This 17 day (15 riding days) tour provides an outstanding opportunity to obtain a unique motorcycling experience through Vietnam, Laos & Northern Thailand.
Pricing
| per rider in shared twin/double room incl. rental motorcycle Triumph Tiger Sport 660 | $7,990.00 |
| per rider in shared twin/double room incl. rental motorcycle Triumph Tiger Sport 850 | $7,990.00 |
| per rider in shared twin/double room incl. rental motorcycle Triumph Tiger 900 GT Pro | $8,330.00 |
| per rider in shared twin/double room incl. rental motorcycle BMW R1250GS | $8,980.00 |
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| per pillion passenger in shared twin/double room (pillion passengers cannot book without an accompanying rider) | $3,330.00 |
| per person single room (surcharge - only available with an additional selection of the basic price "per rider in shared twin/double room") | $885.00 |
| The price for a single rider in a sharing room requires another single rider booking with the same request. If there is no other request for room sharing we will have to charge you the single room supplement | |
| Please enquire about booking of additional nights in Chiang Mai or any other services in connection with the tour. | |
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| Rental riding helmet and jacket (Surcharge) | $340.00 |
Included
| Airport/Hotel/Our Service Center transfers in Chiang Mai during arrival and departure day |
| 16 nights with Breakfast at carefully selected quality hotels and resorts with leisure facilities |
| 13 Lunches and 14 Dinners |
| Water, soft drinks, coffee/tea in connection with the meals |
| Late-model Motorcycle rental with unlimited mileage |
| Panniers and top box if desired, basic motorcycle crash protection bars, etc. |
| Experienced Tour leader on a motorcycle |
| English/German-speaking licensed Tour guide (Other upon request) |
| Support vehicle |
| Transfer of luggage in the support vehicle |
| Entrance fees |
| Tour description |
| Laos and Vietnam local tour guide, additional support vehicle, tourist police, third party liability insurance (according to legal requirement) etc |
| Flights |
| On rest days, if any, no lunch or dinner included |
| Alcoholic beverages |
| Riding gear (helmet, jacket & gloves can be rented at the Service Center. We do not provide pants and boots). We do recommend to bring your own. |
| Fuel |
| All services not mentioned as included and all items of a personal nature |
| Laos visa (30-40 USD depending on nationality). For more details like visa on arrival, nationalities eligible for visa on arrival see: www.tourismlaos.org (bring passport photo) |
| Vietnam visa (30-40 USD depending on nationality). Please note that most nationals need to arrange visa PRIOR to arrival. E-visa is NOT possible since we are entering via the land border. For more details see; https://vietnamvisa.govt.vn/vietnam-visa/government-policies/ |
| Personal Travel Insurance. |
More details
| Start/Finish: Chiang Mai, Thailand |
| Arrival/Departure: Chiang Mai Airport |
| Duration: 17 days total, 15 riding days |
| Total riding distance: 3300km |
| Daily stages: between 220-310km |
| Terrain: 95% Paved |
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| Weather: Depends on what time of the year you are in, the temperature can drop to around 10°C (50°F) during the cold season night, or can go as high as 40°C (104°F) during the summer day. Below is the average temperatures and chance of rain for Northern Thailand and its neighboring countries. |
| Northern Thailand, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam: 10-30°C (50-86°F), Chance of Rain 0-20% during October to March 23-36°C (73-97°F), Chance of Rain 30-80% during April to September |
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| Riding gear: We can provide you a helmet and riding jacket with a surcharge of USD 10.- per day for each item. However we do suggest you bring your own riding gear for the tour if possible, since they will suit you better. |
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| Languages: Our tour guides and Road Captains are all bilingual. Besides Thai and English some of us speak German, Scandinavian, Slovenian etc. Upon request we can provide tour guides speaking other languages. When we have a group from a specific country, we will, upon request, ensure that one of our staff speaks that language. |
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| Group size: We strive to offer the best possible individual guest service and a safe riding environment. Therefore, our groups are relatively small and typically kept to 8 to 10 guest motorcycles plus pillions. Most of our guests prefer groups of this size, where diversity of age, motorcycle experience and interests ignites instant friendships. |
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| Motorcycle Damage & Loss Coverage: We have motorcycle damage & loss coverage. Your motorcycle security deposit amount is your maximum liability limit. This coverage is included in the tour prices for riding in Thailand, while for multi-country tours, we have a waiver program available to obtain the coverage for the riding days outside of Thailand. |
| Maximum excess for each Motorcycle Type: |
| Triumph Tiger 660 - USD 1,500 |
| Triumph Tiger 850 - USD 1,700 |
| BMW R1250GS - USD 2,500 |
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| Accommodation and meals: accommodations are carefully selected quality hotels and resorts with leisure facilities. Besides, we select quality restaurants serving fresh local delicious cuisines that reflect the character of the area in which we travel. We also strive to cater to our guests preferring vegetarian, western or other food preferences, prior notice required. |
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| Age limit: Minimum age limit for riders is 25 years old. We have no maximum age limit so long as you are in good condition to handle and ride the motorcycle. Pillion passengers should be not less than 15 years of age. |
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| Driving license and riding ability: The customer declares that he/she possess a valid Driving License from their home country and an International Driving License for motorbike over 500 cc (the vehicle) taking part in the tour for the period of travel and has the necessary riding ability, technically, mentally and physically to control such a vehicle booked, safely on the tour route. The customer also declares to have experience of riding motorcycles above 500 cc for at least a total of 10,000 km. |
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| Pillions/Passangers: Our BMW GS motorcycles are made for and equipped for your partner to be very comfortable as a pillion. On Guided Tours, our support vehicle can accompany a few passengers throughout the tour (upon prior request). |
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| Language: This offer is usually suitable for English and/or German speaking participants. Please enquire for language options. |
| Mobility: The offer is not suitable for people with reduced mobility. Please contact us for more information. |
Description
The selected roads are a mix of mostly rural two-lanes with a variety of surfaces. During most of the tour, we will ride through areas of spectacular mountainous beauty – some of the best ridings anywhere in the world.
We start riding east towards Chiang Rai and Chiang Khong where we meet the Mekong River for the first time. . Crossing the border into Laos and onto Luang Namtha - Oudom Xai.
Already during our third day of riding, we cross into Vietnam and visit the battleground at Dien Bien Phu. Heading north towards the Chinese border and the Phan Xia Pang, at 3143 meters tall, it is Vietnam’s and South East Asia’s highest mountain.
Then we have a rest day in the pleasant and picturesque resort town of Sapa before continuing to the rice terraces at Nghia Lo.
We’ll enjoy a boat ride along with the Limestone caves at Ninh Binh. And then we’ll enjoy riding on the Ho Chi Minh Trail to Phu Mat.
Once back in Laos we visit the Plain of Jars and continue to Luang Prabang, UNESCO World Heritage Site. Crossing the mountains on yet another road less traveled to Pakbeng before returning to Thailand.
We will ride in the less-known mountains surrounding the province of Nan, which for centuries remained autonomous and cut off from the outside world. In every region during the tour, we will feast on the local Thai / Lao/ Vietnamese cuisine.
During dinners, there will be western dish options available at most locations. Truly 3 countries and 1 million impressions!
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Highlights:
Experience the Mekong River, Mountains of north Laos, Battleground of Dien Bien Phu, Mountains surrounding Sapa, Rice Terraces at Nghia Lo, Limestone Caves at Ninh Binh, Plain of Jars, Luang Prabang (World Heritage), Mountains in Nan province.
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Itinerary:
Day 1: Chiang Mai
Upon arrival, we will meet you at the airport and drive you to the hotel (recommended arrival to Chiang Mai, no later than 1 pm). In the afternoon we meet for a welcome briefing and motorcycle hand over. In the evening we share a group 'welcome' dinner - a good chance to get more aquainted and discuss the first riding day ahead. Overnight in Chiang Mai.
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Day 2: Chiang Mai - Chiang Khong
In the morning we start our Motorcycle Tour of Vietnam Thailand & Laos. The first part will be on the main road, an enjoyable ride with nice twists and bends, perfect to get the feel of your 'new' motorcycle. We ride in the NE direction, passing the Doi Luang National Park, hot springs. In Chiang Rai, we will visit the White Temple, one of north Thailands' main attractions. In the early afternoon, we ride along the magic Mekong River (mother of all rivers), which in this area makes the border between Thailand and Laos (We will meet the Mekong River often during our tour!). Towards the end of the day, we arrive at Chiang Khong a town on the river and our destination for this riding day. We park our motorcycles and enjoy the river view and Laos on the other side. Overnight in Chiang Khong.
(300 km/186 miles)
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Day 3: Chiang Khong - Luang Namtha
A bit earlier start today, the goal is to be at Thai Immigration when they open at 8 am. After clearing the Thai border formalities, we cross the Thai – Lao Friendship Bridge. On the Laos side our Lao tour guide greets us & assist with the border formalities. The immigration- and customs procedures are always an experience. It simply just takes time, so relax, be patient.
Don’t forget! In Laos, we drive on the right side of the road!
Immediately in Laos you will notice (and feel) the change of pace and surrounds compared to Thailand.
We have lunch at a local restraunt 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.
(190 km/118 miles).
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Day 4: Luang Namtha - Oudomxai
A shorter riding distance today than average. This is planned for 2 reasons: The road today is more provincial, with plenty of curves and villages. Part of this stretch is full of trucks due to the high-speed railway construction between China and Vientiane, thus we can take our time to navigate some possible extra traffic and busy villages. The other advantage of the shorter riding day is we arrive at our lovely overnight accomodation just outside the city of Oudomxai with time to enjoy the relaxing tranquility of this unique jungle resort.
(135 km/84 miles)
*Once the high-speed train is in service this part of Laos will change a lot, especially Luang Prabang
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Day 5: Oudomxai - Dien Bien Phu
Our motorcycle tour continues in an eastern direction on low density, provincial roads to the Vietnam border. The first stretch we enjoy the scenery while riding along the Nam Phak River. At Pak Nam Noy we start climbing up the mountains towards the Vietnam border. This is a remote area of Laos, the scenery is spectacular, not many villages. Not much is happening at the Lao / Vietnam border, that said, it can still take some time to process the paperwork. Our Vietnamese guide will wait for us at the Tay Trang border crossing and together we will ride to Dien Bien Phu. You will notice how things have changed once crossing into Vietnam, different landscape, more people, busier traffic (and the frequent use of horns from every vehicle!).
The Battle of Dien Bien Phu was the climactic confrontation of the First Indochina War between the French Union's French Far East Expeditionary Corps and Viet Minh communist-nationalist revolutionaries. We have the chance to visit the Dien Bien Phu Museum, the notorious hill A-1 battlefield, the former French command post and a captured tank. Overnight in Dien Bien Phu.
(230 km/143 miles)
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Day 6: Dien Bien Phu - Sapa
Today we have quite a long ride ahead of us, we will pass endless villages, with plenty of photo opportunities. After an early breakfast, we follow the NR12 to Muong Lay, then head up to Taphin plateau to conquer a scenic and stunning road through the Sin Ho Valley. We stop at the Sin Ho Market, which is more lively and crowded if we arrive early. In the afternoon we start climbing up the mountain and the scenery gets more spectacular by the hour. Through Lai Chau and upward to Sapa there is a viewpoint at the O Qui Ho pass at 2005 meter from where we have a spectacular view of Phan Xia Pang, 3143 meters, Vietnam’s (and South East Asia's) highest mountain. In Sapa, there are plenty of restaurants, souvenir shops and bars, something for every taste. Overnight in Sapa.
(300 km/186 miles)
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Day 7: Sapa (Rest day)
Today is a rest day. Sapa is a mountainous town in Northwestern Vietnam, blessed with a cool climate throughout the year. The Hoàng Liên mountain range dominates the area with a dramatic backdrop for many scenic treks.
There are many things to do in Sapa. You can do an optional ride in the area. Or you simply chill out. For a remote small town in northern Vietnam’s mountains, Sapa is surprisingly modern. It offers a great variety of gastronomic options – from local street food and Vietnamese specialties to high-quality Italian restaurants and wine bars. Not to mention the many local cafes that serve super robust Vietnamese coffee. If you are up to it, take the cabin to the top of Phan Xia Pang or simply just stroll around the town. Overnight in Sapa.
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Day 8: Sapa - Nghia Lo
With newly “charged batteries” our journey takes us in southern direction. We decsend the mountain on good quality roads to Nhiah Loh. During the whole day, we pass through endless villages and terraced rice fields. There are countless photo stops and possibilities to “mingle with the locals”. The closer we get to Nhiah Loh the more spectacular the landscape becomes. The road is especially scenic between Than Uyen to Nghia Lo. Its possible to take a stop at a monument on pass 1570 and climb the watchtower. The view of the rice paddies is best from here. Overnight in Ngiah Lo.
(245 km/152 miles)
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Day 9: Nghia Lo - Ninh Binh
Today's ride brings us south to the Ninh Binh province, passing Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam.
We arrive at Tam Coc, a small town, full of guest houses, coffee shops, restaurants, and souvenir shops (good opportunity to buy inexpensive Vietnamese handicraft) This was once the ancient capital of Vietnam, settled in the 10th century. We can visit temples of two dynasties of Dinh and Le with very unique architectures or explore the local area by bicycle. Overnight in Ninh Binh.
(300 km/186 miles)
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Day 10: Ninh Binh - Pu Mat
In the morning take a short drive to as local pier where we board sampan boats (2 people share one boat) and drift down the river among the villages, beautiful mountains and lush rice fields. We pass through 3 caves (“Hang Ca”, “Hang Hai” and “Hang Ba”). Enjoy the peace fullness and watch the skills of the boat operator.
Once back on our motorcycles we continue our journey to Pu Mat. We follow the Ho Chi Minh Trail and the Ca (big) river to arrive in Con Cuong town in the Nghe An province towards the end of the day. Most of today’s route is on good enjoyable low-density roads. Next to our hotel is a swimming pool with bar, full of locals. Enjoy a swim and a beer with them. There is also a possibility to ride and visit a waterfall, paved road, totally 50 km return. Overnight at Pu Mat.
(250 km/155 miles)
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Day 11: Pu Mat - Nam Can - Phonsavan
Today we continue to the Nam Can border gate and check out of Vietnam, back into Laos. The last part of our riding in Vietnam passes through valley roads and villages before we climb up the mountain range creating the natural border with Laos. *We better be there on time as at 11:30 the immigration office will take their rather long lunch break!. After the immigration process, we ride to the town of Phonsavan. Again you will notice the change in landscape, fewer villages and slower pace once in Laos. We stay overnight in Phonsavan.
(270 km/168 miles)
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Day 12: Phonsavan - Luang Prabang
Phonsavan is home to the famous “Plain of Jars”, a megalithic archaeological site that we will visit in the morning - a must-see stop which also recounts the tragic destruction of this region during the USA-Vietnam war. After this cultural visit we are back on the bikes and back to the twisty roads, winding our way NW towards Luang Prabang. Some stunning mountain trails give way to a wide-open track through the beautiful countryside with remote villages along the way. Luang Prabang with its gleaming temple roofs, fading French architecture and stunning mountain backdrop has been claimed by the UNESCO to be ‘the best-preserved city in South East Asia’. In the evening we have many dinner options nearby our riverside hotel. Also the the night market is walking distance. We stay overnight in Luang Prabang.
(265 km/165 miles)
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Day 13: Luang Prabang (Rest Day)
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. By giving food to a monk you make merit, which should augur well for your next life.
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.
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Day 14: Luang Prabang - Pakbeng
Today we must leave the lovely LPB and first upo we board the vehicle ferry close by out hotel and cross the river. From the other side we start riding in 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. 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 Pakbeng. Pakbeng 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. Overnight in Pakbeng.
(280 km/174 miles)
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Day 15: Pakbeng - Nan
Today is our last day in Laos on our motorcycle tour. We back track down the mountain top hotel road and onlyt 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 in Thailand, we are in Nan province, one of the few remote areas left in Thailand. Enjoy the road 1081 south towards Bo Kluea. At Bo Kluea (salt well) we stop for lunch and visit the salt well where we will experience old traditional salt extraction. Back on the road, 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.
(220 km/137 miles)
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Day 16: Nan - Chiang Mai
After breakfast, we drive from Nan in a western direction. During the last day of our motorcycle tour, we once again will cruise hilly roads via Phayao to Chiang Mai. In Phayao we enjoy a nice lunch by the lake before we take the final section and arrive back at Bike Tour Asia Service Center (Chiang Mai) in the afternoon. Transfer to your hotel and get ready for our farewell dinner.
We end the day together with our new friends, sharing good riding memories and pictures from our adventures. overnight in Chiang Mai.
(310 km/193 miles)
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Day 17: Chiang Mai Departure
This amazing trip ends with transfer to the airport or your holiday extension.
Hope you enjoyed!
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We are pleased to assist you with the booking of additional nights in Chiang Mai or any other services in connection with the tour. Please enquire!