We leave Chiang Mai on some busy roads but soon enough start to leave the city traffic behind and enjoy the first curves through the area of Mae Wang with its many elephant camps and river rafting stations. Taking another minor road we head through some strawberry growing villages with some stunning cliff face views along the way before taking the road to the summit of Thailands’ highest peak (Doi Inthanon 2,565m). After the obligatory photo shot we head back down the mountain and through some jungle roads onto our lunch destination at Mae Cheam…. an authentic garden type Thai restaurant. After lunch the road is more open and flowing and we make a rest stop at the Bo Kaeo Pine Tree Garden before the final stretch of the day into the (Yuan) riverside town of Mae Sariang which is our overnight stay.

Our riverside accomodation has a refreshing swimming pool and a selection of small bars and restaurants along the riverside provide dinner options. 

(270km)

The early risers may visit the local morning market and give alms to the monks. The idea of the alms giving is for the Buddhist monks to make merit and also to collect food for their one meal of the day. It is a wonderful opportunity to experience an ancient Buddhist tradition.

Once on the bikes out of Mae Sariang we are heading north along the Thai-Myanmar border towards Mae Hong Son. This is a great quality winding road with many wide curves and pleasant scenery. There is a small viewpoint with a coffee shop for a timely morning drink break.

Continuing north through the town of Khun Yuam (trivia: The Imperial Japanese Army troops were stationed here during the construction of a highway intended to cross Burma to India. 

At Khun Yuan we turn off and follow a remote winding road into the mountains to enjoy stunning scenery all the way to the Sunflower Fields (Thung Bua Tong) which are blooming in November and December. **They usually only have full bloom for a 2-3 weeks period sometime within Nov-Dec so hopefully we can be lucky but can’t guarantee….. In any case its an enjoyable detour ride !

Our overnight accomodation just outside Mae Hong Son is provided at an authentic Thai style villa resort amongst the jungle. Enjoy the hospitality of their swimming pool overlooking the rice fields, in house restaurant and fire pit after dinner if its cool enough.  

*In room massage service is available here if you need to remove some of the riding kinks ! 

(220km)

First up today we take a short ride to the local boat pier where we take traditional long boats down the Pai river (about 20 mins) to visit a Karen Long Neck village. See how the locals live and work then enjoy the return boat ride.

Back on the bikes we start the first part of the famous Road of 1864 curves with a detour out to a Chinese village built around a small lake which is our lunch stop for the day.

After lunch we return to the 1864 road and onto the very laid back town of Pai which is our overnight stop.

There is a night walking street market to check out with lots of bars, live music and dining options to choose from.

(180km).

Leaving Pai we can stop at a small elephant camp to say hello and feed the local pachyderms before completing the 2nd part on the road of 1864 curves.

Back to a more main road and heading north we take a lunch break near the Giant Tree Alley road with great views o the limestone mountains in the background. This area is popular for caves and hiking.

Before we get into our lodgings at Thaton we ride up the steep hillside in town to fantastic views over the region from a Buddhist temple. You may wish to take the chance and be blessed by the temple monks.

Once at our riverside resort take a dip in the pool or enjoy a few drinks at the lakeside bar.

We can dine at their lovely in house restaurant with views over the Maekok River.

(260km).

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!