Northern Thailand is without a doubt the premier destination to ride motorcycles in Asia so it is best to choose the time of the year where you will get maximum enjoyment from the country however, March and April is not the time to be riding in Thailand or most of South East Asia in fact.

Sadly, many countries around the world are affected by so called 'Slash & Burn' which in it's simplest form is a farming technique used to burn off the old crops.  This burning happens on mass across much of the Asian continent during March & April causing a thick haze of smoke reducing visibility down to as little as 200 meters at times (March is the worst time in Northern Thailand).  Due to excessive burning and atmospheric conditions 2006 in Northern Thailand saw it's worst period in recent times costing millions of Dollars through loss of tourism; Chiang Mai, Mae Hong Son and Chiang Rai airports were unable to accept incoming or outgoing flights due to low visibility also the health implications from smoke inhalation over a long period of time causes  painful throat, chest infections and eye complaints.  As we said Thailand is not alone it also affects, Laos, Burma, Indonesia, Borneo, Malaysia, Singapore and Southern China.

This time of the year is also the 'Hot Season' where temperatures often push the mercury in excess of 40 degrees so combining the excessive heat with smoke inhalation and poor visibility (you are unable to appreciate the awesome views Northern Thailand has to offer) as well as slick road surfaces.

Motorbike Thailand do not operate bike tours at this time of the year and,  (dare we say it)  in our opinion any motorbike tour company offering tours in March and April have no regard for their customers overall satisfaction!

To make things worse April is the month Thailand (and other Buddhist countries) celebrate their new year from around 8th April.  Traditionally this started centuries ago with a monk pouring water on the wrists to wash away the past year, though in more recent times it has grown to be now known as the "water throwing festival' which involves mass water fights where absolutely everyone are considered a prime target to have buckets of water hurled at them,  even water guns and fire engines are used as the ultimate in water armory!  The downside of all this fun and mayhem is if you are out enjoying a bike ride in the country;  Having water thrown in your face at you riding at 90kph is not fun!

There are few countries able to offer 100% perfect riding conditions throughout the year (try riding Switzerland in the winter) so to get maximum enjoyment from riding in Northern Thailand  select the best time of the year to ride!