CHIANG MAI TO THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA

Border Crossing & Rural Laos Riding

We set off from Chiang Mai and head north on winding roads that climb through jungle-covered hills and quiet farming valleys. The ride is smooth and flowing. It's a perfect warm-up for the journey ahead.

By late morning, we stop at the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun). Riders often call this stop “otherworldly” , a surreal mix of art and spirituality that’s unlike any other temple in Asia.

Further north, the road follows the Mekong toward the Golden Triangle, where three countries;Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar that meet at a single bend in the river.

Then we roll into Chiang Khong and overnight there.

Approx. 235 km 

Forest Roads & Mountain Villages

We start a little earlier today with the goal of being at Thai Immigration. After clearing the Thai side, we cross the Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge. On the Laos side, our local guide meets us and assists with the border process.

After a local lunch stop, we continue the ride to Luang Namtha. The road surface is generally good, and the scenery is excellent as we pass through several villages. There’s time to stop and interact with locals along the way. This stretch is also the main transit route between Thailand and China, so expect a bit more traffic than usual.

Important reminder: In Laos we ride on the right side of the road!

Approx. 190 km | Overnight in Luang Namtha

Customs Clearance & Entry into China

Today we cross from Laos into China. After completing the Laos departure process, we handle Chinese entry formalities at the Mohan border checkpoint. Once inside China, we ride to Mengla to visit the regional traffic police office—part of the mandatory process for vehicle inspections and temporary registration for foreign vehicles.

With paperwork completed, we continue north to Jinghong, the capital of Xishuangbanna Prefecture. Located along the Mekong River, Jinghong is a modern city known for its mix of tropical climate, vibrant local markets, and ethnic Dai culture. We arrive in the late afternoon, check into our hotel, and enjoy dinner in town.

Distance: Approx. 240 km

Rainforest Highways & Pu’er Tea Country

We head north from Jinghong, riding a well-maintained highway that winds through lush rainforest and hillside tea plantations. This region is famous for producing Pu’er tea, one of China’s most iconic exports. As we ride, you’ll pass areas that once formed part of the ancient Tea Horse Road—an important trade route that linked China with Tibet, Nepal, and India for centuries.

Our destination is Jingdong, a growing market town home to several of Yunnan’s ethnic minority communities. Thanks to new highway access, this once-remote area is now developing quickly while still retaining its cultural roots.

Ancient Kingdoms & Historic Trade Routes

Today’s ride brings us to Dali, one of Yunnan’s oldest and most culturally significant cities. Once the center of both the Bai Kingdom and the later Kingdom of Dali (8th–12th centuries), this area has seen centuries of trade, conflict, and cultural exchange. In the 19th century, Dali was also the epicenter of a major Muslim rebellion, a conflict that deeply affected the region and claimed over a million lives throughout Yunnan Province.

Despite its turbulent past, Dali remains remarkably well preserved. The old walled city is full of traditional Bai architecture, cobblestone streets, and a relaxed atmosphere that invites exploration. 

We stay overnight in the Old Quarter, with tomorrow’s short riding distance allowing for a later departure and plenty of time to enjoy Dali at your own pace.

Distance: Approx. 200 km

UNESCO Sites & Mountain Roads

We begin the day with a visit to the famous Three Pagodas of Dali—iconic structures that have stood for over 1,000 years and remain a symbol of the region’s ancient Buddhist heritage. From there, we ride out of the Dali valley and begin a steady ascent into the mountains.

Our destination is Lijiang, a beautifully preserved UNESCO World Heritage site known for its winding canals, traditional Naxi architecture, and cobbled streets. The ride offers a mix of scenic views and curving roads, with plenty of photo opportunities before we arrive in the late afternoon and settle into the Old Town.

Distance: Approx. 170 km

Exploring Lijiang’s Old Town & Optional Cultural Show

Today is a rest day, giving you time to explore Lijiang at your own pace. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Old Town of Lijiang is known for its network of cobbled streets, flowing canals, and stone bridges—many dating back to the Ming Dynasty.

This is a great opportunity to walk the lanes, discover local crafts, sample Naxi cuisine, or simply relax in a traditional teahouse. Lijiang is also popular for shopping, with everything from handmade textiles to silverwork and herbal remedies on offer.

For those interested, we can help arrange tickets to the optional “Dynamic Lijiang” show—an outdoor performance by hundreds of local performers set against the dramatic backdrop of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.

Overnight at  Lijiang.

Into Sichuan’s Tibetan Frontier & the Kham Region

We continue deeper into the Tibetan world today, riding north into Sichuan Province and the culturally rich Kham region of Eastern Tibet. The route follows the Dinchu River through remote valleys and dramatic gorges shaped by Yangtze River tributaries.

After passing through the town of Xiangcheng, we climb out of the valley into the Hendun mountain range where the air thins and the scenery becomes increasingly rugged. We overnight in Daocheng, a Tibetan frontier town with comfortable accommodations and a noticeable shift in atmosphere and altitude.

Distance: Approx. 300 km

High Passes, Grasslands & Glacial Landscapes

Today’s ride takes us across some of the highest terrain of the journey. We begin with a climb over Haizi Mountain and arrive in Litang, one of the highest towns in the world at 4,160 meters. The region is marked by open grasslands, glacial rock formations, and the sight of nomadic herders living in traditional black tents—a rare and memorable part of the Tibetan experience.

After refueling in Litang, we ride even higher—crossing a mountain pass at approximately 4,600 meters—before descending into Yajiang, a town nestled along the Yarlung River. It’s a demanding but incredibly rewarding day of riding with panoramic views and significant elevation changes.

Distance: Approx. 280 km

Tibetan Villages, Mountain Passes & Cultural Immersion

We continue through the Yarlung River region along a scenic road framed by traditional Tibetan houses, pasturelands, and terraced hillsides.

Our ride takes us over Yala Pass—another high mountain crossing with expansive views—before descending into Danba County. Known for its striking watchtowers and strong Tibetan heritage, Danba is often referred to as the “Valley of Beauties” due to its historical association with the Tibetan Qiang culture.

Tonight, we stay in a local Tibetan guesthouse overlooking the Dajin River—a chance to experience authentic hospitality in one of the region’s most culturally rich areas.

Distance: Approx. 290 km

Cultural Immersion & Tibetan Village Life

Today is a rest day in Danba, allowing for a deeper cultural experience. With the help of a local village guide, we explore the iconic Danba Towers, ancient stone watchtowers unique to this region and visit nearby Tibetan homes to learn more about daily life, architecture, and traditions.

In the evening, you’ll have a chance to sample regional Tibetan dishes prepared by our hosts. Weather permitting, a traditional singing and dancing gathering may be arranged, offering an authentic and memorable end to the day.

Remote Plateau Ride & Nomadic Encounters

We leave Danba and head deeper into the Tibetan Plateau, riding through vast stretches of open grasslands. This route offers a true sense of isolation—very little traffic, endless horizons, and the occasional encounter with nomadic herders and their yak herds. It’s one of the most remote and untamed sections of the journey, often described as the “wild west” of China.

The landscape is raw, expansive, and deeply peaceful—a striking contrast to the mountain roads earlier in the tour. We overnight in Hongyuan, a small town at the edge of this high-altitude grassland region.

Distance: Approx. 310 km

High Grasslands, Langmusi Stop & Cultural Convergence in Labrang

Today we continue across the plateau, passing more nomadic settlements and open grasslands. Along the way, we make a stop in Langmusi—a scenic town nestled in the mountains, known for its unique blend of Tibetan and Hui Muslim cultures.

We then ride on to Labrang, a town famed for its large monastery and vibrant mix of Tibetan, Han Chinese, and Hui Muslim communities. The streets are lively with vendors selling everything from sheepskins to prayer beads and farming tools. We stay overnight near Labrang Monastery, one of the most important centers of Tibetan Buddhism outside of Tibet.

Distance: Approx. 380 km

Monastic Heritage & Tibetan Culture in Amdo

Today is a rest day dedicated to exploring Labrang Monastery and its surroundings. Founded in 1709, Labrang is the largest monastery in the traditional Tibetan region of Amdo and remains a major center of Tibetan Buddhism. At its peak, the monastery housed over 4,000 monks; today, it continues to operate with around 1,500 monks and several hundred lay students.

Located in Gansu Province, Labrang is considered the cultural heart of Amdo, alongside the nearby town of Rebkong. The complex features intricate temples, prayer halls, and long corridors of spinning prayer wheels. You'll have time to walk the kora (pilgrim path), observe daily rituals, and experience the vibrant monastic life that defines this historic site.

Arrival in China’s Ancient Capital

Today is a longer but straightforward day of riding as we continue east to Xi’an, one of China’s most historically significant cities. As the eastern terminus of the ancient Silk Road and the capital of several dynasties, Xi’an holds a central place in Chinese history and culture.

After arrival, there’s time to relax and prepare for a full day of exploration tomorrow.

Distance: Approx. 450 km

Terracotta Warriors & Imperial History

Today is a rest day dedicated to exploring Xi’an, a city that once served as the capital of over 10 Chinese dynasties. Known as the eastern gateway of the Silk Road, Xi’an is filled with historical landmarks and cultural treasures.

A guided tour includes visits to the world-renowned Terracotta Warriors—thousands of life-sized statues buried with China’s first emperor—as well as the ancient city wall, the Drum and Bell Towers, and the excellent Shaanxi History Museum, widely considered one of the best in the country.

Overnight in Xi'an

Historic Banking Town & Traditional Courtyards

Today we ride east to Pingyao, one of China’s best-preserved ancient walled cities. Once a major financial center during the Qing Dynasty, Pingyao offers a rare glimpse into what traditional Chinese cities once looked like.

The atmosphere here is timeless, famously captured in the film “Raise the Red Lanterns.” We stay overnight in one of the historic courtyard houses within the city walls, with free time to explore the old town and choose from a variety of local restaurants for dinner.

Distance: Approx. 510 km

Grotto Art & Great Wall Legacy

Today’s ride takes us north to Datong, once a strategic frontier city guarding against Mongol invasions. Upon arrival, we visit the Yungang Grottoes—one of China’s four most famous Buddhist cave complexes. Carved into sandstone cliffs, these 1,500-year-old grottoes house over 50,000 statues and are a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Datong’s history as a Great Wall stronghold and cultural crossroads makes it a fitting stop as we edge closer to the tour’s final leg.

Distance: Approx. 385 km

Final Ride to a World Wonder

Today marks the final leg of our motorcycle journey as we ride north to reach the iconic Great Wall of China—one of the Seven Wonders of the World. We end the riding portion of our adventure at a scenic section of the Wall and stay overnight at a nearby hotel, right at its base.

This evening, we’ll celebrate the completion of our incredible cross-border journey from Chiang Mai to the Great Wall with a farewell dinner and small party. After over 5,000 kilometers of riding across Southeast Asia and China, it’s time to toast to the road behind us and the memories made.

Following our arrival, the bikes will be loaded onto a flatbed trailer for transport, marking the end of the riding chapter but not the end of exploration, as tomorrow we walk along the Wall itself.

Distance: Approx. 275 km

Final Exploration & Farewell to the Road

This morning, we explore the Great Wall on foot. You can choose to hike up to the watchtowers or take a cable car for easier access—either way, the views and scale of this ancient structure are unforgettable.

In the afternoon, we transfer by vehicle to Beijing. It’s here that we say goodbye to our motorcycles and local guide, marking the end of an epic journey that began over 20 days ago in Chiang Mai. The adventure may be over, but the memories will last a lifetime.

Imperial Sights & Final Impressions

Today is yours to explore Beijing’s cultural landmarks. Join a guided visit to iconic sites such as the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, or the Summer Palace—each offering a glimpse into China’s imperial past and architectural grandeur.

We stay overnight in Beijing, with time to reflect on the incredible journey from Southeast Asia to the heart of China.

Farewell & Journey Onward

Enjoy a relaxed morning in Beijing before checking out and continuing your onward travel or flight home.

We hope the friendships, experiences, and memories forged on this epic journey will stay with you for a lifetime. Thank you for riding with us.