The Ultimate Motorcycle Journey to MotoGP Thailand
The Long Way Round – MotoGP Tour is a premium, fully guided motorcycle adventure created for riders who want real distance, real riding, and real rewards.
This is not a “race weekend add-on”.
It’s a proper long-distance motorcycle expedition across Thailand — connecting remote mountain roads, international borders, ancient kingdoms, legendary riding routes, and finally the adrenaline-charged atmosphere of MotoGP at Buriram.
Designed and operated by Big Bike Tours, this journey blends serious motorcycle touring with one of the world’s greatest motorsport events — all without rushing, shortcuts, or tourist traps.
Most motorcycle tours choose either riding or an event. This tour does both — without compromise.
Instead of blasting down highways to reach MotoGP, we take the long way round:
- Border roads near Myanmar and Laos
- High-altitude mountain passes
- UNESCO World Heritage cities
- Legendary riding roads are ranked among the best in the world
By the time we arrive in Buriram, you haven’t just come for MotoGP — you’ve earned it. This tour is built around one simple idea: The journey should be as epic as the destination. This is motorcycle travel done properly. Experiencing MotoGP at the Chang International Circuit is something every rider should do at least once. You’re not just watching racing — you’re part of a global rider gathering. This tour delivers every style of riding Thailand is famous for.
After 12 days, thousands of curves, mountain passes, racing engines, and unforgettable roads, we return to Chiang Mai.
Boots off. Cold drink in hand. Stories for life.
That’s the Long Way Round – MotoGP Thailand Tour.
Tour Highlights: Doi Inthanon National Park (the highest peak of Thailand 2,565 meters), Vachiratharn waterfall, Mae Chaem, Bo Kaeo Mountain Range, Mae Sariang, Salawin River, Thai–Myanmar Border Road, Hill Tribe Villages, Mae Sot, Sukhothai Historical Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Tak Mountain Pass, Khao Yai National Park Region, Lam Phra Phloeng Reservoir, Buriram, Chang International Circuit MotoGP, Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, Nong Khai, Mekong River, Chiang Khan Riverside Village, Thai–Lao Border Roads, Na Haeo Border Village, Nan Province, Route 1243, Route 1081, Bo Kluea Salt Wells, Doi Phu Kha National Park, Route 1148, Phayao Lake (Kwan Phayao), Route 120 Mountain Road, Than Tong Waterfall, Mae Kachan Hot Springs
| DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION | Big Bike Tours Headquarters | ||||||||||||||
| 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 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 our tours are all-inclusive. 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 – Mae Sariang – Mae Sot – Sukhothai – Khao Yai – Buriram (MotoGP) – Khon Kaen – Chiang Khan – Nan – Phayao – Chiang Mai
(Distance: about 2,740 km. / 1,700 miles )
Day 1. Chiang Mai – Doi Inthanon – Mae Sariang (270 km.)
We leave Chiang Mai behind on quiet rural back roads with light traffic — a perfect warm-up day to settle into the rhythm of Thai riding. The route takes us through the lush Mae Wang area, known for its jungle scenery and elephant camps. We stop at a small, ethical elephant camp for coffee and to observe these animals in a relaxed, respectful environment.
From here the road begins to climb toward Doi Inthanon, Thailand’s highest peak at 2,565 meters. Riding the lesser-used back road into the national park keeps traffic minimal and makes the ascent especially enjoyable. Temperatures drop, the air cools, and the curves tighten as we reach the summit.
After lunch in Mae Chaem — a favorite biker stop — we cross the Bo Kaeo mountain range, an impressive continental divide. The scenery changes dramatically as we descend into the Yuam River basin, finally arriving in Mae Sariang, a relaxed border town close to Myanmar. A rewarding first day that sets the tone for the journey ahead.
Day 2. Mae Sariang – Mae Sot (250 km.)
Early risers can witness the traditional alms-giving ceremony or explore the local morning market before breakfast. Today’s ride follows one of Thailand’s most underrated border routes, tracing the frontier with Myanmar through sparsely populated hill-tribe regions.
We ride south along winding roads that see very little tourist traffic, passing small villages such as Ban Sop Ngao and Tha Song Yang. The riding is continuous and engaging, with curves that flow naturally through forested hills and valleys. A short detour brings us to the Salawin River, marking the border with Myanmar — a great coffee stop and leg stretcher in a rarely visited area.
In the afternoon we pass Maela Refugee Camp, a reminder of the region’s complex history, before arriving in Mae Sot. This lively border town offers a fascinating mix of Thai and Burmese culture. Those interested can visit the border market before dinner.
Day 3. Mae Sot – Sukhothai (230 km.)
Leaving Mae Sot, we climb once more into the mountains on a scenic road toward Tak. The first half of the day delivers smooth curves and wide views before the terrain gradually flattens as we enter central Thailand.
Lunch is taken beside the Ping River in Tak, after which we continue toward Sukhothai. By mid-afternoon we reach Sukhothai Historical Park, Thailand’s first capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With a shorter riding distance today, there is ample time to explore the vast historical park — either by bicycle or on foot — visiting ancient temples, Buddha statues, and city walls dating back to the 13th century.
A perfect balance of riding and cultural immersion.
Day 4. Sukhothai - Khao Yai (390 km.)
Today is the longest riding day of the tour, taking us steadily south toward Khao Yai. The route is chosen to keep highways to a minimum while maintaining good progress. Expect a mix of open countryside, farming areas, and smooth main roads that allow us to cover distances comfortably.
As we approach the Khao Yai region, the landscape becomes greener and more undulating. Our lakeside resort near Khao Yai National Park offers a peaceful environment to unwind after a big day in the saddle — ideal preparation for the MotoGP weekend ahead.
Day 5. Khao Yai - Buriram (240 km.)
After a hearty breakfast, we ride east along the edge of Khao Yai National Park, passing fertile farmland, vineyards, and reservoirs. The roads here are smooth and enjoyable, perfect for a relaxed day before the racing action begins.
We pass the Lam Phra Phloeng Reservoir before joining quieter rural roads toward Buriram. Arrival is early enough to relax, prepare gear, and soak in the pre-race atmosphere that builds across the town.
Day 6. MotoGP Qualifying & Sprint Race (Buriram)
MotoGP Qualifying & Sprint Race Day at the Chang International Circuit. Choose to ride your motorcycle to the circuit or relax in our private air-conditioned transfer.
Inside the venue, you’ll find factory displays, rider merchandise, racing exhibitions, and a buzzing international crowd. VIP grandstand access, arranged as part of the tour package, provide excellent views of the main straight and big screens covering the entire circuit.
An unforgettable experience for any motorcycle enthusiast.
Day 7. MotoGP Race Day (Buriram)
Race Day. The pinnacle of the tour. Feel the atmosphere build as thousands of fans gather for Thailand’s biggest motorsport event. From the VIP Grandstand, enjoy the full spectacle — start lights, overtakes, pit strategy, and podium celebrations.
Even non-hardcore race fans find this day electrifying.
Day 8. Buriram - Khon Kaen (230 km.)
With the races behind us, we return to touring mode and head north toward Khon Kaen. The terrain is flatter here, allowing relaxed cruising and recovery after the excitement of MotoGP.
Khon Kaen is the gateway back into Thailand’s more scenic northeast, and our centrally located hotel makes it easy to explore or relax.
Day 9. Khon Kaen – Chiang Khan (300 km.)
We ride north, skirting Udon Thani and Nong Khai, before meeting the Mekong River. Following its banks, the scenery becomes increasingly scenic and peaceful.
Arrival in Chiang Khan reveals a charming riverside town known for its wooden houses, cafés, and evening walking street. Sunset over the Mekong is a highlight
Day 10. Chiang Khan - Nan (360 km.)
One of the best riding days in Thailand. We follow the Thai–Lao border on quiet, remote back roads with constant curves and elevation changes. Stops include Na Haeo village, where a small river marks the border with Laos.
After lunch, we ride the famous R1243 — once infamous, now newly surfaced and an absolute joy. The final approach into Nan features fast, sweeping curves through lower mountains.
Day 11. Nan – Bo Kluea - Phayao (270 km.)
A rider’s dream day. We take R1081 to Bo Kluea, visit the ancient salt wells, then ride through Doi Phu Kha National Park. After lunch, the legendary R1148 delivers over 120 km of pure riding pleasure — continuous curves, elevation changes, and minimal traffic.
We finish the day cruising into Phayao beside its vast lakeside setting.
Day 12. Phayao - Chiang Mai (200 km.)
Our final day circles Phayao Lake before climbing onto the beautiful R120 mountain road. Stops include Than Tong Waterfall and Mae Kachan Hot Springs. After lunch, we complete the loop back to Chiang Mai — satisfied, tired, and smiling.
2027 Tour Starts
| 01. March – 12. March |
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