Chiang Mai Old City: Bike Tour Temples, Markets & Night Ride

Summary

Cycle ancient Chiang Mai gates temples markets in small group

You’ll pedal through Chiang Mai’s Old City with a small group and friendly local guide, weaving past temple courtyards and historic gates. Taste fresh snacks at a lively market and hear stories you’d miss on your own. It’s relaxed but full of color — you’ll leave with new perspectives (and maybe banana-scented fingers).

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to feel so awake at 8am, standing outside the little Discova shop near Chang Puak Gate with my helmet slightly askew. The air was already warm but not heavy, and our guide Lek grinned like he knew half the city — which honestly, he probably does. We set off on these sturdy bikes (mine squeaked a bit at first), rolling straight into Chiang Mai’s Old City. I kept glancing up at the brick walls and old gates — Tha Phae Gate looked almost gold in the morning sun, with locals feeding pigeons and that faint smell of incense from somewhere I couldn’t see.

We wove through alleys I’d never have found alone. At Wat Chedi Luang, Lek paused to tell us about the earthquake that cracked the chedi centuries ago. He showed us how monks sweep the stone paths in slow circles — there’s something calming about that sound. My legs were starting to feel it by then (it’s about 12 km total), but we took it easy. There was a moment at the Three Kings Monument where two old men were playing chess right on the pavement — one of them winked at me when I tried to peek at his pieces.

The best part for me was stopping at a local market (I did the morning tour; friends said the night ride is totally different). Lek handed me some tiny bananas and a sticky rice snack wrapped in banana leaf. I still think about that flavor — sweet but earthy? Hard to describe. He joked that if you can pronounce “khao niao” right on your first try, you get another one free (I did not). We finished back where we started, sweaty and smiling, with just enough stories in my head to make me want to do it all again — maybe next time at night when everything glows differently.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Chiang Mai Old City bike tour

• Meet guide at Discova Day Tour Shop
• Cycle to Tha Phae Gate
• Visit Wat Chedi Luang temple
• Explore Wat Intakhin historic square
• See Three Kings Monument
• Stop at local market for snacks
• Return to Discova Day Tour Shop

Top questions

How long is the Chiang Mai Old City bike tour?

The tour covers around 12–14 km at a relaxed pace.

Is this bike tour suitable for beginners or kids?

Yes, it's suitable for all fitness levels and child seats are available upon request for kids under 14kg.

What sights are included on this Chiang Mai bike tour?

You’ll visit Tha Phae Gate, Wat Chedi Luang, Three Kings Monument, Wat Intakhin, plus quiet alleys and temple grounds.

Are snacks or meals included during the tour?

Yes, light snacks and drinking water are included during a stop at a local market.

Do I need to bring my own bike or helmet?

No, quality mountain bikes and safety helmets are provided as part of your booking.

Is there hotel pickup for this Chiang Mai bike tour?

No hotel pickup is included; you meet your guide at Discova Day Tour Shop near Chang Puak Gate.

Can I choose between morning or night tours?

Yes, you can book either a morning or night departure depending on your preference.

Are there English-speaking guides on this tour?

Yes, tours are led by friendly English-speaking guides who share stories along the way.

What’s included

Your day includes use of a quality mountain bike and helmet, guided cycling with an English-speaking local expert sharing stories along historic routes, entry allowances for temples visited along the way, drinking water to keep you cool in Chiang Mai’s heat, light snacks from a bustling market stop (morning or night), insurance coverage throughout your ride, all taxes and fees taken care of — just show up ready to pedal and explore.