Thousands of jelly fish like lanterns float above Doi Suthep Temple – the iconic hill top temple of Chiangmai -Thailands Rose of the North on this spectacular annual festival. Locals say its their favourite festival of the whole year and being on a bike is a top way to soak in the ambience.
Doi Suthep is an auspicious place to start a bike ride – and we will yransgfer directly from the airport to our hill top lodgings ready to start our day with a big long winding down hill.
Our early morning ride takes us down past many temples where locals come to give alms to the monks. Its a sight to behold – and the monks will graciousy receive any food offerings you bring. The monk action will be intense around this auspicious holiday.
We cut through the beautiful topic gardens of Chiang Mai university, where Students making a name for themselves as the creative Northern Sparks – art galleries and cool cafes and bars are scattered with frequency throughout this area. On our ride to breakfast we stop at the little known Wat Umong with its mysterious underground tunnels. its a perfect place for a little meditation before breakfast.
Day 1 Arrive and transfer to Doi Suthep
Day 2 Doisuthep Wats and backroads, temples, dog sanctuary , lanterns Chiang Mai
Day 3 Ride to Hmong Dinner
is a back roads ride which captures the quiet gentle country rhythms of the North… a little like Chiang Mai Central was twenty years ago.