Curious what it really looks like out there?
Head over to my socials for real-life snapshots from the ride.
Curious what it really looks like out there?
Head over to my socials for real-life snapshots from the ride.
Northern Thailand isn’t just a destination — it’s a playground for motorcyclists. The north is extremely mountainous, which means one thing: curves, curves, and more curves.
Almost every road here feels like it was built for two wheels. Whether you’re planning a multi-day Thailand motorcycle loop or a quick afternoon ride, the routes up here will stay with you long after you’ve left.
This guide covers the best roads I’ve ridden — from short loops near Chiang Mai to remote multi-day routes through Nan Province. If you’re figuring out your northern Thailand motorcycle tour, this is where to start.
Whether you’re planning your motorcycle holiday around the legendary Mae Hong Son Loop or exploring hidden gems like Nan Province or Mae Kampong, Northern Thailand offers some of the best motorcycle adventures in Southeast Asia.
From perfectly paved curves and remote villages to jungle hot springs and mountain temples—this region has it all. No matter which route you choose, you’ll leave with not just epic riding memories, but a deeper connection to Thailand’s incredible north.
So, which roads should you put on your list? Here are the top routes that make Northern Thailand a must-ride region:
Chiang Mai is the natural base for most riders exploring northern Thailand, and for good reason.
If you’re already in Chiang Mai and searching for scenic motorbike routes near you — good news, you’re in the right place. Within a one to two-hour radius from the city, you already have some of the most fun motorcycle roads in the country. You don’t need to plan a week-long trip to find a good ride; some of the best roads are basically out the front door.
If you’re looking for good roads to ride near Chiang Mai, here’s the short answer: the Samoeng Loop for a half-day escape, Chiang Dao for a full day, and the Mae Hong Son direction for when you want to disappear for a week.
The roads around the city are well-maintained, traffic drops off quickly once you leave the urban sprawl, and you’ll be in the mountains faster than you’d expect. For a detailed guide to one of the best day loops, read my full write-up on the Chiang Mai 140km motorbike loop →
If you ride one route in Thailand, make it this one.
The Mae Hong Son Loop winds through over 1,800 curves, 600km, remote mountain passes, jungle, and small towns that feel worlds away from the tourist trail. It passes through Doi Inthanon — Thailand’s highest peak at 2,565m — the laid-back town of Pai, Mae Hong Son near the Myanmar border, and a string of waterfalls, hot springs, and hill tribe villages along the way.
Practical info: This is a circular route — you can ride it clockwise or counter-clockwise from Chiang Mai. Most riders take 4–5 days to enjoy it properly.
I have a full dedicated guide to the Mae Hong Son Loop with everything you need to know before you go -> Mae Hong Son Loop motorcycle itinerary guide.
The road quality? Surprisingly excellent—well-paved, with thrilling switchbacks and views that will make you want to pull over every few kilometers.
Why I love it:
▸ Combines adrenaline with cultural gems like hill tribe villages and hidden temples 
▸ Plenty of natural hot springs and waterfalls to relax in after a day of riding 
Where to stop:
Doi Inthanon National Park – Thailand’s highest peak (2,565 m) with stunning panoramic views and the starting point for several scenic hikes like Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail, famous for its sea of clouds.
Waterfalls Galore – This loop is packed with waterfalls! Don’t miss Sirithan, Wachirathan, Mae Klang, Siriphum, and Mok Fa—each has its own charm, from easy-access cascades to hidden jungle gems.
Hot Springs – Natural hot springs like Sai Ngam or Pong Dueat where you can soak under the jungle canopy.
Big Buddha in Pai – This giant white Buddha overlooking Pai valley is a peaceful stop with a killer view.
Ban Rak Thai – A Chinese tea village near the Myanmar border. Misty mornings, lakeside tea houses, and unique Yunnanese cuisine make this a gem.
Nam Lod Cave – A massive cave you can explore by bamboo raft. It’s dark, mysterious, and full of ancient cave paintings.
Pai Canyon – A mini Grand Canyon with amazing sunset views just outside Pai. Popular but still a great photo stop.
Wat Pa Dara Phirom Phra Aram Luang – One of the most elegant temples near Chiang Mai, set in a peaceful forest garden.
Chiang Dao Loop — Off the Beaten Path
The Chiang Dao Loop is what you ride when you want fewer tourists and more mountain. Limestone cliffs rise above rice paddies, the roads wind through forest villages, and the whole pace feels completely different from the more popular routes south of here.
Highlights include the Sticky Waterfall (Buatong) — a mineral-covered cascade you can actually climb barefoot — the cave network beneath Chiang Dao mountain, and the Doi Luang Chiang Dao viewpoint at 2,225m. There’s also Wat Tham Pha Plong, a forest temple reached by 300+ jungle steps that’s worth every single one.
Practical info: You can do Chiang Dao as a long day ride from Chiang Mai or stay overnight in town. The caves close in the afternoon, so start early if you want to include them.
Why I love it:
▸ Chiang Dao’s limestone cliffs towering over rice paddies 🏞
▸ Sticky Waterfall (Buatong) – climb barefoot up this unique mineral-covered waterfall 💦
▸ Quieter roads and a slower pace for riders who want to take it easy.
Where to stop:
🧗♀️ Sticky Waterfall (Buatong) – A must-see! Thanks to limestone deposits, you can literally walk barefoot up the waterfall. It’s fun, refreshing, and totally unique.
🕳 Chiang Dao Caves – A network of caves beneath Chiang Dao mountain, some lit by lanterns carried by local guides. A mix of adventure and mystery.
🌅 Doi Luang Chiang Dao Viewpoint – Get an unforgettable view of Thailand’s third-highest mountain (2,225 m). Especially stunning at sunrise or sunset.
🌿 Wat Tham Pha Plong – A peaceful forest temple on a hill, surrounded by jungle. The short climb up the stairs rewards you with tranquility and views.
Road 1148 is the reason I keep coming back to Nan Province. Smooth tarmac, almost no traffic, and a constant flow of sweeping curves through emerald hills and forest that looks entirely untouched.
It’s not on most tourist radars — which is exactly why it’s so good.
The broader Nan motorbike loop connects the Chiang Rai area to the eastern part of Nan Province and takes you through some of northern Thailand’s most remote and beautiful landscapes.
This route also works well as a Chiang Rai motorbike loop if you prefer to start and end in Chiang Rai rather than Chiang Mai — different starting point, same incredible roads.
Why I love it:
▸ Phu Chi Fa views – a magical spot above the clouds 
▸ Feels like riding through the pages of a travel magazine—without the crowds!
Where to stop:
Phu Chi Fa Viewpoint – Wake up early and hike to this iconic viewpoint before dawn. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch the famous “sea of clouds” sunrise with Laos right in front of you.
R1148 Scenic Stops – Along this legendary road, you’ll find plenty of lay-bys and viewpoints where you’ll often be the only one taking in the stunning hills and curves.
Bo Kluea Salt Wells – A quirky detour where locals still produce salt using ancient techniques deep in the mountains.
Nan Old Town – A charming riverside town with traditional wooden houses, art galleries, and the elegant Wat Phumin temple known for its unique murals.
Pua District – Nestled among rice fields and hills, Pua offers chill guesthouses, scenic café spots, and an authentic small-town vibe.
This loop heads east from Chiang Mai into the mountains toward Mae Kampong — a cool-climate village at altitude with forest cafés and coffee stops — before continuing to Chae Son National Park.
Hotsprings, waterfalls, forest roads. A good option if you’ve already ridden the Samoeng Loop and want more elevation and fewer people.
Why I love it:
▸ A relaxing ride through dense jungle and mountain scenery 🌿
▸ Coffee stops in Mae Kampong with treehouse vibes ☕
▸ The perfect mix of riding, nature, and hot spring chilling 💦
The Samoeng Loop is the go-to quick escape for riders based in Chiang Mai. Curvy forest roads, coffee plantations, fruit farms, small villages — and almost no traffic on the good sections. It’s the kind of ride you do on a Tuesday afternoon when you have a free day and want to remember why you started riding in the first place.
It works perfectly as a warm-up before tackling longer routes, and if you’re new to riding in Thailand, this is where I’d tell you to start.
Why I love it:
▸ A fun, curvy route right outside Chiang Mai 🏍️
▸ Coffee plantations and viewpoints around every corner ☕
Mae Salong & Doi Pha Mi – Tea Country & Forgotten Roads
The area around Mae Salong and Doi Pha Mi is a rider’s secret. Think endless tea plantations, Chinese-Yunnanese culture, and roads hugging the hills right along the Myanmar border. Few bikers venture here, so you’ll often have the curves all to yourself.
Doi Chang – Coffee & Curves
Another gem! Doi Chang is famous for its high-quality coffee and scenic backroads that make for an amazing ride back toward Chiang Mai.
Whether you’re building a dedicated Thailand motorcycle trip or weaving riding into a longer north Thailand backpacking route, a few things are worth knowing before you go:
– Roads: Northern Thailand has excellent road conditions on most major loops. Mae Hong Son, Samoeng, and Nan are all fully paved. Some mountain shortcuts are not.
– Bike: A 125–150cc automatic handles most routes fine. For longer loops with mountain passes, 250cc+ gives you more confidence on the climbs.
– Season: November to February is the sweet spot — cool, dry, clear skies. March to May is hot and smoky. June to October is rainy but still rideable on the main roads.
– Fuel: Petrol stations thin out fast in Nan Province and near the Myanmar border. Fill up whenever you can, not whenever you need to.
>>>>> You can find more practical info about motorbiking in Thailand in my guide.
If you’d rather not figure out the logistics alone, I run guided motorcycle tours in northern Thailand — designed for women who want to ride, not just sit pillion.
What’s available:
– Guiding Motorbike Starter Day — 1 day, perfect if you’re riding in Thailand for the first time — €200
– 7-Day Northern Thailand Motorcycle Tour — full loop through the north, everything included — €2,000
– Tailored Motorcycle Tour — your route, your pace — custom pricing (men are welcomed to 🙂 )
Before you hit the road, get to know what makes Northern Thailand a rider’s paradise. From the best seasons to ride and the most scenic routes to what makes the experience so special, this guide will give you a glimpse of the adventure that’s waiting for you.
Explore Thailand’s best roads and hidden gems with a crew of adventurous women. Less tourist traps, more real stories and epic rides.
