DAYS 1-2 Receive a blessing from the village elders and visit with the resident monk Meet Ghing, our Thai guide who knows the back roads of northern Thailand better than anyone Ride into the countryside on hard-packed paths, cutting through thriving rice and garlic fields, and stands of papaya and teak.

DAYS 3-4 Bike gorgeous backcountry lanes through remote villages, where schoolchildren rush out to greet you Beneath the White Buddha, offer alms to monks at sunrise Fall for the handmade jewelry at an Akha hilltribe village A scenic descent leads to the trading center of Fang and temple-rich Thaton Savor Thai cuisine at an atmospheric café – and find inspiration for your upcoming cooking class.

DAY 5 Float in long-tail boats down the Maekok River Pedal on narrow lanes past small villages into vibrant Chiang Rai Embark on a culinary adventure, wandering the streets of Chiang Rai and sampling some of Thailand’s unique delicacies and delicious street food.

DAYS 6-8 A fascinating convergence of Thai, Laotian, Burmese and Chinese cultures Stride through the jungle on an elephant- hold on tight! Bike alongside the Mekong River on the Laos and Myanmar border, passing tobacco fields and rice paddies on the way to the ancient Burmese kingdom of Chiang Saen Relax poolside, indulge in a massage or spin to the spectacular Chom Kitti temple Browse Sop Ruak’s market for delectable Thai iced tea and one-of-a-kind handicrafts.

LESS