Chiang Mai: Countryside Bike Tour with Train & Local Lunch

Summary

Cycle quiet lanes from Lamphun to Chiang Mai with riverside lunch

You’ll pedal quiet roads from Lamphun to Chiang Mai after a local train ride, stopping at ancient temples and sharing lunch beside the Ping River. Expect laughter with your guide, glimpses into village life, and time to watch woodcarvers at work before heading home tired but happy.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that stuck with me was the sound of our bikes rattling as we rolled onto the old Chiang Mai train platform—still half-asleep, but grinning. Our guide, Nok, handed out bananas and checked our helmets twice (she’s got this calm energy). The train to Lamphun felt like pressing pause; windows open, warm air mixed with the smell of diesel and something sweet from a vendor’s bag. I tried to say “Wat Phra That Hariphunchai” right—Li laughed at my attempt. We got off and pedaled through sleepy streets lined with crumbling brick walls and gold-tipped roofs glinting in the morning haze.

There’s this moment after leaving Lamphun when you’re suddenly in open country—rice paddies everywhere, birds darting low over irrigation canals. The road is quiet except for the occasional scooter or someone waving from a field. By midday we stopped at a tiny place on the Ping River for lunch—just simple stir-fried veggies and jasmine rice, but it tasted perfect after riding under the sun. Someone’s auntie brought us iced tea in plastic cups. I still think about that view across the water, honestly.

After lunch we crossed the Ping River (the bridge boards clacked under our wheels) and rode into Ban Tawai village. The woodcarvers there barely looked up at first but then one guy showed us how he shapes elephants from teak scraps—his hands moved so fast I lost track. Nok explained some of the symbols carved into temple doors; she grew up nearby and knew half the people we passed. There were more hills than I expected near Doi Suthep’s foothills, but snacks kept appearing just when I needed them (no idea where she kept them all).

I was tired by Royal Ratchapuek Park but not in a bad way—it was that kind of good ache from moving all day and seeing so much you almost can’t process it yet. We loaded up our bikes for the ride back while dusk crept in around us. It felt like we’d been gone longer than a day somehow.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full-day Chiang Mai countryside bike tour

• Meet at Discova Chiang Mai office
• Bike fitting and briefing
• Bike to railway station
• Train ride to Lamphun
• Bike to Wat Phra That Hariphunchai
• Cycle through countryside and orchards
• Lunch by Ping River
• Bike across Ping River to Ban Tawai village
• Walk and admire wood carvings
• Cycle through villages to forest shrine
• Visit Royal Ratchapuek Park and rest
• Load bikes and return to shop

Top questions

How long is the Chiang Mai countryside bike tour?

The tour covers about 60 kilometers over a full day.

Is lunch included on this Chiang Mai bike tour?

Yes, lunch by the Ping River is included along with snacks and drinks.

Do I need to bring my passport for this tour?

Yes, foreign travelers must bring their original passport for train travel.

What is the starting point for the bike tour?

The tour starts at Discova Chiang Mai office at 8:15 AM.

Are child seats available on this bike tour?

Yes, child seats are available upon request for children up to 14kg.

Does this tour include hotel pickup?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; you meet at the office in central Chiang Mai.

What temples do we visit during this day trip?

You’ll visit Wat Phra That Hariphunchai and Wat Umong among others.

Is this bike tour suitable for beginners?

You should have at least moderate fitness as it covers 60km with some hills.

What’s included

Your day includes use of a quality bicycle and helmet, round-trip train tickets between Chiang Mai and Lamphun, all taxes and fees, snacks along the route whenever you need them, a riverside Thai lunch with drinks provided, insurance coverage throughout, plus an English-speaking local guide who knows every shortcut—and yes, they’ll handle all logistics so you can just ride and soak it all in.