SOUTH EAST ASIA EXPLORER

Our first riding day is easy and relaxed — perfect for getting comfortable with your motorcycle and the local roads. We head north toward Phrao, then cross a scenic mountain range near Khun Chae National Park.

In the afternoon we take quiet back roads to Wat Rong Khun (White Temple), one of Thailand’s most iconic landmarks. After visiting the temple, it’s a short ride into Chiang Rai for the evening.

Overnight in Chiang Rai.

Today is a longer riding day. We leave Chiang Rai and head to the Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos meet. After a viewpoint stop at Wat Sop Ruak, we visit the House of Opium to learn about the region’s unique history.

We continue along the scenic Paradise Road to Chiang Khong and cross into Laos. Our guides handle the paperwork — just relax and enjoy the process. Once in Laos, we switch to the right side of the road and ride through quieter, more rural landscapes toward Luang Namtha, passing remote villages and mountain scenery along the way.

Overnight in Luang Namtha.

Mekong River – Quick Facts

Originating in the Tibetan Plateau, the 4,500 km Mekong River flows through China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam before reaching the South China Sea. Its rapids and seasonal changes make navigation challenging, shaping the region’s culture and history.

From Luang Namtha we continue towards the Chinese border for a while before turning east towards Muang Xai. Here you will see the new high speed railway connecting Vientiane (Lao capital) with Kunming in China). The railway line is financed by China and has significantly changed north Laos. 

The road from Luang Namtha to Oudomxai have many trucks due to the closeness to the Chinese border. Some part of the road is quite beaten up, full of potholes, gravel and mud. We will slow done and be extra careful.

From Muang Xai we continue to Pack Beng, located along the Mekong River. Pak Beng developed as an overnight stop for both cargo and passenger ferries. Set in a scenic spot where the Nam Beng flows into the Mekong (Pak means mouth and Beng is the name of the river) Enjoy a cold drink and the view from the hotel's infinity pool. 

Overnight in Pak Beng.

We ride toward Hongsa, known for its lignite power plant, along an enjoyable mountain road passing small rural villages.

From Hongsa, we take the newer mountain route toward Luang Prabang, a remote area with untouched jungle and wide scenic views. At the top of the pass we stop at Lak 62 to visit the local school — always a humbling highlight. We bring food and supplies, and riders may offer a small donation if they wish.

By the afternoon we reach Luang Prabang, with its golden temples, French-Indochinese architecture, and mountain backdrop. UNESCO recognizes it as one of the best-preserved towns in Southeast Asia.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

A free day to enjoy Luang Prabang at your own pace.

Early morning, you can watch the monks’ alms-giving ceremony, a timeless tradition and one of the city’s most memorable cultural moments.

An optional morning trip to Kuang Si Waterfalls is available (depart 9 am, return around noon). Bring swimwear if you'd like to enjoy the turquoise pools. Our guide arranges all transport and tickets.

In town, you can visit key temples such as Wat Xieng Thong and Wat Wisunalat, wander the old streets, or enjoy a traditional Lao massage.  At 3 pm, our local guide offers an optional walking tour through the historic center, with its cafés, bakeries, and riverside paths.

For the afternoon, we can also arrange a Mekong River cruise—either a 2–3 hour trip to the Pak Ou Caves (including food) or a shorter sunset cruise. Prices start from USD 80.

Choose whatever suits your mood today — Luang Prabang is made for slow, easy exploration.

We leave Luang Prabang heading south on the less-travelled mountain road over the Lam Phen range. This is a remote area with a few hill tribe villages and sweeping valley views. After descending into Kasi, we join the main road and continue toward Vang Vieng.

This region played an important role during the Vietnam War, including a hidden CIA airbase deep in the surrounding mountains. Today, Vang Vieng is known for its striking limestone cliffs and river scenery. We stop here for lunch along the Nam Song River.

In the afternoon, we follow the valley south to Vientiane, the capital of Laos, located on the Mekong River. The city blends French-colonial architecture with Buddhist landmarks, including the golden Pha That Luang, a national symbol of Laos.

Overnight in Vientiane.

We ride out of Phou Hin Boun and stop for a coffee in Lak Sao, a quiet mining town, before climbing toward the Nam Phao border. This region formed part of the historic Ho Chi Minh Trail, and today we follow sections of this legendary route toward Cuo Lac.

Our destination is Phong Nha–Ke Bang National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its vast caves, limestone mountains, and underground rivers — a standout highlight on any Vietnam motorbike tour.

We stay at a peaceful riverside resort offering kayaking and outdoor activities.

Overnight in Cuo Lac / Phong Nha.

Today you can choose between two routes:

Option 1 – Paradise Cave, Vinh Moc & DMZ

Visit Paradise Cave, one of Phong Nha–Ke Bang’s most impressive formations (expect a short steep walk to the entrance and 1.5–2 hours inside).

Continue east to the Vinh Moc Tunnels, an underground village built to survive U.S. bombing, then ride to Hien Luong Bridge at the 17th parallel DMZ. Overnight in Dong Ha.

Option 2 – Ho Chi Minh Trail + Khe Sanh Base

A longer, more remote ride along the Ho Chi Minh Trail, through rainforest and small ethnic villages.

Visit Khe Sanh Combat Base, site of the 1968 siege and one of the most significant Vietnam War locations. Expect an early start and late arrival in Dong Ha. Overnight in Dong Ha.

Today we visit two of Vietnam’s iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Hue and Hoi An — both unforgettable highlights on any Vietnam motorbike tour.

We begin in Hue, the former imperial capital (1802–1945), exploring the historic Đại Nội Citadel, its palaces, shrines, and the Forbidden Purple City. From Hue, we ride over the spectacular Hai Van Pass (Ocean Cloud Pass), one of the most scenic coastal roads in all of motorcycle tour Asia.

After bypassing Da Nang, we continue to our beachfront resort in Hoi An. Later, we head into the Ancient Town, where canals, wooden Chinese shophouses, French-colonial buildings, and the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge reflect the city’s unique trading-port history.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Today is a rest day with time to relax or explore the region at your own pace. Enjoy a slow breakfast and unwind by the pool, or choose one of the activities below.

Option A – Explore Da Nang

A lively coastal city known for beaches, food, and modern landmarks. Highlights include:

1. Marble Mountains – five marble peaks with caves, pagodas, and panoramic viewpoints.
2. Asia Park / Sun Wheel – a fun downtown attraction with rides and themed cultural zones.
3. Cham Sculpture Museum – the world’s largest collection of Cham artifacts and statues.
4. 3D Art Museum – playful interactive art, great for photos.
5. Dragon Bridge – illuminated at night; breathes fire and water on special occasions.
6. Golden Bridge (Ba Na Hills) – the famous walkway held by giant stone “hands,” a must-see Da Nang icon.

Option B – Enjoy Hoi An

Explore the Ancient Town; temples, cafés, shops, and riverside streets.

A few minutes here and you’ll feel why Hoi An is a highlight on many Vietnam motorbike tours.

Our local guide can arrange transport, entrance tickets, and timing for any activity you choose.

Today is a longer riding day as we continue south along the coast before turning inland toward the Violac Pass and the Kon Chu Rang Mountain Range in Vietnam’s Central Highlands — a scenic highlight on any Vietnam motorbike tour.

The road climbs to about 1,300 meters, weaving through lush mountains, coffee plantations, and quiet highland villages. Much of the second half is newly paved, offering smooth, enjoyable riding typical of the best motorcycle tours Asia.

In Kon Tum, we visit St. Mary’s Cathedral, originally built in 1913 by French missionaries. Its wooden architecture, stained-glass windows, and distinctive raised floor make it one of the region’s most remarkable heritage buildings.

We finish the day in Pleiku, the capital of Gia Lai province, set at 800 meters with a cool, pleasant climate — our final night in Vietnam before crossing toward Cambodia.

Overnight in Pleiku.

From our resort we ride into the center of Stung Treng and visit the local market. Take some time and stroll around the many stalls. Back on our motorcycles we cross the Mekong River for the last time. Through small villages we wind our way to Siem Reap, which has become Cambodia's, and possibly Asia's, most holy of tourist pilgrimages. Prepare for a few more people than we've typically shared our space with over recent days! Siem Reap is a bustling commercial (dare we say tourist) town because of the nearby temples, but also boasts a vibrant nightlife of pubs, bars, pool rooms, music, restaurants. It's a great place to unwind and have a few drinks whilst soaking up the atmosphere. Overnight Siem Reap.

Today we join the privileged few who have experienced Angkor Wat, one of the world’s greatest cultural sites and a highlight on any Cambodia motorcycle tour or motorcycle tours Asia. The scale of the Angkor complex is extraordinary, and places like Ta Prohm — left partially reclaimed by jungle — feel truly timeless.

We explore the temples by tricycle, guided by a local expert who will share the history of this vast archaeological area. Key sites include Ta Prohm (Jungle Temple), Angkor Thom, Bayon, and the majestic Angkor Wat itself.

Entrance to the Angkor Archaeological Park is USD 37 per person, and the tricycle tour is USD 10 per person.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

On our way out from Siem Reap we ride along the West Baray. Among five, the largest baray at Angkor and one of the largest hand cut water reservoirs on Earth. It’s an easy gravel road, and along the lake (8 km) we will briefly stop next to a Buddhist temple and food stalls. Once turning off the main highway to Thailand we will take smaller roads towards our end destination Pailin passing small village, rice paddies, orange farms etc. We will stop for lunch in the town of Battambang. The town is known for its colonial architecture. This is the real rural Cambodia. Overnight outside Pailin.

We are well and truly winding down the clock, as we cross the border back into Thailand (and cross to the other side of the road). It's our final run into Pattaya Beach. On our way to Pattaya we will ride along the coast line between Chantaburi and Rayong. Lunch at one of the many seas food restaurants. Upon our arrival to Pattaya we'll probably have a cleansing ale or two. Farwell dinner at a sea food restaurant. For the ones craving for night life, visit the famous walking street. Overnight in Pattaya.

Our tour officially ends after breakfast. When you’re ready, we’ll arrange your transfer to one of the nearby airports for your onward journey — whether domestic or international.

It’s been a fantastic ride together across Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia — one of the truly unforgettable motorcycle tours Asia.

Bye for now, and safe travels — the memories will last a lifetime.