Thailand Golden Triangle Big Bikes 16 Days

Day 1 Departure

The flight will take you to Thailand for an extraordinary culinary & cultural motorcycle journey through the north of the country.

Day 2 Arrival Chiang Mai

Arrival in Chiang Mai
At the airport, our driver will already be waiting for you to take you to the hotel. You will have the rest of the day to relax or explore Chiang Mai on your own.

Chiang Mai is the capital of the province of the same name and is located about 700 kilometers north of Bangkok, amidst Thailand's highest mountains. The Ping River, a tributary of the Chao Phraya (Menam), flows right through the city and gives Chiang Mai its characteristic charm.

Although the city has been rapidly modernized, it still has a friendly atmosphere and is certainly not a metropolis like Bangkok. Chiang Mai attracts thousands of visitors every year, in part because of its strategic location on the ancient Silk Road, its rich history and its handicraft traditions. The city is known for its handicrafts, colorful umbrellas, silver jewelry and fine wood carvings.

Covering an area of some 40 km², Chiang Mai forms only part of Mueang Chiang Mai district, which is over 150 km². Including neighboring districts such as Mae Rim, Doi Saket and San Kamphaeng, the urban region has a population of some 700,000 - almost half of the total provincial population.

Day 3 Chiang Mai - Accommodation

Exploring Chiang Mai & first miles on the motorcycle

Today you will have plenty of time to recover from the trip and further explore Chiang Mai. This atmospheric city is bursting with culture, history and friendliness. In the old center you will find numerous temples, of which Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chiang Man are among the most beautiful and impressive.

Also highly recommended is a visit to the famous Night Bazaar. In this lively night market - full of colors, smells and sounds - you can wander around endlessly. Here you will find everything from handmade souvenirs to local delicacies. And don't forget: haggling is part of the deal!

At the end of the day we pick up the bikes. An exciting moment, because from now on the adventure really begins. We ride back to the hotel for a first short ride - a nice warm-up for the coming days on the road.

Day 4 Chiang Mai - Mae Chaem

From Chiang Mai to the roof of Thailand - Doi Inthanon

After breakfast, we get ready for the first real driving day of this trip. We leave the city behind and head into the mountains, heading for one of the highlights - literally - of this tour: the Doi Inthanon National Park.

At 2,565 meters, Doi Inthanon is Thailand's highest mountain and is just an hour's drive from Chiang Mai. The road there is a perfect start to this trip: beautiful curves, climbing mountain roads and impressive views immediately set the tone for the days ahead.

Once known as Doi Luang, the mountain was renamed in honor of King Inthanon, a forerunner in conservation and forestry in northern Thailand. He had his ashes interred here, which can now be found at a small altar on top of the mountain, near the "Highest Spot in Thailand" sign.

After a day full of impressive scenery, curves and elevation changes, we drive to our accommodation just outside the quiet village of Mae Chaem. Here we enjoy a relaxing evening overlooking the rice fields and surrounding mountains - a perfect end to a promising first motorcycle day.

Day 5 Mae Chaem - Mae Hong Son

On to Mae Hong Son - 1,864 turns of enjoyment

Over the next three days, we are going to explore the legendary Mae Hong Son Loop ride, a dream for every motorcyclist. This route is known worldwide for its spectacular cornering - in total, you'll cover a whopping 1,864 turns! Expect endless twists and turns, climbing mountain roads and views that will leave you silent.

Today we head west, via Doi Ong and Doi Khun Bong, toward Mae Surin National Park. Along the way you will be treated to pristine nature, deep valleys and vast forests.

At the end of the day we reach Mae Hong Son - a town that feels as if time has stood still there. Hidden in the mountains on the border with Myanmar, this place has a unique atmosphere. The locals, especially from the Thai Yai community, often still walk in traditional clothing. You'll also find unusual Burmese-style wooden temples and the famous Langnek women, whose young girls receive their first copper neck ring at the full moon.

We spend the night just outside the city in an attractive boutique Thai-style resort, complete with swimming pool. Time to relax and enjoy after a day full of curves and culture.

Day 6 Mae Hong Son - Pai

Longnecks and sharp turns - on the way to Pai

We start the day with a short drive to a special village: the Karen Long Neck village. Here live women from the Padaung tribe who are known for their distinctive copper neck rings. From a young age they wear these rings, and each year one more ring is added. It looks like their necks are getting longer, but in reality the shoulders are pushed further and further down. The rings are an important symbol of beauty and identity and are worn throughout their lives.

After this fascinating cultural visit, we climb back on the motorcycle and set course north. As soon as we leave Mae Hong Son behind, the landscape changes immediately. The road climbs steeper and the turns get tighter - ideal for those who love technical motorcycling. It is pure enjoyment, until we descend to the lively town of Pai.

Our base for the next two nights is a comfortable 4**** hotel on the outskirts of town. Think hot showers, air conditioning, a swimming pool to splash in, an extensive breakfast buffet and a view of the surrounding mountains. The cozy center of Pai, with its streets full of food stalls, bars and relaxed atmosphere, is within walking distance.

Day 7 Pai

Relaxing in Pai & hiking with elephants

Today we leave the motorcycles for a while and immerse ourselves in a different side of northern Thailand. Pai is a colorful hippie village that for years has been a favorite spot for backpackers, nature lovers and anyone looking to relax. The atmosphere is friendly and creative, with a mix of cozy cafes, boutiques, laid-back bars and an atmospheric night market that winds through the center every evening.

But even today we won't sit still. After breakfast, we will go on a tour with ... elephants! We visit an ethical elephant camp near Pai. Here you get to know these impressive animals in a respectful way: you can feed them, walk with them and then go into the water with them. In the river you take a refreshing "shower" - a unique experience that you will not soon forget.

This special moment is followed by a relaxing trip on a traditional bamboo raft down the river, in the midst of soothing nature. Along the way you will enjoy the beautiful surroundings, and a tasty lunch is also included.

After returning to Pai, there is plenty of time to relax or stroll through the atmospheric night market at your leisure in the evening.

Day 8 Pai - Fang

Back on the bike - on to Fang!

After a day of relaxation without a motorcycle, today we head back full throttle into the mountains. It is time to leave the Mae Hong Son Loop behind us and head for the legendary "Golden Triangle" - a region full of history, mystery and of course curves... lots of curves.

We start with a beautiful route that takes us through a varied landscape: from rolling hills to sharp hairpin turns. Halfway through we ride on a relatively straight road before diving back into the mountains. Steep climbs, long descents and surprising curves alternate rapidly. This is motorcycling at its best.

Our final destination today is Fang, a seemingly quiet town, but don't be fooled - just 500 meters from our hotel is a lively street with local cafes, food stalls and even karaoke bars for those who want to end the evening swinging.

We spend the night in a comfortable hotel in downtown Fang, equipped with air conditioning, hot water AND excellent Thai cuisine. Time to recover from this beautiful ride and recharge for the next adventure.

Day 9 Fang Mae Sai

From tea fields to border posts - on to Mae Sai

Today we will dive deep into northern Thailand and learn about the intriguing history of Doi Mae Salong, now known as Santikhiree. This mountain village was founded in 1969 by Chinese soldiers of the Kwomintang, who took refuge in the mountains of northern Thailand after their defeat against Mao Zedong. In exchange for their support in the fight against communism, they were given control of the local opium trade - a troubled past that is still felt in the village.

Since the 1980s, the Thai government has been trying to give the village a new image. The name was changed to Santikhiree, meaning "Peaceful City," and the opium fields gave way to tea plantations. Today Santikhiree is a peaceful and culturally rich village, where Chinese Yunnanese is still spoken and the smell of freshly brewed oolong tea meets you.

We continue our way over the mountains towards the Doi Tung Royal Palace. Here we admire the beautiful gardens and glimpse the former residence of the king's mother - a place full of tranquility and royal allure.

Then we literally drive across the border: we follow the ridge that separates Thailand from Myanmar. A short stretch even takes us across the border, through a checkpoint, after which we marvel at the impressive views of Myanmar's rugged mountain country on the narrow, steep mountain road.

We end the day in Mae Sai, Thailand's northernmost town, right on the border with Myanmar. We stay in a characteristic Chinese-style hotel that, although slightly dated, fits perfectly into this border town full of stories.

At night, the thoroughfare comes alive: where trucks pass by during the day, you now find a colorful market full of street food, clothing and local specialties. Fancy a massage? You won't have to look long for that either.

Day 10 Mae Sai - Chiang Khong

From Myanmar to the Mekong - a day of border stories and river views

In the morning - provided the border is open - you will have the opportunity to cross the border with a day visa to Tachilek in Myanmar. This lively border town is known for its market full of cheap electronics, souvenirs and local products. A short walk will take you past colorful stores and stalls - a fun way to get a taste of Myanmar's atmosphere. Whether this is still possible, we will check on the spot.

Around noon, we start our drive to one of the most imaginative regions of Southeast Asia: the Golden Triangle. This is where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet, and this border region is known - or rather infamous - worldwide for its opium history. Nowadays, you won't notice much of that during the day, although there are persistent stories that smuggling still goes on at night....

We follow the impressive Mekong River, which at 4,909 kilometers in length is a lifeline for millions of people in Asia. The river flows from China through Laos and Thailand all the way to Cambodia and Vietnam. Along the way, it traverses landscapes full of culture and mystery.

Moreover, the Mekong is home to the giant catfish - the largest freshwater fish in the world - although unfortunately it is under serious threat. Despite a ban, it is still fished in some parts of Thailand.

We end the day in Chiang Khong, a quiet border town right on the river. From your hotel room you can look out over the rippling waters of the Mekong, with green Laos on the other side. The hotel has hot water, air conditioning and a view that will just make you quiet.

Day 11 Chiang Khong - Chiam Kham

Along the border and to great heights - Phu Chi Fa and the mountains of Laos

Today a beautiful and impressive drive is scheduled. We follow winding roads along the border with Laos, crossing several mountain ranges. Along the way, we climb to the viewpoint of Phu Chi Fa - literally "the mountain that points to the sky. In clear weather, the view here is nothing short of spectacular: a panorama of endless peaks and deep valleys, with the mysterious mountains of Laos emerging from the morning mist in the distance.

The route itself is once again a biker's delight. Curve after curve we wind through a quiet, mountainous landscape that constantly shows itself from a new side. Perfect for those who love challenging roads and breathtaking views.

At the end of the day, we arrive in Chiang Kham, a charming town on the edge of the mountains. Our hotel is quietly located just outside the center, overlooking vast rice fields and the silhouettes of the mountains behind. Rooms are equipped with hot water and air conditioning.

Within walking distance you will find a popular local restaurant that often features live music. This is where the local elite gather for a night out - a nice chance to get a taste of modern Thai nightlife.

Day 12 Chiam Kham - Nan

Curving paradise at speed - on to Nan

As if we haven't already done enough cornering, today may be the highlight for the sporty riders among us. Namely, we are going on the "circuit" - but in the mountains! The roads here are wide, perfectly paved and virtually deserted. A succession of short and long turns invites you to fly through them at a controlled pace. Ideal for really perfecting your motorcycle feel while enjoying the rhythm and flow of these spectacular mountain roads.

After this delightful ride along the natural winding course, we arrive in Nan, an atmospheric town in northeastern Thailand. Here we stay in a hotel in the center, so you can easily walk into town.

Nan is known for its cozy atmosphere with local markets, street vendors, and a handful of cafes and karaoke bars - mostly catering to locals. Perfect for enjoying the day over a cold drink and live music.

Day 13 Nan - Phrae

Over mountain passes and forests to historic Phrae

Today we continue south, driving through a varied landscape of mountain ranges and dense forests. Along the way, we cross a river by a small ferry - a nice moment to pause and enjoy the tranquility of the countryside.

Our final destination is Phrae, an atmospheric old fortified city with a rich past. Like Chiang Mai, Phrae has maintained its character, with quiet alleys, impressive temples and beautiful teak houses. Many of these stately buildings date back to the 19th century and were built by Europeans who were active in the lucrative teak industry at the time. At the time, Phrae was the beating heart of this trade.

We spend the night in the center, so you can easily explore the city on foot in the evening. The hotel has all the comforts: hot water, air conditioning, and a swimming pool for a refreshing dip after a day in the saddle.

Day 14 Phrae - Chiang Mai

Last turns toward Chiang Mai

The final leg of this special journey takes us through the mountains of Doi Pha Phung and the Ban Tham Forest Park back to bustling Chiang Mai. Along the way, we enjoy one more time the tranquility, fresh mountain air and beautiful curves that make this region so beloved among motorcyclists.

At the end of the afternoon we arrive in Chiang Mai, return the motorcycles, and return to our hotel.

In the evening there will be an opportunity to look back on this adventurous motorcycle trip together one more time. While enjoying a snack and drink, we can share memories, exchange photos and chat about the impressive routes, special encounters and unforgettable moments.

Day 15 Departure

Time to say goodbye

Unfortunately, this impressive journey through northern Thailand has come to an end. The suitcases will be packed again, and after breakfast the cab will be ready to take you comfortably to Chiang Mai airport.

With a head full of memories, beautiful curves, unforgettable views and new friendships, you will fly back home - hopefully with a big smile and the feeling that you truly experienced something special.

Day 16 arrival home