAL MEDICINE Sunscreen lotion Lip balm Broad-spectrum antibiotic Paracetamol Anti-diarrhoea Elastoplast Skin disinfectant Bandages and special blisters bandage CLOTHES AND PERSONAL EQUIPMENT 2 light pants 2 shirts, 3 t-shirts... Prefer long sleeves, to protect yourself from the sun 1 hot sweater or 1 jacket for cold nights One swimsuit, and one longi (cloth) for women A good pair of sunglasses One cap or hat Light sports shoes (trainers) One pair of sandals or flip flops One flashlight Candies, cereal bars and little biscuits to complement normal food. 10

12 CONTACT US Copyrights photos: Elisabeth Fieujean - Stéphane Gautronneau VINTAGE RIDES INDIA C-65 Okhla phase 1 New Delhi Tel: VINTAGE RIDES FRANCE 98 Rue Baudin Levallois-Perret Tel: CONTACT@VINTAGERIDES.COM 11