Co van Kessel - Chiang Mai Bicycle Tours
Co van Kessel is a well-regarded bicycle tour operator based in Chiang Mai's Chang Khlan district, offering guided rides that take travellers beyond the city's main tourist circuit. Tours range from three to five hours, with options covering both the historic city and the rural countryside beyond its boundaries. Routes pass through working villages, past rice fields, and to lesser-visited temples, giving riders genuine exposure to northern Thai daily life rather than a curated highlight reel.
Guides are a particular strength of the operation. Reviewers frequently single out individual guides by name, praising their local knowledge, warmth, and willingness to share context about Chiang Mai's history, architecture, and culture. Snacks and meals are often included or arranged along the way, and the pace is consistently described as relaxed and manageable rather than physically demanding, making tours accessible to a wide range of fitness levels. Groups appear to be small, which contributes to a personal and unhurried atmosphere.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Co van Kessel - Chiang Mai Bicycle Tours, round out your day in Chiang Mai with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
We had a great experience with Co Van Kessel bike tours in Chiang Mai. We first did the 3-hour city tour, which we enjoyed so much that we booked the 5-hour countryside tour for the following day. What really stood out was the gentle pace of both tours — we never felt rushed — and the opportunity to explore more untrodden paths. You get a real glimpse of local life, including visiting a local market and cycling through areas where people actually live, well away from the main tourist sites. During the city tour, we also stopped at and cycled through several temples, which was a nice addition. Our guide, Mimi, was very friendly and approachable. On the second day, we were the only guests, so it effectively became a private tour, which gave us plenty of time to talk and ask questions. One area for potential improvement would be a bit more proactive storytelling and historical context along the way — once we asked, Mimi shared a lot, but it would have been great to have more of that information volunteered. Overall, a very enjoyable and relaxed way to explore Chiang Mai, especially if you like to go beyond the usual tourist routes. Super kid friendly too!
We booked a 4hr bike tour with co van kessel and couldn’t be happier with our experience. We were paired with Anna and she was friendly and very knowledgeable about the history of chiang mai. Chiang Mai outside of the old city walls is very beautiful, the small streets are charming and locals would go out of their way to greet you and you ride past. The included lunch and snack were delicious and filling, well worth the fee of the tour. We had such a great experience that we are booking another tour with them in Bangkok. Thank you Co Van Kessel!!
My wife and I went for the 4 hr tour with New York and it was lovely. He explained a lot about the temples and about the city in general. Also we’ve had a amazing lunch with him close to the trainstation. You get to know a different face of the city of Chiang Mai which we liked a lot! Definitely recommend!
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 447 reviews on Google.
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Co van Kessel - Chiang Mai Bicycle Tours: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Co van Kessel - Chiang Mai Bicycle Tours worth visiting?
Co van Kessel - Chiang Mai Bicycle Tours holds a 4.8★ rating from 447 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated activities & tours in Chiang Mai.
What are the opening hours of Co van Kessel - Chiang Mai Bicycle Tours?
Co van Kessel - Chiang Mai Bicycle Tours is typically open 10:00-19:00 — see the full day-by-day schedule in the location info on this page. Hours can change on Thai public holidays, so check ahead for holiday visits.
When is the best time to visit Co van Kessel - Chiang Mai Bicycle Tours?
The best months to visit Chiang Mai are November – February, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in December – January & Songkran (April) — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: March – May (smoke & heat).
Where is Co van Kessel - Chiang Mai Bicycle Tours located?
Co van Kessel - Chiang Mai Bicycle Tours is at Soi Kotchasarn Lane 1, Tambon Chang Khlan, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand, in Chiang Mai. Getting around Chiang Mai: Red songthaews (shared pick-up trucks); Grab (available in city centre).
Location Info
Soi Kotchasarn Lane 1, Tambon Chang Khlan, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand+66 64 986 8868www.covankessel.com/Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: March – May (smoke & heat)
Rainy season
June – October
Avg. temperature
15°C – 36°C(59°F – 97°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – January & Songkran (April)
Getting there
Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) has direct flights from Bangkok (1 hr), Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur. Overnight sleeper trains from Bangkok take ~12 hrs.
Getting around
- •Red songthaews (shared pick-up trucks)
- •Grab (available in city centre)
- •Motorbike rental (฿150–250/day)
- •Tuk-tuks (negotiate price first)
Where to stay near Co van Kessel - Chiang Mai Bicycle Tours
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Tips for Visiting Activities & Tours
Vet Elephant Sanctuaries
Only visit sanctuaries that prohibit riding, use no chains or bullhooks, and let elephants roam freely. Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai set the standard. If a place offers painting shows or circus tricks, walk away.
Book Popular Activities Online
Booking platforms like GetYourGuide give you instant confirmation and, on many activities, free cancellation — and you can read recent reviews before committing. Compare with local agencies for multi-day trips where negotiation might save more.
Do Outdoor Activities in the Morning
Heat and humidity peak from noon to 3 PM. Schedule jungle treks, cycling tours, and outdoor cooking classes for early morning. Water activities are more flexible since you're in and out of the sea.
Nearby Places
Toto's Elephant Sanctuary
Ethical elephant sanctuary offering immersive jungle walks, feeding, and conservation education in Chiang Mai.
Wonderful Chiang Mai Travel
A personal tour agency on Tha Phae Road, connecting travellers with curated northern Thailand experiences.
Hug Elephant Sanctuary
An ethical elephant sanctuary tour operator in Chiang Mai offering small-group, hands-on experiences with rescued elephants.
Living Green Elephant Sanctuary (Chiang Mai)
Ethical elephant sanctuary in central Chiang Mai offering hands-on wildlife experiences focused on rescue and conservation.
Similar Activities & Tours Across Thailand
Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket
No rides, no shows, just feeding, mud and washing rescued elephants in the Kathu jungle.
Safari World
A full day out east of the city, and the shows are what people remember most.
Nongnooch Pattaya Garden
Half a day minimum, 500 acres of themed gardens and dinosaurs, and you'll want to be there by 8am.
Lumphini Park
Bangkok's green lung, free to enter, and full of water monitor lizards the size of your leg.
Where to stay near Co van Kessel - Chiang Mai Bicycle Tours
Find hotels in Chiang Mai on the booking sites travellers trust most.
- Compare prices across sites
- Filter for free cancellation
- Secure checkout on the partner site
Compare rates on Booking.com
Largest selection
Compare rates on Expedia
Bundle & save
Compare rates on Hotels.com
Member prices
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Location Info
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: March – May (smoke & heat)
Rainy season
June – October
Avg. temperature
15°C – 36°C(59°F – 97°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – January & Songkran (April)
Getting there
Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) has direct flights from Bangkok (1 hr), Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur. Overnight sleeper trains from Bangkok take ~12 hrs.
Getting around
- •Red songthaews (shared pick-up trucks)
- •Grab (available in city centre)
- •Motorbike rental (฿150–250/day)
- •Tuk-tuks (negotiate price first)