Experience the Best Motorcycle Tour in Northern Thailand
Discover the ultimate motorcycle adventure with the best motorcycle tour in Northern Thailand. This tour takes you through some of the most scenic and culturally rich areas of Thailand, offering an unforgettable journey filled with stunning views, historical landmarks, and traditional experiences.

Visit Iconic Attractions Across Northern Thailand
Your adventure begins with a visit to Maetaeng Elephant Park & Clinic, where you can interact with majestic elephants. Explore the Chiang Dao Cave, one of Thailand’s most impressive natural wonders, and visit the charming town of Tha Ton. Experience the culture of the long-neck Karen tribe’s village, and take in the impressive scenery of Doi Mae Salong and Doi Tung Royal Villa.

Ride Through the Famous Golden Triangle
Ride to the world-famous Golden Triangle, where the borders of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar (Burma) meet, offering incredible panoramic views and rich history.

Exhilarating Rides and Scenic Views
Experience the thrill of riding the R1148, ranked among the top 10 best motorcycle roads globally. With 120 kilometers of winding curves through mountainous terrain, this road delivers pure riding pleasure and breathtaking views. Along the way, enjoy unique panoramic views of the border between Laos and Thailand, and explore the unseen Salt Mines of Bo Kluea.

Explore Charming Phayao and Hidden Gems
Ride through the picturesque town of Phayao, the largest lake in Northern Thailand, for a relaxing break and stunning views. This tour also immerses you in natural, historical, traditional, and cultural attractions that showcase the real Thailand.

Unforgettable Riding Experience
This tour offers the perfect combination of exhilarating rides, cultural exploration, and breathtaking scenery. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience Northern Thailand in a way only a motorcycle adventure can provide.

Tour Highlights: Maetaeng Elephant Park & Clinic; Chiang Dao cave; Wat Tha Ton; long-neck Karen tribes village; Doi Mae Salong tea farm; Doi Tung Royal Villa; Monkey Temple; Golden Triangle; long-tail boat trip on the Mekong River to Laos, Opium Museum, Chiang Khong – the gate to Indochina; White Temple Wat Rong Khun in Chiang Rai; charming Nan; Bo Kluea Salt Mines; road R1148, ranked as one of the top 10 world`s best biking roads; Phayao lake (Kwan Phayao)

DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION

Big Bike Tours™ Motorcycle Adventures (Headquarters) → Google Map

DEPARTURE TIME

The tour will start at 8.30 am. Please be informed that you arrived at least one day before the tour started in Chiang Mai. We recommend two days before the tour starts to acclimate and avoid jet lag.

RETURN TIME

The tour will finish at about 4/5 pm back in Chiang Mai, so if you would like to fly back the same day to Bangkok or the beach, you can easily catch any flight from Chiang Mai after 6 pm.

GEAR

We recommend bringing your gear to be the most comfortable. BUT we also offer helmets, jackets, gloves, and knee guards (European high-quality brands in many sizes). Please be informed that we do not offer boots and trousers due to hygienic reasons.

INCLUDED

5 overnights at carefully selected quality hotels and resorts with leisure facilities

Private double bedroom (king-size bed). You do not need to share a room with someone else.

5 lunches, 5 dinners, breakfast every day

Water, soft drinks, and coffee/tea in connection with the meals

Gasoline & Oil; Motorcycle rental with unlimited mileage

Third-party liability insurance for motorcycles

Full First Class Comprehensive insurance for motorcycles with a deductible of up to 1,000 USD in case of damage

Pick-up service from Chiang Mai Airport

English-speaking professional Road Captain with a TAT license (Tourism Authority of Thailand) on a motorcycle leading the group

Support van for luggage transportation, drinks, and space for a few guests on the entire tour upon prior request

All entrance fees to National Parks and Historic Sites

Riding gear (Helmets, Jackets, Gloves, Knee Guards)

Famous Big Bike Tours “On zee bikes!” T-Shirt

NOT INCLUDED

All services not mentioned as included and all items of a personal nature

Alcoholic beverages

Travel insurance (cover against cancellation costs, medical expenses, including repatriation, in the event of accident or illness). We highly recommend that you arrange appropriate insurance in your home country

Airfare

Visa fee

Please be informed that our tours are all-inclusive. So you can completely focus on your holiday, the adventure, the riding, and the amazing Thailand. There are no hidden costs or other surprises – our tour prices are final. All is paid. Come ride with us – the real deal!

Chiang Mai → Chiang Dao → Tha Ton → Doi Mae Salong → Golden Triangle → Chiang Khong → Chiang Rai → Nan → Bo Kluea → Phayao → Chiang Mai

(Distance: about 1,170 km. / 730 miles )

Day 1. Chiang Mai – Chiang Dao – Tha Ton – Doi Mae Salong (276 km.)

Leaving Chiang Mai after breakfast, the journey begins with a relaxed ride north through the Mae Taeng valley, giving you time to become familiar with your motorcycle as the scenery gradually shifts from city surroundings to open countryside.
The first stop of the day is the Mae Taeng Elephant Park & Clinic, where you have the opportunity to interact with the elephants and learn more about their care in a protected environment.
Continuing toward Chiang Dao, the landscape becomes increasingly mountainous. After a relaxed lunch break, you visit the impressive Chiang Dao Cave, one of the most fascinating cave systems in Northern Thailand, known for its vast chambers, stalactite formations, and temple shrines hidden inside the mountain.
In the afternoon, the ride follows scenic mountain roads through an area often referred to as Thailand’s “Little Toscana”, with rolling hills, open valleys, and quiet rural scenery creating a beautiful contrast to the denser forests of the morning route.
Later, the road climbs higher toward Wat Tha Ton, beautifully situated on a hilltop overlooking the surrounding valleys near the Myanmar border.
Continuing through the northern highlands, you visit a traditional Long Neck Karen village, where you gain insight into the culture and daily life of this unique ethnic minority community.
By late afternoon, you arrive in Doi Mae Salong, a historic mountain settlement known for its Chinese heritage and scenic tea plantations. Here you enjoy freshly grown local mountain tea while overlooking the surrounding hills before settling into your accommodation in this peaceful highland setting.

Day 2. Doi Mae Salong - Golden Triangle - Chiang Khong (165 km.)

The morning begins in the cool mountain air of Doi Mae Salong, where you have time to explore the surrounding tea plantations and enjoy freshly grown local tea – a signature experience of this unique region.
Leaving the mountains, the ride continues toward Doi Tung, where you visit the beautiful Royal Villa, one of the most refined and scenic cultural sites in Northern Thailand.
On the way, you stop at the famous Wat Tham Pla (Fish Cave Temple), often referred to as the Monkey Temple, where wild monkeys roam freely around the temple grounds, and the cave is filled with sacred fish – a unique and lively experience along the route.
From here, the ride continues toward the legendary Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet at one of Southeast Asia’s most historically significant locations. A long-tail boat trip on the Mekong River brings you across to a small village in Laos, offering a rare chance to briefly step into another country during the journey (no Visa required for Laos).
After visiting the Opium Museum, the afternoon ride follows one of the most scenic sections along the Mekong River, often referred to as Thailand’s “Paradise Road”, with sweeping river views and quiet countryside.
By late afternoon, you arrive in Chiang Khong, a peaceful riverside town known as the gateway to Indochina. Your accommodation sits directly along the Mekong River, providing the perfect setting to relax and take in the atmosphere of this remarkable region.

Day 3. Chiang Khong - Chiang Rai - Nan (344 km.)

Leaving Chiang Khong after breakfast, the route follows quiet rural roads through scenic farming areas as you make your way toward Chiang Rai.
Arriving in the city, you visit the remarkable Wat Rong Khun (White Temple), one of Thailand’s most iconic and visually striking landmarks. Its unique all-white design and intricate details make it a truly unforgettable stop and a highlight of the journey.
After lunch, the ride continues east toward Nan along one of the most enjoyable mountain highways in Northern Thailand. The road offers a perfect mix of sweeping curves, elevation changes, and wide-open views across remote landscapes – a rewarding stretch for any rider.
Before reaching the town, you visit Wat Phra That Khao Noi, a hilltop temple overlooking Nan, where panoramic views provide a final scenic moment of the day.
By late afternoon, you arrive in Nan, a charming and lesser-visited destination known for its relaxed atmosphere and authentic northern Thai character.

Day 4. Rest Day in Nan

Today is a well-deserved rest day in Nan, giving you time to slow down and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of one of Northern Thailand’s most charming and lesser-visited towns.
You can spend the day unwinding at your accommodation, relaxing by the pool, or taking a gentle walk through the quiet streets of Nan.
For those who prefer to stay active, there is the option to explore the town and its surroundings by bicycle. Nan is known for its rich history, traditional temples, and authentic local life, offering a different perspective from the riding days. Whether you choose to rest or explore, this day provides the perfect balance before continuing the journey.
Laundry service is available.

Day 5. Nan – Bo Kluea - Phayao (325 km.)

Leaving Nan after breakfast, the day begins with one of the most scenic and rewarding rides in Northern Thailand. The route follows the famous R1081 toward Bo Kluea, a mountain road often referred to as a true rider’s paradise, with continuous curves and breathtaking views across untouched landscapes.
Along this stretch, you stop at the famous “Road Number 3” viewpoint, one of the most iconic photo spots in Nan province. Here, the perfectly winding road forms the shape of a number three as it cuts through the mountains – a unique and highly photogenic highlight that has become increasingly popular among riders and photographers.
In Bo Kluea, you visit the traditional salt wells, where natural mountain salt has been produced for centuries – a unique cultural stop in a remote setting.
The journey continues through Doi Phu Kha National Park, offering cool mountain air, dense forests, and ever-changing scenery before reaching Chiang Klang for a relaxed lunch.
In the afternoon, you ride one of Thailand’s most legendary motorcycle roads: the R1148. This incredible stretch is often ranked among the Top 10 best motorcycle roads in the world, featuring around 120 kilometers of flowing curves, elevation changes, and panoramic mountain views – a true highlight for any motorcycle enthusiast.
After this exhilarating section, the route gradually opens up as you follow quieter roads through rural farming areas toward Phayao.
Arriving in Phayao, you visit the shores of Kwan Phayao Lake, one of the largest freshwater lakes in Northern Thailand, known for its peaceful atmosphere and wide-open views across the water.

Day 6. Phayao - Chiang Mai (151 km.)

After breakfast, you leave the peaceful lakeside town of Phayao and begin the final day of your journey with a scenic ride along the shoreline of the lake.
From here, the route follows the famous R120, one of the most enjoyable mountain riding roads in the region, offering flowing curves, elevation changes, and wide views across forested hills — a perfect finale for this adventure.
Along the way, you stop at Kwan Phayao Viewpoint, a pleasant forest setting ideal for a short break before continuing deeper into the mountains.
The ride continues toward Mae Kachan Hot Springs, where you pause for lunch at a local restaurant beside the steaming natural geysers — one of the most unique roadside stops in Northern Thailand.
Before returning to Chiang Mai, there is time for a short visit to a local market for refreshments and a final glimpse of everyday northern Thai life.
By the early afternoon, you arrive back in Chiang Mai, where your motorcycle journey comes to a memorable conclusion after an exciting week of mountain riding, hidden routes, and authentic cultural experiences.

Day 1. Chiang Mai – Chiang Dao – Tha Thon – Doi Mae Salong (276 km)

Day 2. Doi Mae Salong – Golden Triangle – Chiang Khong (165 km)

Day 3. Chiang Khong – Chiang Rai – Nan (344 km)

Day 4. Rest day in Nan

Day 5. Nan – Bo Kluea – Phayao (325 km)

Day 6. Phayao – Chiang Mai (151 km)