Thailand on two wheels beats any bus trip. This True Bikers Paradise ride is built for mountain roads and big views, especially the famous R1148 roller-coaster between Nan and Phayao. I love how the route mixes serious riding with real Northern Thailand stops like Bo Kluea salt wells and Sukhothai’s old ruins at sunset. One catch: you need solid experience and a qualifying license (at least 4 years), because these are long days on the bike rather than a slow sightseeing cruise.

The tour runs with an English-speaking road captain (with a TAT license) and a support van for luggage, so you’re not constantly worrying about logistics. I also like that the package covers motorcycle rental with unlimited mileage, protective gear, and multiple meals, which helps the price feel more like a complete riding plan than just a ticket. Still, you should be ready for the rhythm of guided riding and the fact that routes can shift due to road works or weather.

If you’re the type who wants to ride hard, see a lot, and sleep in comfortable places between days, this fits. If you want mostly city breaks and zero pressure on the handlebars, you might find it more intense than expected.

Key highlights to know before you ride

• R1148 twisty mountain riding that’s built for fun, not commuting
• Bo Kluea salt wells and panoramic border views that mix culture with scenery
• Sirikit dam wooden ferry crossing, a memorable break in the middle of riding days
• UNESCO Sukhothai Historical Park at sunset, right when the light turns good
• Small group size (max 10) keeps the ride feeling personal and controlled
• All gear provided (helmets, jackets, gloves, knee guards) plus a mechanic on hand

First things first: the ride style and what you’re paying for

This is a guided big-bike motorcycle tour out of Chiang Mai, designed around one main idea: great roads with enough breathing space to actually enjoy the views. The itinerary promises low-traffic, fun-curvy routes and avoids the vibe of stop-and-go tourism.

The price is $1,875 per person, which is steep until you look at what’s included. You’re getting motorcycle rental with unlimited mileage, protective gear, an English-speaking road captain, insurance coverage, pickup from Chiang Mai Airport, and a support system for luggage and safety. When those pieces add up, it stops being just “a ride” and starts feeling more like a full logistics package for people who want to focus on riding.

Bikes, gear, insurance, and the safety net that matters

You’ll rent your motorcycle through the operator, with unlimited mileage, so your daily distance isn’t something you have to measure or cap. Helmets are compulsory in Thailand, and they provide helmets, jackets, gloves, and knee guards. If you need a special size, you’re better off bringing it, since gear fit matters when you’re spending hours in the saddle.

On safety: you get third-party liability insurance for motorcycles, plus motorcycle insurance with a deductible up to 25,000 THB in case of damage. There’s also accident cover up to 100,000 THB and life insurance up to 1,000,000 THB. That doesn’t remove the risk of riding, but it does reduce the “what happens if” stress that can ruin a trip.

Group size is capped at 10 riders, and the road captain rides with you while steering the pace and keeping the group together. In some departures the team lineup has included mechanics and supportive staff like Jaye, who’s been credited with keeping bikes working well and helping during the ride rhythm.

Practical rider requirements matter here. You need proof of driving experience for at least 4 years, minimum age is 21, and you’ll need your passport on the day of travel.

Start in Chiang Mai: meeting point, 8:30 start, and the warm-up day

The tour meets at Big Bike Tours, 134 Ragang Rd, Tambon Chang Khlan, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai. Start time is 8:30 am, and the tour offers pickup from Chiang Mai Airport as part of the package.

Day 1 is where you get your bearings fast. You’ll ride north from Chiang Mai and build into mountain roads through Chae Son National Park via R1252, then continue on those “bikers’ paradise” style roads until you reach Phayao. Expect a lot of curve time early, so make sure your first day riding posture is dialed in.

The cultural stop isn’t an afterthought. Before relaxing, you visit Wat Phra That Khao Noi on a hill outside Nan (Day 1), and you get a real chance to stretch your legs with a scenic temple viewpoint. Later, Nan’s evening vibe is part of the plan, with time to enjoy nightlife on your own.

Day 1: Nan to Phayao via Chae Son roads and hilltop views

Day 1 keeps the focus on riding pleasure and viewpoints. The route brings you windy mountain roads through national park terrain, then opens up into the more relaxed lakeside region as you approach Phayao.

Two practical notes:

• If you’re new to long guided rides, Day 1 is a good teacher day. You’ll learn how the group pacing works before the bigger scenic days hit.
• You’re also starting your trip with a temple stop and then pool time, so the schedule doesn’t feel like pure driving.

One evening bonus is the Phayao lake area (Kwan Phayao) viewpoint from higher ground. You’ll see why this region is popular with photographers and why motorcyclists like riding here: the roads don’t just connect places, they show you the places.

Day 2: Bo Kluea salt wells, Doi Phu Kha, and the best curve stretch (R1148)

Day 2 starts with Phayao City as your base point, then moves into more Northern Thailand backroads and national park terrain. You ride from Nan through winding roads via R1081, including the Bo Kluea area.

This is where the “not just scenic” part shows. You visit the Bo Kluea salt wells, a straightforward way to add something local and physical to a trip that’s heavy on riding. After that, you continue through Doi Phu Kha National Park to Chiang Klang for lunch at a local restaurant.

Then comes a highlight: you ride R1148—120 km of up-and-down curves through impressive mountains. The tour markets it as one of the most fun biking roads, and the key for you is timing: you’re not doing it at random. It’s placed as a strong centerpiece after you’ve warmed up on earlier roads.

You finish the day cruising through farming areas on R1021 and arrive back at Phayao, with time to see Kwan Phayao Lake from town and unwind at your accommodation.

Day 3: Mae Yom and Khun Sathan, then the Sirikit dam wooden ferry to Uttaradit

If Day 2 is about curves and coastal-lake scenery, Day 3 is about variety—mountain parks, “middle of nowhere” lunch energy, and a ferry crossing that breaks up long stretches.

You leave Phayao and head south a bit on the main highway, then take back roads via Mae Yom National Park. Next you ride fantastic motorcycle dream roads through Khun Sathan National Park, and you’ll stop for lunch at a restaurant with a view that you’ll actually remember later.

The signature moment here is crossing the Sirikit dam reservoir by taking the motorcycles on a wooden ferry. Sirikit dam is the largest earth dam in Thailand, and doing this by ferry changes the feel of the day. It’s not just a photo stop. It’s a real pause that lets you reset before continuing through rice fields to Uttaradit.

Uttaradit is a smaller city compared to the usual Thailand tourist circuit. That matters because your day feels less like a checklist and more like a moving road trip through parts of the country that most visitors skip.

Day 4: Rice fields, Sukhothai Historical Park, and sunset among the ruins

Day 4 shifts from parks and dams to UNESCO ruins and evening atmosphere. You leave Uttaradit via backroads, then ride through massive rice fields until you reach Sukhothai.

This is a shorter riding day, and that’s intentional. You need time to explore the Sukhothai Ancient Historical Park—a UNESCO world heritage site—and to enjoy a sunset visit among the old ruins. For many riders, this is the moment where the whole trip stops feeling like miles logged and starts feeling like a story.

Then you’re back to comfort: you stay in a classic style wooden Thai accommodation with a swimming pool, so you can cool off before the last riding day.

Day 5: Columnar Mountains road (R101), Den Chai reclining Buddha, Lampang lunch, and the ride home

Day 5 is your final “ride with payoff” day. You start with roads through the Columnar Mountains via R101 to Den Chai, where you stop at a large reclining Buddha. It’s the kind of stop that’s quick but memorable because it’s unusual and dramatic against the road rhythm.

After that you ride on winding mountain roads toward Lampang for lunch at a local restaurant. Then you finish the loop riding past national parks and farming areas.

The day includes a local market stop for refreshment, which gives you something concrete to take home—snacks, small gifts, and the sense that this route isn’t just for tourists with cameras.

You end back in Chiang Mai, returning to the meeting point.

Why this route feels so good for road riders

This tour is built around the kind of roads you want when you love riding: curvy, mountainous sections, enough spacing between stops, and scenic variety that changes every few hours. The route highlights include R1252, R1081, R1148, R1021, R101, and the combination of national parks, lakes, and rice landscapes that Northern Thailand does well.

It also helps that the operator runs a system for keeping you moving. You don’t have to manage your own luggage. A support van transports luggage, and it can even carry a few guests if you request it in advance. That reduces the mental load and lets you ride cleaner and safer.

One consideration: Thailand traffic and driving culture can be unpredictable on any day. Even if the route is planned for fun and less stress, you should still ride defensively and assume that cars will do odd things at the last second. The best road skill isn’t speed. It’s calm.

Food, timing, and how the meals fit the riding days

Food is included for multiple days: 5 lunches, 4 dinners, and 4 breakfasts. Water, soft drinks, and coffee/tea are included with meals, and cool bottled water plus cool refresher towels are carried by the support vehicle.

Alcohol is handled with rider safety in mind. You won’t find alcohol provided during the day, and alcohol consumption isn’t allowed while motorcycles are in use. Evening drinks are fine when the bikes are put away, so you can still enjoy the local night atmosphere without messing up the next morning.

Price and value: what $1,875 buys you in real-world terms

On paper, $1,875 is a lot. In practice, it’s easier to justify because you’re paying for a bundle of things that are time-consuming or risky to DIY:

• Guided riding with an English-speaking road captain
• Motorcycle rental with unlimited mileage
• Riding gear (helmets, jackets, gloves, knee guards)
• Insurance coverage for motorcycles and accident/life
• Pickup from Chiang Mai Airport
• Luggage transport via support van
• Most meals across the 5 days

If you were to rent a bike, arrange a route, hire a guide, handle insurance, and plan lodging across remote regions, the cost and stress would likely climb. For riders who want to focus on the road and not the admin, this package is strong value.

Should you book this True Bikers Paradise tour?

Book it if you:

• Want real motorcycle roads in Northern Thailand, not just scenic pull-offs
• Have at least 4 years of riding experience and feel comfortable with long days
• Prefer a guided structure with max 10 riders, a mechanic/support team, and organized pacing
• Care about mixing riding with meaningful stops like Sukhothai and the Sirikit dam ferry

Skip it (or choose a different format) if you:

• Want mostly easy sightseeing days with minimal time on the bike
• Don’t meet the license experience requirements or aren’t confident with long curvy routes
• Are looking for a trip where you can freely drink during riding hours (this one is strict about that)

If you fit the first list, this is the kind of trip you’ll talk about long after your helmet is back in the closet.

FAQ

FAQ

What is the group size for this motorcycle tour?

The tour has a maximum of 10 travelers, which helps keep the ride organized and easier to manage on narrow roads.

Where does the tour start, and what time does it begin?

The meeting point is Big Bike Tours, 134 Ragang Rd, Tambon Chang Khlan, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai. The start time is 8:30 am.

Is pickup from Chiang Mai Airport included?

Yes. Pickup service from Chiang Mai Airport is included.

What kind of motorcycle and riding gear are included?

The tour includes motorcycle rental with unlimited mileage and riding gears such as helmets, jackets, gloves, and knee guards.

Do I need travel insurance?

Travel insurance is not included. The operator recommends you arrange appropriate travel insurance in your home country.

How much experience do you need to ride?

Evidence of motorbike driving license is required for at least 4 years of riding experience.

Are meals included during the tour?

Yes. The tour includes 5 lunches, 4 dinners, and 4 breakfasts, plus water, soft drinks, and coffee/tea with meals.

Is alcohol included or allowed during the ride?

Alcoholic beverages are not included, and alcohol consumption during the day is not allowed while motorcycles are in use. Alcohol is allowed in the evening when bikes are not being used.

Is the route fixed, or can it change?

The itinerary may change due to road works, weather conditions, or route improvements. Route changes can happen and no refunds are given due to route change.

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