By Daniel | Founder & Lead Guide, Bike Tour Asia

(Last updated February 27, 2026)

If you’re a rider looking for your next great adventure, Northern Thailand is a place you need to visit. It’s a dream spot for motorcycles, full of curvy roads, misty mountains, and some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet. From the famous Mae Hong Son Loop to quiet backroads like the R 1026 near Sirikit Lake, this is hands-down the best riding in Southeast Asia.

Here at Bike Tour Asia, we’ve spent more than 10 years exploring every corner, café, and mountain pass in the region. We’ve put together a list of our top 10 favorite roads, including some "hidden gems" like the R 4001 and R 1256. We picked these specifically because they are fun to ride and have the best views. Whether you want to join one of our guided tours or go out on your own, this guide will help you plan a trip you’ll never forget.

1) R 1095 – The Mae Hong Son Loop (1,864 Curves)

If you only have time for one ride in Thailand, make it the Mae Hong Son Loop. Often called the "Holy Grail" of motorcycle touring in Southeast Asia, this legendary 600 km circuit starts and ends in Chiang Mai. The route takes you deep into the heart of the mountains, winding through lush jungles, vibrant rice terraces, and local villages hidden in the mist.

Why it’s legendary

• 1,864 bends — officially counted — making it the twistiest route in the country.
• Perfect asphalt maintained by local tourism authorities.
• Endless mountain vistas, tiny villages, and coffee stops every few kilometers.
  
  

Insider tip
Start early from Chiang Mai, overnight in Pai, and continue to Mae Hong Son. Watch for cold morning mist in the cool season and fuel up before Sop Pong.

Bonus route from our original list:

• R 108 – Khun Yuam to Mae Hong Son – A wider, faster section of the same loop, perfect for warming up with longer curves before the tighter Mae Hong Son switchbacks.
  

Featured Tours: The Lanna Highlands Loop | The Famous Mae Hong Son Loop | Greater Mae Hong Son Loop

2) R 1148 – Nan’s Perfect Rider Highway

This 70 km masterpiece from Phu Langka to Wang Pha is often called  Thailand’s best-surfaced road, R 1148 between Nan and Phayao offers pure riding joy, long, flowing corners through unspoiled forest.

Highlights

• Glass-smooth pavement with elevation changes is perfect for big bikes.
• Virtually no traffic.
• Great coffee stops at Phu Langka Viewpoint and the “1148 Riders Stop.”

“At sunrise, we dropped into a sea of clouds below the ridge, the road completely to ourselves.”
— Daniel, Bike Tour Asia Founder

Safety note: Watch for fog before 8 am and occasional farm trucks.

Supporting route (from original list):

• R 1026 – Toward Sirikit Lake – Connects with the Nan region; remote and wilder, with a pontoon ferry crossing the Nan River. It’s perfect for riders seeking more adventure off the main highway.
  

3) R 1081 – The Bo Kluea Border Loop

A hidden gem connecting Nan and Bo Kluea, this road hugs the Laos border and passes through pristine mountains and salt-mining villages.

Why ride it

• A remote, scenic ride with very few vehicles.
• Visit Bo Kluea’s traditional salt pans — a centuries-old industry still active today.
• Narrow but well-maintained pavement, thrilling elevation changes.
  
  

Insider tip: Top up fuel in Bo Kluea; the next station is 50 km away.

Supporting route (from original list):

• R 1256 – "The Sky Road": This connects Pua to Bo Kluea. It is the one that climbs over the spine of the mountains through Doi Phu Kha National Park. Steep but smooth, excellent tarmac and panoramic views of Nan province.
  
  

4) R 1155 – Chiang Khong to Phu Chi Fa

This route climbs from the Mekong River to the misty cliffs of Phu Chi Fa, a must-see sunrise viewpoint overlooking Laos.

Why we love it

• Sweeping switchbacks with expansive Mekong valley views.
• Authentic villages and local coffee farms.
• Connects seamlessly to our Ride of a Lifetime Tour.
  

5) R 120 – Lampang to Phayao

A silky-smooth, lesser-known gem with just the right rhythm of bends.

Route summary

• ~100 km of perfect asphalt connecting Lampang and Phayao.
• Excellent mix of tight and open corners for all rider levels.
• Light traffic — ideal for warming up on Day 1 of a tour.
  

6) R 1093 – Sky Road to Phu Chi Fa

“Few places in Thailand make you feel like you’re flying — R 1093 is one of them.”

- Por,  Bike Tour Asia Administrative Manager

For those who crave dramatic scenery, R 1093 delivers mountain-edge riding with unbroken views of Laos.

Highlights

• Runs along the ridge between Chiang Rai and Phu Chi Fa.
• Narrow road, but grippy surface — great for confident riders.
• Ideal for sunrise rides; bring a jacket — temps drop below 10 °C.
  
  

Supporting route (from original list):

• R 1340 – Arunothai to Doi Ang Khang – Dramatic mountain landscape, steep climbs, and great views toward Myanmar’s border ridge.
  

7) R 1009 – Doi Inthanon Summit Ride

Riding to Thailand’s highest peak (2,565 m) is an easy day trip from Chiang Mai and a great introduction to northern riding.

Route facts

• 47 km climb from Chom Thong to Doi Inthanon National Park.
• Cool air, waterfalls, and viewpoints galore.
• National park fee applies (keep small cash).

Riding tip: Start early — the road can get busy by mid-morning.

Supporting route (from original list):

•  R 1096 / 1269 – The Samoeng Loop – Just west of Chiang Mai, perfect for a warm-up ride or half-day training loop before heading to Inthanon.
  

8) R 107 – Chiang Mai to Thaton & Golden Triangle

R 107 is the main north-south artery from Chiang Mai through Chiang Dao and Fang to Thaton. Expect sweeping valley roads and karst peaks.

Why ride it

• Excellent tarmac with long sightlines.
• Stop in Chiang Dao Caves or Thaton Temple overlooking the Kok River.
• Forms part of many of our Northern Thailand loops.

Supporting route (from original list):

• R 4001 – Mae Hong Son to Ban Rak Thai – A short, picturesque detour to a Chinese village with tea terraces and Shan culture — great for a rest day ride.

Featured Tours:  Golden Triangle and Mae Hong Son Loop

9) R 118 – The Classic Chiang Mai – Chiang Rai Run

If you need to travel north quickly yet enjoy the ride, R 118 is your go-to highway.

Highlights

• Broad lanes and fast sweepers — ideal for big touring bikes.
• Coffee and rest stops every 30 km.
• Connects Chiang Mai directly to our Golden Triangle tours.

Supporting route (from original list):

• R 1026 (linked via Nan province) – Can be connected from Chiang Rai through remote villages toward Sirikit Lake for a cross-regional adventure.

Featured Tours:  The Chiang Rai Loop

10) R 1346 – Mae Suai to Wiang Pa Pao

A short but thrilling stretch linking R 118 to the southern Chiang Rai region is a local favorite.

Highlights

• Continuous hairpins and panoramic ridge views.
• Little known to tourists — a local rider’s favorite.
• Excellent way to end a long tour loop back to Chiang Mai.

Related connector (from original list):

• R 108 / 1095 loop section – Completes your circle back toward Mae Hong Son or Chiang Mai.

Join the Ride: Guided, Self-Guide & Private Thailand Motorcycle Tours

Ready to experience these roads without worrying about arrangements? Join our Scheduled Guided Motorcycle Tours or customize a private trip through Northern Thailand. Whether starting from 2 days or up to 11 days, we have the Thailand motorcycle tour experience waiting for you on one of our premium BMW, Triumph or Honda motorcycles.

Gather your riding buddies and make it a group adventure to remember.

Ride Northern Thailand Your Way!

• Go Guided: Add a certified Thailand motorcycle guide (Thai & English speaking) to lead the tour and show you the hidden gems.
• Go Solo: Experience total freedom with our pro GPS prep and custom route planning for self-guided rides.

Either way, the best roads in Asia are waiting for you.

Always enjoy the ride! 
Bike Tour Asia Team

About the Author

Daniel Senicar, founder of Bike Tour Asia, has over a decade of riding and guiding experiences. He’s led over 100 international riders through Northern Thailand’s curves and believes the region offers Asia’s finest combination of riding and culture.