BEAUTIFUL NORTHERN THAILAND & LAOS MOTORCYCLE TOUR

In the morning we start our Motorcycle Tour of Thailand & Laos. The first part will be on the main road, an enjoyable ride with nice twists and bends, perfect to get the feel of your 'new' motorcycle. We ride in the NE direction, passing the Doi Luang National Park, hot springs.  In Chiang Rai, we will visit the White Temple, one of north Thailands' main attractions. In the early afternoon, we ride along the magic Mekong River (mother of all rivers), which in this area makes the border between Thailand and Laos (We will meet the Mekong River often during our tour!). Towards the end of the day, we arrive at Chiang Khong a town on the river and our destination for this riding day. We park our motorcycles and enjoy the river view and Laos on the other side. Overnight in Chiang Khong.

(300 km)

This morning begins with a short ride to the Thai Immigration office in Chiang Khong, where we complete the exit formalities for both riders and motorcycles. After clearing customs, we cross the Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge over the Mekong River into Laos.

On the Laos side, our local guide meets us and assists with the entry process. Immigration takes some time — relax and enjoy the experience.

Don’t forget: in Laos, we ride on the right side of the road! Immediately you’ll feel the change in rhythm and scenery compared to Thailand — quieter roads, relaxed pace, and lush mountains ahead.

We stop for lunch at a local restaurant with sweeping valley views, then continue through small villages where children smile and wave at the “big bikes.” The final stretch into Luang Namtha offers smooth tarmac, forested curves, and a first taste of Laos’ mountain riding.

Overnight in Luang Namtha. (~190 km)

Today’s ride is shorter than average — about 135 km — giving us time to slow down and enjoy the ride through Northern Laos’ beautiful countryside.

The road is more provincial, winding through curves, forested hills, and small villages. Traffic can include a few trucks and uneven patches, so we take it steady and soak up the scenery. This part of the journey shows the authentic rural side of Oudom Xai Province, where everyday life unfolds along the roadside.

We reach our overnight accommodation just outside Oudom Xai, a peaceful jungle retreat surrounded by tropical greenery — the perfect place to relax after a rewarding day’s ride.

Overnight near Oudom Xai. (~135 km)

💡 Tip: Keep your camera handy — the morning mist over the valleys makes for stunning photos.*

From Oudom Xai, we climb over the mountains on a newly built, smooth road toward Luang Prabang. Not long ago, this section took a full day to cover — today it’s pure riding pleasure, full of curves, views, and great photo stops.

Expect countless opportunities for photos of mountain villages, rice paddies, and local life — children waving as you pass through Northern Laos’ peaceful countryside.

After lunch, we follow the Nam Ou River, riding alongside the water with stunning views of the river valley and mountains beyond. By late afternoon, we roll into the relaxed vibe of Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its beautifully preserved temples, colonial architecture, and timeless charm.

Overnight in Luang Prabang. (~210 km)

💡 Tip: The Nam Ou valley has several scenic rest stops — keep your camera ready around Pak Mong for panoramic shots.*

Today is a rest day in Luang Prabang, giving you time to explore this charming UNESCO World Heritage city at your own pace.

Early risers can witness the morning alms-giving ceremony, when saffron-robed monks collect offerings from locals — a tradition dating back centuries.

Later, visit the stunning Kuang Si Waterfalls, where turquoise pools invite a refreshing swim, or take a boat ride along the Mekong River to the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, filled with hundreds of Buddha images. Sunset cruises are also available and can be arranged for you.

Within the city, discover temples such as Wat Xieng Thong — one of Southeast Asia’s finest — and Wat Wisunalat, the oldest in Luang Prabang. Wander the walking street lined with antique shops, cafés, bakeries, and bars.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Tip: Bring light clothing and a sarong for temple visits — shoulders and knees must be covered inside monasteries.

We bid farewell to beautiful Luang Prabang and cross the Mekong River by vehicle ferry near the hotel. Once on the far bank, we ride south toward Xayaburi, beginning one of the most scenic stages of the journey — about 280 km through mountains and remote valleys.

The first 170 km winds along steep ridges and sweeping hairpin bends, offering spectacular views of Northern Laos’ rugged landscapes. From Xayaburi, we follow narrow local roads through small villages on our way to Hongsa, where we stop for lunch and experience the relaxed pace of rural Laos.

By late afternoon we reach Pak Beng, a colorful riverside town at the confluence of the Mekong and Beng Rivers (its name means “river mouth” in Lao). The scenery here is stunning, the atmosphere laid-back — a perfect contrast to the day’s mountain riding.

Overnight in Pak Beng, with sunset views from the hotel’s infinity pool. (~280 km)

Today is our last day in Laos on our motorcycle tour. We back track down the mountain top hotel road and only a short ride to the Huai Kon border point with Thailand. Normally the border formalities leaving Laos and entering Thailand are rather straight forward. Once in Thailand, we are in Nan province, one of the few remote areas left in Thailand. Enjoy the road 1081 south towards Bo Kluea. We have several lunch options along the way, depending on ow long the border crossing took us. Back on the road, we continue a great winding and scenic road towards Nan, the capital of this province. For centuries Nan was a separate, autonomous Kingdom with few relationships to the outside world. Now, the city is a beautiful town with many well-preserved temples. For local bikers, the area is a treasure of perfect mountain curves. Overnight in Nan.

(220 km)

After breakfast, we ride west from Nan on smooth, hilly roads toward Phayao and Chiang Mai. This final stretch is pure joy — flowing curves through lush mountain scenery, the perfect way to end our Northern Thailand motorcycle adventure.

We stop in Phayao for lunch by the town’s beautiful lakeside promenade, a favorite among local riders. From here, we continue the last scenic riding section into Chiang Mai, arriving at the Bike Tour Asia Service Center in the afternoon.

After returning the motorcycles and freshening up, we gather for our farewell dinner, sharing memories, photos, and laughter from an unforgettable journey across Thailand and Laos.

Overnight in Chiang Mai. (~310 km)

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

Enjoy the memories !

Farewell & Thanks from the BTA Team