AMAZING LAND OF LANNA
(SELF-GUIDED)

Today’s ride takes you along one of the most scenic and exhilarating motorcycle routes in Northern Thailand; "Highway 1081", recently crowned “Thailand’s Most Beautiful Road.” With smooth asphalt, endless curves, and virtually no traffic, this hidden gem is a dream for big bike riders. It’s the kind of road you’ll want to ride twice.

The route leads you to Bo Kluea, a remote village tucked into a narrow valley near the Laos border. “Bo Kluea” means salt well and the village is known for its natural salt springs, where locals still extract salt the traditional way.

Lunch is served on a our favorite terrace overlooking the valley (your GPS will guide you right to it). After the break, continue over the mountains through Phu National Park, enjoying sweeping views and quiet roads. Stop for a coffee in Pua before riding the final stretch back to Nan.

In the afternoon, visit Wat Phumin, a famous and unique temple built on a base shaped like two intertwined snakes. End your day with a riverside dinner at a local favorite. Overnight in Nan.

Depart Nan in the morning and head north on the main road before veering southeast onto smaller backroads. This stretch is another fantastic riding zone with smooth surfaces, endless bends, and very little traffic. The scenery ranges from wide valleys to quiet farmlands, making for a peaceful and rewarding ride.

Stop for lunch by a riverbank along the way, then continue cruising northeast. Over the next hundred kilometers, the route winds past rice paddies, fruit plantations, and small farming villages, offering a true look at everyday life in rural Thailand.

As you near Chiang Rai, your final highlight of the day awaits is a visit to Wat Rong Khun, better known as the White Temple. This modern, intricate structure has become one of Thailand’s most iconic attractions. Park right in front, take your time to explore the temple grounds, and enjoy the detailed artwork and surreal architecture.

Arrive at your hotel in Chiang Rai and relax for the evening. Overnight in Chiang Rai.

Today is a rest day on your self-guided Thailand Motorcycle Tour. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel, then take the day to recharge. You can relax by the pool, book a spa session, or take a casual walk through town to explore local markets and nearby temples. It's a nice way to stretch your legs after several days on the bike.

If you're still in the mood to ride, a short optional route is available. Our team can guide you to Doi Chang, a mountain village known for its scenic roads and coffee plantations. It’s about 110 km (68 miles) round-trip and includes fantastic views and quiet twisty roads. You’ll be back at your hotel by early afternoon.

Overnight in Chiang Rai.

Leave Chiang Rai and ride north toward the Mekong River, with your first stop at Wat Phrathat’s viewpoint overlooking the legendary Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet. Take in the panoramic view, then head down to the riverbank where you can swap your motorcycle for a short boat trip on the Mekong. With your passport, you can even make a brief stop in Laos — no visa required but please check if you do.

Back on the bike, continue north to Mae Sai, Thailand’s northernmost point and a bustling border town. Stroll through the local market, where trade is still done the traditional way — goods carried across the border by hand or cart.

From Mae Sai, ride up into the mountains toward Doi Tung and Doi Mae Salong. These steep, narrow roads are full of tight curves and fantastic views . Doi Mae Salong is a unique Chinese-Yunnanese village, originally settled by soldiers from the Chinese Nationalist Army who refused to surrender after 1949. Today, it’s known for its tea plantations, flower-lined houses, and authentic Chinese cuisine.

The final stretch of your day winds through peaceful hills, rice paddies, and small farm villages. Follow the Kok River for a while before turning off toward your riverside resort in Thaton. Enjoy a cold drink and relax by the pool.

Overnight in Thaton.

Another great day of riding lies ahead. Start your morning with a short ride to Wat Thaton, perched on a hill with sweeping views over the valley, the Kok River, and the surrounding hills. It’s worth taking off your riding boots to explore the temple grounds. The panoramic view alone makes the stop memorable.

Back on the bike, follow Highway 107 south. Make a coffee stop at the Hua Luk Royal Project, a peaceful spot surrounded by greenery. Continue riding through scenic countryside, and enjoy lunch at The Nest Resort, which offers a beautiful view of limestone mountains in the distance.

At Mae Taeng, turn right onto Route 1095, the gateway to the legendary Mae Hong Son Loop, known for its 1,864 curves. This stretch to Pai is filled with twisty mountain roads, changing elevations, and stunning scenery at every turn. Before reaching town, make a short stop at an elephant camp near Pai, a great photo opportunity and a peaceful pause before the final leg.

Once in Pai, check into your resort and unwind by the pool. In the evening, take a walk through the town’s lively night market, where you’ll find street food, music, and eclectic local shops. Overnight in Pai.

Note:

Pai is often called the hippie capital of Southeast Asia. It’s a vibrant and unpredictable town filled with travelers from all over the world like backpackers, artists, digital nomads, and those who arrived and never left, lots of people called it 'Pai hole'. The town has a laid-back charm, buzzing with live music, cozy cafes, and a blend of cultures.

Today is a very scenic riding day on your self-guided Thailand Motorcycle Tour. 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. You pass two mountains with 2 great scenic View Points en route. The journey takes you through some beautiful mountainous scenery. Around mid-day arrive Ban Rak Thai where you 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, you continue to Mae Hong Son and up the hill to visit the Wat Phrathat Doi Kongmu. From here you have a great view of the city and its surroundings.

Next destination is the pier where you park your motorcycles. You can leave helmets, jackets etc at the ticket office. 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).

On your final day, begin the ride south on Road 108 from Mae Hong Son to Khun Yuam. This stretch offers wide, flowing curves and beautiful mountain scenery — a smooth and satisfying way to start the day.

In Khun Yuam, take a short break to visit the War Museum, which tells the story of Japanese troop activity in the region during WWII. The museum staff can show a 10-minute historical video (included in the entry). There’s also a coffee shop and convenience store next door for a quick refreshment stop.

From Khun Yuam, continue east via Roads 1088 and 1263, riding twisty backroads to Mae Chaem. Here, stop for a local lunch at a small restaurant known for its friendly service and mountain views.

Next, take Road 1192, then turn onto Road 1009, which climbs to the top of Doi Inthanon, the highest mountain in Thailand at 2,565 meters. Park your bike and take a short walk to the summit and small museum at the peak.

On your descent, stop at Vachiratharn Waterfall, a powerful 80-meter-high cascade in the heart of the national park. From here, continue along Road 1009 until it reconnects with Highway 108.

The final 50 kilometers take you back to Chiang Mai. Return your motorcycle to the Bike Tour Asia Service Centre no later than 5:00 PM, marking the end of your unforgettable self-guided Thailand Motorcycle Tour.