What Riding Northern Thailand Taught Me
Lessons from the Land of Lanna, on Two Wheels
Some trips are vacations. Some are escapes. And some like the Amazing Land of Lanna motorcycle tour feel like something in between.
You ride to get away, sure.
But somewhere on those winding mountain roads, you also ride to come back to yourself.
This is not a blog about specs and schedules. It is about what it feels like to ride through
Northern Thailand. And what you carry home long after the tour ends.
1. The most beautiful roads are often the quietest
Leaving Chiang Mai was excited. It doesn’t take long for the buildings to give way to green, hills rolling out into the distance, trees crowding the road, and curves that gently wake up your riding instincts.
Some days we saw no more than a few other vehicles. It felt like the road belonged to us.
And the best part?
Every day brought a new type of terrain: jungle-covered hills, pine-lined ridges, river valleys, and views that made you want to pull over just to take it all in.
2. You do not need to go remote to feel far away
This tour does not send you off into rough, wild terrain. In fact, the roads are beautifully paved but they wind through places that feel untouched. Tiny villages. Golden rice fields. Hilltop tea plantations.
Even though you sleep in comfortable, hand-picked hotels, with hot showers, soft beds, and great food, every day on the bike still feels like an adventure. It is the perfect balance: the comfort you want at night, and the sense of discovery you crave during the day.
3. There is more to riding than the ride
Let’s be honest, we all love the curves. And the stretch between
Pai and
Mae Hong Son delivers some of the most fun on a bike. The famous
1,864 curves are not just a number they are a test of rhythm, flow, and focus.
But this trip surprised me in quieter ways, too.
Stopping at a roadside coffee shop. Watching morning mist rise over a mountain. Sitting at dinner with the group and laughing over the day's ride. There were moments where I did not even touch the bike and still felt completely immersed in the journey.
4. Culture is better experienced, not explained
You can read about
Northern Thailand’s Lanna history, its temples, its hilltribes, its mix of Thai, Burmese, Chinese, and Laotian influences. But it hits differently when you ride through it.
When you walk through a market in Mae Salong and hear Mandarin spoken by the children of former Kuomintang soldiers.
When you visit a temple tucked into a hillside and find a monk sweeping leaves in silence.
When you stop at a Karen village and realize how much of life happens outdoors, under the sky.
You start to understand that this is not just a route. It’s a region filled with layers of history and quiet traditions that are still very much alive.
5. Riding clears your mind in ways
There is something meditative about it especially on these roads. Riding through mountain curves requires focus, but once you find your rhythm, your mind starts to settle. You are not checking your phone. You are not thinking about emails. You are just there.
What I Took Home (Besides Photos)
When people ask me about this trip, I tell them it’s not about how far we rode, it’s about how fully we rode. Every day brought a new story. Every road a new perspective.
I went looking for a great motorcycle tour. I came home with something more:
• A calmer mind
• A deeper respect for a region I barely knew
• And the reminder that sometimes, you just need to step away from it all and ride
Thinking About It?
If you’re looking for a tour that’s well-organized, full of great riding, and rich in culture but without the big crowds or touristy stops, this is it.
This is Thailand as it used to be. Roads with meaning. Places with soul.
Take a look at the full tour details here
Dates run in December — cool weather, clear skies, and prime riding conditions.
FAQ: Amazing Land of Lanna Tour
Q: What kind of motorcycle will I ride?
A: We offer a range of well-maintained bikes, including models like the Honda NX500, BMW GS series, or Triumph bikes. They're all suited for Thailand’s terrain: paved roads, smooth mountain curves, and the occasional tight corner.
Q: When is the best time to join this tour?
A: We run this tour in December, which is the cool, dry season in Northern Thailand. You’ll enjoy clear skies, crisp mornings, and excellent riding conditions, not too hot, not humid.
Q: What kind of accommodation is included?
A: We stay in comfortable, hand-picked 4 star hotels throughout the trip. These are places with charm, quiet surroundings, and great service. Each stop is chosen to give you rest and comfort after a great day of riding.
Q: What level of riding experience do I need?
A: You should be a confident, experienced rider, comfortable with twisty mountain roads, elevation changes, and riding for several hours a day. You don’t need to be a racer, but this is not a beginner-level tour.
Q: How big is the group?
A: We keep our groups small, usually between 5–10 riders, to maintain a more personal, flexible, and friendly experience. It also means less waiting and more riding.
Q: Do I need to carry my luggage on the bike?
A: Nope!
We provide support vehicles to carry your main luggage. You only ride with your essentials so you can enjoy the curves without the extra weight.
Q: Do I need a motorcycle license?
A: Yes. You’ll need a valid motorcycle license from your home country. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is also recommended, and in some cases required by Thai authorities.
Q: What about meals?
A: Many meals are included in the tour especially breakfast and select lunches/dinners. We also leave room for you to explore and try local dishes on your own. Northern Thai food is flavorful, and we’ll guide you to the good stuff.
Q: Will there be a guide?
A: Yes. A professional, experienced local tour guide rides with you plus a support vehicle. The guide speaks English and knows the roads, the culture, and the best places to stop.
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