Hidden Trails of the Lanna Kingdom

The ride kicks off with an unforgettable journey from Chiang Mai to Nan, cutting through some of Northern Thailand’s most picturesque terrain. The landscape shifts from curving mountain passes to forested hills and peaceful lakes, with charming villages scattered along the way.

As you ride toward Phayao, the roads wind gently through the hills, offering sweeping views and a calm rhythm perfect for easing into the adventure. Phayao itself is a tranquil lakeside town with an authentic local feel. Here, you’ll find traditional temples, bustling street vendors, and artisanal goods. Leaving Phayao behind, the route continues through the countryside. You’ll pass rice fields, farmlands, and hidden hamlets before reaching the dramatic mountain pass leading into Nan. This final stretch rewards riders with awe inspiring panoramas.

Nan is a cultural treasure trove. From sacred temples to vibrant markets, it offers an intimate look at Northern Thai heritage. Points of interest include the revered Wat Phra That Chae Haeng and the lush Doi Phu Kha National Park, where wildlife like monkeys and exotic birds are often spotted.

Today you’ll ride the famed Nan Loop, a route cherished by bikers for its blend of nature, culture, and challenge. The journey begins with scenic switchbacks through forested ridges and valleys en route to Bo Kluea.

Bo Kluea is known for its ancient salt wells, where salt has been harvested the traditional way for over 800 years. A stop here gives you a fascinating insight into local livelihoods and heritage. Continuing on, you’ll enter the heart of Doi Phukha National Park, where towering trees, wildflowers, and clear mountain air create a calming ride. Birdwatchers will especially enjoy the park’s diversity, over 200 bird species call it home.

Looping back to Nan, you’ll ride through hill tribe communities and scenic countryside. Landmarks like Wat Phumin and Phra That Khao Noi await with their distinctive architecture and peaceful atmospheres, capping off a day filled with natural wonders and cultural gems.

This day opens with a ride through rolling terrain as you leave Nan behind and make your way toward Chiang Khong, with stops at two spectacular viewpoints. Your first destination is Phu Lanka, a serene mountain area surrounded by misty valleys. The atmosphere here is tranquil and perfect for slowing down and appreciating the landscape.

Next, you’ll ascend to Phu Chi Fah, a dramatic mountain ridge known for its sunrise vistas and sweeping views across the Laos border. Whether you choose to hike a trail or simply enjoy the outlook, the scenery is unforgettable. Arriving in Chiang Khong, a peaceful town beside the Mekong River, you’ll experience riverside charm and cultural flair. Local temples and historical sites await, as well as the option for a serene boat trip on the river. Key landmarks today include Wat Phra That Khao Wong and remnants of the old city wall, reminders of the region’s deep history.

Today's ride winds from Chiang Khong to Chiang Rai with a stop at the iconic Golden Triangle, the meeting point of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar. The journey begins with a scenic ride along the Mekong before reaching the triangle. This storied region is rich in history and offers panoramic views, a museum, and thought-provoking insights into its past. Continuing toward Chiang Rai, you'll find yourself surrounded by tranquil countryside and gentle mountain terrain. The ride is smooth and rewarding, filled with natural beauty. Stop for lunch at the Choui Fong Tea Plantation, where rows of green tea roll out across the hills and the views are as good as the food.

Chiang Rai is a blend of tradition and creativity. Visit the iconic White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), known for its ornate and modern take on Thai religious architecture. You can also explore the Black House (Baan Dam), a unique artistic venue, or the ancient Chiang Saen ruins. This leg of the journey is both scenic and soulful, combining natural wonder with cultural discovery.

After days of riding, it's time to take it easy. Day 5 is all about enjoying Chiang Rai's cultural highlights at your own pace. During the day, explore key landmarks like Wat Rong Khun (the White Temple), a striking all-white icon of modern Thai architecture, and the Rong Suea Ten Temple (the Blue Temple), glowing in deep sapphire and gold. Take in the sweeping views from Wat Doi Mae Salong, and art lovers will appreciate another visit to Baan Dam's fascinating collection of dark, moody artwork.

Chiang Rai also offers nature escapes, including a walk to Khun Korn Waterfall, tucked inside a lush national park. Whether you're trekking, sightseeing, or soaking in the atmosphere, there's no shortage of options. By evening, the city's night market springs to life. Enjoy authentic food, handmade crafts, and warm conversations with local vendors. It's the perfect way to relax and reflect on your journey so far.

Today's ride winds south through Northern Thailand's heartland, past hidden villages and breathtaking scenery. Leaving Chiang Rai, the route soon reaches the Huai San Reservoir Spillway, where you ride straight across the water on the concrete spillway. It's a proper river crossing and one of those moments that ends up on everyone's camera. From here the road climbs to the Doi Chaang Coffee Estate, home to some of Thailand's finest beans, grown high in the hills and best enjoyed fresh with the mountains rolling out in front of you.

Back on the bike, pull over for a road side lunch, the kind of simple local spot where the food is honest and the views come free. The ride pushes on through dense forests and bamboo groves toward Chiang Dao, framed by towering limestone peaks. Stop at Wat Tham Chiang Dao, a cave temple tucked into the mountainside where ancient Buddha statues sit deep among the stalactites. From here you head to Pai, the artsy mountain town known for its bohemian vibe, cozy cafés, and peaceful riverside setting, the perfect place to end the day.

The seventh day of our epic 9-Day Motorcycle Adventure, “Jewels of the Lanna Kingdom” leads us from the mountain oasis of Pai to the charming frontier town of Mae Hong Son. Get ready for a ride that dives deep into the heart of Northern Thailand, as each curve in the road brings a new view and a new story.

We begin in the lush surroundings of Pai, a haven of natural hot springs and rolling green hills. Soon after, we wind our way through the surreal beauty of Pai Canyon, its sweeping views and rugged ridges making every turn something to remember. Our ride takes a detour into the shadows of Lod Cave, one of the region’s natural wonders, inviting exploration into its vast limestone caverns.

As we ride on, small villages dot the route, offering glimpses into local life that feels far removed from the hustle of modern cities. By the time we roll into Mae Hong Son, the golden hour will illuminate iconic sites like Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu. From its hilltop perch, the panoramic view of the surrounding valley marks a perfect end to a soul-stirring day on the road.

On Day 8, we trade one mountain town for another, heading south from Mae Hong Son to the peaceful village of Mae Sariang. The route is rich with visual and cultural gems, as misty valleys and thick forests unfold around every bend. Our first stop of the day takes us up to Phra That Mae Yen, a serene temple overlooking the rolling hills, a perfect place to pause and soak in the silence. Next, we continue toward Pang Ung, known as the “Switzerland of Thailand,” where pine trees and still waters offer a tranquil setting for a mid-ride break.

Further along the journey, we make a special stop at the Long Neck Karen village. Here, you’ll have a chance to meet members of the Kayan ethnic group and gain insight into their traditions and way of life, an enriching experience that adds even more depth to our journey. With rivers guiding us through the final stretch, we roll into Mae Sariang, where time seems to move at its own pace. Day 8 captures the beauty of Northern Thailand not just through its scenery, but through the deep cultural connections we make along the way.

Our final day on the "Jewels of the Lanna Kingdom" tour is nothing short of spectacular. From Mae Sariang, we ascend into the cool highlands toward Doi Inthanon, which is Thailand's tallest mountain, before descending back into the historic city of Chiang Mai.

Our morning begins with riverside views and winding backroads, gradually climbing to the majestic Doi Inthanon. At the summit, twin pagodas mark a sacred site, offering a panoramic view of the highlands and a refreshing change in temperature. This is one of Thailand's most iconic spots, and the perfect place to reflect on the journey so far. As we begin our descent, we stop to admire Wachirathan Waterfall, its thundering cascade providing a dramatic contrast to the peaceful Karen hill tribe village we visit shortly after. There, we gain one last glimpse into the diverse cultural makeup of Northern Thailand.

The ride back into Chiang Mai is both scenic and sentimental. Once we roll back into town, we gather for a few well earned cold drinks at Headquarter Chiang Mai, a final toast to the ride of a lifetime. A fitting finale, full of natural grandeur, cultural highlights, and camaraderie that will linger long after the engines cool.