This pure adventure tour “The Great Indochina Ride” provides an outstanding opportunity to obtain a thorough impression within 50 days of the uniqueness of amazing Thailand, unseen Myanmar (former Burma), untouched Laos, charming Vietnam, and the kingdom of wonder Cambodia. We will explore small, almost hidden routes that are unknown to many.
We were the first motorcycle tour operator to organize a tour around Southeast Asia on motorbikes. It was a long and hard process to manage all the paperwork with all the governments. Southeast Asia is a wondrous and mysterious region, and we are taking a full Indochina tour around it. With a fascinating but often troubled history and unique and varying cultures, this enchanting region has much to offer. Join us for this seven-week adventure packed with great riding, UNSECO-listed sites, and remarkable routes off the beaten track, and Southeast Asia will live in your heart forever.
Please be informed, that you need a visa before you can cross the border to Vietnam. In Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia visa on arrival at the border is possible and the easiest way. It means that the US, UK, EU, and Australian residents currently do not require a Visa for Thailand, and can apply for both Cambodia and Laos Visas at the border, but will require a Visa for Vietnam as we are in the country for more than 15 days. You should also ensure that your passport has at least 6 blank pages before travel. You should contact the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your home country first. For more Visa information, please see below.
Please be informed that this 50-DAY TOUR does include the arrival and the departure day, but we recommend you should arrive in Chiang Mai two days before the tour start to acclimate and avoid jet lag.
If you have any more questions, please feel free to contact us at any time.
| TOUR OPERATOR | Big Bike Tours | |||||||||||||
| DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION | Hotel Amora Tapae Chiang Mai | |||||||||||||
| 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 start to acclimate and avoid jet lag. | |||||||||||||
| RETURN TIME | The tour will finish at about 4/5 pm back in Chiang Mai, so if you like to fly back the same day to Bangkok or the beach, you can catch easily 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 different sizes). Please be informed, that we do not offer boots and trousers due to hygienic reasons. |
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Please be informed, that we offer the best cost-benefit ratio for motorcycle touring all over Indochina. You can completely focus on your holiday, the adventure, the riding, and the incredible Southeast Asia. Come ride with us – the real deal!
THAILAND – MYANMAR (BURMA) – LAOS – VIETNAM – CAMBODIA – THAILAND
(Distance: about 8,100 km. / 5,000 miles)
Day 1: Chiang Mai, Arrival (Thailand)
Upon arrival, we will meet you at the airport and drive you to the hotel (recommended arrival to Chiang Mai, no later than 3 pm). At 5 pm, we meet for a welcome briefing and motorcycle hand over at our Service Centre. Ride back to the hotel so you can get familiar with your motorcycle and local riding environment etc. Overnight in Chiang Mai.
Hotel: Amora Tapae Hotel
Day 2: Chiang Mai – Doi Inthanon – Mae Sariang (Thailand) 278 km
Familiarize yourself with your bike on the highway ride heading south of Chiang Mai to Doi Inthanon National Park, the highest peak in Thailand, 2,565 meters above sea level. Ride along the excellent winding mountain road through pine forest scenery. Visit Thailand’s finest waterfall, nature trails, Royal pagodas, and botanical gardens. Descending to Mae Chaem for a relaxing lunch at the local restaurant. After lunch, ride on, passing through pine forests until we reach Mae Sariang, near the border with Myanmar, where you later enjoy your peaceful accommodation.
Hotel: Riverhouse Mae Sariang
Day 3: Mae Sariang – Mae Hong Son – Pai (Thailand) 287 km
After breakfast, leave Mae Sariang to Mae Hong Son on narrow twisty curvy roads. In Khun Yuam we take a break and visit a World War II museum. Visit Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu, the first temple of Mae Hong Son on the hilltop. Lunch is served at a local restaurant. Visit unseen Su Tong Pae Bamboo Bridge, which was built by villagers and locals of Ban Gung Mai Sak. A beautiful bridge supposedly the longest bamboo bridge in Thailand. Then back on twisty curvy roads to Pai. Then we reach charming accommodation with a swimming pool. In Pai, we dine on delicious local food in a restaurant near the river. In the evening after dinner, you can enjoy the delights of the Walking Street market.
Hotel: Medio de Pai
Day 4: Pai – Chiang Dao - Tha Ton (Thailand) 270 km
Before breakfast, in the very early morning, you have a chance to offer food to the monks along the streets of Pai`s local market. After breakfast, visit the Pai World War II Memorial Bridge. Back on winding mountainous roads. Later we reach Chiang Dao, where we have a relaxing lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, visit the Chiang Dao cave. Then ride along fantastic mountain roads via Thailand´s “Little Toscana” until we reach Tha Ton, where you will visit the Wat Tha Ton on top of the mountain and enjoy the amazing sunset there. Later you relax in your charming accommodation with a fantastic river view.
Hotel: Saranya River House
Day 5: Tha Ton – Mae Sai - Golden Triangle (Thailand / Myanmar) 144 km
After breakfast, we leave Tha Ton to visit the long-neck Karen tribe village near the border of Thailand and Myanmar. Ride to Doi Mae Salong, where Chinese mountain tea farmers live. Of course, you will test Thailand´s best tea there. Then back on curvy roads to Doi Tung Royal Villa. Visit the Winter Palace and the botanical garden. Lunch is served at the Royal’s Project restaurant. Visit Wat Tham Pla where you can feed some food to wild monkeys. Continue along winding roads to Mae Sai, the northernmost point of Thailand. In Mae Sai, we crossed into Burma (let the motorcycle at the border) and explore Tachilek in Burma and its attractions. (Visa on arrival).
Later head east to the Golden Triangle – the area where Burma, Laos, and Thailand meet on the Mekong River.
Reach the Golden Triangle where you optional can visit the Opium museum before relaxing at your peaceful accommodation directly at the mighty Mekong River.
Hotel: Serene Chiang Rai
Day 6: Golden Triangle – Chiang Rai - Nan (Thailand) 328 km
After breakfast, ride along a scenic farming area road to Chiang Rai city. After that visit the famous White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) one of the top 10 wonder temples in the world. Lunch is served at a local restaurant. Ride the exhilarating, mountainous highway No. 1148 to Nan, ranked in the Top 10 as one of the most fun biking roads to be found anywhere in the world. 120 kilometers of up and down curves through the impressive mountains providing you with pure riding pleasure. Visit Wat Phra That Khao Noi (Nan hilltop scenic temple) before relaxing in your lovely accommodation and jumping in the swimming pool. Later you will discover and enjoy Nan´s nightlife.
Hotel: Namthong Hotel
Day 7: Rest day in Nan (Thailand)
A day of leisure. Today we’re doing nothing at all. Relaxing by the pool or shopping in the town. Optionally you can, of course, discover the historical and cultural sites of unseen Nan by bicycles (Laundry service available).
Hotel: Namthong Hotel
Day 8: Nan – Khao Kho (Thailand) 373 km
After breakfast, we ride on one of the best roads to discover Thailand´s “little Switzerland”. Visit the Celadon temple before we reach Khao Kho. Khao Kho is a district over 1.000 meters above sea level: Often with a misty, 360-degree panoramic view and refreshing weather the entire year (18 – 25 Celsius degrees). Later you will enjoy and relax in your peaceful accommodation.
Hotel: The Imperial Phukaew Hill Resort
Day 9: Khao Kho – Chiang Khan (Thailand) 210 km
After breakfast, leaving Khao Kho. We cruise along 3 National Parks on curvy dream roads to Chiang Khan, the lovely old wooden houses, shops, and hotels in colonial styles town directly at the Mekong River.
Hotel: Ban Rim Khong
Day 10: Chiang Khan – Nong Khai – Vientianne (Thailand / Laos) 204 km
We cruise along the Mekong river on the curvy road to visit Mount Pha Tak Suea with the “Sky Walk”. Later cross into Laos. Visit the Patuxai monument, which is well known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph. Visit the oldest Pha That Luang, the pagoda according to the Lao people was originally built as a Hindu temple in the 3rd century. Then we arrive and relax at the charming accommodation.
Hotel: Vientiane Garden Hotel
Day 11: Rest day in Vientianne (Laos)
A day of leisure. Today we’re doing nothing at all. Relaxing in the pool or shopping in the town.
Day 12: Vientiane – Vang Vieng (Laos) 191 km
After breakfast, we leave Vientiane. Ride along fantastic mountainous roads to visit the Nam Ngum dam. The largest dam in Laos with deep blue waters same as the ocean. Then we cruise along the highway through farming areas to stunning Vang Vieng.
Hotel: Silver Naga
Day 13: Rest day in Vang Vieng (Laos)
A day of leisure. Optional we recommend flying with a Balloon (95 USD per person)
Day 14: Vang Vieng – Luang Prabang (Laos) 187 km
The roads begin to deteriorate; however, the stunning mountain scenery makes for interesting riding. Continue riding the impressive mountainous roads. Visit the world-famous “Kuang Si waterfall”. These falls begin in shallow pools high up on the mountain. The water collects in numerous turquoise blue pools as it flows downstream. Then continue cruising along until we reach Luang Prabang where you relax at the charming accommodation.
Hotel: Mekong Sunset View
Day 15: Rest day in Luang Prabang (Laos)
This town is gleaming with temple roofs, fading colonial architecture, and a stunning mountain backdrop. It has been claimed by UNESCO as, “the best-preserved traditional city in South East Asia”. This is a leisure day or you can also visit the former Royal Palace which is now a national museum and an important Temple named “Wat Xieng Thong”. A visit to Luang Prabang would be not complete without climbing the 329 steps to the top of Mount Phousi for a beautiful sunset view of the Mekong river overlooking Luang Prabang with a 360-degree view.
Day 16: Luang Prabang – Nong Khiaw (Laos) 142 km
Continue cruising along winding roads until we reach unseen Nong Khiew where you relax at the beautiful accommodation. Overnight in the middle of nowhere in this beautiful and authentic Laos town. I would say one of the most beautiful spots in Southeast Asia. Optional we recommend the Jungle Fly: (Zip Line Adventure Half Day 40 USD): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3w2S14_QmU)
Hotel: Mandala Ou Resort
Day 17: Nong Khiaw – Oudomxai (Laos) 128 km
After breakfast, ride along the impressive mountainous road and follow this stunning mountain road to Pakmong, a brand new stunning road through Lao’s highest mountains. It´s pure adventure riding through a limestone karst landscape. The roads begin to deteriorate; however, the stunning mountain scenery makes for interesting riding. Continue cruising along winding roads until we reach unseen Oudomxai, where you relax at the beautiful accommodation. Overnight in the middle of nowhere in this beautiful and authentic Laos town in the highlands of Laos.
Hotel: Namkat Yorla Pa Resort
Day 18: Oudomxay – Muang Khua - Dien Bien Phu (Laos / Vietnam) 221 km
Our motorcycle adventure continues in an eastern direction on low traffic density provincial roads to the Vietnamese border. On the first stretch, we ride along the Nam Phak River, enjoy the scenery. At Pak Nam Noy we start climbing up the mountains towards the Vietnam border. This is a remote area of Laos, the scenery is spectacular, not many villages. Not much is happening at the Laos / Vietnam border, said that it can still take some time to work through the paperwork. Our Vietnamese guide will wait for us at the Tay Trang border crossing and together we will ride to Dien Bien Phu. You will notice how things have changed once crossing into Vietnam, different landscapes, more people, villages, traffic.
The Battle of Dien Bien Phu was the climactic confrontation of the First Indochina War between the French Union’s French Far East Expeditionary Corps and Viet Minh communist-nationalist revolutionaries. We can visit the Dien Bien Phu Museum, the notorious hill
Hotel: Him Lam Hotel
Day 19: Dien Bien Phu - Sapa (Vietnam) 274 km
Good morning Vietnam! Today we have quite a long ride ahead of us, we will pass endless villages, with plenty of photo opportunities. Toward the end of the day we start climbing up the mountain, the scenery gets better by the hour. After an early breakfast, we depart follow the NR12 to Muong Lay, then head up to the Taphin plateau to conquer a scenic and stunning road through the Sin Ho Valley. We stop at the Sin Ho Market, which is more lively and crowded if we arrive early. We continue this less traveled road until Lai Chau and drive the winding road to Sapa with a photo stop at the O Qui Ho pass at 2005 meter from where we have a spectacular view of Phan Xia Pang, 3,143 meters, Vietnam’s and South East Asia highest mountain. In Sapa, there are plenty of restaurants, souvenir shops, and bars, something for every taste. Overnight in Sapa.
Hotel: Sapa Panorama Hotel
Day 20: Rest day in Sapa (Vietnam)
Today is a rest day. Sapa is a mountainous town in Northwestern Vietnam, blessed with a cool climate throughout the year. The Hoàng Liên mountain range dominates the area with a dramatic backdrop for many scenic treks.
There are many things to do in Sapa. You can do an optional ride in the area. Or you simply chill out. For a remote small town in northern Vietnam’s mountains, Sapa is surprisingly modern. It offers a great variety of gastronomic options – from local street food and Vietnamese specialties to high-quality Italian restaurants and wine bars. Not to mention the many local cafes that serve super robust Vietnamese coffee. If you are up to it, take the cabin to the top of Phan Xia Pang or simply just stroll around in the town. Overnight in Sapa.
(Laundry service possible)
Hotel: Sapa Panorama Hotel
Day 21. Sapa - Nghia Lo (Vietnam) 231 km
With newly “charged batteries” our journey takes us in a southern direction. We ride on good-quality mountain roads to Nhiah Loh. During the whole day, we pass through endless villages and rice fields. There are countless photo stops and possibilities to “mingle with the locals”. The closer we get to Nhiah Loh the more spectacular the landscape becomes, especially the valleys with their endless rice terraces. The road is especially scenic between Than Uyen to Nghia Lo. We will stop at a monument on pass 1570 and viewpoint No1, take the opportunity and climb the watchtower. The view of the rice paddies is best from here. Overnight in Ngiah Lo.
Hotel: Dragonfly Nghia Lo
Day 22. Ngiah Lo – Thai Nguyen - Hanoi (Vietnam) 296 km
After breakfast, grab our bikes and ride the stunning mountain roads to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. En route, have lunch in Thai Nguyen. Overnight in Hanoi.
Hotel: La Siesta Hotel Trendy
Day 23. Rest Day in Hanoi (Vietnam)
A day of leisure. Time to relax or optional visit some of the most outstanding sights such as Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Tran Quoc Pagoda, Temple of Literature …
Hanoi is the capital and the largest city in Vietnam by area. With an estimated population of 7.7 million as of 2018, it is the second-largest city in Vietnam by population. Located in the central area of the Red River Delta, Hanoi is the commercial, cultural, and educational center of Northern Vietnam.
Originally a small settlement along the banks of the Red River, the city was founded as Thang Long, the capital of Imperial Vietnam, in 1010 by monarch Ly Thai To. Thang Long would remain the most important political and cultural center of Vietnam until 1802. Thang Long was renamed to its current name Hanoi in 1831. In 1873, Hanoi was conquered by the French, and from 1883 to 1945, the city was the administrative center of French Indochina. The French colonization left a lasting impact on the city’s architecture that is visible today, as showcased through French-style avenues, bridges, and buildings juxtaposing with traditional Vietnamese architecture. Overnight in Hanoi.
(Laundry service possible)
Hotel: La Siesta Hotel Trendy
Day 24. Hanoi - Ha Long Bay (Vietnam)
Travel to Ha Long Bay by shuttle bus and embark on an overnight cruise to explore this extraordinary piece of Vietnam and relax.
Ha Long Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The name Hạ Long means “descending dragon”.
The bay features thousands of limestone karsts and isles in various shapes and sizes. Ha Long Bay is a center of a larger zone which includes Bai Tu Long Bay to the northeast, and Cát Bà Island to the southwest. Hạ Long Bay has an area of around 1,553 km2 (600 sq mi), including 1,960–2,000 islets, most of which are limestone. The core of the bay has an area of 334 km2 (129 sq mi) with a high density of 775 islets. The limestone in this bay has gone through 500 million years of formation in different conditions and environments. The evolution of the karst in this bay has taken 20 million years under the impact of the tropical wet climate.
Overnight at the Ha Long Bay.
Boat: Phoenix Cruise
Day 25. Second Rest Day in Hanoi (Vietnam)
Disembark after lunch and return to Hanoi for the night and in the evening watch the famous Thang Long Water Puppet show in the theatre.
Hotel: La Siesta Hotel Trendy
Day 26. Hanoi – Ninh Binh (Vietnam) 117 km
After breakfast, leaving the capital of Vietnam. We arrive at Tam Coc, a small town, full of guest houses, coffee shops, restaurants, and souvenir shops (a good opportunity to buy inexpensive Vietnamese handicrafts), etc, once the ancient capital of Viet Nam, settled in the 10th century. We can visit temples of two dynasties of Dinh and Le with very unique architectures. Explore the local area by bicycle. Overnight in Ninh Binh.
Hotel: Tam Coc Valley Bungalow
Day 27. Ninh Binh – Pu Mat (Vietnam) 243 km
In the morning we board sampan boats (2 people share one boat) and drift down the river among the villages, beautiful mountains, and lush rice fields. We pass through 3 caves (“Hang Ca”, “Hang Hai”, and “Hang Ba”). Enjoy the peaceful fullness and watch the skills of the boat operator.
Once back on our motorcycles we continue our journey to Pu Mat. We follow the Ho Chi Minh Trail and the Ca (big) river and arrive in Pu Mat town in the Nghe An province towards the end of the day. Most of today’s route is on good enjoyable low-density roads. Next to our hotel is a swimming pool with a bar, full of locals. Enjoy a swim and a beer with them. There is also a possibility to ride and visit a waterfall, paved road, a total of 50 km return. Overnight at hotel in Pu Mat.
Hotel: Muong Thanh Con Cuong
Day 28: Pu Mat - Phong Nha (Vietnam) 285 km
Regarded by the lucky few who have ridden the Western Ho Chi Minh trail, as being one of the best motorcycling roads on earth. twisting and turning its way through spectacular “Jurassic Park-like” Limestone mountains covered in a lush green jungle filled with crystal clear waterfalls and wild rivers. this pristine wilderness is still home to many rare animals including Elephants and Tigers. We ride through the Ke Bang National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site. containing the oldest Karst mountains in Asia, formed over 400 million years, riddled with over 300 hundred cave systems including the biggest cave on earth Hong Son Dong cave “discovered in 2009” today’s ride is mind-blowing and best described as a riders paradise. lunch in a small picture-perfect village. The afternoon delivers more great riding through this very special part of the world that remains rarely seen by the outside world. keep an eye out for Gibbons. Late afternoon has us arriving in beautiful Phong Nha with a great hotel overlooking the Son Con River. Enjoy an ice-cold welcome beer! This charming village offers a great range of local and western-style bars and restaurants. Welcome to Phong Nha.
Hotel: Victory Road Villas
Day 29: Phong Nha - Khe Sanh – Hue (Vietnam) 368 km
Enjoy coffee and breakfast overlooking the Song Con River. Our bikes have seen good service and check over and are ready for the next leg of this amazing journey. Helmets on! Time to say our goodbyes to Phong Nha. Riding south on the Ho Chi Minh trail a relaxed pace ride with endless insights into the daily life in rural Vietnam, surrounded by picture-perfect landscapes. Views across colorful rice fields some still holding bomb creator scars as this region faced some of the heaviest attacks throughout the American War. Outstanding views across the valley and surrounding mountain ranges. It’s so hard to imagine this whole region was once at war. l can help but have the Cold Chisel song “Khe Sanh” playing in my mind as we edge closer to Khe Sanh. Upon arrival, we ride into the former Khe Sanh Marine base. Today a small museum filled with historical pictures and weapons on display, additionally a C130, Chinook, and old plane wreckage surrounds the remains of the old airstrip. Enjoy a picnic-style lunch. After lunch joins again the legendary Ho Chi Minh trail this superb stretch of winding road that follows the Dong Nai river. Passing an array of farming areas from tree plantations to fields of tea, traditional farming methods are still used. We cruise through the back streets of Hue “the home of the last Vietnam Emperors”. Overnight in Hue.
Hotel: Huong Giang Hotel Resort & Spa
Day 30: Hue – Hoian (Vietnam) 175 km
Optional discover Hue in the morning. After lunch visit the Imperial Citadel, a garden house, a royal tomb, and a village crafting conical hats. Early afternoon, leave Hue for Hoian, riding over Hai Van Pass (Ocean Clouds), visiting one or two sites in Danang.
Hotel: EMM Hotel
Day 31: Hoian - Quy Nhon (Vietnam) 300 km
Depart Hoian and continue the easy ride along the NH1. Stop for lunch in Quang Ngai and to visit the Twin Cham Towers.
Hotel: Royal Health Care
Day 32: Quy Nhon - Nha Trang (Vietnam) 240 km
Leave Quy Nhon for Nha Trang. En route, visit Tam Giang Dam, Mang Lang Church, Ghenh Da Dia, etc.
Hotel: Majestic Star
Day 33: Rest day in Nha Trang (Vietnam)
Today is a free day. Opt to relax or explore the town
Day 34: Nha Trang - Mui Ne (Vietnam) 230 km
After breakfast, continue southwards through the dry land of Ninh Thuan province. In Mui Ne, visit the famous Sand Dunes, the Fairy Stream, Ke Ga Lighthouse.
Hotel: Novela
Day 35: Mui Ne - Saigon (Vietnam) 230 km
After breakfast at the hotel, get on the bike, and start driving to the biggest city in Vietnam. The drive is going to be harder due to the busy traffic and speed limit. In Saigon, check into the hotel and relax.
Hotel: Avanti
Day 36: Saigon - Cu Chi – Saigon (Vietnam) 100 km
Optional ride in the morning to Cu Chi to visit the legendary tunnels dug out in wartime. Return to town early in the afternoon. The rest of the day will be independent time.
Day 37: Saigon - Chau Doc (Vietnam) 220 km
After breakfast, saddle up and ride out of Saigon, through the lushly green Mekong Delta, a world where people work and live on the waters. If time permits, visit a fish farming village on the Mekong River and Sam Mountain.
Hotel: Saigon Rach Gia Hotel
Day 38: Chau Doc - Ha Tien – Kep (Vietnam / Cambodia) 112 km
After breakfast, drive to Ha Tien on the border with Cambodia. Clear the immigration formalities and go into Cambodia. Continues the ride to Kep, well known for the seafood, especially the crabs …
Hotel: Mealea Resort
Day 39: Kep – Kampot – Bokor Hill Station – Kampot (Cambodia) 114 km
Ride to Kampot (well known for being the best black pepper in the world) and ride up above 1,000 meters above sea level to the Bokor Hill Station, which refers to a collection of French colonial buildings (hotel & casino, church, royal residence, etc. ), constructed as a temperate mountain luxury resort and retreat for colonial residents in the early 1920s atop Bokor Mountain in Preah Monivong National Park. Riding back to the famous and charming fisher village of Kampot directly on the Gulf of Thailand.
Hotel: Five.S
Day 40: Kampot – Killing Fields – Phnom Penh (Cambodia) 241 km
The Cambodian Killing Fields are several sites in Cambodia where collectively more than a million people were killed and buried by the Khmer Rouge regime, during its rule of the country from 1975 to 1979, immediately after the end of the Cambodian Civil War (1970–1975). The mass killings are widely regarded as part of a broad state-sponsored genocide (the Cambodian genocide). Analysis of 20,000 mass grave sites by the DC-Cam Mapping Program and Yale University indicate at least 1,386,734 victims of execution. Estimates of the total number of deaths resulting from Khmer Rouge policies, including disease and starvation, range from 1.7 to 2.5 million out of a 1975 population of roughly 8 million. In 1979, Vietnam invaded Democratic Kampuchea and toppled the Khmer Rouge regime.
Hotel: Le Grand Palais Boutique
Day 41: Rest day in Phnom Penh (Cambodia)
Today is a free day. Opt to relax or explore the town like the National Museum or the Royal Palace. If you are in the mood also can visit the prison S21 to learn about the inhumanity of the Pol Pot regime.
Hotel: Le Grand Palais Boutique
Day 42: Phnom Pheng – Siem Reap – Angkor Wat (Cambodia) 314 km
Long day riding. We will stop at some hidden places. Discover 1,000 years old stone bridges and you can try to eat fresh spiders on a local market … 😉
Hotel: eOcambo Village
Day 43: Rest day in Siem Reap (Angkor Wat) (Cambodia)
Angkor Wat is a temple complex in Cambodia and the largest religious monument in the world, with the site measuring 162.6 hectares (1,626,000 m2; 402 acres). It was originally constructed as a Hindu temple of god Vishnu for the Khmer Empire, gradually transforming into a Buddhist temple towards the end of the 12th century. The temple is at the top of the high classical style of Khmer architecture. It has become a symbol of Cambodia, appearing on its national flag, and it is the country’s prime attraction for visitors.
Day 44: Second rest day in Siem Reap (Angkor Wat) (Cambodia)
A day of leisure. Today we’re doing nothing at all. Relaxing in the pool or shopping in the town.
Day 45: Siem Reap – Choam – Buriram (Cambodia / Thailand) 313 km
Crossing back into Thailand. And learn again to ride on the left side of the road. Ride along the poorest area in Thailand, the “Isaan”. Overnight in Buriram, becomes famous for the Thai National Race Circuit and is for many years station for the MotoGP Championship.
Hotel: Best Western Royal Buriram
Day 46. Buriram – Petchabun (Thailand) 379 km
Unspectacular transfer day to Petchabun. The West of the “Isaan” area. Discover Petchabun´s nightlife in the chopper bar “House 66”.
Hotel: Kosit Hill
Day 47. Petchabun - Khao Koh – Sukhothai (Thailand) 234 km
After breakfast, we visit the Khao Kho Memorial Sacrifice monument and the weapons museum. Between 1965 – 1984, this mountain area was the battlefield of the Thai Communist Party and the Thai Royal Army. Then we continue uphill, cruising to Phu Ta Boek National Park: “The Shangri-La of Thailand”. Continue along winding roads until we reach Sukhothai. Visit the World Heritage Ancient Sukhothai Historical Park, designated world heritage site number 574 on 12 December 1991 by UNESCO, and enjoy the amazing sunset in the old ruins. Later you can relax in the beautiful accommodation with a swimming pool.
Hotel: Ruan Thai
Day 48. Sukhothai – Sirikit Dam – Phrae (Thailand) 334 km
After breakfast, we leave Sukhothai riding through winding mountainous roads. We then take the motorbikes on a wooden ferry across the Sirikit dam reservoir. Sirikit dam is the largest earth dam in Thailand. It´s used for irrigation, fisheries, flood control, and as well as hydroelectric power generation. Then we continue on the highway passing through rice fields until we reach unseen Phrae.
Hotel: Phoom Thai Garden
Day 49. Phrae – Chiang Mai (Thailand) 202 km
After breakfast, we leave Phrae cruising along the highway to Den Chai, we visit a large reclining Buddha. We continue riding through winding mountainous roads to Lampang. Lunch is served at a local restaurant. We visit the Thai Elephant Conservation Center and the world´s first elephant hospital. We continue riding, passing through national parks and farming areas. Visit a local market, stopping for refreshment, before heading back to Chiang Mai
Day 50. Chiang Mai, Departure (Thailand)
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Chiang Mai Airport (International Terminal) or stay and explore Chiang Mai and the surrounding area.
End of Tour
VISA THAILAND
Most nationalities do not require a visa to enter Thailand for a stay that does not exceed 30 days. However, it is important to note that Thailand’s immigration regulations require that passports must remain valid at least six months beyond visitors’ intended length of stay in Thailand.
Furthermore, it is important to note that Thai Immigration authorities only grant a visa-free stay of a maximum of 15 days in Thailand if tourists enter the country overland (from Burma) rather than through an international airport. Hence, after returning overland from Burma, you will only be allowed a maximum visa-free stay of 15 days in Thailand.
VISA FOR MYANMAR (former Burma), LAOS & CAMBODIA
For Myanmar (former Burma) only at the Mae Sai border and also for Laos is Visa on arrival possible, same as it´s in Thailand. Cambodia also offers visas on arrival, very easy to do. The Visa fee on arrival for one day in Myanmar is about 15 US$ (600 THB) for Laos about 30 US$ for 30 days (1,200 THB) and Cambodia about 35 US$ for 30 days (1,800 THB).
VISA FOR VIETNAM
First of all, please note that today it is irrelevant whether you refer to Vietnam.
To facilitate the issuance of visas through a Vietnamese Embassy or Permanent Mission, it is best if persons with pre-booked travel arrangements submit along with their visa application a so-called “Visa Confirmation Letter” from the tour operator in Hanoi responsible for the tour arrangements. We shall obtain the visa confirmation letter and forward it to you. The confirmation letter implies that the tour operator is responsible for you during your entire stay in Vietnam and eliminates further questioning by the Vietnamese Embassy.
Please note that Vietnamese Embassies generally do not consider the exact travel dates but simply stamp visas valid for 3 months and entitling the holder to 1 single entry into Vietnam within these 3 months. Therefore, we will forward to you the visa confirmation letter approximately 1 ½ months before the start of the tour to ensure that the validity of your visa will extend beyond the length of your stay in Vietnam. Once you have received your visa confirmation letter, you should contact the nearest Vietnamese Embassy or Permanent Mission to obtain visas application forms, fill in the visa application forms in triplicate, attach one passport photo to each copy of the application form and enclose a printout copy of the visa confirmation letter with the application. Please refer to the list of diplomatic missions of Vietnam for a list of all Vietnamese Embassies, Permanent Missions, and Consulate Generals.
REGISTRATION / DEPOSIT
Due to the cumbersome logistics involved with obtaining all necessary permits and border formalities, we must impose the following conditions for registration of your participation in the tour:
- The deadline for the latest registrations is two months before the tour start
- Confirmation of your participation in the tour will only be confirmed against the payment of a 10% deposit (down payment) of the total tour price.
- First, come – first served: the date of receipt of your deposit (down payment) will determine whose participation will be confirmed first. We will not confirm participation in the tour before receipt of your deposit.
We shall guarantee the departure of the tour with a minimum of 4 bikers and shall limit the maximum size of the group to no more than 15 bikes.
With your registration for the tour, we also need the following personal data from you:
Family Name(s) – as per passport:
First Name(s) – as per passport:
Passport Number:
Nationality:
Date of Birth:
Passport Issue Date:
Passport Issue Place:
Passport Expiry Date:
Please note that to participate in this tour, you must own a valid international driver’s license for motorcycles over 500 ccs.
For inquiries or in case of any uncertainties, please contact us at info@bigbiketours.com
FULL PREPAYMENT
Since we shall have to fully prepay all suppliers far in advance, we require your full prepayment of the tour (minus the deposit) by the latest two months before the tour start.
CANCELLATION FEES
Please note that the following cancellation fees apply in the case that you are obliged to cancel the reservations for the tour at the last minute:
If cancellation is received: Fee (in % of the total tour price)
60 Days to 15 Days 30% of Tour cost
30 Days to 8 Days 50% of Tour cost
14 Days or less 100% of Tour cost
We strongly recommend that you purchase individualized travel and/or medical insurance from any insurance company in your home market to prevent having to incur any unexpected medical or travel expenses.
INSURANCE – THAILAND, LAOS & CAMBODIA
The motorcycles carry compulsory third-party insurance according to Thai law but do not carry full comprehensive insurance as this is not available in Thailand for rental motorcycles. The tour participant, therefore, carries the maximum risk of 175.000 THB in case of total damage to his/her motorcycle. The participant is not liable for technical failure in the case of engine or gearbox problems nor for wear and tear.
INSURANCE – VIETNAM
The motorcycles only carry compulsory third-party insurance for Thailand – not for Vietnam as our Thai insurance company’s coverage does not extend beyond Thailand. Consequently, the participant carries the full risk in case of an accident, regardless of whether the accident is caused by the tour participant or by a third party. Please bear also in mind that in the case of an accident, the adversary will most likely not be carrying any insurance coverage at all. Hence, the tour participant carries the maximum risk of 175.000 THB in case of total damage to his/her motorcycle.
OPTIONAL
Against the surcharge of 9.000 THB, we offer limited comprehensive insurance cover with a maximum liability/participation of 35.000 THB (instead of 175.000 THB) for the participant in case of damage sustained to his/her motorcycle. For minor damage, we will collect the costs for repair at the end of the tour as it is easier to handle such minor cases on the spot. Tour participants who opt for fully comprehensive insurance cover will also have to deposit 35.000 THB in cash at the beginning of the tour.
It is also important to know that the participant is liable for damage caused to his/her motorcycle in the case of an accident caused by a third person. Third-party insurance in Thailand generally only covers bodily harm caused to the third party and does not cover damage caused to the vehicle of a third party.
THAILAND CURRENCY / CREDIT CARDS
American Express, Visa, and Master Card are widely accepted in Thailand. Cash payments are only accepted in Thailand’s own currency (Thai Baht). It is easy to exchange major foreign currencies into Thai Baht as there are official money changers at most tourist places. ATMs can be found almost everywhere. Please do not bring Euro cheques as these can only be cashed at major banks.
LAOS CURRENCY / CREDIT CARDS
The best way to Laos will be to use Thai Bath over there. In Laos, Thai Bath can use and is accepted everywhere. 1 Thai Bath is about 250 KIP. ATMs can be found almost everywhere.
CAMBODIA CURRENCY / CREDIT CARDS
The best way to Cambodia will be to use US$ over there. In Cambodia, US$ can use and is accepted everywhere. 1 US$ is about 4,000 Cambodian Riel. ATMs can be found almost everywhere.
VIETNAM CURRENCY / CREDIT CARDS
ATMs are not yet widespread in Vietnam, and only major hotels and sometimes upcountry accept the most common credit cards such as American Express and Visa. In many places, however, credit cards will not be accepted at all. Hence, it is useful to bring cash US Dollars, preferably also in small denominations as many shops upcountry cannot easily provide change for a 100-Dollar bill. You may also want to change some foreign currency into Vietnamese Dong (VND) as the Vietnamese only trade in their currency. When paying for something small with US Dollars, the change will most likely be rendered in Vietnamese Dong (VND). This change, in turn, can be used again for buying a drink or for small tips, etc. Bringing traveler cheques is useless as only the Vietnamese Investment, and Commercial Bank (VICB) or the Vietnamese Foreign Trade Bank (VFTB) in Saigon would trade in these through cumbersome and time-consuming procedures. However, it is now possible to change US Dollars and even Euro into local currency at most airports and many other places. We recommend changing some Vietnamese Dong (VND) already in your home country.
Day 1 – Day 5
Day 6 – Day 10
Day 11 – Day 22
Day 23 – Day 27
Day 28 – Day 36
Day 37 – Day 44
Day 45 – Day 50
2023 Tour Dates
| 30. April – 18. June |
| 08. October – 26. November |
2024 Tour Dates
| 28. April – 16. June |
| 06. October – 24. November |
