Northern Thailand

Day 2: Chiang Mai – Doi Mae Salong

The adventure begins in earnest today as we leave Chiang Mai early in the morning. We’ll start by riding along a well-traveled main road, but soon we veer off onto quiet country lanes, passing through beautiful forests and picturesque villages. As we ride, we’ll pass small markets where the hill tribes sell their goods, giving you a real taste of northern Thai life. Our first destination is Phrao, a charming little town that seems almost unchanged from 20 years ago, with its sleepy streets and traditional atmosphere. From here, we continue toward Thaton, a town near the Burmese border, where we’ll stop to visit a temple perched above the town, offering a stunning view of the valley below.

Day 4: Chiang Khong – Phu Chi Fah – Nan

Today’s journey takes us to Phu Chi Fah, one of the most stunning viewpoints in northern Thailand. The winding road to the top offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, providing a breathtaking panorama of Laos. After soaking in the view, we continue our ride along one of the most famous motorcycle roads in Thailand, Route 1148. This legendary stretch of road is often regarded as one of the best for motorcycle enthusiasts, thanks to its twisty turns, scenic beauty, and exhilarating ride through remote landscapes. Riding on Route 1148 is a highlight for any motorcyclist, with its combination of mountain passes, rice fields, and small villages along the way. As we make our way towards Nan, a peaceful town known for its temples and local culture, we’ll experience the true essence of northern Thailand’s natural beauty. Once in Nan, we’ll explore the historic temples and enjoy a traditional lunch at a local restaurant. Nan offers a relaxed atmosphere, where you can immerse yourself in the local way of life before heading back to the hotel for the night.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Daily distance: approx. 310 km

Day 6: Phrae – Sukhothai

Get ready for a ride through beautiful, hilly terrain as we make our way to Sukhothai, the ancient capital of Thailand. This place is full of history, and the Sukhothai Historical Park is a must-see. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage site, with stunning ruins and temples that tell the story of Thailand’s early days. The ride here is a great mix of open roads and countryside views. After lunch, we’ll explore the historical park, visiting iconic temples like Wat Mahathat and Wat Sri Chum. We end the day with dinner at Chopper Bar on the rooftop, where you can unwind with a drink and some live music

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Daily distance: approx. 175 km

Day 8: Mae Klang Luang – Mae Hong Son

After breakfast, we head to the top of Doi Inthanon, Thailand’s highest peak. The national park at the summit is a paradise and home to an incredibly diverse range of wildlife and plant species. After taking in the view from the top, we descend towards Mae Chaem on a quiet, less-traveled road that winds back into the mountains. We pass through small Hmong villages before reaching Khun Yuam, a town with a fascinating WWII history. Here, we’ll stop for a simple lunch at Katin’s Kitchen and visit the small museum dedicated to the role the town played during the war. In the afternoon, we continue our ride through beautiful mountain landscapes to Mae Hong Son, a peaceful town nestled in a picturesque valley.

Day 10: Into the Salween valley

After breakfast, we leave Pai and head straight into the mountains. The road is quiet, offering an exhilarating ride as we make our way to the secluded Wat Chan, a peaceful temple high in the mountains, where we’ll take a break. From here, the road winds through a plateau with endless uphill and downhill curves, perfect for some thrilling riding. We’ll stop for a simple lunch at a small elephant camp along the way. As we continue, the winding roads lead us closer to Chiang Mai, and the traffic starts to pick up as we approach the city.