Best of Thailand Tour

We commence our “Best of Thailand” tour by mounting our motorcycles and departing from Chiang Mai, heading eastward towards Phayao. Throughout the day, we traverse diverse landscapes, providing an excellent opportunity to acclimate to riding in Thailand and become acquainted with our motorcycles. In Phayao, we indulge in a delightful lakeside lunch before continuing our expedition towards Nan. Along the way, we navigate through a mountain range, relishing the twists and turns of the remote roads, with charming villages and picturesque rice fields dotting the route. Our day concludes with a dinner beside the serene Nan River.

Prepare for one of the tour’s highlights: today, we embark on the road to Bo Kluea, renowned as one of Thailand’s premier motorcycle routes. This classic stretch features winding roads with minimal traffic, promising an unforgettable riding experience. Nestled in a scenic valley near the Lao border, the quaint village of Bo Kluea is both remote and picturesque. Its name, “Bo Kluea,” translates to “salt well,” owing to the presence of two natural saltwater wells around which the village has flourished for centuries.

After traversing the mountain through Phu National Park, revel in the breathtaking scenery and deserted roads. In the early afternoon, we return to Nan to visit the exquisite Wat Phumin, a temple intricately designed to resemble two colossal snakes. As the day draws to a close, we gather for an authentic dining experience at a local restaurant overlooking the tranquil Nan River.

We embark on a brief ride to the majestic Mekong River, arriving at the fabled Golden Triangle where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos converge. Here, we exchange our motorcycles for a boat to explore the riverine region, pausing for a short interlude in Laos (no visa required, just bring your passport) before returning to our bikes. Our journey then leads us to Mae Sai, the northernmost point of Thailand and a key border crossing to Myanmar.

Ascending further into the mountains, we navigate winding roads to Doi Tung and Doi Mae Salong, offering breathtaking vistas at every turn. Doi Mae Salong, a Chinese settlement established by a faction of the Chinese Nationalist Army in 1949, continues to showcase its rich heritage with traditional Chinese cuisine, picturesque homes adorned with flowers, and sprawling tea plantations. The final leg of our route meanders through gentle hills, flanked by rice paddies and quaint farm villages. Following the Kok River for a stretch, we eventually reach our resort in Thaton, where a refreshing drink and leisurely poolside relaxation await.

Get ready for another exhilarating day of riding! We kick off with a breathtaking vista from Wat Thaton, offering panoramic views of the valley, Kok River, and surrounding landscapes. Following the main road, we pause for a coffee break at the scenic Hua Luk Royal Project before indulging in a delightful lunch at The Nest Resort, with its picturesque backdrop of limestone mountains.

Turning at Mae Tang, we traverse the mountains en route to Pai, marking the onset of the famed Mae Hong Son road, renowned for its 1864 bends of varying sharpness. En route, we visit an Elephant Camp near Pai. Upon arrival in Pai, unwind by the resort pool and, as dusk descends, meander down the lively walking street, sampling delectable fare from street food stalls or dining at one of the charming restaurants.

Today promises a scenic adventure with plenty of twists and turns as we navigate through picturesque mountains. Continuing along the road famous for its 1864 bends, we encounter two magnificent viewpoints offering sweeping vistas of the surrounding landscapes. As we reach Ban Rak Thai around noon, we indulge in lunch at a local Chinese restaurant nestled by a serene lake, savoring delicious Chinese specialties.

Ban Rak Thai, meaning “the Thai-loving village,” boasts a rich history dating back to around 800 years ago when Chinese settlers established roots here following the communist takeover of China. Our journey continues to the pier of the Nan River, where we embark on a scenic boat ride along the Pai River to the Karen Long Neck village. Here, we encounter the Karen tribe, known for the women who wear heavy brass rings around their necks, forearms, and shins. The purpose behind these coils remains a subject of intrigue, with various theories posited. After our insightful visit, we return by boat to the pier and make our way to the nearby resort. Here, we unwind with a refreshing drink at the sunset bar, soaking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding rice paddies.

Departing from Mae Hong Son, we embark on a scenic journey to Khun Yuam, navigating through winding roads adorned with wide bends. Upon arrival, we visit the local museum, where remnants of the Imperial Japanese Army’s presence during the construction of a strategic highway are on display.

Continuing our adventure, we proceed to Mae Chaem, traversing twisty back roads before stopping for lunch at a quaint local restaurant. Our route then leads us to the pinnacle of Doi Inthanon, Thailand’s highest mountain towering at 2,565 meters. Here, we marvel at the majestic Wachiratharn Waterfall, cascading powerfully from a height of 80 meters.

Descending from the heights of Doi Inthanon National Park, we conclude our ride with a scenic drive through the valley, covering the final stretch to our Service Center in Chiang Mai. After returning the bikes, we transfer to our hotel for the evening, where a farewell dinner awaits, marking the end of our unforgettable journey through the stunning landscapes of Northern Thailand.

We bid farewell to Thailand, cherishing the memories of our incredible journey. Thank you for choosing to tour with Explorify and for the wonderful experiences shared along the way. Wishing you a safe trip home and hope to welcome you again on one of our tours in the US, South America, Asia, Africa, Oceania, or Europe.

Please note: While this program serves as a guideline for the tour activities and experiences, deviations may occur. Rest assured, our dedicated tour leaders will strive to execute the program to the best of their abilities, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable journey for all. We are continuously enhancing our program, so expect positive surprises along the way.