Experience the Ultimate Adventure on the Nan Loop Motorcycle Tour
The Nan Loop is a thrilling three-day motorcycle adventure that combines history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Covering over 800 km, this tour takes you to explore the ancient charm of Nan, the beauty of Phayao, and other hidden gems in Northern Thailand.
Ride World-Class Roads with Stunning Scenery
This tour is designed for riders seeking the ultimate experience: great roads, no traffic, no speed cameras, and spectacular views. Ride the legendary R1148, ranked among the top 10 best motorcycle roads in the world. This incredible route winds through mountainous landscapes, offering panoramic views that will leave you in awe.
Discover Unique Border Views and Unseen Gems
Follow dream roads along the Thai-Laos border, taking in breathtaking vistas at every turn. Visit the unseen Salt Mines of Bo Kluea, a fascinating cultural and historical site nestled in the mountains. This journey offers the perfect mix of thrilling rides and enriching experiences.
A Real Motorcycle Tour for Real Riders
The Nan Loop delivers everything a rider could dream of—amazing roads, stunning scenery, and unforgettable memories. This is more than a motorcycle tour; it’s an adventure tailored for true riding enthusiasts.
Tour Highlights: Chae Son National Park, charming Nan; Bo Kluea Salt Mines; road R1148, ranked as one of the world’s top 10 best biking roads; Phayao Lake (Kwan Phayao); Mae Katchan Hot Spring and Geyser
| 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. |
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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 → Nan → Bo Kluea → Phayao → Chiang Mai
(Distance: about 790 km. / 490 miles )
Day 1. Chiang Mai – Nan (312km.)
Leaving Chiang Mai after breakfast, the journey begins with a relaxed ride east into the mountains, giving you time to become familiar with your motorcycle before reaching the first scenic stop of the day.
Soon, the road climbs into the forested hills of Chae Son National Park, following the legendary R120, one of Northern Thailand’s most enjoyable mountain riding roads. Flowing curves, elevation changes, and quiet countryside make this stretch a perfect introduction to the adventure ahead.
Continuing through scenic highland landscapes, the ride leads toward Phayao, where you stop at a hilltop viewpoint overlooking Kwan Phayao Lake, one of the largest freshwater lakes in Northern Thailand and a peaceful highlight along the route.
In the afternoon, the journey continues along rewarding mountain highways toward Nan, a region widely regarded as one of Thailand’s finest motorcycle destinations.
Before reaching town, you visit Wat Phra That Khao Noi, a hilltop temple offering panoramic views across the Nan valley and surrounding mountains.
By late afternoon, you arrive in Nan, a charming and lesser-visited northern town known for its relaxed atmosphere and authentic character. After checking into your comfortable accommodation, there is time to unwind by the pool before heading out to explore Nan’s welcoming evening scene.
Day 2. 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 3. 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.
Tour Highlights: Chae Son National Park, charming Nan; Bo Kluea Salt Mines; road R1148, ranked as one of the world’s top 10 best biking roads; Phayao Lake (Kwan Phayao); Mae Katchan Hot Spring and Geyser
Day 1. Chiang Mai – Nan (312 km.)
Day 2. Nan – Bo Kluea – Phayao (325 km.)
Day 3. Phayao – Chiang Mai (151 km.)
2026 Tour Starts
| 08. January | 20. January | 31. January | 14. February | 28. February | 14. March | 28. March | 06. April | 25. April | 02. May | 16. May | 30. May | 13. June | 27. June | 11. July | 25. July | 08. August | 22. August | 10. October | 24. October | 07. November | 21. November | 05. December | 19. December |
2027 Tour Starts
| 08. January | 20. January | 30. January | 13. February | 27. February | 13. March | 27. March | 05. April | 24. April | 08. May | 22. May | 05. June | 19. June | 03. July | 17. July | 31. July | 14. August | 28. August | 09. October | 23. October | 06. November | 20. November | 04. December | 18. December |



