Smoke on the Water Trail Mountain Biking Tour Chiang Mai

Switchback singletrack and fast double track through Chiang Mai's jungle, ending at a waterfall only accessible by bike.

Smoke on the Water Trail is a 16.5-kilometer mountain bike descent through Chiang Mai's jungle, guided and fully equipped with a premium full suspension YT Jeffsy, protective gear, and all meals included. You ride technical berms, jumps and drops on singletrack and double track, pass through Hmong hill tribe territory, and finish with views of Huay Tung Tao Lake backed by Doi Suthep Pui. The tour runs 7 hours and requires a high level of physical fitness. Minimum age is 15.

Step-by-step itinerary

Mountain biking through Chiang Mai jungle

• Start mountain bike trail
• Descend switchback single track
• Ride fast double track
• Experience Hmong hill tribe life
• See lychee and coffee flowers
• Visit secluded waterfall
• Enjoy views of Huay Tung Tao Lake
• Finish with refreshing coconut treat

The experience

The ride starts with a coffee before you head uphill to the trailhead. Once there, you drop into 16.5 kilometers of changing terrain: switchback singletrack that demands precision, then fast, flowing double track where you can open up. The trail winds through jungle dotted with lychee and coffee flowers, passing through the way of life of local Hmong hill tribes. A secluded waterfall sits along the route, reachable only by bike, and the landscape shifts constantly as you descend.

Your guide is with you the whole way, and the bike is a premium full suspension YT Jeffsy dialed to your height and brake preference. Protective gear (helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, gloves and hydration pack) comes fitted before you ride. A full-face helmet is available on request. Drinks, lunch and snacks are included, so you refuel during the day without stopping at a shop.

The final stretch opens onto views of Huay Tung Tao Lake, a local favorite, with Doi Suthep Pui rising in the background. Your guide finishes the tour with a cold coconut to mark the completion. The whole day runs 7 hours and operates in all weather, so bring layers and dress for conditions. Insurance is included in the price.

What’s included

• A professional guide fluent in English.
• a premium full suspension YT Jeffsy mountain bike fitted to your height and brake preference.
• protective gear including helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, gloves and hydration pack (full-face helmet available on request).
• drinks, lunch and snacks throughout the day.
• insurance.
• hotel pickup.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:30

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (15 to 70 years) · Under 15: can't be booked

GroupUp to 5

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Physically demandingNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Trailhead Co., Ltd.

Is this one for you?This tour demands a high level of physical fitness and prior mountain biking experience to handle technical terrain safely. It's built for riders comfortable with berms, jumps and drops, not for beginners or anyone recovering from spinal injury, pregnant, or with cardiovascular concerns. The 7-hour commitment and jungle heat mean you need to be ready for a full day of sustained effort.

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Top questions

What kind of terrain will I be riding on the Smoke on the Water Trail?

The trail mixes technical singletrack with berms, jumps and drops, then fast double track sections. You'll ride switchback singletrack that demands control, then looser, flowing terrain where you can build speed: 16.5 kilometers total through changing landscape.

Is the Smoke on the Water Trail suitable if I've never mountain biked before?

No. The tour requires a high level of physical fitness and technical skill to handle berms, jumps and drops safely. Riders should have prior mountain biking experience before booking.

What's included in the tour price?

The tour includes a professional guide, a premium full suspension YT Jeffsy bike, all protective gear (helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, gloves, hydration pack), drinks, lunch and snacks, and insurance. Gratuities and personal expenses are not included.

How long does the Smoke on the Water Trail take?

The full tour runs 7 hours from start to finish, including the ride, meals and the time spent taking in views of Huay Tung Tao Lake.

What happens at the waterfall on the route?

A secluded waterfall sits along the trail and is accessible only by bike. You can't reach it by any other means. It's a landmark on the descent through the jungle.

Do I need to bring my own bike and protective gear?

No. A premium full suspension YT Jeffsy is provided and fitted to your height and brake preference. All protective gear (helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, gloves and hydration pack) is included. A full-face helmet is available on request.