Northern Thailand Motorcycle Trip from Bangkok (14 Days): Sukhothai, Mae Hong Son & Pai
If you’re looking to spend a couple of weeks really diving into Thailand’s mix of history, culture, and mountain roads, this Northern Thailand motorcycle trip is a fantastic pick. You’ll start from Bangkok on one of our reliable, fully equipped touring bikes — the Honda NX500 is ideal, but if you prefer something a little more stylish, the CL500 also fits the bill. Both are solid choices for handling long highway stretches and winding mountain passes. From the city’s buzz, you’ll head north to the ancient ruins of Sukhothai, where the history of Thailand’s first kingdom comes alive among stunning temple grounds. Next up is Lampang — a charming town with old-world vibes and the famous horse-drawn carts — before settling into Chiang Mai, a cultural hub with a relaxed pace and some of the best street food you’ll find anywhere.
Then the adventure really kicks up a notch as you take on the Mae Hong Son Loop, a legendary ride packed with twisty mountain roads, misty valleys, and remote hill tribe villages. Pai’s laid-back mountain town feel offers a perfect break, while Phayao Lake and Nan showcase quieter sides of northern Thailand with rich local culture and beautiful scenery. You’ll even follow the mighty Mekong River through Loei before looping back to Bangkok. It’s not just about the roads, but the whole experience — the mix of riding, culture, and the freedom to explore at your own pace.
Northern Thailand Motorcycle Trip Route: Bangkok → Sukhothai → Lampang → Chiang Mai → Mae Hong Son Loop → Pai → Chiang Rai → Phayao → Nan → Loei → Bangkok
Duration: 14–16 Days Highlights: Ancient kingdoms, mountain passes, Mae Hong Son Loop, White Temple, Golden Triangle, Phayao Lake, Lue culture, hill tribe villages, limestone caves
Day 1 – Bangkok to Sukhothai (~440 km)
Leave Bangkok’s urban sprawl behind for a highway cruise north through Thailand’s central plains. The landscape gradually transitions from rice paddies to rolling hills as you approach the ancient capital of the first Thai kingdom. Stop briefly in Phitsanulok to break up the journey and see one of Thailand’s most revered Buddha images.
🛑 Stop 1: Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat (Phitsanulok) One of Thailand’s most revered temples, home to the famous Phra Buddha Chinnarat, considered one of the most beautiful Buddha images in the country. The bronze statue’s serene expression and intricate craftsmanship draw pilgrims from across Southeast Asia.
🛏️ Stay: Sukhothai
Day 2 – Sukhothai (Explore Day)
A full day to properly explore this UNESCO World Heritage site and birthplace of the Thai kingdom. With 200+ ancient temples scattered across 70 square kilometers, you can ride your motorcycle within the historical park itself to cover more ground comfortably.
🛑 Stop 1: Sukhothai Historical Park The cradle of Thai civilization, where you can ride between 200 ancient temples and monuments scattered across 70 square kilometers. The central zone contains the most impressive ruins, including Wat Mahathat with its iconic lotus-bud stupas.
🛑 Stop 2: Ramkhamhaeng National Museum Houses the most important artifacts from the Sukhothai period, including the original stone inscription that created the Thai alphabet. Essential for understanding the historical significance of the ruins you’ve just explored.
🛏️ Stay: Sukhothai
Day 3 – Sukhothai to Lampang (~230 km)
Wind through rural countryside and small farming communities as you head toward one of northern Thailand’s most charming cities. The route takes you through peaceful valleys before arriving in the historic horse-cart town of Lampang.
🛑 Stop 1: Wat Phra That Lampang Luang One of northern Thailand’s most perfectly preserved Lanna temples, featuring a stunning golden chedi and intricate woodcarvings. The temple sits dramatically on a hilltop, offering commanding views over the surrounding countryside.
🛑 Stop 2: Thai Elephant Conservation Center See Asian elephants up close and learn about conservation efforts. You can watch elephant shows, visit the elephant hospital, and even take an elephant ride through the forest if time permits.
🛏️ Stay: Lampang
Day 4 – Lampang to Chiang Mai (~100 km)
A leisurely morning ride through the Ping River valley brings you to northern Thailand’s cultural capital. The short distance allows plenty of time to settle in and begin exploring this fascinating city.
🛑 Stop 1: Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Chiang Mai’s most iconic temple sits high above the city, reached by a winding mountain road perfect for motorcycles. The golden chedi gleams against forested mountains, and the views over the Ping Valley are spectacular.
🛑 Stop 2: Chiang Mai Old City A perfectly preserved medieval city surrounded by ancient walls and a moat. The narrow streets are packed with temples, traditional shophouses, markets, and some of Thailand’s best street food.
🛏️ Stay: Chiang Mai
Day 5 – Chiang Mai (Rest/Explore Day)
Use this day to recover, service your bike, and dive deeper into Chiang Mai’s cultural treasures. The city offers everything from cooking classes to temple hopping, perfect for recharging before the mountain adventures ahead.
🛑 Stop 1: Wat Chedi Luang Home to the massive ruined chedi that once housed the Emerald Buddha. The ancient structure towers above the old city, and monk chats are held here daily for visitors wanting to learn about Buddhism.
🛑 Stop 2: Sunday Walking Street Market If you’re here on Sunday, don’t miss this incredible market that transforms the old city into a pedestrian wonderland. Local artisans sell handmade crafts, and the street food is legendary.
🛏️ Stay: Chiang Mai
Day 6 – Chiang Mai to Mae Sariang (~280 km)
Begin the legendary Mae Hong Son Loop, one of the most scenic mountain rides on your Northern Thailand motorcycle trip. You’ll climb through cloud forests, pass remote hill tribe villages, and enjoy sweeping valley views as you head toward the Myanmar border region.
🛑 Stop 1: Ob Luang National Park This dramatic river gorge features a natural stone bridge carved by centuries of rushing water. The narrow canyon walls tower above the emerald river, creating perfect photo opportunities and a refreshing rest stop.
🛏️ Stay: Mae Sariang
Day 7 – Mae Sariang to Mae Hong Son (~140 km)
The heart of the Mae Hong Son Loop takes you through some of Thailand’s most remote and pristine mountain territory. Misty valleys, hill tribe villages, and glimpses of Myanmar’s mountains create an unforgettable riding experience.
🛑 Stop 1: Khun Yuam WWII Museum A fascinating small museum detailing Japan’s WWII occupation of this remote region. The collection includes artifacts, photographs, and stories from locals who lived through the war years.
🛑 Stop 2: Mae Hong Son’s Temples The town’s Myanmar-influenced temples, including Wat Chong Klang and Wat Jong Kham, sit beautifully beside a small lake. The golden stupas reflect in the water, especially stunning at sunrise and sunset.
🛏️ Stay: Mae Hong Son
Day 8 – Mae Hong Son to Pai (~110 km)
Complete the northern section of the Mae Hong Son Loop through pristine mountain landscapes. Wind through hilltop villages and enjoy stunning valley views before descending into the bohemian mountain town of Pai.
🛑 Stop 1: Pai Canyon Narrow ridges of red earth create a miniature version of the American Southwest. The sunset views from the canyon rim are legendary, and short hiking trails offer spectacular photo opportunities.
🛑 Stop 2: Pai’s Hot Springs Natural hot springs surrounded by lush jungle provide the perfect place to soak tired muscles after mountain riding. The developed springs have pools of varying temperatures set in beautiful gardens.
🛏️ Stay: Pai
Day 9 – Pai to Chiang Rai (~250 km)
Leave the Mae Hong Son mountains as you head northeast toward the Golden Triangle. The route takes you through changing landscapes from mountain forests to river valleys, with increasingly stunning views as you approach the Mekong region.
🛑 Stop 1: Mae Salong (Doi Mae Salong) A fascinating hilltop town settled by former Chinese Nationalist soldiers, famous for tea plantations and Chinese architecture. The winding mountain road up offers some of northern Thailand’s best motorcycle riding.
🛏️ Stay: Chiang Rai
Day 10 – Chiang Rai to Phayao (~120 km)
A scenic ride through rural northern Thailand to one of the country’s most underrated destinations. The route passes through traditional villages before arriving at Thailand’s largest natural freshwater lake.
🛑 Stop 1: Wat Rong Khun (White Temple) Stop at this contemporary Buddhist temple masterpiece on your way out of Chiang Rai. The intricate white plasterwork and mirror fragments create an otherworldly artistic experience that blends traditional and modern elements.
🛑 Stop 2: Phayao Lake (Kwan Phayao) One of Northern Thailand’s largest freshwater lake stretches to the horizon, with ancient temple ruins emerging from the waters. The lakeside promenade is perfect for sunset viewing, and the peaceful atmosphere provides a stark contrast to recent mountain adventures.
🛏️ Stay: Phayao
Day 11 – Phayao to Nan (~160 km)
Venture into one of Thailand’s most authentic and least touristed provinces. The ride takes you through rural countryside where traditional ways of life continue unchanged, leading to a city renowned for its Lue culture and architecture.
🛑 Stop 1: Wat Phumin Nan‘s most famous temple features unique Lue architecture and contains some of Thailand’s finest murals. The famous “Whispering Love” mural has become an iconic image of northern Thai art.
🛑 Stop 2: Nan National Museum Housed in a beautiful 1903 palace, this museum showcases the region’s unique Lue culture, including traditional textiles, religious artifacts, and the famous black elephant tusk that legend says founded the city.
🛏️ Stay: Nan
Day 12 – Nan (Explore Day)
Dive deeper into Lue culture and explore the surrounding countryside. Nan offers an authentic glimpse into traditional northern Thai life away from tourist crowds, with opportunities to visit hill tribe villages and ancient sites.
🛑 Stop 1: Bo Kluea Salt Wells Ancient salt mines still in operation where locals have harvested salt for over 1,000 years. The terraced salt fields create a unique landscape, and you can watch traditional extraction methods unchanged for centuries.
🛑 Stop 2: Doi Phu Kha National Park Home to Thailand’s northernmost peaks and diverse ecosystems. The park features waterfalls, caves, and hiking trails through pristine forests where you might spot rare wildlife including bears and wild boar.
🛏️ Stay: Nan
Day 13 – Nan to Loei (~220 km)
Cross northern Thailand’s mountainous backbone as you head toward the Mekong River region. The landscape transitions from Nan’s intimate valleys to Loei’s dramatic limestone karst formations and riverside plains.
🛑 Stop 1: Phu Kradueng National Park Thailand’s most famous national park for hiking and cool-weather camping. Even without time for the full plateau trek, the visitor center and lower forest trails offer beautiful walks and wildlife viewing opportunities.
🛑 Stop 2: Chiang Khan A charming riverside town along the Mekong with preserved wooden shophouses and a lovely walking street. The French colonial influence mixed with traditional Lao architecture creates a unique atmosphere.
🛏️ Stay: Loei
Day 14 – Loei to Khao Yai (395 km)
Leave the cool mountain air of Loei behind as you head southeast toward Khao Yai. The ride flows through peaceful farmland, forested foothills, and small provincial towns with minimal traffic. As you approach Khao Yai, the landscape shifts — roads become curvier, and the jungle thickens.
🛑 Stop 1: Wat Thep Phithak Punnaram
Just north of Khao Yai, this striking hilltop Buddha statue is reached via a steep stair climb. The panoramic views over Nakhon Ratchasima’s rolling farmland make it a worthy final stop before reaching your destination.
🛑 Stop 2: PB Valley Khao Yai Winery
Set just outside the park’s northern entrance, this scenic vineyard offers wine tastings, Thai-Western fusion meals, and great views of the surrounding hills — a perfect late afternoon break before settling in for the night.
🛏️ Stay: Khao Yai (Pak Chong or inside the park)
Day 15 – Khao Yai to Ducky’s Motorcycle Rental (~181 km)
On the final push south, you descend from the forested curves of Khao Yai into the plains of central Thailand as you make your way back toward Bangkok. This last ride offers a smooth, scenic transition from jungle roads to city streets, with plenty of cafés and countryside charm along the way. Return your bike, trade road stories, and enjoy one last coffee near the shop. You’ve completed an epic ride through mountains, rivers, and jungle — welcome back to the city.
🛏️ Stay: Bangkok
Ride’s End Reflection
By the time you finish your Northern Thailand motorcycle trip and roll back into Bangkok, you’ll have experienced a huge slice of the country’s diversity — from ancient temple ruins and cultural towns to tight mountain switchbacks and peaceful river views that most tourists miss. This isn’t a ride where you’re rushing; it’s about savoring the curves on the Mae Hong Son Loop, stopping at hidden temples, and soaking in moments that make this part of Thailand so special.
Starting on one of Ducky’s meticulously maintained motorcycles means all you need to focus on is the ride and the adventure ahead. With the open road beneath you and this loop’s incredible mix of landscapes, culture, and unforgettable stops, it’s a journey that will delight both first-time riders and seasoned adventurers alike. When you’re ready to roll, the road’s waiting — and it’s got a story to tell.
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