Chiang Mai Countryside Adventures

Chiang Mai

4.6 (4,209 Reviews)

Duration

Early morning

Group Size

7 People

Tour Type

Countryside & Scenic Rides

Description

The Chiang Mai Countryside Adventures Tour invites you to experience Northern Thailand at a slower, more meaningful pace. Leaving the city behind, this Vespa journey reveals how Chiang Mai’s rural life, cultural traditions, and food heritage remain deeply connected to its identity.

Guided by a knowledgeable local host, you’ll ride along peaceful backroads, riverside paths, and open countryside, where green fields and cooler mountain air create a refreshing contrast to the city. Along the way, discover local farms, hidden temples, and community-led initiatives that reflect the region’s respect for nature, spirituality, and sustainability.

Food is a central part of the journey. From a humble MICHELIN-listed local restaurant to bustling markets and a legendary Thai-Chinese dim sum spot, each tasting offers insight into the flavors and stories that define Northern Thai cuisine. The experience ends on a calm, reflective note at a riverside café, where coffee, mango sticky rice, and gentle river views provide the perfect finale.

Thoughtfully curated and unhurried, Chiang Mai Countryside Adventures is ideal for travelers seeking scenic riding, cultural depth, and authentic connections beyond the tourist trail.

Highlights

  • From City to Countryside: Ride from Chiang Mai’s historic center into peaceful backstreets, riverside paths, and open rural landscapes.
  • Scenic Countryside Riding: Cruise through green fields, rolling hills, and cooler mountain air with photo-worthy views along the way.
  • Local Food Culture: Taste authentic Northern Thai cuisine, from a MICHELIN-listed local restaurant to vibrant food markets and legendary dim sum.
  • Farming & Sustainability: Visit flower and produce farms and learn about community-led initiatives supporting local agriculture.
  • Spiritual Discovery: Explore a hidden temple off the tourist trail and connect with Lanna history and Buddhist traditions.

Included

  • Vespa Adventures local guide & fluent in English
  • Helmets
  • Raincoats
  • Insurance
  • Pickup and drop off (in-town)
  • Vespa with Experienced Driver
  • Local food and drinks (including alcohol: beers, cocktails) en route

Itinerary

Your journey begins at one of Chiang Mai’s iconic landmarks, such as the Three Kings Monument or Tha Phae Gate. Here, your local guide introduces the city’s royal heritage and cultural roots, setting the context for a deeper exploration beyond the old walls.

We ride to a humble yet celebrated local restaurant recognized by the MICHELIN Guide. This stop highlights the essence of Northern Thai cuisine—bold herbs, fresh ingredients, and time-honored recipes. You’ll sample signature dishes that reveal why Chiang Mai is one of Thailand’s most respected food destinations.

Next, dive into the lively atmosphere of a traditional local market. Wander among colorful produce, fragrant spices, and bustling stalls, tasting freshly grilled Sai Ua sausage—an iconic Northern Thai specialty infused with lemongrass, turmeric, and chili. This stop offers a direct connection to daily local life.

We continue to Toey Dimsum, a legendary family-run institution beloved by locals for generations. Here, you’ll enjoy a selection of freshly steamed dim sum, celebrating the fusion of Thai and Chinese culinary traditions that have shaped Chiang Mai’s food culture.

Leaving the city behind, we ride through scenic countryside roads past farms and small villages. Along the way, visit flower and produce farms and learn about sustainable, community-based projects that support local livelihoods and preserve agricultural traditions.

The journey concludes at a peaceful café along the Mae Ping River. Relax with locally brewed coffee or tea and enjoy sweet mango sticky rice while watching life drift by on the riverbanks—a calm, reflective ending to a full day of discovery before returning to your hotel.

FAQs

Yes, absolutely! All our tours are kid-friendly and designed to be a memorable adventure for all ages, from toddlers to great-grandparents! We love having families join us. Here's a bit more detail on how we ensure a safe and fun experience for family including your little ones: Helmets: We provide high-quality, adjustable helmets specifically designed for children, ensuring their comfort and safety. Seating Policy: For their safety and comfort, kids of 5 years of age and below will sit pillion with parents. Kids of 6 years and above will sit by themselves (as by law) behind our well-trained drivers. This means they get to experience the adventure firsthand, always within your sight. Child Discounts: Children 5 and under are completely FREE! Children aged 6 to 12 receive a generous 30% discount on the tour price. Relax and Enjoy: With our skilled drivers at the helm, you and your family can relax on the comfortable backseats (complete with backrests!) and truly soak in all the amazing sights and sounds without worrying about navigating traffic.

All of our Vespa Adventures Siem Reap tours include guide, Vespa with driver, helmet, rain poncho and umbrella. As well, we include local snacks, bottled water and cold drinks on this tour so there is not much that you need to bring other than your camera and sense of adventure! For your comfort, we suggest you wear closed-toe shoes (no flip flops) and as we are visiting a Buddhist pagoda, we request that you wear knee-length shorts or trousers and have your shoulders covered or bring a shawl.

Yes, our Vietnam Vespa Adventures tours run year-round. We take a short break (4 days) during the Tet lunar new year celebrations- the exact dates of the festival vary from year to year, but it usually falls in late January or the first part of February. If there is rain on the day of your tour- don’t worry! We still run the tour! We have high-quality rain ponchos for all drivers and guests, so if it is raining we just pull on the ponchos and carry on!

Our Saigon Insider’s Vespa Adventure takes you to many hidden gems but also a few highlights. These include a photo stop outside Reunification Palace, a stroll through the historic Post Office and a short stop outside Notre Dame Cathedral.