Roads we are riding are in good shape with normally low traffic density. In the morning leaving Chiang Mai and drive north direction towards Chiang Dao. From here we cross a mountain range, also a continental divide. Those are the roads you love to ride motorcycle on. After lunch we ride towards Thaton, at the Kok river where we visit Wat Thaton Chedi with its beautiful views over the valley below. From the temple there is a hour ride to our hotel in Chiang Rai which is the end destination of the day. Overnight in Chiang Rai.

From Chiang Rai, short ride to the mighty Mekong River at the legendary Golden Triangle where the three borders of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos meet. First stop is the view point at Wat Phrathat, from here you have the Golden Triangle in front of you. In the small but interesting local Opium Museum you can learn more about Khun Sa and the opium trade in the past. Leave the motorcycle at the museum and walk to the boat pier by the Mekong River. Here you swap your motorcycle for a boat and explore the river region. Taking a short break in Laos (no visa needed, only bring your passport) before returning to your motorcycle.

From the Golden Triangle, lunch at a local restaurant located on a rice field. Continue back towards Chiang Rai where we visit an Elephant Camp and Long Neck Village.

The Karen long neck, 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….

Today we start with a short ride through Chiang Rai, using back roads to the White Temple, Wat Rong Khung. It’s a remarkable temple which is today recognized as one of the main attractions all over Thailand. We will park our motorcycles in front of the temple. Take a stroll inside the temple, well worth the effort. From here we ride south towards Chiang Mai, stopping at Doi Chang Coffee for lunch. Further south we stop at the Mae Kachan Hot Spring. Final stretch to Chiang Mai on the new four lane road snaking its way over the mountain. This is a pure riding pleasure, especially on the R18, enjoy!

We will be back in Chiang Mai around 4 PM. Please plan departure flight no earlier than 7 PM. Alternatively, stay longer and enjoy Chiang Mai and its surrounding areas. If you want help with accommodation and excursions, or you like to use your R18 for couple of more days, let us know.