Start from Chiang Mai city heading north on Highway 107 towards Chiang Dao district. After about 60-70 km, turn left toward the Mae Taman which offers one of the most stunning views of Doi Luang Chiang Dao; the third highest mountain in Thailand. 

The initial part is paved, but as we ascend toward San Pa Kia (Mae Taman), the road turns into steep, narrow dirt and gravel.

Mae Taman to Muang Khong (Off-Road): This is a classic off-road track. The trail from San Pa Kia descends through dense pine forests and jungle toward Muang Khong. Expect deep ruts, steep descents, and slippery surfaces if it has rained. 

Muang Khong, a peaceful, hidden valley village where life moves slowly along the Kong River. Lunch at Muang Khong. 

Muang Khong to Huai Nam Dang & Pai (The "Shortcut" Trail): This rugged trail connects Muang Khong to Huai Nam Dang National Park. It is a challenging dirt track through the mountains (approx. 20-30 km). We will pass through remote Karen villages and ridge-line trails with panoramic views.

Once we reach the Huai Nam Dang National Park headquarters, we will rejoin the main paved Highway 1095. From there, it is a scenic downhill drive for about 30 km to reach Pai.

We will ride from Pai to Doi Ang Khang via Wiang Haeng is a scenic journey that takes through the remote mountains of Northern Thailand. 

From Pai, start by taking Route 1095 back towards Chiang Mai. Before reaching Mae Taeng, look for the intersection to Wiang Haeng. There are also smaller local mountain roads connecting Pai and Wiang Haeng directly which is famous for its winding roads and beautiful pine forests. 

We will head to Doi Ang Khang. 

Doi Ang Khang: The Little Switzerland of Thailand

Doi Ang Khang is one of the most famous mountain destinations in Thailand, located in Fang District at an altitude of approximately 1,400 meters.

Weather: Due to its high elevation, the weather is cool year-round and can get freezing (below 0°C) during December and January, often resulting in "Mae Kaning" (frost) on the grass.

Traveling from Doi Ang Khang to Doi Mae Salong via off-road or "backcountry" routes is one of the most scenic and adventurous journeys in Northern Thailand. It takes through rugged mountain ridges, remote tribal villages, and right along the Thai-Myanmar border. 

The Descent from Ang Khang, the journey starts with a steep, winding descent from Doi Ang Khang. We will pass military checkpoints and remote Lahu and Akha villages.

As we approach Mae Salong via the backroads from the west, the landscape shifts from rugged forest to manicured tea plantations that carpet the mountainsides in vibrant green.

About Doi Mae Salong (Santikhiri) isn’t the typical Thai mountain village. It feels like a slice of Yunnan, China, transported to the peaks of Chiang Rai. The Tea Capital of Thailand: Because of its high altitude and cool climate, Mae Salong produces some of the finest Oolong tea in the world.

Today we will travel from Doi Mae Salong to Chiang Khong via off-road/scenic backroads is an incredible journey through the heart of the Golden Triangle.

The journey typically takes from the high-altitude tea plantations of Doi Mae Salong, descends toward the Mekong River, and follows the border mountains eastward to the riverside town of Chiang Khong.

Start a bit earlier today to reach Thai Immigration. After we exited the border to the Laos side, we will ride on the road along the Mekong river to the Golden Triangle where the Laos, Thai and Myanmar border joins, then we will have lunch. After lunch we will continue to ride along the Mekong river between Laos and Myanmar. On the way we will stop to visit the hill tribe village, Aka, Laolou. Until the city of MouangMeng, we continued to ride along the Mekong river through the national park to the city Xiengkok. We will stay overnight at the Hotel on the bank of the Mekong.

Total of riding about 235 km 50% on off road

Today morning after we had breakfast, we start leaving at 8:30am and we will go to visit the friendship bridge Laos and Myanmar, then we will continue to MouangLong after we turn in to the off road ride on the Namha national park about 100 km to the city Viengphukha. We will have lunch in this city. After lunch we will continue to ride along the top of the mountain to visit the hill tribe village and the view to the city MouangNalaa .

Total of riding about 215 km 85% on off road

This morning after breakfast we start leaving at 9:00 am from the guesthouse and we ride along the Namtha river for about 35km then we turn into the mountain and ride along the valley . Cross the stream to the city of Mouangnamor on the way we will stop to explore the lifestyle of the hill tribe (Khmu minority) then we continue to Oudomxai on the main road.

Total riding about 160km 50% off road  

Today we will leave at 8:30am from the hotel. Most of the riding day we will drive on the dirt road through the Khmu and Hmong villages. Crossing the stream also goes along the NamNga river side until we reach road number 13 then we turn right to continue to Luang Prabang. 

Stay at the hotel………………

Total of riding about 190km off road 85%

Today is our free day in Luang Prabang, we recommend visiting the city of the word heritage.

Luang Prabang is a historic town in northern Laos, located between mountains and the Mekong River. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its well-preserved temples, French colonial buildings, and peaceful atmosphere.

The town is famous for its golden temples, morning alms ceremony with monks, and relaxed riverside lifestyle. It has a calm, small-town feel with cafés, night markets, and scenic views, making it a popular stop for travelers to rest and explore after long journeys.

Today we start at 8:30am from Luang Prabang. After we cross the Mekong river we will ride on the road for about 15km then we turn into off road. Continue along the Mekong river. Go over the mountain back to the hill tribe village ( black tai ) on the road after we ride on the road for lunch then we continue to ride off- road again about 38km to Hongsa then we make an easy ride on the road to the hotel at Pak Beng.

Relax and overnight at Pak Beng.

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 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.

Without any doubt, the road to Bo Kluea offers some of the best riding in all of Thailand, so it is 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. Visit one of the salt wells and learn how salt is extracted from the mountain, the way it has been done for many generations.

Start from Doi Phu Kha Viewpoint 1715, follow Highway 1256 westward, an off-road detour toward Ban Kok Village. The path to Ban Kok Nok School is steep and unpaved tracks. Return to the main road and descend into Pua and back to the Hotel. 

Today we will ride from Nan to Phayao via Doi Suan Ya Luang, scenic local roads toward Ban San Charoen, the main gateway to Doi Suan Ya Luang. From here, the ride becomes a challenging off-road climb on steep, narrow dirt tracks passing through coffee plantations and mountain terrain. Then we will ride to Phayao via the backroad.

Phayao is a quiet and relaxed northern town, best known for Kwan Phayao (Phayao Lake), one of the largest freshwater lakes in Thailand. The town has a peaceful atmosphere with lakeside views, local cafés, and traditional temples, making it a perfect place to unwind after a challenging off-road ride. 

Start from Phayao city center and head west toward Wang Nuea District (Lampang), mostly paved road. 

Wang Nuea to Chae Son National Park: From Wang Nuea, take the backroads leading toward Chae Son to Kiu Fin (The Highlight): This is where the real adventure begins. From Chae Son National Park, follow the steep, narrow, and unpaved trails climbing up to Kiu Fin. The path is a mix of dirt to Mae Kampong and then to Chiang Mai. 

This amazing trip ends with the transfer to the airport or your extension. 

Hope you enjoyed !

Farewell & Thanks from the BTA Team