This 11-day tour in Northern Thailand is the ultimate guide to the region as it covers all the famous regions and roads of the Lanna Kingdom. This is the one for the complete experience... Enjoy!
Pricing
| per rider in shared twin/double room incl. rental motorcycle Triumph Tiger Sport 660 (Only available for a booking of two persons. Single travelers need to choose the single room surcharge.) | $3,300.00 |
| per rider in shared twin/double room incl. rental motorcycle Triumph Tiger Sport 850 (Only available for a booking of two persons. Single travelers need to choose the single room surcharge.) | $3,300.00 |
| per rider in shared twin/double room incl. rental motorcycle Triumph Tiger 900 GT Pro (Only available for a booking of two persons. Single travelers need to choose the single room surcharge.) | $3,420.00 |
| per rider in shared twin/double room incl. rental motorcycle BMW R1250 GS (Only available for a booking of two persons. Single travelers need to choose the single room surcharge.) | $3,900.00 |
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| per pillion passenger in shared twin/double room (pillion passengers can only book along with an accompanying rider) | $1,335.00 |
| per person single room (surcharge, only available with an additional selection of the basic price "per rider in shared twin/double room") | $550.00 |
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| Per person rental riding helmet and jacket (Surcharge) | $220.00 |
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| IMPORTANT: 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. |
Included
| 10 nights accommodation with breakfast at carefully selected quality hotels and resort with leisure facilities |
| Late-model Motorcycle rental included - 300 km/day, (additional km USD 0,5 / km) |
| Motorcycle Damage and Loss Coverage |
| GPS, pre-programmed day by day itinerary |
| Introductory itinerary briefing by an experienced tour guide |
| Comprehensive tour script, detailed day-by-day itinerary, tips of activities and highlights en route, a hotel list and important contacts |
| Panniers and top box if desired, basic motorcycle crash protection bars etc. |
| Tools & tire repair kits |
| Flights |
| Transfers in Chiang Mai |
| Hotel nights in Chiang Mai (pre and post-tour) |
| 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 |
| Personal Travel Insurance (mandatory for our tours). |
| All services not mentioned as included and all items of a personal nature |
More details
| Start/Finish: Chiang Mai, Thailand |
| Arrival/Departure: Chiang Mai Airport |
| Duration: 11 riding days |
| Total riding distance: 2400km |
| Daily stages: between 180-320km |
| 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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| 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
This self-guided motorcycle tour of the best of Thailand explores all the must-see sights, the best curvy roads & carefully selected hotels. This tour gives you a great insight into the land of the Lana Kingdom – the “Kingdom of a Million Rice Fields”.
The roads are mainly rural two lanes with a variety of surfaces and wind through areas of spectacular mountainous beauty. We start to explore the Thai – Myanmar border area. You will meet the Salawin River which forms the border between Thailand and Myanmar for quite a long distance.
We ride south over mountains and through valleys to Mae Sot, one of the main border crossings to Myanmar. In Sukhothai, we visit the Historical Park, UNESCO Heritage Site. Ride to the remote province of Nan, which for centuries remained autonomous and cut off from the outside world.
Take a look at the unique village of Bo Kluea with its Salt Wells. Visit the city of Chiang Rai and the stunning artwork of the nearby White Temple – known as Wat Rong Khun.
We will also go to rather more famous or infamous places like the Golden Triangle, where Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand meet and where in previous decades the opium poppy provided a living to many people until it was stopped in 1996 after the death of Khun Sa, a legendary drug lord.
Observe the main border crossing between Thailand and Myanmar at Mae Sai and ride the spectacular road to Doi Tung and Mae Salong. Doi Angkhang with its scenic beauty.
Between Mae Taeng and Mae Hong Son, there are 1,864 bends or twisties which gives everybody a great opportunity to improve their cornering skills whatever their level of expertise. Among the highlights of the trip, you can also visit the Long Neck Women of the Karen Tribe, famous for the brass rings that they wear around their necks.
Before returning to Chiang Mai ride to the top of Thailand – the highest mountain in Thailand (Doi Inthanon), 2,565 meters.
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Highlights:
Myanmar Border Ride Salawin River, Sukhothai Heritage Park, Sirikit Dam crossing, Mountain riding in Nan, Salt Wells at Bo Kluea, Mekong River, Golden Triangle, Road of 1,864 curves, Long Neck Hill Tribe, Doi Inthanon.
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Itinerary:
Day 1: Chiang Mai-Mae Sariang
Welcome to our Service Centre in the morning for a tour briefing, motorcycle & GPS handover, etc. We are at your disposal as of 8 AM, welcome.
After breakfast, you leave Chiang Mai behind and take the westbound route on road 108 to start your BMW motorcycle tour of the best of Thailand. In the beginning, the road is rather straight, passing through numerous small towns and villages, and later becomes curvier to Mae Sariang your end destination of the day. On the way, there are a couple of scenic areas, coffee shops, etc. Mae Sariang is a small town alongside the Yuam River, located near the Myanmar border. Before dinner, you have the opportunity to enjoy the sunset by the bank of the Yuam River. This is by purpose a rather short and easy day riding, a good way to get familiar with your motorcycle and riding in Thailand. The GPS will show you all the hidden gems en route today, enjoy. Overnight in Mae Sariang.
(200 km/124 miles).
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Day 2: Mae Sariang-Mae Sot
The early risers may visit the local morning market and give alms to the monks. The idea of the almsgiving is for the Buddhist monks to make merit and also to collect food for their one meal a day. It is a wonderful opportunity to experience an ancient Buddhist tradition. Since you are already up, take the opportunity to visit the local wet market, quite an experience.
After breakfast takes road 1149 to the Salawin River, the border between Thailand and Myanmar. The road is a bit bumpy with some potholes and crosses a small mountain. The area is pretty remote, it’s well worth the effort and a must-see on our motorcycle tour of the best of Thailand. Enjoy a coffee and leg stretcher by the mighty Salawin river. Follow your GPS, partly backtracking in a southern direction on Route 105 which runs along the border from Myanmar to Mae Sot. Lunch along the way at a local restaurant. Why not try a noodle soup with chicken (Phatsiue Senlek gai)? The road is winding and paved passing through many small communities like Ban Sop Ngao, Tha Song Yang, and Mae Ramat. On the way, you pass a huge Refugee Camp where thousands of Burmese live. In the afternoon you reach Mae Sot. If you are interested, ride to the border market for a visit. Also possible to cross over by foot into Myanmar (500 THB fee). Dinner is recommended at the beautiful local restaurant Khao Mao-Khao Fang, ask the hotel to book a taxi (100 Baht, one way. Overnight in Mae Sot.
(230 km/143 miles).
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Day 3: Mae Sot-Sukhothai
Your next destination is Sukhothai. The first part is a scenic ride over the mountains to Tak. Once in Tak, the landscape becomes rather flat while you continue to Sukhothai. Lunch along the way at a local restaurant by the Ping River in Tak. The historical Sukhothai, which has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988, was the first capital of Siam. It was founded by King Ramkhamhaeng. The province's temples and monuments have been well restored and the park has numerous sites to explore. One of the highlights is Wat Sri Chum - the most enigmatic of Sukhothai's temples. The “temple of the Bodhi tree" was built in the late 13th century.
Since this is a shorter riding day you have enough time to explore Sukhothai Historical Park during the afternoon. The city walls form a rectangle about 2 km east-west by 1.6 km north-south. There are 193 ruins on 70 square kilometers of land. There is a gate in the center of each wall. Inside are the remains of the Royal Palace and twenty-six temples, the largest being Wat Mahathat.
Overnight in Sukhothai.
Tip:
Ride to your hotel, check-in, change into more comfortable clothes and ask the hotel to arrange a transfer to the historical park. There you can rent a bicycle and explore the area.
The hotel has a Spa and a pool. Enjoy a Thai massage. You can have dinner at the hotel or take a taxi couple of km down the road to the Chopper bar, a popular hangout place for backpackers, which serves good local food. Don’t forget to explore their cocktail offer...
(240 km/149 miles).
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Day 4: Sukhothai-Nan
On the way from Sukhothai, you will visit the oldest Teak Tree in the world. On smaller back roads you ride towards the Queen Sirikit Dam, built in 1973. This dam stands an impressive 160 meters high and 800 meters long and covers an area of 220 square kilometers. Crossing the dam with a little local ferry - quite an experience. After disembarking from the ferry in Ban Pak Nai have lunch at a local fisherman restaurant, and enjoy the atmosphere. Continue your BMW motorcycle tour of the best of Thailand on small provincial roads with hardly any traffic. This is farmland. Passing through a beautiful hilly landscape and countless villages.
Back on the main road, the last stretch of the day to your final destination of the day which is the capital of Nan province is also called Nan. For centuries Nan was a separate, autonomous Kingdom with few relationships to the outside world. Now, the city is a charming small town with many well-preserved temples. For bikers, the area is a little-known treasure. Overnight in Nan.
(320 km/199 miles).
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Day 5: Nan-Bo Kluea-Nan
Without any doubt, the road to Bo Kluea offers some of the best ridings in all of Thailand, so an unmissable part of your BMW motorcycle tour of the best of Thailand. 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. Enjoy your lunch from the scenic restaurant terrace, the GPS will lead you there. From Bo Kluea you cross over the mountain through Phu National Park. Enjoy the stunning scenery and empty roads. Break at the unique coffee shop in Pua. In the early afternoon, you have concluded the loop and are back in Nan to visit the most beautiful temple, Wat Phumin. The temple was built as if it were on the back of two immense snakes. Spend the evening at an authentic local restaurant on the bank of the Nan River. Overnight in Nan.
(190 km/118 miles).
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Day 6: Nan-Chiang Rai
Leave Nan and make your way through the hinterland first north bond on the main road and soon on small back roads in a south-eastern direction. This is another great motorcycle riding area. Great roads, endless bends, not much traffic, and stunning scenery. Lunch by another river bank. Your ride continues north-eastern direction. For the next hundred km or so you pass countless rice fields and fruit plantations and cruise through small farm villages bends through yet more beautiful landscapes. Just before reaching your hotel in Chiang Rai, you will visit the remarkable Wat Rong Khun (White Temple) which is today recognized as one of the main attractions all over Thailand. Don't miss this on your motorcycle tour of the best of Thailand. You can park in front of the temple. Take your time to explore this unique and fairly recently built temple. Overnight in Chiang Rai.
(250 km/155 miles).
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Day 7: Chiang Rai (Rest Day)
This is a rest day in the middle of the motorcycle tour of the best of Thailand. Enjoy a healthy breakfast in the hotel and spend the day at the hotel pool or in a Spa. You may also take a walk exploring the town to visit some of the many markets and temples. A walk is likely needed after all the great riding hours. Overnight in Chiang Rai.
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Day 8: Chiang Rai-Thaton
From Chiang Rai, it's a short ride to the mighty Mekong River at the legendary Golden Triangle where the three borders of Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos meet. The first stop is the viewpoint at Wat Phrathat, from here you have the Golden Triangle in front of you. Down by the Mekong River, you can swap your motorcycle for a boat and explore the river region. Taking a short break in Laos (no visa needed, only bring your passport) before returning to your motorcycle.
From the Golden Triangle, you continue to Mae Sai, the most northern point of Thailand and one of the main border crossings to Myanmar. At Mae Sai, take a stroll and explore the busy border market. Typical in this part of the world, most trade is done by people carrying goods across the border.
From Mae Sai ride up the mountains to Doi Tung (narrow and steep, be careful) and Doi Mae Salong on yet more amazingly twisty mountainous roads. Doi Mae Salong is a Chinese settlement that was built by a division of the Chinese Nationalist Army that refused to surrender to Chinese communists after the Nationalist Kuomintang government was routed in 1949. Today the village still offers native Chinese cuisine, lovely houses with flowers, and countless tea plantations as far as the eyes can see.
The final part of today’s route will take you along gentle hills through rice paddies and farm villages. Follow the Kok River for a while before you turn left to your resort at Thaton. Enjoy a cold drink and stretch your legs by the pool. Overnight in Thaton.
(220 km/137 miles).
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Day 9: Thaton-Pai
Another great riding day is ahead of you on your BMW motorcycle tour of the best of Thailand. From the resort ride couple of kilometers to enjoy the splendid view from Wat Thaton over the valley, Kok river, and the vicinity. Make the effort and visit Wat. (It’s well worth taking off your riding boots….)
From Wat Thaton, you follow the main road Nr. 107 and have a coffee break at the Hua Luk Royal Project. Lunch can be held at The Nest Resort with a beautiful view of the Limestone Mountains in the back.
At Mae Tang turn right on 1095 and cross the mountains to Pai. This is the beginning of the road to Mae Hong Son, famous for having 1864 bends of varying sharpness. Before we reach your hotel stop at an Elephant Camp near Pai. Once in Pai, enjoy the pool at the resort. After the sunset strolls down the walking street, taste food from the street food stalls, or enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants.
Note:
Pai is the hippie capital of South East Asia. It’s a town full of diversity and contradictions. There are backpackers, tourists with suite cases, and people who once came and never left. Mixed from all corners of the earth, all walks of life, and age groups. This little town is full of bars with live music. Enjoy! Overnight in Pai.
(250 km/155 miles).
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Day 10: Pai-Mae Hong Son
Today is a very scenic riding day on your motorcycle tour of the best of Thailand. Even if the distance is not that much, there are plenty of mountains and switchbacks to negotiate, don’t worry, you will need the full day.
This is also the second part of the road famous for its 1864 bends of varying sharpness. You pass two mountains with 2 great scenic View Points en route. The journey takes you through some beautiful mountainous scenery. Around mid-day arrive at Ban Rak Thai where you have lunch in one of the local Chinese restaurants by the little lake. They serve delicious Chinese specialties. Ban Rak Thai means literally "the Thai-loving village", built around a lake on the Myanmar border. About 800, mainly Chinese settled here after the communist takeover of China, and some of the buildings have a distinctively Chinese appearance.
After lunch, you continue to Mae Hong Son and up the hill to visit Wat Phrathat Doi Kongmu. From here you have a great view of the city and its surroundings.
The next destination is the pier where you park your motorcycles. You can leave helmets, jackets, etc at the ticket office. Enjoy a scenic boat ride on the Pai River for about 20 min to the Karen Long Neck village (http://www.huaypukeng.com/info_visitor.htm). The Karen, a tribal minority, historically lived in the hills on the Myanmar side of the border. Some of their women wear heavy brass rings around their necks, forearms, and shins. Many ideas regarding why the coils are worn have been suggested. Some have hypothesized that the rings protected women from becoming slaves by making them less attractive to other tribes. Another theory is that the coils originate from the desire to look more attractive. Why don’t you ask them and find out the real story….
Return by boat to the pier and ride to the nearby Resort. Enjoy first a drink at the sunset bar overlooking the rice paddies. Overnight in Mae Hong Son.
(180 km/112 miles).
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Day 11: Mae Hong Son-Chiang Mai
In the morning ride Road 108 from Mae Hong Son to Khun Yuam. It is a great winding road with wide twists. In Khun Yuam visit the local War Museum. The Imperial Japanese Army troops were stationed in Khun Yuam during the construction of a highway intended to cross Burma to India. Tip: Ask the museum staff to show the video about history (approx. 10 min, included). Beside the museum, there is a Coffee Shop and a 7/11 store. From Khun Yuam continue to Mae Chaem on Road 1088 and 1263 on nice twisty back roads. Here is a little local restaurant where you can have lunch. Ride Road 1192 and turn left on Road 1009 up to the top of Doi Inthanon, which at 2,565 meters is the highest mountain in Thailand. Park your motorcycles and walk up to the absolute peak and the little museum.
The next stop is the Vachiratharn Waterfall - an impressive and powerful 80 m high waterfall. Continue on Road 1009 until reaching intersection 108. For the last 50 km or so, ride on Road 108 until reaching our Service Centre where you end the ride. Kindly arrive at our Service Center no later than 5 pm, to wrap up your BMW motorcycle tour of the best of Thailand.
(300 km/186 miles).
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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!