5 Day Motorcycle Tour (Fantastic Lanna Kingdom) from Chiang Mai, Thailand

Northern Thailand’s best motorcycle roads are the main event here: 1,864 bends across the Mae Hong Son Loop, high mountain passes, pine forests, tea country, and the Mekong borderlands. The route also gives you plenty to do when the engine cools, from Doi Inthanon and Lod Cave to the White Temple and a boat trip into Laos.

I like the small-group format, which is capped at 10 riders, and the amount of care built into the price. You get a road captain, support van, luggage transport, riding gear, hotels, meals, and motorcycle insurance instead of having to sort out each piece yourself. The bikes and mechanical support have also earned strong praise.

The tradeoff is the pace. Seven hours on the road each day, much of it on twisty mountain roads, demands stamina and steady riding. The route can change because of weather, road works, or local conditions, and the insurance excess can reach 25,000 THB for motorcycle damage.

Key points at a glance

• 1,864 bends on the Mae Hong Son Loop: Expect serious cornering, changing elevations, and long days in the saddle.
• Doi Inthanon on day one: Thailand’s highest peak provides an early taste of cool mountain roads, waterfalls, gardens, and royal pagodas.
• A maximum of 10 riders: The compact group is easier to manage and more sociable than a large convoy.
• Full support on the road: A professional English-speaking road captain leads, while a van carries luggage and can hold a few riders by prior request.
• Northern Thailand beyond the loop: The route adds Doi Angkhang, Doi Mae Salong, Doi Tung, Mae Sai, and the Golden Triangle.
• A largely all-inclusive package: Four hotel nights, five lunches, four breakfasts, four dinners, bike rental, gear, drinks with meals, and insurance are included.

Why this route is special

This is not simply a motorcycle rental with a suggested route. It is a five-day circuit that connects several of northern Thailand’s best riding roads and cultural stops. You begin and end in Chiang Mai, but the real trip is the arc through remote mountain country, border towns, old temples, tea farms, and river valleys.

The route covers a lot of ground. Each day is planned at about seven hours, though the actual length can shift with stops and road conditions. You will ride on highways near Chiang Mai, narrow mountain roads around Mae Hong Son, and longer stretches near Chiang Rai and Phayao.

I like that the schedule gives the riding equal weight with sightseeing. You are not being rushed from one famous building to another. The road itself is the attraction, especially if you enjoy linking corners and watching the scenery change from tropical foothills to pine forest and highland farms.

The trip runs only twice a month, with limited places. That schedule may require more planning than a daily tour, but it also helps keep the group small. At $1,875 per person, this is an expensive holiday activity. It makes more sense when you count the bike, guide, support van, accommodation, meals, gear, airport pickup, and insurance already included.

Day one: Doi Inthanon and the road to Mae Sariang

Your first morning begins at Big Bike Tours on Ragang Road in Chiang Mai at 8:30 a.m., with airport pickup available. The opening highway section gives you time to settle onto the motorcycle before the route turns uphill toward Doi Inthanon National Park.

At 2,565 meters, Doi Inthanon is Thailand’s highest peak. The ride through pine forest is a good introduction to the trip because you get smooth, winding mountain roads without immediately being thrown into the tightest corners of the Mae Hong Son Loop.

The park stops include a major waterfall, nature trails, royal pagodas, and botanical gardens. These breaks matter. They give your body a rest and add some variety to a day that is still built around riding.

Lunch comes in Mae Chaem at a local restaurant. After that, the road continues through pine forest toward Mae Sariang, near the Myanmar border. The first day is about seven hours, so do not treat the sightseeing stops as optional decoration. They are useful pauses after the morning ride.

Mae Sariang is a quieter overnight stop than the better-known towns later in the route. That is part of its appeal. You finish the day in a calmer setting rather than in a major tourist center.

Day two: Mae Hong Son, Lod Cave, and Pai

Day two is one of the tour’s big riding days. From Mae Sariang, you head toward Mae Hong Son on narrow, twisty roads. This is where the Mae Hong Son Loop earns its reputation. The corners come repeatedly, and you need to remain alert rather than simply admire the view.

In Khun Yuam, you stop at a World War II museum. It is a useful historical pause in a small mountain town, especially because the day is otherwise dominated by scenery and road work.

Mae Hong Son brings a hilltop temple, Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu, which is described as the first temple of Mae Hong Son. Its position above town gives you a broad view before lunch at a local restaurant.

The major natural stop is Lod Cave. A stream runs through the cave, and the visit includes a bamboo raft. This is one of the route’s more unusual breaks because it changes the rhythm completely. You move from motorcycle seat to raft, then return to the road for the run toward Pai.

An optional stop at Tha Pai hot spring offers a mineral bath. If you want the full experience, pack swimwear and a small towel, though the tour also carries cool towels for riders.

Pai is one of northern Thailand’s best-known small towns, and your accommodation includes a swimming pool. That is welcome after seven hours of riding. The day is demanding, so you may prefer a quiet evening instead of trying to see every corner of Pai.

Day three: Pai, Chiang Dao, and Tha Ton

The third morning offers an early cultural experience. Before breakfast, you can offer food to monks along the streets near Pai’s local market. This is an optional opportunity, and you should approach it respectfully. It is not a staged performance, so quiet behavior and suitable clothing matter.

After breakfast, the group visits the Pai World War II Memorial Bridge before returning to the mountain roads. The route then heads toward Chiang Dao for lunch.

Chiang Dao Cave provides another break from riding. It is a natural and cultural stop, and its location fits neatly into the day’s northward route. After lunch, the road climbs toward Doi Angkhang, an area known for high mountain scenery and winding roads.

This is one of the days when the itinerary feels most like a rider’s route rather than a standard sightseeing circuit. The appeal is the combination of bends, elevation changes, and small stops. The downside is that the riding can feel tiring by late afternoon, particularly if you are new to long-distance motorcycle touring.

The day ends at Tha Ton and Wat Tha Ton, located high on the mountain. The temple is timed for sunset, with panoramic views across the surrounding country. Your accommodation also has a broad view, making this a strong place to slow down after the road.

Day four: tea country, Doi Tung, and the Golden Triangle

Day four shifts from the Mae Hong Son region into Thailand’s far north. The first stop is a long-neck Karen village near the Thai and Myanmar border. This is a cultural visit, but it is worth remembering that such stops can raise questions about tourism and presentation. Approach the village with respect, ask before taking photographs, and buy only what interests you.

Next comes Doi Mae Salong, home to Chinese mountain tea farmers. You get to taste local tea, and the ride there follows more curving highland roads. This stop gives the day a different flavor from the temples and caves earlier in the trip.

The Doi Tung Royal Villa and botanical garden are among the day’s strongest sightseeing stops. The villa served as a winter palace, and lunch is provided at a Royal Project restaurant. The Royal Project connection adds context to the mountain farming areas you pass through.

You then ride to Mae Sai, Thailand’s northernmost point, and visit Wat Tham Pla. Wild monkeys live near the temple, and you can feed them. Keep food handling sensible and follow the guide’s directions, since animals are still animals.

The final major stop is the Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet. A long-tail boat ride on the Mekong gives you a different view of the border region, and the route includes a short visit to a small village in Laos without a visa. You also visit the Opium Museum before settling into your hotel.

This is the most packed sightseeing day. It includes several border-related stops, so bring your passport and keep it secure. The passport is required on the day of travel, and you should not assume that every border activity works the same way outside this organized visit.

Day five: White Temple, Phayao, and Chiang Mai

The final morning begins with a scenic ride through farming country toward Chiang Rai. The road then leads to Wat Rong Khun, better known as the White Temple.

The temple’s unusual white design and ornate detail make it one of northern Thailand’s most memorable modern religious sites. It is also a popular stop, so expect a sharper change in atmosphere from the quiet roads and mountain villages.

After Chiang Rai, the route includes a longer highway section to Phayao. This is useful for making distance toward Chiang Mai, but it is less exciting for riders who came mainly for tight mountain bends.

At Phayao, you stop at Kwan Phayao, one of northern Thailand’s largest lakes. Lunch is served at a restaurant in front of the water. It is a sensible midday pause before the last section of the trip.

The final roads return to the hills, with stops at Than Tong waterfall and Mae Kachan hot spring. A local market provides one last refreshment break before the ride back to Chiang Mai. The tour ends at the original meeting point.

What you get for $1,875

The price is high compared with a short motorcycle rental, but this is not a bare rental. Your package includes four nights in selected hotels and resorts with leisure facilities, unlimited motorcycle mileage, and a professional English-speaking road captain with a Thailand Tourism Authority license.

You also receive a support van for luggage. A few riders can use the van during the trip if this is arranged in advance. That matters on a five-day route because you can keep your riding luggage light and avoid strapping heavy bags to the motorcycle.

Motorcycle insurance includes third-party liability and damage cover with a deductible of up to 25,000 THB. Accident cover is listed up to 100,000 THB, and life insurance up to 1,000,000 THB. You still need your own travel insurance, and I would not treat the tour’s cover as a replacement for a proper policy.

The tour supplies helmets, jackets, gloves, and knee guards. You can bring your own protective clothing, which is a good idea if you need an unusual size or prefer familiar equipment. Boots are strongly advised, though they are not listed among the supplied gear.

Meals include five lunches, four dinners, and four breakfasts, along with water, soft drinks, and coffee or tea in connection with meals. Alcohol is not supplied, and you cannot drink during the day while motorcycles are in use. Evening alcohol is allowed when the bikes are parked.

Riding ability, safety, and the small print

You must be at least 21 and show evidence of a motorcycle driving license with at least four years of riding experience. That requirement is important. The tour may suit a beginner to organized motorcycle touring, but it is not designed for someone who has only recently learned to ride.

The roads are described as excellent in many sections, and the bikes are maintained as part of the operation. Guides such as Pong, Chao, Kai, and Noah have led departures, with Siam named as a mechanic on some trips. The guide team is a major part of the safety system, especially on a route with so many corners and changing conditions.

Wear all the protective gear. Thailand requires motorcycle helmets, and jackets, gloves, knee protection, and boots are sensible on any long ride. Bring sun protection, light clothing for stops, and a secure way to carry your passport.

The route can change because of road work, weather, or new route research. No refund is offered for a route change. That is normal for a mountain tour, but you should book this with some flexibility rather than expecting every stop to happen exactly as printed.

Pickup is available from Chiang Mai Airport, and the activity begins at 8:30 a.m. Confirmation is provided at booking. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time, but cancellations or changes inside that window are not refunded or accepted.

Who should book this ride?

I would choose this tour if you want the riding handled by a professional operation rather than planning fuel, hotels, luggage, route finding, and roadside support yourself. It suits confident riders who enjoy long days, mountain corners, and a steady mix of road time and sightseeing.

It is also a good match for a solo rider who wants company without joining a huge convoy. The maximum of 10 people gives you a better chance to get personal help from the road captain and to meet the rest of the group.

I would think twice if you dislike tight bends, get uncomfortable after several hours on a motorcycle, or want a slow cultural tour with short transfers. The itinerary covers a great deal of northern Thailand in five days, and the schedule is built around riding first.

FAQ

Where does the motorcycle tour start and finish?

The tour starts at Big Bike Tours, 134 Ragang Road, Chang Khlan, Chiang Mai. It ends back at the same meeting point.

What time does the tour begin?

The scheduled start time is 8:30 a.m.

Is airport pickup included?

Yes. Pickup service from Chiang Mai Airport is included.

How many riders can join the tour?

The tour has a maximum of 10 travelers.

Is motorcycle rental included?

Yes. Motorcycle rental with unlimited mileage is included in the price.

Is riding equipment provided?

Yes. Helmets, jackets, gloves, and knee guards are provided. Special clothing sizes may be easier if you bring your own gear.

How many hotel nights are included?

Four overnight stays at selected hotels and resorts are included.

Are meals included?

Yes. The package includes five lunches, four dinners, and four breakfasts. Water, soft drinks, and coffee or tea are provided with meals.

What license and age requirements apply?

You must be at least 21 years old and provide evidence of a motorcycle driving license with at least four years of riding experience.

Should you book the Fantastic Lanna Kingdom tour?

Book it if the idea of riding the Mae Hong Son Loop, crossing northern mountain roads, and reaching the Golden Triangle sounds better than ticking off a short list of city sights. The route offers serious riding, useful support, and a rare chance to see Doi Inthanon, Pai, Doi Mae Salong, Doi Tung, Chiang Rai, and the Mekong in one organized trip.

Before paying, confirm the motorcycle model, check that the supplied gear fits, and make sure your own travel insurance covers motorcycle use. If you are ready for seven-hour riding days and a full schedule, the package gives you a practical way to see northern Thailand without carrying the planning burden yourself.