Embark on the Ultimate Thailand Motorcycle Tour in Northern Thailand
Join us for the Ultimate Trails Motorcycle Tour, an unforgettable adventure through Northern Thailand, where you’ll explore the rich history and stunning landscapes of the three ancient kingdoms. This tour takes you on a thrilling ride through the Mae Hong Son Loop, past panoramic views of Doi Inthanon, Thailand’s highest peak, and the scenic beauty of the Golden Triangle.

Explore Iconic Destinations in Northern Thailand
Your journey begins with visits to the charming towns of Pai, Chiang Dao, and Tha Ton, and the fascinating long-neck Karen tribe’s village. Take in the breathtaking mountain scenery of Doi Mae Salong and Doi Tung Royal Villa, and visit the famous Golden Triangle, where the borders of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet.

Ride the White Temple and R1148 Road: A Motorcyclist’s Dream
Experience the majestic White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) in Chiang Rai, and ride the exhilarating R1148 road from Nan, ranked among the top 10 best biking roads in the world. This 120 km stretch of winding roads through the mountains delivers pure riding pleasure with incredible up-and-down curves and panoramic views of the Laos-Thailand border.

Unseen Salt Mines, Scenic Lakes, and Hidden Gems
Along your journey, explore the unseen Salt Mines of Bo Kluea, and take in the beauty of Kwan Phayao, the largest lake in Northern Thailand. Ride on dream roads with panoramic views, and experience the real Thailand in its most authentic form.

A Ride Through Nature, History, and Culture
This Ultimate Thailand Roads Motorcycle Tour combines thrilling motorcycle roads with rich historical, cultural, and natural attractions, making it a once-in-a-lifetime riding experience. From the majestic mountain views of Doi Inthanon to the unique cultural experiences of the Karen tribes, you’ll have an unforgettable adventure in the heart of Northern Thailand.

Tour Highlights: Doi Inthanon National Park (the highest peak of Thailand); Vachiratharn waterfall; Famous 1,864 curves to Mae Hong Son; Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu; the longest bamboo bridge in Thailand; Pai World War II Memorial Bridge; 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; road R1148, ranked as one of the top 10 world`s best biking roads; unseen 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 different sizes). Please be informed that we do not offer boots and trousers due to hygienic reasons.

INCLUDED

7 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.

7 lunches, 7 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 → Doi Inthanon → Mae Sariang → Mae Hong Son → Pai → Chiang Dao → Tha Ton → Doi Mae Salong → Golden Triangle → Chiang Khong → Chiang Rai → Nan → Bo Kluea → Phayao → Chiang Mai

(Distance: about 1,830 km. / 1,140 miles )

Day 1. Chiang Mai – Doi Inthanon – Mae Sariang (268 km.)

The journey begins with a relaxed ride south of Chiang Mai, giving you time to settle into your motorcycle before the road gradually climbs into the mountains.
Entering Doi Inthanon National Park, the scenery changes quickly. The air becomes cooler, the forest denser, and the road more rewarding with a series of flowing mountain curves.
A true highlight of the day is reaching the highest point in Thailand at 2,565 meters above sea level. Standing at the summit of Doi Inthanon, you experience a completely different climate and atmosphere compared to the lowlands – a unique moment that defines this ride.
Continuing through the national park, you pass waterfalls, quiet nature spots, and the iconic Royal Pagodas overlooking the surrounding mountains.
After descending into the Mae Chaem valley, a local lunch offers a chance to pause before continuing deeper into the countryside. The afternoon ride follows peaceful roads through pine forests and rolling hills, far from busy traffic.
By late afternoon, you arrive in Mae Sariang, a small and authentic town near the Myanmar border, where the day ends in a calm and relaxed atmosphere.

Day 2. Mae Sariang – Mae Hong Son – Pai (280 km.)

After breakfast, you leave Mae Sariang and continue north along one of the most celebrated sections of the famous Mae Hong Son Loop, widely regarded as Thailand’s ultimate motorcycle route.
The road winds through remote mountain landscapes, offering an ever-changing rhythm of curves, forest sections, and open valley views – a true highlight for any rider exploring Northern Thailand.
A stop in Khun Yuam provides a glimpse into the region’s history with a visit to the local World War II museum, before continuing toward Mae Hong Son.
Reaching the town, you ride up to Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu, a hilltop temple overlooking the valley. From here, panoramic views stretch across Mae Hong Son and the surrounding mountains, making it one of the most iconic viewpoints along the loop.
After lunch at a local restaurant, the journey continues to one of the region’s hidden gems: the Su Tong Pae Bamboo Bridge, considered the longest bamboo bridge in Thailand. Built by local villagers, it crosses wide rice fields and offers a peaceful and authentic glimpse of rural life.
In the afternoon, you continue riding along this legendary route toward Pai, following flowing curves through quiet countryside.
Arriving in Pai, you check into your comfortable accommodation, where a swimming pool and relaxed surroundings offer the perfect place to unwind. In the evening, enjoy dinner at a riverside restaurant before exploring Pai’s lively Walking Street market.

Day 3. Pai – Chiang Dao - Tha Ton - Doi Mae Salong (293 km.)

The day begins early in Pai with the opportunity to witness and take part in a traditional alms-giving ceremony, where monks walk quietly through the streets as locals offer food – a calm and authentic cultural moment before the ride begins.
After breakfast, you visit the historic Pai World War II Memorial Bridge before heading back into the mountains. The road once again leads through winding curves and forested landscapes, gradually opening up to wider valleys as you ride toward Chiang Dao.
Arriving in Chiang Dao, a relaxed lunch break gives you time to enjoy the peaceful surroundings before visiting the impressive Chiang Dao Cave, one of the most fascinating cave systems in Northern Thailand, with its vast chambers and temple shrines inside.
In the afternoon, the route continues along scenic mountain roads through an area often referred to as Thailand’s “Little Toscana”, known for its rolling hills, open landscapes, and rural charm – a contrast to the denser forests of previous days.
Later, we climb into the mountains 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 unique culture and way of life of this ethnic minority group – a memorable and authentic cultural highlight of the journey.
The route then leads to Doi Mae Salong, a mountain settlement known for its Chinese heritage and tea plantations. Here, you take a break to enjoy some of Thailand’s finest mountain tea while overlooking the rolling hills.
The evening is yours to relax and enjoy the quiet atmosphere after another rewarding day on the road.

Day 4. 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 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 5. 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 local character. After checking into your comfortable accommodation, you can unwind by the pool before heading out to explore Nan’s laid-back evening scene.

Day 6. 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 7. 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.
By late afternoon, you reach your charming accommodation, where you can relax and reflect on one of the most memorable riding days of the journey.

Day 8. 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 – Doi Inthanon – Mae Sariang (268 km)

Day 2. Mae Sariang – Mae Hong Son – Pai (280 km)

Day 3. Pai – Chiang Dao – Tha Thon – Doi Mae Salong (293 km)

Day 4. Doi Mae Salong – Golden Triangle – Chiang Khong (165 km)

Day 5. Chiang Khong – Chiang Rai – Nan (344 km)

Day 6. Rest day in Nan

Day 7. Nan – Bo Kluea – Phayao (325 km)

Day 8. Phayao – Chiang Mai (151 km)