Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai was founded in 1296 as the new capital of Lanna, its location on the Ping River (a major tributary of the Chao Phraya River) and its proximity to major trading routes contribute to its historic importance in Thailand

The 6th largest city and largest in the north and known as the "Rose Of The North" Chiang Mai offers a welcome relief from the hustle and bustle of Thailand's Capital, Bangkok with a more relaxed friendly attitude.

There are many sights for travellers to see and do from over 100 buddhist temples in the city and close proximity, cooking classes, adventure activities from rock climbing, paragliding and zip lining and renowned as the capital for motorcyling in Thailand.

We advise adding an extra night or two to your schedule to enjoy Chiang Mai to it's fullest and delighted to arrange this for you.

Karen Lodge

A favourite location for our crew and customers and why we include it on many of our motorcycle tours.

Karen Hill Tribe Lodge is owned by a small Chiang Mai based company but run and operated by the Karen people and many of the profits going back into the village. A high chance we will have the lodge to ourselves as many travellers find the journey too difficult in a 4x4 from Chiang Mai but for us on motorcycles it's a dream destination.

Rooms are basic but tastefully done in traditional Karen style, comfortable beds and hot showers but its not about the accommodation here, it's the un-spoilt traditional village, the Karen people, the forests with wild Gibbon and the tranquility a unique experience many travellers crave for.

Sit beside the fireplace with a cold beer or wine and enjoy the stunning surroundings.

Mae Hong Son

Nestled in a valley in the Shan Highlands Mae Hong Son was formerly part of Mawkmai State, one of the Shan States of Burma founded in 1767 and still today follow the main traditions of the shan rather than the Thai people.

Until fairly recently Mae Hong Son was almost cut off from the rest of Thailand except for the 5-7 days trip to Chiang Mai over what is now known as the 'Mae Hong Son Loop', originally built by the Japanese during WW11 to for armoury movement into Burma to fight Burmese and Indian allies.  Today it's one of the most incredible motorcycle roads in Thailand and one of the top road in the world for riders.  

Mae Hong Son city is the capital of the Province with an urban population of just over 7000 inhabitants (as of 2018) however the province is one of the largest in Thailand with a population of 53,000 many ethnic tribes and still making it one of the least poplulated provinces in the country. 

Inner city has a few small bars, plenty of restaurants and a walking town in peak season (Nov-March) where you can buy many crafts homemade by the tribal people and sample Thaland's famous street food.

Burma Border

Of all our days riding the most exciting and most technical is the Burmese border.  Here we ride deep valleys banked by steep mountain cliffs, bamboo lined creeks and more river crossings than you can count and a remote refugee camp, one of the days outstanding rides.

If we're lucky there is a chance to cross into the Shan state in Burma but not guaranteed.  

Check Availability

Not included: Flights, accident/health insurance, personal expenses not mentioned above or related to the tour, tips, gratuities, evening meal.

Small Print

1st night in Chiang Mai on room and breakfast basis *Prices based on sharing.  *Single supplement: Due to limited accommodation we prefer individuals to share if possible.  Lone female riders we will upgrade to private room at no extra cost. If booking alone and prepared to share a room with unknown tour member or one of our team (if available) you may avoid any single supplement.  If you want/need private room you can choose either 2 nights when in Chiang Mai ($60) or the full tour ($240). Non rider sharing room with a rider.