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

Taking a motorcycle trip through Northern Thailand’s scenic landscapes sounds like a dream—and this 5-day motorcycle tour from Chiang Mai makes it a reality. With a focus on riding the Mae Hong Son Loop, passing through mountain villages, cultural sites, and border regions, this tour offers a well-rounded mix of adventure, cultural insight, and jaw-dropping scenery.

What we love about this experience? First, the expert guides like Chao and Pong, who are both knowledgeable and approachable, make all the difference. Second, the smoothly maintained bikes and carefully chosen accommodations turn the ride into a comfortable journey. Third, the inclusion of authentic, delicious meals and opportunities to connect with local tribes adds a genuine touch.

One thing to consider is the limited availability—since they run this tour only twice a month with only 10 riders max, booking well in advance is crucial. This tour is perfect for those who want a small-group experience with a focus on scenic riding, cultural discovery, and a dash of adrenaline. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a motivated beginner with at least 4 years of experience, this could be your ideal adventure.

Key Points

• Expert guides lead small groups, ensuring safety and local insight
• Stunning scenery including Doi Inthanon, the Golden Triangle, and mountain villages
• Well-maintained bikes and gear make for a smooth ride
• Authentic cultural stops like Karen tribe villages and temples
• Good value for money, with all accommodations, meals, and insurance included
• Limited group size guarantees personalized attention and a friendly atmosphere

The Essence of the Experience

From the moment you sign up for this tour, you know you’re in for something special. The small group size—limited to just 10 riders—means you get a more personal experience. It also translates to safer riding, better camaraderie, and the chance to ask more questions along the way. The tour is curated to balance riding challenging but manageable curves with plenty of scenic stops.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Day 1: Doi Inthanon and Mae Sariang

Starting from Chiang Mai, you’ll head south towards Doi Inthanon, Thailand’s highest peak at 2,565 meters. The winding mountain roads through pine forests are immediately thrilling, and the views are spectacular. Reviews mention the quality of the roads, with many riders appreciating the “excellent winding mountain road through pine forest scenery.” This day is a fantastic warm-up with stops at Thailand’s finest waterfall, lush botanical gardens, and royal pagodas.

After descending from the mountains, you’ll have a relaxing lunch in Mae Chaem, then continue through more pine forests to Mae Sariang, a tranquil town near Myanmar’s border. The accommodations here receive praise for their peaceful atmosphere, making it a great starting point for the adventure ahead.

Day 2: Mae Hong Son, Pai, and the Hot Springs

Early morning, you’ll ride the Mae Hong Son Loop, famous for its 1,864 curves—an adrenaline rush for any rider. En route, a stop at Khun Yuam includes a visit to a WWII museum, giving a hint of the area’s historical significance. The highlight of the day is Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu, perched atop a hill with sweeping views.

A bamboo raft at Lod Cave offers a gentle adventure, and many reviews highlight the cave’s natural beauty. Riders often enjoy the optional visit to Tha Pai hot springs, where a mineral bath provides a relaxing break. The day ends in Pai, a charming town with a lively atmosphere, where many guests appreciate the hotel with a pool and a chance to unwind after the twisty roads.

Day 3: Chiang Dao, Doi Angkhang, and Sunset Views

The morning begins with the local tradition of offering food to monks at Pai’s bustling market. After breakfast, you’ll retrace your route towards Chiang Dao, famous for its impressive limestone caves—an experience many riders find memorable. The mountain roads from Chiang Dao to Doi Angkhang are lauded for their beauty and challenge, with a mix of turns and scenic vistas.

In Tha Ton, you’ll visit Wat Tha Ton atop a mountain, where sunset views are often described as breathtaking. The overnight stay offers panoramic vistas that the reviewers say are “simply fantastic,” with a peaceful atmosphere.

Day 4: The Golden Triangle and Tribal Visits

This day centers around the iconic Golden Triangle region where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet. You’ll visit Doi Mae Salong, home to Chinese tea farmers—testing Thailand’s best teas is a favorite activity from the reviews. The area is also known for its hill tribes—like the Karen, particularly their long-neck villages—which adds an enriching cultural layer.

A long-tail boat trip on the Mekong River offers a taste of borderland life, and the Opium Museum provides insight into the area’s complex history. Many guests find this combination of scenic riding and cultural exposure to be the tour’s highlight.

Day 5: Chiang Rai and Departure

Starting from Tha Ton, you’ll ride south towards Chiang Rai. The White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) makes for a striking visual, often cited as one of the top wonder temples in the world. A stop at Phayao Lake offers a peaceful lakeside lunch, with more mountain roads heading back to Chiang Mai.

What Makes This Tour Unique?

The guides—Chao, Pong, Siam, and others—are praised for their local knowledge, riding skills, and care. Multiple reviewers mention how they teach and support, making even challenging curves manageable for less experienced riders. The support van, luggage transportation, and safety gear provided ensure peace of mind.

Accommodations are carefully selected, with most reviewers noting their comfort and scenic locations. The inclusion of breakfast, lunch, and dinner means you can focus on the ride rather than logistics. The bikes are described as being in excellent condition, with unlimited mileage, so you’re free to explore without worrying about extra charges or mechanical issues.

Cultural stops like Karen villages, temples, and royal palaces add depth to the ride, transforming it from a mere motorcycle tour into an authentic cultural experience.

Food is another highlight—many reviewers rave about the quality and variety, often away from touristy spots, which enhances the genuine feel of the trip.

The Value for Money

At $1,875 per person, the tour includes all accommodations, meals, insurance, rental bikes, gear, and guide services. Many guests mention the excellent value, especially given the quality of the bikes, guides, and hotels. The small group size also means personalized attention, which is often lacking in larger tours.

While the cost may seem high, the comprehensive nature—covering so many iconic sights, with expert guides and well-maintained bikes—makes it a worthwhile investment for anyone serious about riding in Thailand. Plus, the inclusion of insurance and support services adds peace of mind.

Practical Tips for Booking

• Book early, as the tour runs only twice a month with limited spots.
• Ensure your motorcycle license is valid for at least 4 years, as that’s a requirement.
• Wear protective gear (helmets are compulsory in Thailand; jackets, gloves, knee guards recommended).
• Be prepared for variable weather—layering is key.
• Confirm dietary restrictions ahead of time—meals are included but can be tailored if needed.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This adventure is best suited for riders with at least 4 years of experience, comfortable on winding mountain roads. It’s ideal for adventure seekers, culture enthusiasts, and bikers craving scenic routes. Those who enjoy small-group travel will appreciate the personal attention and camaraderie.

If you’re after a blend of action, scenery, and culture in one package, this tour offers a balanced, well-organized experience. It’s not just about riding—it’s about savoring the landscapes, tasting local flavors, and connecting with a tight-knit group of like-minded travelers.

Final Thoughts

This 5-day motorcycle tour of the Lanna Kingdom offers a fantastic way to explore Northern Thailand’s natural beauty and cultural richness. The carefully curated itinerary, knowledgeable guides, and quality accommodations make it a top choice for riders wanting more than just a scenic drive.

While it demands a certain level of riding skill and a bit of planning to secure your spot, the memories you’ll create—viewing mountains, visiting temples, and crossing borders by boat—are invaluable. For those looking for an active, authentic, and scenic adventure, this tour hits the sweet spot between thrill and discovery.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
You should have at least 4 years of riding experience, as the route involves curves and mountain roads. If you’re comfortable with winding roads and moderate challenges, you’ll enjoy it.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers 4 nights in carefully selected hotels, motorcycle rental with unlimited mileage, all meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner), gear (helmets, jackets, gloves, knee guards), insurance, guide services, and support vehicle.

Do I need a motorcycle license?
Yes, you need to provide evidence of a license valid for at least 4 years to participate.

Can I customize the route or stops?
The itinerary is fixed but may change slightly for safety or road conditions. Special requests should be communicated beforehand; however, flexibility is limited.

What’s the group size?
The tour is limited to only 10 riders, ensuring a small-group experience with personalized attention.

Are accommodations comfortable?
Yes, the hotels are carefully selected for quality and scenic locations, often with leisure facilities like pools, helping you relax after long riding days.

What if I want to extend my stay?
You’ll need to arrange your own accommodation outside the tour; the package ends at the original meeting point in Chiang Mai.

Is insurance included?
Yes, comprehensive insurance, including motorcycle damage, accident cover up to 100,000 THB, and life insurance up to 1 million THB, is included.

In all, this tour offers a rare chance to combine the thrill of motorcycle riding with the exploration of Northern Thailand’s most iconic sights. It’s a well-rounded adventure for those ready to take on winding roads, cultural encounters, and memorable landscapes.