Our first riding day, leaving Chiang Mai in a westerly direction heading for Witchiratan waterfall, Diamond Creek falls. An impressive waterfall with a height of 80 meters. Continue up in the mountains towards Doi Inthanon, Thailand highest mountain standing at 2’565 meters. We will park our motorcycles 200 walking meters from the shrine on the summit. Passing a continental divide, we spend the rest of the day on beautiful scenic curvy roads the whole way to Mae Hong Son. Before reaching Mae Hong Son we stop at the Japanese war museum in Khun Yuam. Overnight in Mae Hong Son. (Approx 310KM)

We start with enjoying 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….

The journey takes you through some beautiful mountainous scenery. Around mid-day arrive Ban Rak Thai where we have lunch in one of the local Chinese restaurants by the little lake. They serve delicious Chinese specialties. 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.

Then we head off to explore the roads for which northern Thailand is justifiably famous! It's a short ride to Pai through some absolute riding nirvana. We'll get there in time to explore the famous Pai Walking Street in the early evening. There are plenty of street food vendors, let your eyes inspire you! Overnight Pai. (Approx 180KM)

We depart from Pai, riding across mountain ranges and completing the legendary 1,864-curve route along Highway 107, heading north of Chiang Mai. Along the way, we’ll stop for a coffee break with elephants. You’ll have the opportunity to purchase food to feed them and enjoy close, hands-on interaction with these gentle and lovable animals. After that, we continue to Chiang Dao for lunch. This area is supported by the Royal Project initiated by King Rama the 9th, focusing on sustainable agriculture and improving local livelihoods. We’ll also visit a small community market where locally developed products from the Royal Project are sold—contributing greatly to the well-being of the local people.

In the afternoon, before arriving at the hotel, we’ll stop to visit Wat Tha Ton, a beautiful hilltop temple known for its peaceful atmosphere and panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. We then check in at a charming riverside hotel by the Kok River, a scenic waterway that flows through northern Thailand, offering tranquil views and a relaxing atmosphere.

Dinner will be served at the hotel.

(Approx 240KM)

Start your journey by enjoying the fresh morning air along the peaceful rural roads in northern Chiang Mai. Ride up to an elevation of approximately 1,500 meters above sea level, heading toward a traditional Chinese village, where settlers migrated many decades ago. Experience their unique way of life, including highland agriculture, tea plantations, and the production of high-quality tea. We will stop at a tea plantation for a tasting session, where you will learn about different varieties of tea and have the opportunity to purchase some as souvenirs.

Afterward, we continue riding for a short distance to enjoy lunch at a local restaurant located beside scenic rice fields. Here, you will savor simple and authentic Thai dishes. Next, we proceed to the famous Golden Triangle—the meeting point of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar. Historically, this area was known for opium production and trade, making it an important region in Southeast Asian history.

We will then take a boat trip along the Mekong River, one of Asia’s most significant rivers, which flows through several countries and plays a vital role in local livelihoods and culture. Following the cruise, we visit the Hall of Opium, where you will learn about the history of opium in the region, its impact, and the efforts made to overcome its legacy.

For the final stretch of today’s ride, we will follow the main road back into the city of Chiang Rai, marking the end of our journey. (Approx 200KM)

Yet again we will enjoy many curving road sections as we head through some regions of tea plantations. We take a stop at one of the major plantations (Choui Fong) where we can sample the brew and enjoy the views.

Heading further north we start riding alongside the mountainous ranges that form the border with Myanmar, stopping at a former military post, now a lookout and coffee shop with a great photo opportunity standing on the edge of Thailand, looking into Myanmar.

Descending some tight hairpin roads from the lookout we make lunch at a restaurant in the farming fields before making our first encounter with the mighty Mekong river. Arriving at the famous Golden Triangle where the 3 country borders of Thailand, Myanmar & Laos come together there is a viewpoint to take in this unique sight.

Leaving the Golden Triangle but not the Mekong we follow the river path for another hour or so into our overnight destination town, Chiang Khong. 

Our hotel is on the riverside with in-house restaurant but also several local eating options and bars within walking distance.

(210km).

A bit earlier start today as the goal is to be at the Thai Immigration office first up to allow time for the vehicle ‘temporary export’ processing. After clearing the Thai border formalities, we ride across the Mekong River using the “Thai – Lao Friendship Bridge". The other side is Laos ! where our Laotian tour guide will greet us and assist with the border formalities to enter. The immigration and customs procedures are always an experience. It simply just takes time, so relax, be patient and our guide will do his magic !

Don’t forget! In Laos, we ride on the right-hand side of the road! 

Immediately you will notice (and feel) the change of pace and surrounds compared to Thailand.

We have lunch at a local restaurant and then continue the remaining stretch to Luang Namtha . The road is quite good and the scenery is great as we are passing through a couple of villages, where  the local children are always smiling and waving at the "big" bikes.

(190kms).

From Oudom Xai we cross over the mountain on the newly built road towards LPB. Not so long ago this stretch took the whole day to cover but today it’s a pure pleasure to negotiate the curves and enjoy the scenery. There are plenty of great photo opportunities, nature, villages, children, animals, rice paddies, etc.

After our lunch stop we ride along the Nam Ou river with spectacular views of both the river and mountains on the other side. Finally we arrive into the relaxed vibe of Luang Prabang, now a UNESCO listed World Heritage Site as a “unique and remarkably well preserved architectural, religious and cultural city”.

Our accommodation has its own massage spa and lovely dining areas including a ‘beer garden’ on the riverbank. 

There are also many dining and shopping choices nearby.

(220km).

This is a rest day to enjoy at your own pace.

In the morning you will have the option to rise early to view the procession of monks on their daily outing collecting alms, a practice that dates back centuries. It is done early, as the monks cannot eat anything after midday. 

You may also want to visit the beautiful Kuang Si Waterfalls. It’s possible to swim in the lagoons so take your swimming gear. 

Another option is a boat ride cruising a couple of hours on the Mekong River to the Pak Ou Caves. Shorter sunset boat tours are also available and we can arrange any of these for you.

In Luang Prabang city you can visit the major temples, including the magnificent Wat Xieng Thong, which nestles at the meeting of the Mekong and the Nam Khan Rivers, and Wat Wisunalat, which is the oldest temple in the city. Another great optional activity is to sample a traditional Lao massage and herbal sauna. Along the walking street you find plenty of antique shops, bakeries, bars, etc. 

Whatever you choose - Enjoy! We stay another night in Luang Prabang.

Today we must leave the lovely town of LPB and first up we board the small vehicle ferry close by our hotel and cross the river. From the other side we start riding in a southern direction to Xayaburi. The road heralds the start of a 170 km stretch of highway along steep ridges and around hairpin bends, with headlong views of rugged valleys and remote mountains as far as the eye can see (*usually with very little other traffic). 

From Xayaburi we take the narrow and winding local road passing a couple of remote villages to Hongsa were we enjoy lunch. Last part of the day we ride to Pak Beng which is a colourful village situated at the junction of the Mekong River and the smaller Beng River, hence the town’s name ‘Pak’ meaning ‘mouth’ in Lao. The scenery is stunning, the pace is slow. The town is a transit point for many backpackers travelling by boat on the Mekong River between Luang Prabang and Huay Xai. Enjoy the view from the hotel's infinity pool before dinner at their high set restaurant.

Overnight in Pak Beng.

(210 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 (approx.50kms) to the Huai Kon border point with Thailand. Normally the border formalities leaving Laos and entering Thailand are rather straight forward. Once back in Thailand, we are in the ‘Nan’ province, one of the few remote areas left in Thailand. Enjoy the road 1081 south towards Bo Kluea where we enjoy lunch after which 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. 

Overnight in Nan.

Our accomodation boasts a refreshing swimming pool and famous for its on site steak house and wine cellar (if you are a wine enthusiast you may be pleasantly surprised at some of the quality reds available from Thai winemakers).

Optionally we can arrange the short taxi ride into town for markets and local eateries.

(220 km).

Without any doubt, the road to Bo Kluea offers some of the best riding in all of Thailand, so an unmissable part of our motorcycle tour. Classic twisty roads with almost no traffic will make this day an unforgettable riding experience. Some of the stretches you just want to do again and again. The tiny village of Bo Kluea is located in a scenic valley close to the Lao border - remote and picturesque. “Bo Kluea” means salt well as the village has raised around two natural saltwater wells which have been used for centuries. Enjoy your lunch from the scenic restaurant terrace. From Bo Kluea we cross over the mountain through Phu National Park. Enjoy the stunning scenery and empty roads taking a break at the unique coffee shop in Pua. In the early afternoon we conclude the loop and are back in Nan with an option to visit the most beautiful temple, Wat Phumin. The temple was built as if it were on the back of two immense snakes. 

Another overnight in Nan.

(190 km).

After breakfast, we ride from Nan in a western direction. During the last riding day of our motorcycle tour, we once again will cruise hilly roads via Phayao to Chiang Mai. In Phayao we can enjoy a nice lunch by the huge city lake.

After dining we take the small rural roads around the same lake before merging onto a top quality road, sweeping up and down hills for an hour or so before we come onto the main road junction at 118 (the main highway joining Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai). We cruise the 118 all the way back to Chiang Mai and the Bike Tour Asia Service Center to hand back the motorcycles. 

After a final ride day refreshment at BTA we will transfer everyone to your city hotel and get ready for our farewell dinner to start reminiscing about the ride experience and celebrate new friendships made. Overnight in Chiang Mai.

(310 km).

Ready for departure transfer or stay on to enjoy some time in and around  beautiful Chiang Mai. 

All the best and hope to welcome you back again!