Ultimate Guide to Motorbike Touring in Northern Thailand: Routes, Rentals & Safety Tips
Thailand's nimble scooters may not scream Easy Rider adventure, but they deliver unmatched freedom to explore the northern provinces at your own pace—darting off the beaten path whenever inspiration strikes.
What Bike Do You Need?
For paved roads and light off-roading (avoiding wet-season mud), opt for the automatic 108-150cc scooters widely available in northern towns like Chiang Mai. These are powerful enough for main highways—no need for hefty dirt bikes unless you're tackling serious trails.
Rental Costs and Key Considerations
Daily rates range from 100B for a Honda Scoopy to 3,500B for a BMW F800GS. At publication, petrol cost ~30B/liter (US$1). Essential tips for renting:
- Expect to leave your passport as deposit.
- An International Driving Permit is legally required (police may check), though small shops rarely ask.
- Confirm insurance coverage to avoid liability for damages.
- Clarify the bike's full value—you may owe it if totaled without insurance.
- Inspect tires, brakes, and lights; photograph the bike's condition beforehand.
Driving Safely in Thailand
Thailand's roads are among the world's deadliest (44 deaths/100,000 people, per University of Michigan's Transportation Research Institute). Helmets are mandatory—wear one for safety and to dodge police fines targeting foreigners.
Drive on the left, but the real rule: yield to bigger vehicles.
Top Recommended Routes
Start with the 100km Samoeng/Mae Sa loop from Chiang Mai (Rtes 107, 1096, 1269)—a half-day thrill of curves and scenery.
The 470km Chiang Rai Loop via Fang and Tha Ton (Rtes 107, 1089, 118) suits overnights in Chiang Rai.
Iconic Mae Hong Son Loop: ~600km from Chiang Mai along Rte 1095's 1,864 curves, stopping in Pai, Mae Hong Son, and Mae Sariang before Rte 108 return. Details in Lonely Planet's Mae Hong Son by Motorbike guide.
Underrated: Chiang Khong to Phayao (Rtes 1155, 1093)—stunning mountain vistas in a day.
Best Time to Ride
November to January's cool season is prime. Skip February/March (smoky burns), April (scorching heat), and June-October rains, which can slick roads.
Essential Thai Phrases for Riders
Master these for remote areas (see Lonely Planet's Thai phrasebook):
Fill it up, please – Đem tĕŋ kráp/kâ
Can I park here? – Jòt dtîi nîi dâi mâi kráp/kâ
Flat tire – Yahng bâan
Can you fix it? – Sôrm dâi mâi kráp/kâ
Top Resources
Golden Triangle Rider (gt-rider.com) offers expert maps, rental recommendations (Chiang Mai/Chiang Rai shops), insurance advice, tour ideas, and forums. Check Lonely Planet's Thorn Tree for rider threads.
