| Quick facts | |
|---|---|
| Transport | Train |
| Cost | 23B per person, B80 per bike |
| Blog |
10th Dec - Over the hill 13th Dec - Cookery school |
| Gallery | Chiang Mai |
The journey
The train cost B23 per person and B80 per bike. We were allowed to take bikes on the 9:57am express from Bangkok, which was delayed. It's worth spending several days in Chiang Mai. Excellent food and shopping plus many attractions. There are loads of guesthouses and hotels. Bikes are ideal for exploring the old part of the city; the rest of the city has a crazy one-way system.Travel agencies offer package trips to Luang Prabang but wouldn't take our bikes in their minibuses. There's a really good bike shop called Top Gear. The English speaking owner recommended a comfortable boat from Houay Xai to Luang Prabang run by Mr Adisak, and offered to courier bike parts to Laos if we needed them. They are due to open a shop in Luang Prabang; Tiger Trails already stock some of their goods.
Top Gear
www.topgearbike.com
topgearbike@hotmail.com
173 Chang Moi Rd, A. Muang, Chiang Mai
Tel: (053) 233450
The room
Bow Chiang Mai15 Soi 9, Moonmuang Rd
Tel: (053) 418890, (053) 211707
B400 for twin room with fan (air-con not necessary), bathroom with hot water, TV with movie channels.
Comfortable, quiet and friendly.