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Northern Thailand

“The very best South East Asia has to offer the adventure motorcyclist”

Traveling in northern Thailand offers a unique blend of stunning natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant local traditions.

Adventure motorcycling through Northern Thailand is an unforgettable experience, blending stunning landscapes with rich cultural encounters. Riders can navigate winding mountain roads that offer breathtaking views of lush valleys and terraced rice fields, while exploring charming hill tribe villages along the way. The region is dotted with ancient temples and vibrant markets, providing a perfect opportunity to immerse oneself in local traditions. With a mix of well-maintained highways and thrilling off-road trails, Northern Thailand promises both excitement and serenity, making it an ideal destination for motorcycling enthusiasts seeking adventure and exploration.

Exploring northern Thailand is a rewarding experience brimming with adventure, culture, and stunning natural landscapes. Whether you’re looking to unwind, discover new sights, or immerse yourself in local traditions, this region has something to offer for everyone.

Northern Thailand boasts many ancient temples that highlight Lanna architecture and Buddhist art. Engaging in temple ceremonies or meditation retreats can provide a deeply meaningful experience.

Start / Finish Location

Chiang Mai, Thailand

Duration

10 Days & 11 Nights

Distance

2,000km approx.

Riding Difficulty

Easy to Moderate

Culture Shock

Low to Medium

Pillion Supplement

€1100

Single Room Supplement

N/A - all single room

Bike Options (see pricing below)

Honda NX/CB500X, V-Strom 650, Transalp 750

Option

Add on our Sri Lanka tour afterwards

New itinerary for 2025!

Motorcycling in Southeast Asia is truly an Adventure of a Lifetime, offering a remarkable blend of great roads, stunning landscapes, delicious cuisine, and incredibly warm, welcoming people. Over the past decade, we’ve dedicated considerable time to this region, embarking on various tours in Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and Myanmar, ranging from 7 to 21 days. While all these countries are fantastic, Northern Thailand stands out as one of our favorites, and we believe our itinerary and route beautifully capture the essence of this enchanting land.

This is a fully supported tour that includes all our favorite destinations! Departing from Chiang Mai, we’ll travel in a clockwise direction around the Mae Hong Son loop, heading north to the Myanmar border and west to the Golden Triangle before heading south along the Mekong River and exploring the eastern side of Northern Thailand. The itinerary features three rest days, offering optional biking and a variety of activities to choose from.

Highlights Include: Mae Hong Son Loop | Riding in and visiting the Golden Triangle | Riding along and taking a boat trip on the Mekong River | Visiting the White Temple | Karen Long Neck Tribal Villages | Route of 1864 bends, Phu Chi Fa National Park and much much more!

Just to mention a few highlights…

The Karen tribes and in particular the Karen Padaung. The tribes women are strikingly recognized for the large brass rings they wear around their necks, thus lengthening them and giving them the more common name of ‘The Long Neck’ tribe. The Padaung call themselves “LaeKur” or “Kayan” and they have their own unique language which originates from Tibeto-Burmese.
Mountain Tea Plantations, Chinese Village and an optional cave visit; Most of Mae Hong Son’s landscape is surrounded by many high complicated mountain ranges, variety of forests, and covered by mist all year round. All these reasons bring it to be called “City of Three Mist”. Due to the nature’s charm and beauty together with the large magnificent cave, hot spring, both small and big streams, these all seem to be the important factors to bring Mae Hong Son to become the biggest center of conservative travelling style in Thailand.
The town of Pai who’s permanent residents are a seemingly harmonious mix of Western hippies, Thai Rastas, and Muslims which gives the place a unique vibe. Pai marks our first stop in the authentic mountainous province of Mae Hong Son and we are now on the infamous Mae Hong Son Loop. The Mae Hong Son Loop is a comprehensive way to discover one of Thailand’s most authentic provinces and experience authentic northern Thai & Shan minority culture – the Mae Hong Son Loop is the perfect antidote. Mae Hong Son is the most mountainous province in Thailand and receives few visitors due to its relatively remote location and time needed to reach it.
Wat Rong Khun, better known as “the White Temple”. The White Temple is one of the most recognizable temples in Thailand. Located outside the town of Chiang Rai the temple attracts a large number of visitors, both Thai and foreign, making it one of Chiang Rai’s most visited attractions. Wat Rong Khun is a unique temple that stands out through the white colour and the use of pieces of glass in the plaster, sparkling in the sun. The white colour signifies the purity of the Buddha, while the glass symbolizes the Buddha’s wisdom and the Dhamma, the Buddhist teachings.
The village of Doi Chang, home do Doi Chang Coffee. Located in the Golden Triangle region of Thailand, the village of Doi Chang has not always been known for its coffee. Instead, it was an area, which was known for its opium production and trade, and many grew the cash crop in order to survive and take care of their families. With the help of a Royal initiative of Thailand in 1983, farmers were given Arabica coffee plants to grow. The rich soil in the north of Thailand and the cooler weather helped the coffee to flourish. After producing coffee for over 20 years, and frustrated with the efforts of dealing with third party coffee dealers, the farmers in Doi Chang decided to form their own coalition and sell coffee directly themselves.
The Golden Triangle designates the confluence of the Ruak River and the Mekong River, since the term has been appropriated by the Thai tourist industry to describe the nearby border tripoint of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar. We will also have the opportunity for a boat ride on the mighty Mekong. The Golden Triangle is one of Asia’s two main opium-producing areas. It is an area of around 950,000 square kilometres that overlaps the mountains of three countries of Southeast Asia: Myanmar, Laos and Thailand. Along with Afghanistan in the Golden Crescent, it has been one of the most extensive opium-producing areas of Asia and of the world since the 1950s. Most of the world’s heroin came from the Golden Triangle until the early 21st century when Afghanistan became the world’s largest producer.
The exhilarating mountainous highway No. 1148, ranked in the top 10 it’s one of the most fun biking roads to be found anywhere in the world with 120 kilometers of up and down curves through the impressive mountains.
The national park of Phu Chi Fa. The famous cliff is part of an elevated area, the DoiPha Mon sub-range, that rises near the border with Laos sloping towards the Mekong River. The highest point of the ridge, DoiPha Mon, is 1628 m high. With spectacular views over the surrounding mountains, it is one of the famous tourist attractions of the Thai highlands where one can catch a glimpse of the “sea of mist” – the view of the fog-surrounded hills.

We will be providing a more detailed itinerary on arrival to include hotel info and GPS co-ordinates.

Please note that this is an outline route and maybe subject to change.

More Information

Itinerary

2025 Suggested Flights:

Arrive in Chiang Mai evening 15th January very latest
- We would suggest arriving in Chiang Mai one or two days earlier.
Depart Chiang Mai morning 27th January earliest.

Some flight paths we recommend:

Qatar & Thai Airways: Dublin – Doha – Bangkok – Chiang Mai

2025 Itinerary *Subject to change

Day	From	To
1	Ireland	Chiang Mai
2	Chiang Mai	Mae Hong Son
3	Mae Hong Son	Pai
4	Pai	Chiang Dao
5	Chiang Dao	Chiang Khong
6	Chiang Khong	Chiang Khong
7	Chiang Khong	Nan
8	Nan	Nan
9	Nan	Phetchabun
10	Phetchabun	Sukhothai
11	Sukhothai	Sukhothai
12	Sukhothai	Chiang Mai
13	Chiang Mai	Ireland

Whats Included

Included:

Motorcycle Rental CB500X
- Upgrade options subject to availability
- Suzuki V-Strom 650 or similar – €200 suppl.
- Honda 750 Transalp / Africa Twin or similar – €400 suppl.
B&B accommodation in quality hotels and authentic guesthouses.
Support vehicle for luggage transfers (subject to numbers)
Fuel for Motorcycles
Lunch on all riding days.
Tour guide(s) (Overlanders & local with necessary permits & licenses)
Detailed route maps / itinerary etc. allowing some self-guiding if preferred.

Not Included

Any travel costs to get to the start and from the finish point for the tour.
Rental security, deposits etc.
Personal travel, accident and medical insurance (covering matters such as medical expenses, repatriation, cancellation, curtailment, loss or damage to property)
Motorcycle insurance cover, motorcycle breakdown cover or recovery costs
Entrance fees to sights and parks, optional local excursions or local activities, (except where stated)
Lunches on rest days
Evening meals.
Personal spending money, tips, souvenirs or other extras.
Personal documentation (eg visas, passport), vaccinations, personal taxes, border crossing fees, motorcycle documentation
Toll road fees, traffic fines or other charges relating to breach of the law
Any other item not specifically included in the price.

Useful Info

Pre-trip we provide you with Tour Specific Information that gives you detailed information about how to prepare and plan your tour, and what to expect when on tour. These are a few FAQ that many people have. If you have any further queries or concerns please do not hesitate to contact us.

What riding experience do I need?
Generally speaking we recommend all participants to be experienced tourers in Europe and/or beyond. Obviously, some destinations are easier than others, as classified by our difficulty ratings, and should you have concerns please do not hesitate to contact us. It is your responsibility to ensure your motorcycling skills are up to the requirements for this tour. Obviously advanced riding skills increase enjoyment factor and reduce risk.

Do I have to ride in a group?
No! We do not make you ride in convoy and we offer you the freedom to decide how you would like to ride. However, we find most people prefer to ride with the group without the need to navigate. We use either the ‘drop off’ or ‘buddy’ systems when group riding (depending on country and complexity of navigation); these are tried and tested systems of group riding and allow riders to ride at their own pace. Full details are provided at pre-trip briefings. Daily departure times are set every evening for the following morning depending on the days route and points of interest. If you prefer to ride on your own, we provide you with a map and route cards with recommendations for lunch or coffee stops and hotel information. We offer a very flexible approach with an emphasis on maximum enjoyment.

Is this ride suitable for a passenger?
Yes. Pillion passengers should be experienced tourers / travellers.

What is the average group size?
Our groups are normally between 8 – 14 riders (some riders will have passengers). Most riders are from the Ireland, but we do also have overseas riders who may take part.

What documents do I need?
You will need your original documents as follows:

Passport and Driving Licence. Passengers only need their passport. As a general rule, passports should be valid for at least 6 months after the end of the tour; however, this may be shorter in some European countries.
If you are bringing your own motorcycle, you will also need your motorcycle registration document (RF101 / log book) and your motorcycle insurance.
In addition, you must have valid travel/medical insurance.
Visas as required Please ensure that you are fully aware of all passport and visa requirements and that you allow adequate time to obtain them.

What will the weather be like?

Depending on season / time of year we will advise expected weather conditions in the pre-trip information and also suggest the most suitable gear based on our experience. It is imperative that tour participants have suitably adequate gear. Please note our tour calendar is carefully planned taking into account the most suitable seasons / local weather for the destination. However, as much as we would like, we cannot always guarantee the best weather. Particularly considering the un-predictable climates the world has been experiencing.

What about my health when I am abroad?
You need to be physically fit and healthy and also take the necessary health precautions. It is essential for you to consult your doctor or travel clinic for up-to-date medical travel information prior of travel, particularly if you have a pre-existing medical condition. Please ensure that you are fully aware of all official travel advice, local customs, current affairs, travel requirements and medical/travel advice. Please check with your GP regarding recommended inoculations.

Do I need Travel / Medical Insurance?
It is a condition of you travelling with us that you are adequately insured. Your insurance policy must cover you for the costs of any medical expenses, medical treatment or repatriation needed, due to injury or illness on this trip, including those that occur whilst motorcycle touring, either as the rider or a passenger. It is important that your insurance company understands that the main purpose of your trip is motorcycle touring, using your own large capacity cc motorcycle or a rental motorcycle. Your insurance must cover you for the full duration of the trip and for all countries we travel through.

In addition, we strongly recommend that your insurance policy has cover for loss or damage to your personal belongings, delay at your outward or homeward point of departure, personal liability, overseas legal expenses and cancellation and curtailment. We do not refund your deposit simply because you failed to take out insurance in sufficient time. Some travel insurance policies do not cover motorcycle travel over a certain cc or for a prolonged duration.

Minimum Numbers
We require a minimum number of 8 riders on this tour. If we do not have this number of bookings, then we reserve the right to cancel the tour.

Booking Terms & Conditions

Overlanders accepts to make arrangements so that travel services, such as transportation and accommodation facilities and other services, will be provided to the customer in accordance with the travel schedule(s) predetermined by Overlanders.

Booking:

Overlanders may accept a booking online, via telephone or email. To confirm a booking a deposit is required – once the deposit is received the booking is confirmed. Spaces will not be reserved without deposits.
Overlanders reserve the right to cancel an online booking or refuse a booking at any time.

Payments & Fees:

All payments must be made in full at least 60 days prior to the shipment date. Failure to pay outstanding balances prior to this date results in automatic cancellation.
Deposits amounts are NON-REFUNDABLE or transferrable within 60 days of shipment date
Exceptions may be made on a case per case basis considering demand / cancellation list etc.
We strongly suggest having adequate Travel Insurance in place at the time of booking.

Flights:

It is your responsibility to confirm suitable flights / collection times. Please contact us for recommendations. Should an airline change their schedule, we will do our best to facilitate but it may not be possible considering our shipping schedule/logistics.

Costs Included in the Travel Fee:

Transportation fees and charges for transportation facilities used are those expressly indicated in the travel schedule.
Re: Guided Tours – please see the specific tour brochure for a list of inclusions and exclusions

Costs not included in Travel Fee:

Any expenses other than those listed in the inclusions will not be included in the travel fee.
Re: Guided Tours – flights, visas, and any other expenses related to getting to the starting point and from the finishing point are not included in Travel Fees (unless otherwise stated)

Passport & Visa & Travel Requirements:

Please ensure that you are fully aware of all passport and visa requirements and that you allow adequate time to obtain them. We personally recommend that you travel with a passport that has a minimum validity of 6 months remaining at all times.
Please ensure that you are fully aware of all official travel advice, local customs, current affairs, travel requirements and medical/travel advice. Please check with your GP regarding recommended inoculations.

Travel Insurance:

It is imperative that adequate Travel Insurance cover (including medical repatriation) is activated at the point of confirming your booking. Some travel insurance policies do not cover motorcycle travel over a certain cc or for a prolonged duration.

Cancellation/Amendments/Refund Policy:

Please note that all payments and deposits are non refundable nor transferrable if cancellation accrues within 60 days of the shipment / tour date (whichever comes sooner).
Where possible we will try to accommodate any amendments you wish to make.
In the event of curtailment no refunds shall be made.
Refunds may be processed via the original method of payment, except for cash transactions where refunds will be provided by cheque.

Feed back / Complaints

Customer satisfaction is very important to us and to help us further improve our service we value any feedback both positive and negative. Please email info@overlanders.ie

Accommodation

Hotels

As with all our guided tours we carefully select very good standard 3 or 4* hotels. Over the years we have built up a vast selection of tried and tested hotels around the world and we select hotels for their character and service rather than just on their star rating. Hotel standards vary all over the world and a 4* in Africa or South America is not always the same as in Europe. In some more remote locations, we may use equivalent 3* hotels or the best available in the area, which could be a more family run establishment, with local character.