Northern Thailand Motorcycle Tour: Experience Mae Hong Son, Golden Triangle & Songkran

Updated by Jeff Taylor October 30, 2024. 

We just posted a new YouTube video to give you a glimpse of our Northern Thailand Experience. Thanks to Garrett’s awesome video production, we can share some of the magic of this route. But remember, no video or description can truly capture what it’s like to ride here!

Arriving in Chiang Mai

When I first landed in Chiang Mai, Thailand, I was skeptical. Having ridden in over 30 countries across 4 continents, I had low expectations. But Thailand quickly proved me wrong. Not only does it have incredible roads and trails, but the climate makes it a year-round riding paradise—even when it’s winter back home!

Highlights of the Northern Thailand Route

1) Top Sites and Routes: Northern Thailand is packed with amazing riding. Highlights include the Mae Hong Son loop with 1,864 thrilling curves, the famous Golden Triangle, and UNESCO World Heritage sites like Sukhothai. Plus, you’ll see the long-neck women of the Kayan Tribe, cross the Mekong River, and experience a mix of paved and off-road routes. Riding through this friendly, beautiful country shows why motorcycles are the best way to explore!

2) Trip Options: Since we are staying in Thailand, we offer this trip as a Guided Group or Self-Guided package. Not crossing borders keeps costs down. We can also arrange Private Group trips for friends, family, or corporate retreats. 

3) Best Time to Go: The rainy season starts in May and June, so expect some rain if you’re riding then. Our busiest months are November to April, when you’ll find great weather and, in April, get to celebrate Songkran (the 3-day Thai New Year). The water festival, full of smiles and splashes, is one of my best travel experiences—up there with Oktoberfest in Munich and riding through Patagonia!

4) Terrain and Trails: This route lets you enjoy both paved and dirt roads. Small dirt trails wind through peaceful villages, and the curvy roads are full of variety. Heavy rain might limit dirt road access, as we use big adventure bikes here. But there’s plenty of exciting riding to do, and straight roads are rare on this route!

5) Experience Needed: This trip is marked as a Level 4 for difficulty, so only experienced riders should join. The terrain includes many twists, turns, and elevation changes, with a mix of paved and off-road trails. If you’re unsure if you’re ready, reach out to us—we’re here to help assess if this adventure is a good fit.

6) Ready to Reserve?: Check out the full details on The Northern Thailand Experience page. When you’re ready, let us know if you’ll be traveling solo, if you’d like a shared or single room, and which bike you’d like reserved. We can’t wait for you to experience the routes, sights, and friendly people of Thailand. It may be one of the best travel decisions you’ll ever make!

Read more about researching Thailand for this route: Riding and researching Thailand, Laos, and Southeast Asia .... FINALLY!