Thailand

Routes in Thailand

The Watchan Loop

Widely considered the greatest “pure riding” loop near Chiang Mai, this challenging ride spans 300 km, with 250 km of mountain roads. It offers a variety of landscapes and cultural experiences, from lush jungles and pine forests to dry valleys and densely populated areas. Due to its length and difficulty, this loop is best split […]

The Tung Ting Loop

This extended Samoeng Loop takes you near the hill tribe areas between Tung Ting and Pa Pae (see The Samoeng-Pa Pae Loop). With good asphalt and concrete roads, minimal traffic, and friendly locals who don’t encounter many foreign visitors, it offers an easy and pleasant ride. This route lacks steep ascents or descents and doesn’t […]

The Sob Guay Loop

This scenic loop takes you north to Mae Taeng District, offering a variety of attractions that showcase the charm of rural northern Thailand. You’ll encounter rice paddies, lesser-known but beautiful temples, lush green mountain roads, coffee plantations nestled in the jungle, wild rivers with rafting opportunities, and professional elephant camps. Along the way, enjoy interacting […]

The Samoeng-Pa Pae Loop

This ride takes you to the remote area between the Samoeng and Pa Pae districts, northwest of Chiang Mai City. The route begins with familiar stretches of the Samoeng and Tung Ting Loops before ascending into remote mountains, passing through lush jungle and small villages, and eventually rejoining civilization at R1095 (Mae Malai-Pai Road). The […]

The Samoeng Loop

This loop is the most popular day trip for 95% of visitors to Chiang Mai who travel independently. It’s a great 100 km route on excellent roads, suitable for either a 3-hour drive or a full-day tour with various sights and activities. Most travelers go anticlockwise, starting with the northern leg from Mae Rim. However, […]

The Pongkhrai Loop

This trip takes you into the hinterlands of the Samoeng district. It is free of spectacular temples, waterfalls, or other typical “tourist attractions.” Instead, it offers winding roads with minimal traffic, lush greenery, some of the best jungle accessible by road around Chiang Mai, and the fantastic Café @ Pang Lung as its highlight. Tags: […]

The Op Khan Loop

This beginner-friendly tour takes you to the Hang Dong district, southwest of Chiang Mai. The route includes visits to the famous Wat Doi Kham, with its panoramic views of the city, and the lesser-known White Pagoda, another excellent viewpoint. The ride continues through hilly, forested countryside to Op Khan National Park, with opportunities to explore […]

The Mon Jam Loop

This trip takes you to the “glamping capital” of northern Thailand, the Hmong village of Nong Hoi, situated at approximately 1,300 meters above sea level (ASL). It is very well-known among Thai tourists, though less so among Western visitors. The route features good roads, passing waterfalls and areas of beautiful forest cover. The only challenge […]

The Ban Khum Loop

The Ban Khum Loop is the longest of the extended Samoeng loops, offering a full-day adventure on mostly backroads that take you deep into the hill tribe areas northwest of Samoeng. Beyond Samoeng, English speakers are rare, and most signposts are in Thai script. The route features a variety of road conditions, including a short […]

The Lamphun Loop

This half-day tour takes you south from Chiang Mai to the charming town of Lamphun, the capital of Lamphun Province. Famous for its “Rubber Tree Alley,” this route showcases rich cultural history, ancient temples, vibrant local markets, and a relaxing ride along the Ping River. Lamphun, a city older than Chiang Mai, was once the […]

The Mok Fa Loop

This tour begins as a typical “let’s go see a waterfall” trip. While Mok Fa Waterfall is stunning, the real adventure starts after the visit! The route takes you up steep, narrow concrete roads to several Hmong villages—a true backroad experience. Between two villages, there is a 5 km dirt road section through the jungle. […]

The Fishing Lake Loop

This variant of the Samoeng Loop offers a pleasant afternoon ride. Even if fishing isn’t your interest, the route provides scenic mountain roads and a relaxing escape. Starting from the loop’s southern leg and descending via a backroad to Mae Rim, the journey passes a tranquil reservoir—the “fishing lake.” This route experiences significantly less traffic […]

Phayao Lake

This trip takes you to Phayao Province, northeast of Chiang Mai, with the journey offering scenic mountain roads and excellent riding opportunities. The provincial capital, Phayao, sits beautifully by the large Phayao Lake, known for its great lakeside restaurants, perfect for a leisurely lunch. On the way, you’ll cross two mountain ranges, one rising to […]

Mae Wang Bamboo Raft and Elephant Camps

This half-day tour takes you south to Mae Wang District, where you can experience bamboo rafting on the Mae Wang River and visit several elephant camps. It’s a popular destination among backpackers, typically visited via organized tours. However, this guide allows you to explore independently on a scooter or motorbike, giving you the freedom to […]

Chiang Dao Cave and Muang Khong

This tour takes you north into Chiang Dao District, home to Doi Chiang Dao, Thailand’s third-highest mountain (2,275 m) and arguably its most stunning. The journey follows the picturesque Ping River and features a visit to Chiang Dao Cave, a significant attraction at the mountain’s base. A newly paved road (as of 2023) loops around […]