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Trace the Old Smuggler Routes on a full-day advanced mountain bike descent through Doi Suthep National Park. You start high on Doi Pui summit and ride secluded plantation jeep tracks down to Huay Tueng Thao lake, with hotel pickup, quality bikes and a lakeside Thai lunch included.
Bike, helmet and glove fitting at our adventure base comes first, followed by a scenic shuttle past Wat Phra That Doi Suthep to Doi Pui summit. Cool mountain air and forest views set the tone for a long descent through highland plantations and jungle tracks.
Your guide runs a safety briefing and roll-by skills check at 1,550m before the main ride begins on the Old Smuggler Routes. Double-track trails ride like flowing singletrack with optional lines, threading through jungle and open viewpoints at a pace matched to the group.
You'll reach the Mae Ping valley floor at Huay Tueng Thao for a hearty Thai lunch and optional swim before the transfer back to your hotel in the afternoon.
Doi Suthep National Park protects montane forest, ridge viewpoints and traditional highland communities above Chiang Mai. The Old Smuggler Routes follow secluded access tracks between coffee and fruit plantations that once linked remote farms to valley markets.
These little-travelled tracks drop through changing forest and open plantation clearings with long views across the Mae Ping valley. Finishing at Huay Tueng Thao lake gives you a relaxed shoreside setting to cool down after the descent. The lake sits on the edge of the city, so you get a genuine wilderness ride without a long journey back to town at the end of the day.
This route suits experienced mountain bikers comfortable on uneven off-road surfaces for several hours. You should be confident controlling speed on loose dirt, managing corners on plantation tracks and riding sustained descents with occasional short climbs.
Wear firm closed-toe shoes, shorts and a jersey or T-shirt, and bring a small daypack for water and snacks between stops. Children from 14 can ride their own bike on this advanced route; younger riders may join with an accompanying adult depending on guide availability and bike sizes.
We reserve our hardest routes and canyon runs for guides who paddle and ride at an advanced level themselves, with honest pre-trip advice so you join the right day for your skills. Hotel pickup, quality kit and small groups keep the focus on the line, not the logistics.
Our Chiang Mai base has been running technical mountain biking and white-water kayaking in northern Thailand for years. Tell us your experience level, and we'll match you to water levels and trail conditions that reward confident guests.
Hotel pickup around 9:30am brings you to the adventure base in central Chiang Mai. Staff help you choose a mountain bike, helmet and gloves, complete sign-in and answer any last questions before the shuttle into Doi Suthep National Park.
At the shop you will fit helmets and gloves and take a short test ride to confirm brakes, gears and saddle height feel right. Guides note any adjustments needed before the long shuttle climb to the summit trailhead.
A scenic one-hour drive climbs through Doi Suthep National Park past the famous temple and royal palace turn-off to Doi Pui summit at 1,550 metres. Cool mountain air and forest views build anticipation for the long descent ahead.
Guides run a safety briefing and roll-by skills verification at the summit start point. Final bike checks and group ordering ensure everyone is comfortable before rolling onto the Old Smuggler plantation tracks.
Over three hours of advanced XC and downhill riding follows secluded plantation access tracks from 1,550m down to the valley floor at 370m. Double-track trails ride like flowing singletrack with optional lines through highland forest and open viewpoints.
You arrive at Huay Tueng Thao lake for a hearty Thai lunch at shoreside huts. Many guests relax, swim or take photos while the support vehicle loads bikes before the return journey toward Chiang Mai.
A truck transfer returns you to your Chiang Mai hotel on the way back from the lake, typically arriving between 4:30pm and 5:00pm. Guides help unload gear so you can freshen up after a full advanced day on the mountain.
Hotel pickup is included from hotels, guesthouses and Airbnb stays in Chiang Mai city centre, usually around 9:30am. You will be collected and taken to the adventure base for bike fitting before the shuttle into Doi Suthep National Park.
After lunch at the lake, the return transfer drops you at your accommodation, typically between 4:30pm and 5:00pm depending on group pace and traffic.
This is graded advanced and follows the Old Smuggler Routes on secluded plantation tracks from Doi Pui summit down to Huay Tueng Thao lake. Expect over three hours of riding with sustained descents, loose dirt and flowing corners rather than wide beginner jeep roads.
It suits riders who already mountain bike regularly and want a longer, more technical full-day descent. If you are newer to off-road riding, consider a moderate downhill day on the main Doi Suthep route before trip this advanced option.
The minimum age is 10 years for mountain biking on this trip. Children from 14 are well suited to riding their own bike on this advanced route, while younger riders may be able to join when accompanied by a responsible adult depending on guide support and bike sizes available on the day.
Be sure your child is comfortable on technical off-road surfaces for several hours. Helmets and correctly sized bikes are provided at the shop before departure, and guides run a roll-by skills check at the summit.
Yes. Pickup is included from hotels, guesthouses and Airbnb properties in Chiang Mai city centre, usually around 9:30am. You will be collected and taken to the adventure base for sign-in, bike selection and helmet and glove fitting before the shuttle climbs into the national park.
After lunch at Huay Tueng Thao lake, the support vehicle and return transfer drop you back at your accommodation in the city. Typical return is between 4:30pm and 5:00pm depending on riding pace and traffic.
Quality mountain bikes are set up at the adventure base before you leave. Helmets and gloves are included, and guides help adjust seat height, check brakes and run a final bike inspection at the summit briefing before the descent begins. Bring firm shoes suitable for flat pedals.
If you prefer your own gloves or a small saddle comfort item, pack it in your daypack. Drinking water is provided during the day; carry snacks if you like extra energy between stops.
Yes. A Thai lunch is served at lakeside restaurants at Huay Tueng Thao after the main ride. This is a welcome chance to refuel and relax before the short transfer back to Chiang Mai.
Dietary preferences can usually be accommodated with advance notice. Bring a small snack if you like extra energy between scheduled meal stops. Snacks and drinks at optional stops along the route are not included, so bring a little cash or pack light snacks in your daypack if you want extras between riding sections.
The ride starts near Doi Pui summit at around 1,550 metres and finishes at Huay Tueng Thao lake at roughly 370 metres in the Mae Ping valley. That is well over 1,000 metres of net descent across more than three hours of trail riding.
Most of the day trends downhill, though plantation tracks can roll with short climbs and flat sections. Guides set a pace that keeps the group together while still enjoying the long descent through forest and farmland.
Tours run in most conditions and the forest can be atmospheric in light rain. Heavy rain may make plantation tracks slippery, so guides adjust speed and line choices for safety on loose corners and steeper sections. In rare cases of unsafe weather or park access restrictions, we may reschedule or suggest an alternative date.
Light rain often adds atmosphere without stopping the trip. Pack a light rain layer and a dry bag for electronics if showers are forecast.
Many guests take a quick swim at Huay Tueng Thao after lunch when the weather is warm. The lake is a popular local recreation spot with calm water near the shore restaurants where lunch is served. Changing facilities are basic near the water, so a sarong or cover-up is useful.
Towels are not always provided, so bring your own if you plan to swim. Swimming is optional and depends on how much time remains before the return transfer.
You need solid mountain biking skills and good endurance for a full day that includes over three hours on trail plus shuttle time and lunch. Leg strength and confident bike handling matter more than road cycling fitness alone.
Heat and humidity can be tiring in the middle of the day, so pace yourself, use sun protection and drink regularly. If you are unsure whether your off-road experience is enough, message us through Adventuro chat before you travel to discuss your background.
Arrive with sunscreen, plenty of water and comfortable clothing suited to the activity. Wear closed shoes with good grip, and pack a light rain layer if showers are possible during your visit to northern Thailand.
Leave bulky luggage at your hotel and bring only a small day pack for personal essentials. Share your accommodation name and contact number ahead of the trip so morning pickup runs smoothly on the day of your adventure.
About the centre
Chiang Mai
From hotel pickup in Chiang Mai, you'll head into northern Thailand's forests, rivers and mountain trails on guided biking, kayaking and hiking adventures. Routes range from gentle rice-field rides and temple tours to advanced downhill runs in Doi Suthep National Park and white-water kayaking on the Mae Wang.
Every trip includes the equipment you need — bikes, helmets, kayaks, paddles and safety gear — sized on the day. Small groups and daily departures mean you can explore at your own pace, whether you're trying mountain biking for the first time or chasing technical singletrack through the jungle.
Operated by Chiang Mai Mountain Biking & Kayaks, a partner of adventuro.
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