The Best Motorcycle Routes in Northern Thailand
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.
The Best Motorbike Routes Near Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is the natural base for most riders exploring northern Thailand, and for good reason. Within a one to two-hour radius from the city, you already have some of the most fun motorcycle roads in the country.
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 →
Mae Hong Son 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
- Over 1,800 corners through remote mountain scenery
- 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 hikes like Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail.
- Waterfalls Galore – Sirithan, Wachirathan, Mae Klang, Siriphum, and Mok Fa.
- Hot Springs – Sai Ngam or Pong Dueat, where you can soak under the jungle canopy.
- Big Buddha in Pai – A giant white Buddha overlooking Pai valley.
- Ban Rak Thai – A Chinese tea village near the Myanmar border.
- Nam Lod Cave – A massive cave you can explore by bamboo raft.
- Pai Canyon – A mini Grand Canyon with amazing sunset views.
- Wat Pa Dara Phirom Phra Aram Luang – One of the most elegant temples near Chiang Mai.
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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.
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
Nan Loop & Route R1148 — One of the Most Scenic Roads in Thailand
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.
Where to stop
- Phu Chi Fa Viewpoint – hike before dawn for the famous "sea of clouds" sunrise.
- R1148 Scenic Stops – plenty of lay-bys and viewpoints, often all to yourself.
- Bo Kluea Salt Wells – locals still produce salt using ancient techniques.
- Nan Old Town – a charming riverside town with the elegant Wat Phumin temple.
Mae Kampong & Chae Son — Jungle Riding East of Chiang Mai
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.
Samoeng Loop — The Best Quick Ride Near Chiang Mai
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 works perfectly as a warm-up before tackling longer routes.
Bonus Rides Worth Adding to Your Route
Mae Salong & Doi Pha Mi – Endless tea plantations, Chinese-Yunnanese culture, and roads hugging the hills along the Myanmar border.
Doi Chang – Famous for its high-quality coffee and scenic backroads back toward Chiang Mai.
Planning Your Thailand Motorcycle Trip
- Roads: Excellent condition 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.
- Season: November to February is the sweet spot — cool, dry, clear skies.
- Fuel: Petrol stations thin out fast in Nan Province and near the Myanmar border. Fill up whenever you can.
>>>>> You can find more practical info about motorbiking in Thailand in my guide.
Ride With Me — Guided Motorcycle Tours in Northern Thailand
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.
- Guiding Motorbike Starter Day — 1 day, perfect for first-timers — €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
A Guide to Riding in Northern Thailand
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.
Motorbike Culture & Etiquette
Get to know how locals ride and what to expect on Thai roads – from unwritten rules to surprising quirks of motorcycle life here.
Most Beautiful Roads
A collection of Northern Thailand's most scenic and exciting motorcycle routes, perfect for riders who love curves and views.
Weather & Nature
What to expect from Northern Thailand's landscapes and seasons – from misty mountain mornings to lush rice fields and dry-season heat.
Thai Food & Drink
Simple and helpful tips on what to eat and drink on the road – how to enjoy local food safely and stay refreshed while riding in the Thai heat.
Ride Beyond the Ordinary
Explore Thailand's best roads and hidden gems with a crew of adventurous women. Less tourist traps, more real stories and epic rides.
