By Daniel Senicar | Founder & Lead Guide, Bike Tour Asia

(Last updated May, 2026)

Ride the best scenic motorcycle routes in Northern Thailand — from the legendary Mae Hong Son Loop to the Golden Triangle and beyond. Premium guided and self-guided tours available on BMW, Triumph and Honda motorcycles.

Explore Northern Thailand’s 6 Best Scenic Motorcycle Day Trips

Northern Thailand is one of Asia’s top motorcycle destinations, known for its mountain curves, scenic landscapes, and rich local culture. From quick day rides to longer touring routes, it offers some of the most enjoyable riding in the region.

These 6 selected routes highlight the best riding experiences in Northern Thailand, suitable for both short stays and longer motorcycle trips. All rides start and finish in Chiang Mai, the main base for motorcycle touring in the north. From here, riders can reach excellent mountain roads within a short ride from the city.

Each route is available as a fully guided experience with our tour leaders, or as a self-guided option with GPS routes, detailed instructions, and local support.

 3. Unseen Lanna Kingdom

Duration: 5 Days    | Road Difficulty: Scenic rural roads with mountain curves and mized surfaces

This 5-day Northern Thailand motorcycle tour  explores the quieter roads of the ancient Lanna Kingdom, including the Golden Triangle region and remote northern mountain provinces.

Starting from Chiang Mai, the route begins with the famous Samoeng Loop before heading north toward Thaton near the Myanmar border. Riders continue through the tea plantations of Doi Mae Salong, visit the royal gardens at Doi Tung, and explore the Golden Triangle where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet along the Mekong River.

One of the tour highlights is the climb to Phu Chi Fa, known for its mountain views, sunrise scenery, and quiet winding roads. The return journey passes through the mountain roads of Nan, the historic salt wells of Bo Kluea, and the lakeside town of Phayao.

Top Attractions & Sightseeing

Samoeng Loop • Doi Mae Salong • Golden Triangle • Mekong River • Phu Chi Fa • Nan Mountains • Bo Kluea Salt Wells

Why we love it:  Remote mountain roads, authentic Lanna culture, and spectacular scenery far from the usual tourist routes.

4. Golden Triangle & Mae Hong Son Loop

Duration: 6 Days    | Road Difficulty: Fully paved mountain and rural roads

This  6-day Northern Thailand motorcycle tour combines two of the region’s most famous riding routes — the famous Mae Hong Son Loop and the Golden Triangle.

The tour offers an excellent mix of mountain riding, scenic viewpoints, local culture, and remote northern landscapes. Riders travel through winding mountain passes near the Myanmar border, with opportunities for scenic stops and photography along the way.

The route also includes a visit to the world-famous Wat Rong Khun (White Temple), one of Thailand’s most recognised landmarks.

Top Attractions & Sightseeing
White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) • Phu Chi Fa • Golden Triangle • Mekong River • Mae Sai • Doi Tung • Mae Hong Son Loop • Long Neck Hill Tribe village • Doi Inthanon - 2,565m (Thailand's hightest mountain)

Why we love it: Two legendary motorcycle routes combined into one unforgettable Northern Thailand riding experience.

5. Amazing Land of Lanna

Duration:  8 Days    | Road Difficulty:  Fully paved mountain passes and rural scenic roads

This 8-day Northern Thailand motorcycle tour is designed for riders who want a deeper, more relaxed journey through the Lanna region. It combines great riding with cultural discovery, with time to enjoy the landscapes, towns, and local lifestyle at a comfortable pace.

A rest day in Chiang Rai allows riders to relax, explore the city, or enjoy optional activities such as cafés, markets, or a spa day. For those who prefer to keep riding, a relaxed half-day loop is available, including scenic backroads and the Mae Suai Dam area.

Top Attractions & Sightseeing:
White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) • Phu Chi Fa • Golden Triangle • Mekong River • Mae Sai • Doi Tung • 1,864 Curves (Mae Hong Son region) • Long Neck Hill Tribe village • Doi Inthanon (Thailand's highest peak & national park)

Why we love it:  A perfect balance of riding and relaxation — ideal for longer holidays, mixed-experience groups, or riders who prefer a comfortable touring pace.

6. Rolling Over Northern Thailand 

Duration:  11 Days    | Road Difficulty:  Fully paved routes with a mix of mountain passes and rural highways

This 11-day Northern Thailand motorcycle expedition is our most complete touring experience, covering the major highlights of the Lanna region and beyond.

The route extends beyond the northern mountains to include historic and cultural destinations such as Sukhothai Historical Park, as well as remote border regions near Mae Sot along the Myanmar border.

With longer riding days balanced by planned rest stops, the itinerary includes built-in downtime for recovery, exploration, or optional local day rides.

Top Attractions & Sightseeing
Myanmar Border Region Ride • Salawin (Salween) River • Sukhothai Historical Park • Sirikit Dam • Nan Mountains • Bo Kluea Salt Wells • Mekong River • White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) • Phu Chi Fa • Mae Sai • Golden Triangle • Mae Hong Son Loop Region 1,864 Curves • Doi Inthanon (Thailand's highest peak & national park)

Why we love it:  The best Northern Thailand motorcycle expedition — combining famous mountain roads, cultural landmarks, and remote border riding into one unforgettable journey.

Practical Information for Riders

• Best Riding Season: November–February offers the most comfortable conditions with cool, dry weather. June–October brings lush green scenery with occasional tropical rain showers, making the landscapes especially vibrant.
• Motorcycles Available: BMW R1300GS, R1250GS, F900GS, F750GS, Triumph Tiger 900 GT Pro, and other premium touring motorcycles — all regularly serviced and well maintained.
• Licensing & Permits: An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required for foreign riders. We provide full assistance with tour-related documentation. Contact us for more details.
• Support & Safety: All routes are with fully supports, for guided: stress-free tours with expert leaders, support vehicle, cultural insight, and for self-guided: flexible, freely rides with GPS navigation, no minimum group size, lower cost, and remote support always available.
  

What Riders Say

Our tours are highly rated by riders worldwide, with a 4.9-star rating on TripAdvisor and a 5.0 rating on Google. We are recognized as one of Thailand’s most trusted motorcycle tour operators, with guests consistently praising our well-planned routes, professional guides, and the perfect balance of adventure, comfort, and safety.

Join a Guided Tour

Whether you choose a 3-day escape or an 11-day adventure, we offer unforgettable motorcycle tours across Thailand on premium BMW, Triumph and Honda motorcycles.

Travel with your riding friends and turn the journey into a shared adventure you’ll never forget.

Prefer to ride independently?

All of our tours are also available as self-guided experiences, complete with detailed GPS routes and expert planning.

You can also choose to ride with one of our certified Thai and English-speaking guides for full support along the way.

Whatever you choose, the focus is always the same — safety & enjoy the ride.

— The Bike Tour Asia Team

About the Author

Daniel Senicar is the founder of Bike Tour Asia with over a decade of experience riding and guiding motorcycle tours across Asia and beyond. He has led so many international riders through Northern Thailand and is known for his deep knowledge of the region’s roads, culture, and riding conditions. Daniel believes Northern Thailand offers one of the best combinations of scenic riding and cultural experiences in Asia.