Chiang Mai: 24 km Leisure Cycling & swim Lake Huay Tueng Tao

The best part of this half-day outing is the change of pace: you leave Chiang Mai by jeep or SUV, then pedal through open country toward Lake Huay Tung Tao at the foot of Mount Suthep. At the lake, you can cool off with a swim, take a swan boat, or simply enjoy lunch beside the water.

I like the small group of no more than 10 people, since a guide can adjust the pace. I also like the practical setup: good bicycles, helmets, gloves, hydration packs, bottled water, first-aid support, and hotel pickup and return are all included.

The main consideration is the distance. The advertised ride is about 24 kilometers, but one booking was reported as a 45-kilometer ride, so ask the operator to confirm the route and pace if you are a casual cyclist.

Key points at a glance

• A 24 km ride outside Chiang Mai: You spend much of the morning or afternoon on a bicycle rather than in a van.
• Lake Huay Tung Tao is the payoff: Swim, walk, take a swan boat, fish, or sit down for a lakeside meal.
• Guides set the tone: Twy, J-Lo, and Jane are named by participants as friendly, patient, and fun.
• Comfortable equipment is supplied: Bikes come in different sizes, with helmets, gloves, water, and hydration packs.
• Lunch includes vegetarian and vegan choices: The meal is served at a restaurant by the lake.
• Good for fit leisure cyclists: You need basic fitness, but the ride is described as suitable for recreational riders.

Why this ride works as a Chiang Mai half-day

I see this as a useful middle ground between a city tour and a full mountain-bike adventure. You get fresh air, a little exercise, and time by the water, but you do not spend an entire day on a demanding trail.

The route begins with a short vehicle transfer from Chiang Mai, listed at about 15 minutes. That saves your energy for the ride and gets you away from the city before the cycling starts. At the operator’s shop, you receive a safety briefing, test the bicycle, and get oriented to the route.

The tour uses quality mountain or hybrid-style bicycles in different sizes. Helmets and gloves are provided, and the guides carry first-aid supplies. Guides are certified in first aid and CPR, which is a reassuring detail on a ride outside the city.

I also appreciate the hydration setup. You receive water for a hydration pack as well as bottled water, so you do not need to plan the whole ride around finding drinks. Wear comfortable clothes, and bring swimwear if you want to use the lake.

From Chiang Mai to the 700th Anniversary Stadium

The first cycling section lasts about 75 minutes and is connected with the 700th Anniversary of Chiang Mai Stadium. This is not presented as a long stadium visit. It functions more as a reference point and part of the route as you head toward the lake.

The appeal here is the gradual move away from central Chiang Mai. You get to see more of the area around the city rather than spending the entire outing on roads in the urban core. Your guide handles the route and gives you a sense of the local setting along the way.

The ride is described as leisure cycling, but three hours of total pedaling is still real exercise. You should be comfortable riding for extended periods and managing a basic bike route. The outing is not aimed at complete beginners who rarely ride, even though one guide adapted well to a beginner’s pace.

That flexibility matters. Twy was praised for being patient and adjusting the ride for a beginner, while J-Lo was described as a fun guide. Jane was also singled out for making a strong effort and keeping the mood friendly. Guide quality can vary by departure, but the available names give you a useful point to request when booking or checking in.

Lake Huay Tung Tao: swim, boat, or simply slow down

After the first ride, you get about an hour at Huay Tung Tao Lake. This is the most relaxed part of the day and gives the outing a clear reward after the road time.

You can swim, walk, take photographs, look around with the guide, or continue with a short bike ride near the lake. Fishing is also listed as an option. The swan boat provides a gentler alternative if you would rather stay on the water than get in it.

I like having several choices here. A strong cyclist can use the break to explore, while a casual rider can sit down and enjoy the setting. If you are carrying a phone or camera, the lake and nearby flowers provide the most obvious photo opportunities of the trip.

The one-hour stop is not long enough for every activity. If you want a full swim, a leisurely meal, a boat ride, and plenty of photographs, you may need to choose your priorities. The schedule includes lunch at a lakeside restaurant, so the break combines sightseeing with a proper pause rather than a quick snack.

Lunch beside the lake

Lunch is included in the $50 price and is served at a restaurant by the water. Vegetarian and vegan options are available, which makes the meal easier to manage for different diets.

A lakeside lunch is valuable here because it breaks up the physical part of the day. You are not simply being taken from one cycling point to another. You get time to sit, eat, and enjoy the setting before the return ride.

The meal is one of the most praised elements of the outing. A Dutch participant specifically highlighted the attractive route and very nice lunch location, while another described the food and setting as a major part of a successful day.

Do not expect a fine-dining occasion. This is a practical meal built into an active excursion. Its value comes from the location, convenience, and the fact that you do not need to arrange food separately.

The ride back and the real effort involved

After the lake stop, you return to the cycling shop for about another hour of riding, then transfer back to Chiang Mai. The itinerary describes roughly three hours of biking within a four-hour tour, although the timing may shift with the group and route.

The stated distance is 24 kilometers, or about 12.5 miles. That is manageable for many recreational cyclists, especially with a guide controlling the pace, but it is not a short spin around town. You should be ready for sustained riding in warm conditions.

There is an important point to clarify before you book. One participant reported completing 45 kilometers instead of 24. That may reflect a different route, an extended ride, or an unusual day, but it shows why you should confirm the planned distance if you want a gentle outing.

The tour runs rain or shine. Comfortable clothing is required, and the supplied gear helps, but the weather can affect how pleasant the ride feels. If you dislike cycling in wet conditions, check the forecast and keep the free-cancellation policy in mind.

What the $50 price really covers

At $50 per person, the tour is reasonably priced if you would otherwise need to arrange transport, bicycle hire, a guide, lunch, water, and a lake visit separately. The package includes hotel pickup and drop-off, the vehicle transfer, bicycle, safety gear, guide, first-aid support, hydration pack, bottled water, and lunch.

The price does not include the lake fee and insurance charge of 150 baht. You must provide passport details at check-in, so have that information ready. The tour also lists padded shorts, jerseys, and light hiking shoes as available at the shop, but they are not included in the base cost.

That distinction is worth noting. If you already own comfortable sports clothes, you can keep the cost close to the advertised price. If you want extra cycling clothing or footwear, ask about the separate gear charge before setting out.

The value is strongest for visitors who want a guided route and do not want to arrange local transport. It is less compelling if you already have a bicycle, know the area, and prefer to set your own schedule.

Equipment, safety, and group size

The operator provides well-maintained bicycles in several sizes, and you can test the bike at the shop before leaving. Take that test ride seriously. Check the saddle height, brakes, and general comfort before the group starts moving.

Helmets and gloves are supplied. Water is available in both hydration packs and bottles, and the guides carry first-aid equipment. These are small details, but they reduce the need for you to organize every part of the day yourself.

The group limit is 10 people. That is small enough for a guide to notice if someone is falling behind, especially when the group includes riders with different abilities. It also means the outing may feel more personal than a large coach excursion.

The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible, but the main ride still requires you to cycle for about 24 kilometers and maintain a basic level of fitness. If accessibility affects your plans, contact the operator directly to discuss how the bicycle portion can be handled.

Who should book this outing

I would recommend this tour to you if you enjoy moderate exercise but do not want a technical mountain-bike route. It suits couples, small groups, and solo visitors who like having a guide and a fixed plan.

It is also a good choice if you want to see a quieter side of Chiang Mai without giving up the convenience of hotel pickup. The lake stop gives non-cycling companions something to look forward to, with swimming, a swan boat, a walk, photographs, and lunch.

Beginners can manage it if they are comfortable with a longer ride and the guide adjusts the pace. Twy’s handling of a beginner is encouraging, but you should still be honest about your cycling ability at the start.

I would be cautious if you have not ridden a bicycle in some time, dislike hot or rainy conditions, or expect a short, easy sightseeing trip. The 45-kilometer report also makes it sensible to confirm the distance in advance.

Practical details before you go

The tour lasts four hours and includes pickup from your hotel lobby in Chiang Mai. You are asked to call the operator if you have concerns about the pickup.

Thai and English-speaking guides are available. The named guides include Twy, J-Lo, and Jane, but you should not assume a particular guide unless the operator confirms it.

Bring comfortable clothes and anything you need for swimming. The supplied gear covers the main cycling basics, but the extra items listed by the operator, such as padded shorts and jerseys, are available at the shop rather than included.

The booking terms are flexible: you can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if the weather forecast is uncertain, though the tour itself operates rain or shine.

Should you book the Lake Huay Tung Tao ride?

Book it if you want a well-supported half-day outside Chiang Mai, with a real amount of cycling, a lakeside lunch, and time to swim or take a swan boat. The guides are the heart of the outing, and the comments about Twy, J-Lo, and Jane point to a friendly, adaptable approach.

Before paying, confirm the expected distance and ask how the pace is handled. That is the only notable uncertainty in an otherwise clear package. If 24 kilometers sounds comfortable, the tour offers solid value at $50, especially with transportation, equipment, water, lunch, and hotel return included.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts four hours, including the vehicle transfer, safety briefing, cycling, lake stop, lunch, and return to Chiang Mai.

How far will I cycle?

The planned distance is approximately 24 kilometers, or 12.5 miles, with about three hours of cycling. One booking reported a 45-kilometer route, so confirm the distance with the operator if this matters to you.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is served at a lakeside restaurant, with vegetarian and vegan options available.

Can I swim at Lake Huay Tung Tao?

Yes. Swimming is included among the available activities during the lake stop. You can also walk, take photographs, fish, or ride a swan boat.

Are bicycles and safety equipment provided?

Yes. The operator supplies a well-maintained bicycle, helmet, gloves, a hydration pack, and water. Additional items such as padded shorts, jerseys, and light hiking shoes are available at the shop but are not included.

What languages are offered?

The live guides speak Thai and English.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off in Chiang Mai are included, with pickup from your hotel lobby. The operator asks you to call if you have concerns about the arrangement.