Explore Thailand by Motorcycle

Forget everything you think you know about Thailand. Beyond the beaches of Phuket and the bustle of Bangkok lies a country of mist-shrouded mountains, ancient temple kingdoms, and some of the most exhilarating motorcycle roads in the world. Northern Thailand’s highlands — stretching towards the borders of Laos and Myanmar — offer riding that rivals the best alpine passes in Europe, but wrapped in tropical forest, dotted with hilltribe villages, and served with the best street food you’ve ever tasted. This is Thailand as most tourists never see it.

The Road of 1,864 Bends

Northern Thailand’s mountain roads are legendary among motorcyclists, and for good reason. The famous road of 1,864 bends between Mae Hong Son and Pai is a seemingly endless procession of curves cut through tropical jungle and over mountain ridges — climbing, descending, twisting and turning harder and sharper than almost anything in Europe or the Americas. It’s the kind of road that leaves you grinning inside your helmet for hours and talking about it for years.

But it’s not just one road. The entire Thai Highlands, stretching north from Chiang Mai towards the Myanmar and Laos borders, are laced with mountain routes that climb to over 2,000 metres through dense tropical forest. The Mae Sot mountain road, the routes around Angkhang, and the passes above Doi Tung all deliver riding that is technically demanding, visually spectacular, and blissfully free of the traffic that clogs Thailand’s lowland highways. These are a biker’s paradise — empty, challenging, and set against scenery that stops you in your tracks every time you pull over.

Ancient Kingdoms and Living Culture

Thailand’s cultural depth adds a richness to the touring that pure riding destinations can’t match. Sukhothai, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was the capital of the first Thai kingdom in the 12th century — over 190 temples have been excavated from the ruins, and riding through the historical park in the late afternoon light is a genuinely moving experience. Further west, Kanchanaburi and the Bridge on the River Kwai bring a more recent and sobering chapter of history to life, with Hellfire Pass and its museum commemorating those who lost their lives building the Thai-Burma railway.

The living culture is equally compelling. Buddhist temples punctuate every town and village, monks in saffron robes are a constant presence on the roads, and the rhythm of Thai life — unhurried, warm, and endlessly welcoming — makes every stop feel like an event. In the northern hills, communities like the Karen long-neck villages maintain traditions that stretch back centuries, while the infamous Golden Triangle, where Thailand meets Laos and Myanmar along the Mekong River, carries the atmospheric weight of its opium-trading past.

The towns along the way each have their own character. Pai, nestled in a mountain valley, has a laid-back, slightly bohemian atmosphere that makes it the perfect rest day stop. Mae Hong Son feels genuinely remote, tucked away in the mountains near the Myanmar border. And Chiang Rai, the northern capital, provides a fitting send-off with night markets, temples, and some of the best food in the country.

What to Expect on the Road

Riding in Thailand requires concentration and adaptability. Mountain roads in the north are well-surfaced and maintained, but they’re narrow, technical, and relentless in their curves — this is not relaxed cruising territory. The lowland roads between highland sections can involve busier traffic and a more chaotic riding environment, though nothing unmanageable with sensible riding. Traffic drives on the left, which will feel familiar to UK riders.

The climate is tropical. The cool season from November to February offers the most comfortable riding temperatures in the highlands, with warm days and genuinely cool mountain mornings. The hot season from March to May can be intense in the lowlands, while the rainy season from June to October brings afternoon downpours that can be dramatic but rarely last long.

Beyond the Bike

Thai food is reason enough to visit. From the complex curries and stir-fries of the night markets to simple roadside noodle soups and fresh tropical fruit, eating in Thailand is a constant highlight. The food in the north has its own distinct character — spicier, earthier, and influenced by neighbouring Laos and Myanmar. Fresh mango sticky rice, som tam papaya salad, and a cold Singha beer at the end of a mountain riding day is one of life’s great simple pleasures.

The Thai people have earned their country the reputation as the Land of Smiles, and the warmth is genuine. Hospitality comes naturally here, and the combination of spectacular riding, rich culture, and the sheer friendliness of everyone you meet creates a touring experience that goes far beyond the roads themselves. Accommodation ranges from characterful riverside guesthouses to comfortable hotels, with the emphasis on location and atmosphere.

Best Time to Ride

Thailand’s optimal riding season runs from November to February, coinciding with the cool dry season. Temperatures in the highlands are pleasantly warm during the day and cool in the mornings, skies are clear, and the roads are dry. March to May is rideable but increasingly hot, particularly in the lowlands. The wet season from June to October is best avoided for touring, though the mountains dry out faster than the plains.

Ride Thailand with Motorrad Tours

Our Thailand tour takes you through the very best of the country’s northern highlands — from the historic Bridge on the River Kwai and the ancient temples of Sukhothai to the legendary mountain roads of Mae Hong Son, Pai, and the Golden Triangle. With experienced guides, carefully planned routes through some of the most exhilarating riding terrain in Asia, and the unbeatable warmth of Thai hospitality, this is motorcycle touring at its most immersive and rewarding. Browse our upcoming Thailand departures below.