It’s time to ride five of the most iconic motorcycle destinations in stunning Northern Thailand! With its breathtaking landscapes, charming villages, and various winding roads, Northern Thailand is the perfect location for motorbike adventures.
Here are five iconic places to visit on a motorbike in the north:
1: Doi Suthep-Pui
Entry: Free (unless visiting certain waterfalls and Doi Suthep Temple)
Doi Suthep-Pui is an iconic mountain route in Chiang Mai, and a part of the Doi Suthep-Pui National Park mountain range, which covers an area of 262 square kilometres. The route offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding countryside, with plenty of interesting stops along the way; including waterfalls, nature trails and viewpoints.
This sacred mountain consists of two peaks: Suthep and Pui. At the summit of the first peak (Suthep) sits the renowned Doi Suthep Temple (1,676 meters (5,499 feet) above sea level), which offers a glimpse into Thai culture and spirituality.
If you continue along the route beyond Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, you will enter into the protected Hilltribe areas of Doi Pui and Ban Chiang Kian, where you can visit the local hill tribe communities and enjoy great food, local handicrafts, the scenic gardens and friendly hospitality.
The road’s cooler climate, cultural insights, and twisty curving route make it an unforgettable experience on a motorbike.
Free GPS Map for Doi Suthep-Pui
Free GPS Guide
A free MotoSplore GPS Guide to Doi Suthep – Pui
2: Doi Inthanon
Entry: 300 Baht
Doi Inthanon is the highest mountain in Thailand, standing at an impressive 2,565 meters (8,415 feet) above sea level. The mountain offers an unforgettable blend of natural beauty and cultural encounters.
Riding up Doi Inthanon offers you a breathtaking and thrilling ride, and the opportunity to explore the trails and waterfalls within Doi Inthanon National Park.
For detailed info on the most iconic stops for Doi Inthanon and the best routes to take you there, download one of the MotoSplore GPS Map Guides that include Doi Inthanon.
GPS Route Maps which Include Doi Inthanon:
Mae Wang Loop
GPS Map Guide for the Mae Wang Loop
(Includes Elephants!)
Mae Hong Son Loop
Gps Map Guide for the Mae Hong Son Loop
3: Samoeng
Entry: Free (expect to pay entry fees if visiting National Parks)
Samoeng district contains an abundance of amazing things to see and do as you ride Chiang Mai’s most famous loop; the Samoeng Loop. The loop leads you through stunning forestry on curvy racetrack-quality roads, making it an iconic must-ride for motorcycle riders.
This loop is chock full of nature and adventure, including elephant experiences, extreme sports activities, hill tribe communities, resorts and mountain temples.
For an upcoming GPS Guide to the Samoeng Loop, subscribe to MotoGirlThailand.
4: Pai
Entry: Free (unless visiting National Parks and waterfalls)
The iconic R1095 main route to Pai contains a mind-boggling 762 curves and an abundance of cafes and eateries along the way. This road is an absolute must-ride for adventure lovers and will keep you on your toes!
The R1095 is part of the famous Mae Hong Son Loop (see #5 recommendation), which can be ridden as a very scenic smaller loop if you take the lesser-known Pai back route. Read the Back Road to Pai trip report for more info on this loop. Alternatively, get the Pai Loop GPS map guide, which takes you through all the iconic stops (and includes petrol stops, eateries and a guide to Pai town).
GPS Route Map for the Pai Loop
GPS Map Guide
MotoSplore GPS Guide to Doi Suthep – Pui
5: Mae Hong Son
Entry: Free (except for National Parks)
Mae Hong Son, the “City of Three Mists,” is a captivating destination nestled in the misty mountains of northern Thailand. Known for its enchanting landscapes, serene lakes, and diverse hill tribes, this charming city offers a unique and unforgettable experience for travellers seeking tranquillity and cultural richness.
Mae Hong Son is the half-way city on the famous Mae Hong Son Loop, which consists of whopping 1860 curves, making it the most famous loop in Northern Thailand. The 600-kilometre loop takes you through stunning mountain vistas, hill tribe communities, and incredible national parks.
There are so many amazing places to visit on this incredible loop. Ensure you get to see the most iconic places by downloading a copy of the Mae Hong Son Loop GPS Guide, or take a look at one of the trip reports below.
GPS Route Maps for The Mae Hong Son Loop
Classic Loop
Classic Guide for the Mae Hong Son Loop
Epic Loop
EPIC Guide for the Mae Hong Son Loop
What do you think of these iconic routes?
