Amazing Land of Lanna

Once on our motorcycles, we quickly leave Chiang Mai behind and ride east towards Phayao. Most of the day is spent cruising a scenic hilly road—a great way to get used to your bike and riding in Thailand. In Phayao, we enjoy lunch by the lake before continuing our journey towards Nan. Later, we cross a mountain range with flowing curves and quiet, remote roads. Along the way, we pass small villages and rice fields—classic northern Thailand motorcycle tour scenery. Dinner by the Nan River. Overnight in Nan.

(300 km/186 miles)

Without any doubt, the road to Bo Kluea offers some of the best ridings in all of Thailand. Classic twisty roads with almost no traffic will make this day unforgettable riding experience. The tiny village of Bo Kluea is located in a scenic valley close to the Lao border - remote and picturesque. “Bo Kluea” means salt well as the village has raised around two natural saltwater wells which have been used for centuries. From here we cross over the mountain through Phu National Park. Enjoy the stunning scenery and empty roads. In the early afternoon, we are back in Nan to visit the most beautiful temple, Wat Phumin. The temple was built as if it were on the back of two immense snakes. We will spend the evening at an authentic local restaurant on the bank of the Nan River. Overnight in Nan.

(210 km/130 miles)

We leave Nan and make our way through the hinterland on small back roads in a south-eastern direction. Passing through rice fields and fruit plantations and cruise through small farm villages. After a local lunch at a scenic restaurant, the ride becomes more and more spectacular. For the next hundred km or so we ride through countless bends through yet more beautiful landscapes. Just before reaching our hotel in Chiang Rai we will visit the remarkable Wat Rong Khun (White Temple) which is today recognized as one of the main attractions all over Thailand. Overnight in Chiang Rai.

(250 Km/155 miles)

This is a rest day. Enjoy a healthy breakfast in the hotel and spend the day at the hotel pool or in a Spa. You may also take a walk exploring the town to visit some of the many markets and temples. A walk is likely needed after all the great riding hours. 

If you are up for a half day ride our tour guide will bring you to Doi Chang, 110 km / 68 miles (great views, stunning scenery, and coffee plantations). You will be back at your hotel no later than 2 PM.

Overnight in Chiang Rai.

From Chiang Rai, we make a short ride to the mighty Mekong River at the legendary Golden Triangle where the three borders of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos meet. We swap the motorcycles for a boat and explore the river region. Taking a short break in Laos (no visa needed, only bring your passport) before returning to our motorcycles.

From the Golden Triangle, we continue to Mae Sai, the most northern point of Thailand and one of the main border crossings to Myanmar.

From Mae Sai, we ride up the mountains to Doi Tung and Doi Mae Salong on yet more amazingly twisty mountainous roads. Doi Mae Salong is a Chinese settlement which was built by a division of the Chinese Nationalist Army that refused to surrender to Chinese communists after the Nationalist Kuomintang government was routed in 1949. Today the village still offers a native Chinese cuisine, lovely houses with flowers and countless tea plantations as far as the eyes can see.

The final part of today’s route will take us along gentle hills through rice paddies and farm villages. We follow the Kok River for a while before you turn left to your resort at Thaton. Enjoy a cold drink and stretch your legs by the pool. Overnight in Thaton.

(220 Km/137 miles)

Another great riding day is ahead of you. From the resort ride couple of kilometres to enjoy the splendid view from Wat Thaton over the valley, Kok river and the vicinity. Make the effort and visit the Wat. (It’s well worth taking off your riding boots….)

From Wat Thaton, you follow the main road and have a coffee break at the Hua Luk Royal Project. Lunch can be held at The Nest Resort with a beautiful view at the Limestone Mountains in the back.

At Mae Tang turn right and cross the mountains to Pai. This is the beginning of the road to Mae Hong Son, famous for having 1864 bends of varying sharpness. Before we reach your hotel stop at an Elephant Camp near Pai. Once in Pai, enjoy the pool at the resort. After sunset stroll down along the walking street, taste food from the street food stalls or enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants.

Overnight in Pai.

(240 Km/149 miles)

Today is a very scenic riding day. Even if the distance is not that much, there are plenty of mountains and switchbacks to negotiate, don’t worry, you will need the full day.

This is also the second part of the road famous for its 1864 bends of varying sharpness. We pass two mountains with 2 great scenic View Points en route. The journey takes us through some beautiful mountainous scenery. Around mid-day arrive Ban Rak Thai where we have lunch in one of the local Chinese restaurants by the little lake. They serve delicious Chinese specialities. Ban Rak Thai means literally "the Thai-loving village", built around a lake on the Myanmar border. About 800, mainly Chinese settled here after the communist takeover of China and some of the buildings have a distinctively Chinese appearance.

After lunch, we continue to the pier of the Nan River where we park our motorcycles. We enjoy a scenic boat ride on the Pai River for about 20 min to the Karen Long Neck village (http://www.huaypukeng.com/info_visitor.htm). The Karen, a tribal minority, historically lived in the hills on the Myanmar side of the border. Some of their women wear heavy brass rings around their necks, forearms, and shins. Many ideas regarding why the coils are worn have been suggested. Some have hypothesized that the rings protected women from becoming slaves by making them less attractive to other tribes. Another theory is that the coils originate from the desire to look more attractive. Why don’t you ask them and find out the real story….

Return by boat to the pier and ride to the nearby Resort. Enjoy first a drink at the sunset bar overlooking the rice paddies. Overnight in Mae Hong Son.

(180 Km/112 miles)

In the morning we leave Mae Hong Son behind and ride to Khun Yuam. It is a great winding road with wide bends. In Khun Yuam we visit the local Museum. The Imperial Japanese Army troops were stationed in Khun Yuam during the construction of a highway intended to cross Burma to India. Tip: Ask the museum staff to show the video about history (approx. 10 min, included). Besides the museum, there is a great Coffee Shop and a 7/11 store.

From Khun Yuam we continue to Mae Chaem on great twisty back roads. Lunch at a little local restaurant. We continue up to the top of Doi Inthanon, which at 2,565 meters is the highest mountain in Thailand.

Next stop is the Wachiratharn Waterfall - an impressive and powerful 80 m high waterfall. From here we ride the last part of Doi Inthanon national park. Once down in the valley, we have another 50 km to our Service Center in Chiang Mai where we expect to arrive around 5 PM. Transfer to your hotel in Chiang Mai followed by farewell dinner. Overnight in Chiang Mai.

(300 Km/186 miles)

This amazing trip ends with the transfer to the airport or your extension. 

Hope you enjoyed !

Farewell & Thanks from the BTA Team