The Tour of Hope 2026: Chiang Rai – Tha Ton

“Watch out for scooters, dogs, chickens, and monks. They can come from anywhere at any time.”
Can you really ride a road bike in Thailand?

The short answer: Yes, it’s fantastic!

The long answer in eight parts:

Day 1 of the Tour of Hope 2026

From Chiang Rai to Tha Ton—96 kilometers, 758 meters of elevation gain, and 696 meters of elevation loss. A varied start through northern Thailand. First, we head out of Chiang Rai; after about 37 kilometers, we turn onto a hilly road at the foot of Doi Mae Salong. The region is known for its tea plantations and wild jungle areas. We then roll down into the Mae Kok River valley, where our destination for the day lies on a peaceful riverbank.

Why is Thailand such a great place for road cycling? Here are five good reasons:

1.⁠ ⁠Diverse landscapes and challenging routes

Thailand is so much more than beaches and palm trees. Rice paddies, tea plantations, tropical jungles, river valleys, and impressive mountain landscapes offer plenty of variety. Add to that flat stretches, undulating roads, long climbs, and fast descents. Even ambitious road cyclists will find plenty to enjoy here.

2.⁠ ⁠Pure nature

Especially in northern Thailand, the routes wind through lush green landscapes, past forests, plantations, and small villages. You experience the country firsthand and discover areas that tourists rarely get to see.

3. Hospitality and encounters

Cycling brings people together. The friendliness and openness of the locals make every stage a special experience. And during our school visits, we have encounters that go far beyond sports.

4. Traffic Is Different—But Not Chaotic

At first glance, traffic in Thailand can sometimes seem quite chaotic. But it isn’t. Thais look out for one another. There are simply different rules and patterns that cyclists can get used to. With attention and a little composure, it works surprisingly well.

5. Good side roads—with challenges all their own

The side roads are also remarkably good. The only thing they tend to skimp on is concrete. That’s why there are steep inclines here where, elsewhere, switchbacks would make the climb easier. This makes some ascents quite challenging.

Our conclusion: Thailand isn’t just a great travel destination—it’s also a true road-biking paradise. And when you can support children and schools at the same time, a beautiful bike tour turns into a truly special journey.

That was the kickoff of our Tour of Hope 2026. In the next posts, we’ll take you along on the remaining stages!