Discover the Gems of Lanna Kingdom on a 9 Days Motorcycle Tour

Northern Thailand is at its best from a motorcycle seat. This nine-day route links mountain roads, rice fields, old temples, hill towns, and small villages that are easy to pass by on a standard sightseeing trip. The Nan Loop and Golden Triangle provide the strongest mix of scenery and culture.

I like the practical setup: a motorcycle, fuel, full riding gear, guides, and a chase vehicle with a spare bike are included. I also like the balance of riding and stops, including a full rest day in Chiang Rai and time for markets, temples, galleries, and local food. The main drawback is the pace. Riding 250 to 350 kilometers a day can make several days long and tiring, especially on winding mountain roads.

Key points before you book

• The Nan Loop is the scenic centerpiece: Ride through Doi Phu Kha National Park and stop at the 800-year-old salt wells at Bo Kluea.
• The route covers Northern Thailand’s big names: You’ll see the Golden Triangle, Wat Rong Khun, Pai, Mae Hong Son, and Doi Inthanon.
• A chase vehicle adds useful backup: It carries a spare motorcycle and gives the group support during long riding days.
• The price includes most daily costs: Fuel, riding equipment, selected three- and four-star hotels, entrance fees, and nearly all meals are covered.
• A Chiang Rai rest day breaks up the mileage: Use it for temples, markets, art galleries, or simply a proper recovery day.
• You need the right paperwork and skills: Bring a valid passport and an international driving licence, and be prepared for long days in the saddle.

What the $3,793.78 price really covers

At $3,793.78 per person, this is not a cheap way to rent a motorcycle for a week. It is a supported, fully organized riding trip. The daily cost is about $421, but that figure includes far more than the bike itself.

Your package covers the motorcycle, fuel, Thai Tourism Authority licensed guide, third-party motorcycle liability insurance, riding equipment, hotel accommodation, entrance fees, breakfast on eight days, lunch on all nine days, and dinner on eight days. A chase vehicle with a spare motorcycle is also included.

That matters in Northern Thailand. The route is long, remote in places, and built around several mountain crossings. If you were arranging the same trip alone, you would need to organize the motorcycle, fuel stops, hotels, meals, route planning, park fees, and emergency backup yourself.

The included equipment covers helmets with Bluetooth, gloves, jackets, pants, and boots. The company strongly advises using all protective clothing. If you need unusual sizes, bring your own gear because special sizes may not always be available.

The package does not cover alcohol, flights, visas, personal spending, or extra hotel services. Motorcycle health insurance costs an additional $3 per day. That last item is worth arranging before you ride, since third-party liability cover is not the same as personal medical protection.

Day 1: Chiang Mai to Phayao, Nan, and Doi Phu Kha

The tour begins at 8 a.m. in Soi 4, Nong Kwai, in Chiang Mai’s Hang Dong district. The opening ride heads toward Phayao, then continues to Nan and Doi Phu Kha National Park.

Phayao offers a gentle first stop around Phayao Lake. The province is known for quiet countryside, local culture, and the lake’s broad views. After the initial riding and a short stop, the road continues through rice paddies, small villages, and a mountain pass before reaching Nan.

Nan is one of the most appealing towns on the route. It has a slower pace than Chiang Mai and works well as a base for nearby mountain roads. The day then reaches Doi Phu Kha National Park, where forest, steep hills, and mountain views replace the flatter farmland.

This is a demanding opening day. The itinerary gives Doi Phu Kha up to eight hours, and the full route can cover a great deal of ground. You should arrive ready to ride, not expecting a gentle orientation loop.

Day 2: The Nan Loop and Bo Kluea’s salt wells

Day two focuses on the Nan Loop, one of the finest road sections in Northern Thailand. The route winds from Nan to Bo Kluea through forest, hills, and villages, then returns through Doi Phu Kha National Park.

Bo Kluea is the day’s unusual stop. Its salt wells are around 800 years old, and the site gives you a direct connection to local work and tradition rather than another scenic viewpoint. The name means salt wells, and the stop helps explain why this mountain settlement became important.

The road itself is a major part of the experience. You’ll pass through changing scenery, with bends, climbs, and long views across valleys. The route is rewarding, but it is not casual city riding. Anyone who is nervous on a motorcycle, uncomfortable with sustained bends, or unused to long days should consider this carefully.

Returning to Nan after the loop gives you a second chance to explore the town. Look for local food, markets, temples, and small cultural sites. Nan is not presented as a quick photo stop, and the extra time makes the town more useful as part of the journey.

Day 3: Pang Kha, Phu Chi Fah, and the Mekong at Chiang Khong

The third day turns east toward Chiang Khong, with stops at Pang Kha and Phu Chi Fah. This section combines high viewpoints with the border country along the Mekong.

Phu Chi Fah is known for unusual rock formations and wide views toward Laos. It is one of the route’s strongest places for taking in the scale of the northern mountains. The stop is about the setting rather than a long list of attractions, so keep your camera ready and your schedule flexible.

Chiang Khong sits beside the Mekong River. Its position gives the town a different feel from Nan and Chiang Rai, with a strong connection to river trade and the nearby borders. You can visit temples and museums, eat local food, and enjoy a quieter evening after the day’s mountain roads.

The itinerary does not give a long stop time at every location, so your experience will depend on the group’s pace and road conditions. That is normal on a motorcycle tour covering this much territory, but you should not expect long independent visits at every point.

Day 4: The Golden Triangle and Chiang Rai’s White Temple

From Chiang Khong, the ride reaches the Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet around the Mekong River. This is one of the most recognizable border points in Southeast Asia.

The stop is useful for geographic context. You are not simply looking at a river bend. You are seeing the meeting point of three countries and a region shaped by trade, borders, and movement across the Mekong. The visit includes admission and allows about two hours.

The afternoon continues to Wat Rong Khun, better known as the White Temple. Its bright white surfaces and modern, surreal design make it unlike traditional Thai temples. It is highly visual, but it is also a contemporary work, so you should approach it as an art-filled religious site rather than an ancient ruin.

Chiang Rai provides the night’s base. The city has temples, historical sites, markets, and art spaces, giving you several ways to spend the evening. After four consecutive riding days, the city also offers a welcome chance to eat well and rest.

Day 5: A full rest day in Chiang Rai

A full day without scheduled riding is one of the smartest parts of this tour. Use it to recover, wash clothes, explore Chiang Rai, or visit more temples and markets at your own speed.

You can also use the day to look at local art galleries and try northern Thai dishes without watching the clock. The tour includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner across the broader schedule, but personal snacks, drinks, and alcohol remain your responsibility.

This rest day matters because the second half is not easier. The route heads through Chiang Dao and Pai before turning toward Mae Hong Son and Mae Sariang. Riders who treat day five as a proper break will be better prepared for the next series of long rides.

Day 6: Chiang Rai, Chiang Dao, and Pai

The route leaves Chiang Rai and heads south toward Chiang Dao before continuing to Pai. Doi Chiang Dao reaches 2,225 meters and is Thailand’s third-highest peak, with mountain views and trekking possibilities in the area.

Pai is known for its relaxed atmosphere and scenic surroundings. The stop at Pai Canyon is especially appealing for riders who want a walk and a view after hours on the bike. Its narrow ridges and deep gullies create a dramatic setting, though you should take care around exposed edges.

Pai has a different mood from Nan and Chiang Rai. It is more casual and geared toward a laid-back stop, while still offering access to mountain roads and countryside. The itinerary allows up to 12 hours around Pai, but that does not mean every hour is free time. The day includes a substantial ride from Chiang Rai.

This is another point where distance matters. The route is designed for riders who want the road itself, not only the destinations. If you prefer short transfers and long sightseeing stops, this schedule may feel too packed.

Day 7: The 270-kilometer ride to Mae Hong Son

Day seven covers about 270 kilometers from Pai toward Mae Hong Son. You’ll ride through some of the most winding country on the route, with mountain views and changes in vegetation along the way.

Mae Hong Son is a strong overnight stop. Its temples and quiet town setting give you a chance to see a side of northern Thai culture that feels separate from Chiang Mai’s larger tourist scene. Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu is especially notable, sitting above the town with views over the surrounding area.

The attraction here is the journey as much as the stop. A 270-kilometer day on curving roads takes concentration. Build in patience for weather, road works, and slower sections. The operator may change the route because of conditions or new route research, and no refund is offered for those changes.

Day 8: Mae Sariang and the Mae Hong Son Loop

The eighth day continues from Mae Hong Son to Mae Sariang on the Mae Hong Son Loop. This is another day made for riders who enjoy bends, changing elevations, and long views rather than fast straight roads.

Mae Surin Waterfall provides a natural stop along the way. It gives you a chance to stretch your legs and break up the ride. Mae Sariang then offers a smaller, quieter base, with the chance to catch a sunset and enjoy the town after the day’s roads.

The route is rewarding but physically demanding. You will want proper riding trousers, boots, gloves, and a jacket even if the morning starts warm. The company supplies these items, but bring your own if you need a specific fit.

Day 9: Doi Inthanon and the return to Chiang Mai

The final day runs from Mae Sariang to Doi Inthanon, Thailand’s highest mountain, before returning to Chiang Mai. Doi Inthanon National Park is the natural high point of the trip, both literally and as a final major stop.

The mountain provides cooler air, forest, and broad views. The included national park entry makes this a worthwhile final visit rather than a quick roadside photo. Afterward, the road continues through towns and villages toward Chiang Mai, with opportunities to stop at a local market or food stall.

The tour ends back at the original meeting point. That is convenient if you have left luggage or arranged accommodation in Chiang Mai, but allow some flexibility around your onward plans. Nine days of riding can be affected by weather and road conditions.

Guides, group size, and riding support

The maximum group size is 15 people. That is large enough to create a social ride, but still small enough for a guide-led trip to keep the group together more easily than a mass coach tour.

Andy is the named contact associated with the company, and direct communication through WhatsApp has been part of the booking experience. The tour uses two guides on some departures, and the chase vehicle carries a spare motorcycle. Those details are important on a route this long.

You need a current passport on the day of the tour and an international driving licence. If you do not have one, contact the operator before booking. A pillion rider should be declared in advance, and the company recommends booking the child option for a passenger sharing your motorcycle.

The tour is described as suitable for most riders, but that should not be confused with beginner-friendly. The daily distance, mountain roads, and nine-day schedule demand steady motorcycle control and reasonable stamina.

Who should book this Northern Thailand ride?

I would recommend it to an experienced rider who wants more than a motorcycle rental. You get access to a carefully linked route, local towns, national parks, border country, and support when the road becomes tiring or a bike problem appears.

It suits couples and friends who value scenery, food, and local places more than nightlife. It also works for riders who like having hotels and meals arranged, while still enjoying the freedom and exposure of a motorcycle.

I would hesitate if you dislike long riding days, need a slow sightseeing schedule, or are uncertain about riding mountain bends. You should also budget for personal expenses, flights, visas, alcohol, and motorcycle health insurance.

You can cancel for a full refund at least six full days before departure. A cancellation two to six full days before the start receives a 50 percent refund, while cancellations less than two days before departure are not refunded. Poor weather or failure to reach the minimum group size can lead to a different date or a full refund.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if the ride is the main event. The route gives you Northern Thailand in broad strokes and fine detail: salt wells in Bo Kluea, the Mekong at Chiang Khong, the three-country border, a striking modern temple, Pai’s canyon, Mae Hong Son’s hilltop temple, and Thailand’s highest mountain.

The strongest value comes from the support and inclusions. You are paying for a motorcycle holiday with fuel, gear, guides, meals, hotels, entrance fees, and backup, not merely a bike and a map.

Skip it if you want a relaxed cultural tour with short transfers. For a capable rider who wants an active, well-supported route through Northern Thailand, this is a serious and rewarding nine-day commitment.

FAQ

Where does the motorcycle tour start and finish?

The tour starts at 8 a.m. at Soi 4, Tambon Nong Kwai, Amphoe Hang Dong, Chiang Mai 50230. It ends back at the same meeting point in Chiang Mai.

How far do you ride each day?

The average daily distance is 250 to 350 kilometers. One listed section, from Pai toward Mae Hong Son, covers about 270 kilometers.

Is motorcycle riding equipment included?

Yes. The package includes a helmet with Bluetooth, gloves, jacket, pants, and boots. The operator recommends bringing your own protective clothing if you need a special size.

Do I need an international driving licence?

Yes. You need an international driving licence, along with a current valid passport on the day of the tour. Contact the operator before booking if you do not have the licence.

What meals and accommodation are included?

The package includes selected three- and four-star hotel accommodation, eight breakfasts, nine lunches, and eight dinners. Alcohol, personal expenses, and extra hotel services are not included.

What happens if weather cancels the tour?

The tour requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund.