All About Physical Activity
Nichole S, Sep 2019
6-Hour Hike and Bike in Doi Suthep Pui National Park Combo from Chiang Mai
Our guide and driver arrived on time, which I am always thankful for. This tour was a challenge physically. The uphill portion of the hike was a challenge, but didn't last long, downhill was a breeze. I could tell the view at the top of Chiang Mai would be beautiful, but for us, it was cloudy, so couldn't see much. I know that's out of the tour guide's control so certainly not part of my rating. The food stop in the small village was quaint, but no one explained anything about the village. That would have added some culture to the trip. Having read several reviews before booking, I was pretty sure the bike ride down the mountain would be interesting, and it certainly was! The road is a mixture of dirt, rocks, and broken concrete. If you have experience off road biking, like one of the others on the tour, you might consider it easy. For me it was a challenge. I took my time, and made it down safely with a few scrapes. I consider my physical ability to be average. My husband, very physically fit, ran the LA marathon last year fit, also took his time riding down and he found it to be a challenge - no off road biking experience either. I will say we felt really good to finish! We weren't hungry at the last food stop so opted for beverages and a rest instead. Was sore the next day and a nice Thai Massage did the trick to loosen us up! What could make the tour better would be to incorporate a bit more culture, or maybe a few stops along the road at viewpoints on the drive up to explain what is in the park. As is, this tour is all about being physical.
Our guide and driver arrived on time, which I am always thankful for. This tour was a challenge physically. The uphill portion of the hike was a challenge, but didn't last long, downhill was a breeze. I could tell the view at the top of Chiang Mai would be beautiful, but for us, it was cloudy, so couldn't see much. I know that's out of the tour guide's control so certainly not part of my rating. The food stop in the small village was quaint, but no one explained anything about the village. That would have added some culture to the trip. Having read several reviews before booking, I was pretty sure the bike ride down the mountain would be interesting, and it certainly was! The road is a mixture of dirt, rocks, and broken concrete. If you have experience off road biking, like one of the others on the tour, you might consider it easy. For me it was a challenge. I took my time, and made it down safely with a few scrapes. I consider my physical ability to be average. My husband, very physically fit, ran the LA marathon last year fit, also took his time riding down and he found it to be a challenge - no off road biking experience either. I will say we felt really good to finish! We weren't hungry at the last food stop so opted for beverages and a rest instead. Was sore the next day and a nice Thai Massage did the trick to loosen us up! What could make the tour better would be to incorporate a bit more culture, or maybe a few stops along the road at viewpoints on the drive up to explain what is in the park. As is, this tour is all about being physical.