Riding through Thailand on a motorcycle allows you to experience a land filled with breathtaking landscapes, deep-rooted history, and vibrant culture. The friends of Tachame, a group bound by decades of shared rides and unforgettable adventures, embarked on this exploration of northern Thailand with one goal: to embrace the open road and everything it had to offer.

From the energetic streets of Bangkok to the winding paths of the Mae Hong Son Loop, their journey is a celebration of friendship, exploration, and the thrill of riding. Over the course of thousands of miles, they uncovered the flavors of local cuisine, visited ancient temples, and navigated roads that felt like something out of a 3D adventure game. This story captures their experiences, weaving together practical advice and moments of discovery to inspire anyone ready to explore Thailand on two wheels.

The Tachame Crew: Riding Without Rules

Our adventures range from single-day outings to multi-week journeys across continents. On the road, we sometimes stick together, but more often than not, everyone rides at their own pace. By the end of the day, we meet for dinner, sharing stories of the day’s experiences and enjoying a good meal and, more often than not, a well-deserved bottle of wine.

Our taste in bikes is as diverse as our backgrounds. From sleek sport bikes to rugged off-road machines, touring models, and adventure bikes, we appreciate them all. Our experiences on two wheels are just as varied—some of us started in enduro competitions, others honed our skills on racetracks, and some of us learned by navigating city streets or simply engaging first gear and pushing forward, accumulating the knowledge that only miles ridden, close calls, and mistakes can teach. The conversations within Tachame are always rich with knowledge and tips, a reminder that there’s always something new to learn about riding.

Our adventures take us through every type of terrain—rugged off-road tracks, scenic winding roads, and even leisurely rides through wine country. The golden rule? Everyone rides at their own pace and does whatever they please. Sometimes, we part ways after breakfast, only to reunite for dinner at the day’s destination. These evening get-togethers are where the best stories are shared, over a hearty meal and, more often than not, a good bottle of wine.

The Route: Winding Roads and Hidden Gems

Chiang Mai and the Mae Hong Son Loop

Chiang Mai is the gateway to some of the most stunning motorcycle routes in Thailand. From this bustling city surrounded by mountains, the famous Mae Hong Son Loop begins—a 373-mile (600-km) circuit packed with over 1,800 curves. Riders consider it one of the world’s most beautiful motorcycle routes. These twists and turns are paired with elevation changes so dramatic that cyclists often compare the climb to summiting Mount Everest, one and a half times.

The loop typically takes 4–5 days to complete and is a sensory overload of scenic beauty and cultural experiences. Along the way, you’ll encounter Wachirathan Waterfall, the highest peak in Thailand at Doi Inthanon National Park, the bamboo raft-filled Tham Lot Cave, and the charming village of Mae Taeng, with its fascinating Chinese migrant history. One night in Pai, a bohemian town popular with travelers from around the globe, is an absolute must. Returning via Route 1095 adds another 1,200 curves to your adventure, so don’t expect the journey to flatten out any time soon!

Measuring Distance in Riding Hours

In northern Thailand, miles don’t tell the whole story. Because of the constant curves and elevation changes, distances that seem short on a map take much longer to cover. A day’s ride of 4–5 hours might only translate to 93–124 miles (150–200 km). It’s better to measure routes in hours rather than miles to plan your days effectively.

The Ultimate Riding Roads: Chiang Rai, Nan & Beyond

As you continue exploring, Chiang Rai offers the awe-inspiring Blue and White Temples, each a modern interpretation of Buddhist architecture. By night, the city’s local market buzzes with food stalls and even a few motorcycle-themed bars.

Heading south, we encountered Route 1148, often hailed as one of the best motorcycle roads in Thailand. It didn’t take long to see why. Smooth, well-maintained asphalt snaked through rolling hills and lush greenery, offering a perfect blend of technicality and flow. Midway through, we found a motorcycle-themed restaurant and café—a much-needed break to let the adrenaline settle and share stories from the road.

The journey continued through Routes 1256 and 1081 in Nan Province, bordering Laos. These roads felt like an invitation to push the limits of skill and speed, with sweeping curves reminiscent of a racetrack. The combination of sharp corners and long, predictable bends allowed us to lean into the bike with confidence, savoring the exhilaration of controlled speed. It was as if we were living inside a motorcycling video game, each turn an achievement unlocked and every stretch a level conquered. At this point, the Thai “curve simulator” seemed to reach its peak—a full-throttle celebration of riding.

As we made our way back, we passed through Phayao, a peaceful lakeside town where we took a well-earned break. Grilled fish crusted with salt, paired with a cold beer, provided the perfect ending to a day of unforgettable riding. Sitting by the tranquil lake, we reflected on the miles behind us, the road still buzzing in our minds like the hum of the engines we’d come to love.