Elisabeth Fieujan Thailand On the Edge of Siam Kingdom
TRAVEL DESIGNER ALEXANDRE More than 10 years ago, Alex Zurcher, a young French student came to New Delhi for a simple University exchange. Fast forward to today, he has set up Vintage Rides and has now expanded its presence in nine countries. An explorer by heart, he's always looking to discover new adventures around the world. Be among the first to explore Northern Thailand on a Royal Enfield with a motorbike tour along the country's most beautiful roads. 1
MAP A TRIP WITH UNIQUE SENSATIONS Saddle up for a bike tour along the sublime roads of Northern Thailand on a Royal Enfield. Discover the ancient Thai kingdom of Lanna, on an exceptional 12 days road trip departing from Chiang Mai. At the heart of the real and authentic Thailand, you discover the misty mountains, teak forests, and glittering Buddhist temples make for plenty of surprises and exciting stop-offs along the way. A motorcycle trip for those who dream of magnificent open roads and a complete change of scenery. 2
AT A GLANCE 4-6h riding a day A remarkable diversity Remote regions Period November to February Duration 12 days including 10 days riding Level Demanding English-speaking tour leader Accommodation Standard/Comfort From 2890 3
YOUR TRIP IN 12 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 the famous night market where you can taste your first Thai specialities. Stephane Gautronneau STAGE 2 Chiang Mai - Mae Sariang [270 km* 5/6H riding]: The adventure begins by heading southwest from a main road in Chiang Mai before entering the Doi Inthanon national park, home to the country's highest peak (2565m). A small road drives you up to the top where you can observe an unique view on the surrounding forest. Then you continue due west on a magnificent mountain road. Thailand s secondary network with its small four-number roads brings you sinuous paths with little traffic. First contact with the country's various hill tribes including the Karens, which have escaped the burmese conflicts to take refuge on the thai side. Arrival at Mae Sariang, a little haven of peace by the Mae Yuam river. 4
YOUR TRIP IN 12 STAGES Mae Sariang - Mae Hong Son [200 km* 4H riding]: This stage takes you along a very beautiful road, part of the famous Mae Hong Son loop. The section up to Khun Yuam is one of the most winding, and offers spectacular views. We arrive in Mae Hong Son, known as the City of Three Mists, nestled in the valley surrounded by mountains. At only 40 kms away from the burmese border, here we are at the crossroads of many peoples and cultures. The Hmong ethnic group forms the most important community, the Karens are well implanted too, as well as the Lahu and Lisu tribes. Visit of the local market and teck temples of burmese inspiration including the Wat Chong Klang around the city center s lake. On top of the Doi Kong Mu s hill, the Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu offers a magical show during sundown. STAGE 3 Mae Hong Son Pai [130 km* 4H riding]: A rugged stage which follows a spectacularly twisty road. On your way you stop at Soppong, and go for an excursion with a traditional bamboo raft until the Tham Lot caverns full of bats. The famous Mae Hong Son loop rolls through the middle of sublime countryside. STAGE 4 When arriving in Pai, you can make the most of this small town's relaxed atmosphere. Its numerous attractions include waterfalls, hot springs and elephant rides. Possibility of an excursion at 8 km on the south side of the city to reach a beautiful canyon. It feels good to live at Paï, where little restaurants, cocktails and live concerts in bars are ideal to relax. 5
YOUR TRIP IN 12 STAGES Pai - Doi Ang Khang [250 km* 6/7H riding]: STAGE 5 Hugging the Burmese border, you push on into the unspoilt northwest of the country. In December and January, it is not unrare to admire blooming Sakura trees, these sorts of stunning japanese cherry-trees. You ride on as far as Doi Ang Khang (altitude: 1,928m). The valley is known as "Little Switzerland" because of its very pleasant temperate climate. Wild, unblemished nature. We can feel the influence of the Yunnan and the chinese mountainous culture. STAGE 6 Doi Ang Khang - Tha Ton [190 km* 5/6H riding]: You continue north along the Burmese border. An impressive descent brings you to the fertile plain of Fang. Back up on the ridges, you can fully appreciate how important the roads and trails are in this remote, unspoilt region. You near the Golden Triangle and spend the night in the peaceful haven of Tha Ton. Located on the Kok river, a tropical atmosphere in the heart of mountains is coming out from Tha ton. You will have the occasion to meet the burmese and chinese ethnicities who live here. 6
YOUR TRIP IN 12 STAGES STAGE 7 Thaton - Doi Mae Salong - Mae Sai - Chiang Saen [160 km* - 5/6H riding]: The journey continues up north and you quickly go back up in altitude on the winding road that leads to Doi Mae Salong, a greenery haven where orchards and tea plantations have replaced poppy crops. After tasting the famous Oolong Tea, you continue on a small secondary road that separates Burma from Thailand, until the border town of Mae Sai. 30 kms further east you join the great Mekong plain and the epicenter of the famous "Golden Triangle". This region of the three borders - Thailand, Laos, Burma - is a symbolically strong place. Chiang Sean: The morning mist enveloping the landscapes is a sight not to be missed. Sticking mainly to the high ridges with their spectacular panoramas, you will be treated to magnificent views of neighbouring Laos. STAGE 8 4
YOUR TRIP IN 12 STAGES Chiang Sean Chiang Kham [210 km* 5/6H riding]: You ride southeast for around 100 km along an exhilarating, winding road through the mountains. Forking off eastwards in the Nan district, you cross Doi Phu Kha National Park to reach Chiang Kham, a wild and wonderful place known for its salt mines. Still produced and crafted here, you can observe the salt extraction process. In this region which has been closed to foreigners for a long time, the atmosphere and influences are mainly laotian. STAGE 9 Chiang Kham Lampang [210 km* 5/6H riding]: STAGE 10 You return from your loop through the easternmost part of the country, riding around 90 km along a magnificent mountain road to Nan. Then continue west to Lampang. Visit of its famous burmese temple, the Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, known for its superb wood carvings. In the XIXth century, the British made of Lampang the tek industry s capital. At this time nearby forests were offering an exceptional source of raw material. The Ban Sao Nak, a teck building filled with 116 pillars and other houses in Lampang are a testimony of that time. 5
YOUR TRIP IN 12 STAGES Lampang - Chiang Mai [140 km* 3/4H]: STAGE 11 Your last day in the saddle, along the main road back to Chiang Mai. On the way, a chance to stop off at the elephant conservation centre, 30 km outside Lampang. On arrival in Chiang Mai, you take a detour up to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep for a last bird's eye view. Free afternoon for some shopping or just for a last thai massage. Opposite to the women s prison of Chiang Mai is a rehabilitation center where prisoners are trained to the techniques of traditional massage. STAGE 12 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. *Riding distances are indicative. 6
YOUR FORMULA Join a fixed departure 2990 / pilot* 2690 / pillion* Book at 4 and more: 2890 / pilot* To know the dates of our upcoming fixed departures. go to www.vintagerides.com - tab "Our Trips", or contact one of our travel advisors at: contact@vintagerides.com. *These rates are indicative, please refer to our General Terms & Conditions. Want to leave in a closed group? Ask us for a quote for a private tour. And enjoy 5% off your second trip 10% off your third trip and more Always in the limit of 300 11
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 11) 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 day of transfer: day 1) 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) Admission fees to various monuments, temples etc. Souvenirs and personal expenses Drinks Tips 9
MY CHECKLIST Appropriate equipment is a component of a successful journey! Travel lightly, TRY TO STAY UNDER 45LBS (20 KGS) 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
CONTACT US Copyrights photos: Elisabeth Fieujean - Stéphane Gautronneau - Boris Burshartd VINTAGE RIDES INDIA C-65 Okhla phase 1 New Delhi - 110020 Tel: +339 70 44 01 30 VINTAGE RIDES FRANCE 98 Rue Baudin - 92300 Levallois-Perret By appointment only Tel: +337 68 13 89 07 CONTACT@VINTAGERIDES.COM www.vintagerides.travel 11