Discover Unseen Thailand: The Ultimate Motorcycle Adventure in Northern and North-Central Thailand
Join us for the Unseen Thailand Motorcycle Tour, an unforgettable journey through the hidden gems of northern and north-central Thailand. This tour offers an exhilarating mix of scenic rides, historical landmarks, and cultural experiences, perfect for adventurous riders seeking to explore the authentic heart of Thailand.

Explore Iconic Attractions in Northern Thailand
Your adventure begins with a visit to Maetaeng Elephant Park & Clinic, where you can interact with elephants. Explore the mystical Chiang Dao Cave, and enjoy the charm of Tha Ton. Experience the rich culture of the long-neck Karen tribe’s village, and take in the awe-inspiring views of Doi Mae Salong and Doi Tung Royal Villa.

Ride Through the Famous Golden Triangle and More
Venture to the Golden Triangle, where the borders of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar (Burma) converge. This historical region offers breathtaking views and rich cultural significance. Continue your ride to the world-famous White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) in Chiang Rai, one of Thailand’s most iconic and unique temples.

Thrilling Rides on the R1148: A World-Class Motorcycle Road
The R1148 road from Nan is ranked among the top 10 best motorcycle roads worldwide, offering 120 km of exhilarating up-and-down curves through impressive mountain landscapes. This road provides pure riding pleasure, with breathtaking views of the Thai-Laos border.

Explore Hidden Gems and Scenic Beauty
Along your journey, explore the unseen Salt Mines of Bo Kluea, and discover the stunning landscapes of Phayao and Phrae. This tour also takes you to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Sukhothai Historical Park.

A Unique Sightseeing Experience in Unseen Northern Thailand
This Unseen Thailand Motorcycle Tour is the perfect blend of thrilling rides, cultural exploration, and scenic beauty. From mountain roads to historical landmarks, you will experience the real, untouched beauty of Northern Thailand.

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); unseen Phrae; World Heritage Site of Sukhothai

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

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 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 → Phrae → Sukhothai → Lampang → Chiang Mai

(Distance: about 1,900 km. / 1,180 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 - Phrae (291 km.)

Leaving Phayao after breakfast, the ride begins along quiet rural roads before gradually transitioning into more scenic backcountry routes through Northern Thailand’s rolling landscapes.
As the road winds south, you pass through remote areas and forested sections, enjoying a relaxed and varied ride away from the main tourist routes.
A unique highlight of the day is a visit to the Mae Moh open-pit coal mine, the largest of its kind in Thailand. From this viewpoint, you can take in the vast scale of the operation – a striking and unexpected contrast to the natural landscapes experienced throughout the journey.
Continuing toward Lampang, the route follows a mix of flowing roads and countryside scenery, offering a smooth and enjoyable riding experience.
By early afternoon, you arrive in Phrae, a charming and lesser-visited town known for its traditional teak houses and authentic northern Thai atmosphere.

Day 7. Phrae – Sukhothai (188 km.)

Leaving Phrae after breakfast, today’s ride is a shorter and more relaxed journey through peaceful backroads and wide rice field landscapes as you make your way toward Sukhothai.
As the landscape gradually opens up, you leave the mountains of Northern Thailand behind and enter the northern part of Central Thailand, where the scenery becomes flatter and more expansive.
This lighter riding day allows you to slow down and fully enjoy one of the cultural highlights of the entire tour.
In the afternoon, you visit the Sukhothai Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the former capital of the first Kingdom of Siam.
As the day comes to an end, you experience the magical atmosphere of Sukhothai at sunset, when the soft light transforms the historic ruins into one of the most memorable scenes of the journey.

Day 8. Sukhothai – Lampang - Chiang Mai (302 km.)

Leaving Sukhothai after breakfast, the final day of the journey begins with a return to more dynamic riding as the route gradually leads back into the mountains of Northern Thailand.
The road follows the scenic R101, often referred to as the “Columnar Mountains” road, offering a mix of sweeping curves and impressive rock formations along the way. Near Den Chai, you stop to visit a large reclining Buddha, adding a final cultural touch to the journey.
Continuing toward Lampang, the ride becomes more winding and varied, with mountain sections alternating with open countryside. After a relaxed lunch, you visit the Thai Elephant Conservation Center, home to the world’s first elephant hospital, where you can learn more about elephant care and conservation in Thailand.
In the afternoon, the route continues through national parks and rural landscapes, with a final stop at a local market for refreshments.
As the road leads back toward Chiang Mai, the familiar surroundings mark the end of an unforgettable journey through Northern and Central Thailand.
Upon arrival, your tour concludes in Chiang Mai, bringing to a close a diverse adventure filled with world-class riding roads, cultural encounters, and unique landscapes.

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 – Phrae (291 km)

Day 7. Phrae – Sukhothai (188 km)

Day 8. Sukhothai – Lampang – Chiang Mai (302 km)