We’ve created several travel guides to help you discover the most beautiful and unusual places in Northern Thailand. If you plan to travel by motorcycle, choose a bike with an engine capacity of at least 125cc — smaller scooters may struggle on steep climbs. Also, make sure you know how to use the brakes correctly on mountain slopes, as improper braking can cause them to overheat and fail. And please remember, safety first!
Here’s what you will find on this page. First, we list the most popular routes in Northern Thailand. Then you’ll find a section about Chiang Mai, where our company is based. After that, in alphabetical order, we describe the other northern provinces around Chiang Mai. In each section, also alphabetically, we highlight towns, attractions, and places of interest. The only exception is the provincial capitals, which always come first in each section.
Northern Thailand is packed with scenic loops and mountain passes, from short day rides to week-long journeys. Each route offers unique highlights, from waterfalls and caves to historic temples and tea plantations. Planning ahead with fuel stops, lodging, and road conditions is essential for a safe ride. To begin exploring, riders can match the route to the right bike from our motorbike rental fleet in Chiang Mai, designed for both city and mountain travel.
If you’re still deciding which bike is best for your trip, check our motorcycle index. It contains detailed information about many models, so you can choose the one that fits your riding style and travel plans.