THAILAND – Chiang Mai – Chiang Mai from a Different Perspective

The tour starts with heading away from the busy road and into the Wat Sri Suphan area, known for its silversmiths and the Silver Temple in the South of Chiang Mai Gate, then visiting Thippanet market, famous among locals as the most important trading center for amulets and other religious charms

Theme

Art & Culture, Classic, Honeymoon

Country - City

Thailand - Chiang Mai

Market segment

Thematic Leisure

Price Level

$$$

Level of difficulties

LEVEL 1

Max pax

7

Seasonality

All Year Round

Arrival city

Chiang Mai

Departure city

Chiang Mai

Description

The tour starts with heading away from the busy road and into the Wat Sri Suphan area, known for its silversmiths and the Silver Temple in the South of Chiang Mai Gate, then visiting Thippanet market, famous among locals as the most important trading center for amulets and other religious charms. It is a great opportunity to get along some small alleyways south of the city, pass through one of the least visited areas, where many of the hill-tribe people who come to the city hold high hopes of making good money. This neighborhood provides a stark contrast to the luxury hotels and trendy restaurants found elsewhere in the city. Then travelers takes a chance to cycle along remnants of the city’s ancient wall towards the Muang Mai Market. This open air market is Chiang Mai’s biggest market, spanning several blocks and is busy 24/7. Locals come here to buy fresh produce straight from the farmers, and it’s the perfect spot to observe local life, as well as to refresh oneself with some fresh fruit and coconut water. The final stop is to Thapae Gate and into the historical city center to explore some of the back alleys and visit some of Chiang Mai’s highlights, including Wat Chedi Luang and the Three Kings Monument.

Can be combined with

Thematic Leisure

  • Chiang Mai – Half day Pantawan cooking class

Selling points

  • A cycling tour through famous sights with interesting and rarely visited areas of Chiang Mai
  • Perfect for people who do not have a lot of time but want a genuine perspective and experience of the city
  • To discover the diversity of culture, history and local life of Chiang Mai
  • For cycling and experienced lovers since some parts of the journey are busy with traffic

Level Of The Excursion

Medium – This activity offers tangible positive contributions to the local community, culture and/or environment

The Impact Of This Excursion

Social/cultural Impact

Cultural Conservation

Empowerment and education

Environment Impact

Transportation

Economic Impact

Local individual benefits

Community benefits

Additional Information

Positive impacts

This activity shows known and unknown areas of Chiang Mai city by using a bicycle as means of transportation. It focuses on culture and crafts as well as some main highlights. Stops along the way bring economic benefits to the visited areas.

Negative impacts

No negative

Time And Transportation

From To Km By Duration Road condition
Bike Rental Shop Doi Suthep Temple 17,5 Car 30 minutes Good but crowded
Chiang Mai Plaza Hotel Bike Rental Shop 1,5 Car 5 minutes Good but crowded
The Park Hotel Bike Rental Shop 3 Car 10 minutes Good but crowded

Duration

Duration: Half day Tour – 3 to 4 hours

Min pax

1

Max pax

7

How to sell it

  • Suitable for guests who have experience cycling since some parts of the journey are busy with traffic
  • Level 1  for Active Leisure
  • Operated by Easia – Signature product, no other suppliers
  • Private tour only
  • Bike types available are mainly Trek Marlin 6 or Marlin 7. (But also Merida, Giant, Fuji GT and Mongoose available)
  • The tour is not pure cycling; guests may sometimes have to walk during some parts of the trip (e.g. through markets

Why this activity

  • To offer an Active leisure tour Easia Signature different from the competitor
  • To offer a tour different from  the classic Chiang Mai Tour by bike
  • To propose to Adventure Client with Active Leisure level

Good to combine with

  • A visit to Doi Suthep
  • Any evening activity

Do not combine with

  • Another cycling tour in Chiang Mai (may be too similar and too much activity/cycling)
  • A taste of Chiang Mai – Kaad Luang walking tour (partially overlapping area and the cycling tour also has visit of Mueang Mai market which is nearby. Unless clients really like markets they may be too similar)
  • Any full day activity

Market suggestion

AUSTRALIA

CANADA

FRANCE

ITALY

SPAIN

PORTUGAL

BENELUX

SCANDINAVIA

CEE

US

GERMANY

UK

Pros

  • Operated by Easia Travel
  • The hired bikes are good-quality mountain bikes.

Cons

  • Subject to the weather (rain/heat)
  • Some parts can be busy with traffic and may not be suitable for children
  • No alternative to cycling
  • Only English speaking guide

Information

  • Guests should have experience cycling since some parts of the journey are busy with traffic and will lead guests along very narrow roads
  • Mountain bikes are recommended even if the supplier can provide City Bike
  • No e-bikes available for this tour

Distance:  14 kilometers
Duration: about 3-4 hour tour, including cycling, transportation, and stops
Average speed: unknown
Difference in height: 75m
Terrain :Surface is 95% asphalt, 5% narrow dirt road
Difficulty: Easia Level – 1
In case of emergency: The guide will assess the situation and take action as needed. There is no backup vehicle following along the tour, but public transportation (songthaew, tuktuk) are readily available.

Guests have to bring:

  • Rain coat (May – Oktober)
  • closed shoes (no flip-flops)
  • Suitable clothes
  • Sun protection (Sun glasses, cap, sun cream)
  • Camera

Alerts

  • An experienced cycling guide is necessary for this activity because it is extremely important to know the route and be able to manage cyclists in traffic –
  • English speaking guide  only who can do this trip, no 3rd languages
  • Hill Tribe (Slum) area is very poor and could be shocking to some guests
  • Not suitable for children (too dangerous to let them cycle in the city)

Important information

  • Understand the clients’ and guests’ needs and expectations before proposing an active or an active-leisure activity
  • Understand the cycling level of the travelers
  • Send profile traveler list  to Operation to select the bikes in advance with the supplier

Price range

From 40 to 25 USD

Quotation guideline

ERP – Activity – Easia Signature – Chiang Mai from a different perspective (Half day city cycling tour)

Inclusion

  • Bicycle and helmet
  • Water, drinks and snacks on the way
  • Entrance fees (Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Sri Suphan, Wat Chiang Man)
  • Cold towel after the tour

Exclusion

  • English speaking Easia Guide
  • Transfer from/to hotel

Remark

Accessible by all means of transportation

  • No parking available on the spot
  • All the activities/stops during the tour are open every day and year round

Important notes

Itinerary (online google map): https://drive.google.com/open?id=1E02KhUKOsvgsM_MBciccG6hwsk8&usp=sharing

  • Pick up and adjust bicycles at the rental shop
  • Cycle to Wat Sri Suphan (Silver temple) for short visit and explanations
  • Continue to Thippanet market, visit the market and learn about the significance and meanings of religious amulets in Thailand
  • Cycle through the Muen San area and visit one of the silversmiths
  • Cycling through the ‘slum’ area of Chiang Mai, located along Klong Kha canal towards Kamphaeng Din Road. Learn about the ”Kampaeng Din” or the “Earthen wall,”  ancient Chiang Mai’s outer protection wall.
  • Cycle towards Muang Mai market. A small introductory stop will be made to give general info before traveling through the busy market. In a quieter part of the market, guests can try fresh fruit and coconut water from a fresh coconut.
  • Continue past Warorot market, known as Chiang Mai’s Chinatown and visit one of the city’s most colorful Chinese shrines
  • Cycle along busy Thapae road towards Thapae Gate. On the way, make a short stop at a local herbal pharmacy to try some herbal juice or tea
  • Enter the historical city center or “the Square” and cycle to Wat Chiang Man via back alleys
  • Stop at the Three Kings Monument for further explanations, historical pictures, and some snacks
  • Visit Wat Chedi Luang temple before returning to the bicycle rental shop

Request the profile traveler list to the sales and send to the supplier in order  to select  the bikes in advance

Special Guide notes

  • Book the guide in advance following ACTIVE DATABASE, be sure of his knowledge of the area and the surrounding terrain
  • Choose a guide in good shape/physical health
  • Be sure of his capacity to pass out the information
  • Guests wants to learn about traditional culture, local life so good knowledge required of: culture, local life, food
  • Please show the map to the guide
  • Provide the first aid kit to the guide
  • Communicate the active level charter to the guide.

GUIDE:                                        

  • Have to study the tour very well together with Operation
  • Make sure to pay attention to guests’ safety at all times; be extra careful and brief guests before the tour about safety
  • Shoes – proper shoes –  no sandals or flip flops
  • Refill Bottle  (we don’t have it available for now)
  • Active suit or T-Shirt
  • Use the active guide training (please advice where to find it)
  • Guide Provide guests with:
    • 1 bottle of water before starting
    • Fruit and coconut water at Muang Mai Market
    • Herbal juice or tea at the old traditional pharmacy
    • Thai snack sweets and an extra water bottle at Three Kings Monument
    • Cold towel upon arrival at the rental shop

Contact

NK Bike Rentals

Nai, 053- 202460, 081-6711330

[email protected]

English

Chiang Mai from a different perspective
Just south of the southern city gate, you will rent and adjust your bicycle, then head out to explore the vibrant city of Chiang Mai and its surroundings. You will get to see all different aspects of life in and around the city, from the busy and rather touristy historical center and the bustling local markets to the city’s lesser-known hill tribe neighborhoods, which provide a stark contrast to the ritzy tourist areas. During the frequent stops on the way, your guide will tell you all about the history, customs and local culture that make Chiang Mai such a special place.
Level :1
Distance and duration :  14 kilometers – 3 to 4 hours 

French

Autre perspective de Chiang Mai – Visite de la ville d’une demi-journée
Au sud de Chiang Mai, récupérez votre vélo pour explorer la ville animée et ses environs, et amusez-vous à observer les différents aspects de la vie dans et autour de la ville, entre le trépidant centre historique, les marchés pleins de vie et les quartiers plus défavorisés. Lors de vos fréquents arrêts, votre guide vous expliquera l’histoire, les coutumes et la culture locales, qui font de cette ville un endroit si particulier.
Niveau : 1
Distance et durée :14 kilomètres 3 à 4 heures

Spanish

Chiang Mai desde una perspectiva diferente – Tour en bici de medio día por la ciudad
Justo al sur de la puerta sur de la ciudad podrá recoger su bicicleta y dirigirse a explorar la vibrante ciudad de Chiang Mai y sus alrededores. Podrá ver los diferentes aspectos de vida fuera y alrededor de la ciudad, desde el centro histórico, ajetreado y bastante turístico, hasta los abarrotados mercados locales y los barrios marginales de la ciudad. Durante las frecuentes paradas durante el camino, su guía le contará la historia, costumbres y cultura local que hacen de Chiang Mai un lugar tan especial.
Nivel: 1
Distancia y duración: 14 kilómetros – 3 or 4  horas.

Italian

Chiang Mai sotto una prospettiva differente in bicicletta
Saltate in sella della vostra bicicletta nell’area sud delle mura della città ed iniziate la scoperta della dinamica città di Chiang Mai. Assisterete a scene caratteristiche rubate alla quotidianità della gente comune: dal vivace turistico centro storico, ai ferventi mercati locali, fino alle aree più povere ai confini della città. Durate le tappe sul vostro cammino, la guida condividerà con voi tutto il suo sapere su questa regione ricca di storia ed immortali tradizioni.
Livello: 1
Distanza e durata: 14 chilometri – 3 or 4 ore

German

Chiang Mai aus einer anderen Perspektive –  Halbtägige Fahrradtour durch die Stadt

Südlich des Südtores der Stadt holen Sie Ihr Fahrrad ab und fahren los, um das lebendige Chiang Mai und seine Umgebung zu erkunden. Sie werden alle unterschiedlichen Aspekte des Lebens in und um der Stadt herum kennenlernen; vom geschäftigen und ziemlich touristischen historischen Zentrum bis zu den wuseligen lokalen Märkten und den Slum-Wohnungen. Während der vielen Halte auf dem Weg, wird Ihnen Ihr Reiseleiter alles über die Geschichte, die Bräuche und die lokale Kultur, die Chiang Mai zu einem besonderen Ort machen, erzählen.
Schwierigkeitsstufe: 1
Strecke & Kilometer: 14 Kilometer– 3 – 4 Stunden