Despite the shorter distance today, every kilometer is a work of road art. We follow a winding road that seems made for motorcycles, passing by steaming hot springs and hidden Karen villages. This is the “high country,” where the air is cooler and views stretch all the way to the Myanmar border. After a day of challenging riding, we descend into the peaceful Mae Hong Son valley. As evening falls, we’ll stroll by the lake to see the sunset reflecting off the golden spires of Wat Chong Kham, soaking in the calm atmosphere of this remote provincial capital.

Today, the landscape opens up, providing a thrilling new rhythm. We ride the southern part of the Mae Hong Son Loop, where tight turns give way to smooth, high-speed curves that let the bikes really perform. The road hugs the mountains, showcasing wide views that make you feel on top of the world. We’ll stop at remote hilltop pagodas to appreciate the vast landscape before arriving in Mae Sariang. This quiet riverside town embodies “Unseen Thailand”—authentic, tranquil, and perfectly placed by the Yuam River for a sunset dinner.

We travel south on a road rarely seen by travelers. Following the Myanmar border, we ride through ancient teak forests and lush fields on roads that seem entirely our own. The influence of nearby Shan and Burmese cultures is present everywhere, from temple architecture to village faces. This day is all about exploration, navigating rolling hills to the vibrant frontier town of Mae Sot. It’s a place of contrasts, teeming with migrant communities and cross-border trade. We’ll dive into local night markets to try amazing street food that combines Thai and Burmese flavors.

The mountains fade as we go east, exchanging the jungle for the vast, golden rice fields of Thailand’s heartland. This day is made for cruising, allowing the engine to hum as we glide through the countryside. The pace is easy, but excitement builds as we approach Sukhothai. By late afternoon, the scenery shifts from farmland to archaeology. You’ll see crumbling brick chedis and Khmer ruins starting to peek through the trees. We’ll check into our upscale resort, a peaceful haven preparing us for a deep dive into Thailand’s royal history tomorrow.

Today, we swap our riding gear for something lighter. Sukhothai Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, features a vast landscape of lily-covered moats and towering Buddha statues. We’ll explore the various temple clusters by bike or local tram, at a pace that lets you admire the detailed carvings and the massive scale of the 13th-century capital. It’s a day for relaxation and photography—golden hour among the ruins offers some of the best shots of the entire trip. In the evening, we’ll enjoy a slow, traditional dinner featuring the famed Sukhothai noodles, made just like they have been for generations.

Get ready for a long day in the saddle. We journey toward the northeast, transitioning from the central plains back into the hills of the northern mountains. This is a fantastic ride combining fast highways and scenic backroads through Phrae. The road starts to twist again as we climb toward Nan, possibly Thailand’s most charming “hidden” provincial town. After a full day of riding, we arrive in the old town. Nan is a cultural gem, known for its unique Lanna art and relaxed riverside cafes, an ideal place to celebrate our successful day.

Today, we focus on pure riding pleasure instead of long distances. We head north into the heart of Nan’s mountains, taking the lesser-known “secret” roads that locals cherish. These winding paths weave through rural areas and green rice paddies. It’s a day for enthusiasts—short in distance but rich in challenges. We’ll stop at hidden coffee stands on ridges and enjoy views that span miles. Our destination is Chiang Klang, a quiet enclave that feels far removed from the modern world, where the only sound is the wind through the trees.

Today’s ride offers a stunning transition from the uplands to the river. We follow the ridges to the north and east, navigating “Skyline” roads with 360-degree views of the valleys. The road is a beautiful mix of rolling hills and sharp drops as we head toward the Mekong River. We reach Chiang Khong, a gateway town directly across from Laos. There’s something deeply moving about watching the sunset over the Mekong while sipping a cold drink, reflecting on the miles we’ve traveled and the border we’re now following.

We set our sights on Chiang Rai, riding through the lush agricultural areas and scenic roads of the north. This part of the journey connects tradition with modern Thai art. In the afternoon, we arrive at the famous White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), a stunning work of art that defies typical temple design. Depending on our timing, we may also visit the striking Blue Temple or the hauntingly beautiful Black House (Baan Dam Museum). We’ll spend the night in the heart of Chiang Rai, a city that beautifully blends its historic roots with a vibrant, artistic atmosphere.

We head west again, returning to the rugged landscape that makes Northern Thailand a top riding destination. Today, we navigate green valleys and mountain roads leading to Fang. The roads here offer a delightful mix of smooth turns and gentle climbs, passing through high-altitude tea plantations shaped into perfect green terraces. We’ll stop for a fresh brew and a photo at the viewpoint before descending into the agricultural valley of Fang. This is a day of lush scenery and excellent road surfaces, a true rider’s paradise.

Our final day is a celebratory ride back to where it all began. We head south, riding through the striking limestone mountains of Chiang Dao, where peaks rise steeply from the valley like giants. These are among the most cherished touring roads in the country, surrounded by dense forests and sharp summits. We’ll enjoy a final mountain lunch together, sharing stories about the curves we conquered and the sights we experienced. By mid-afternoon, we’ll return to Chiang Mai to drop off the bikes. To end this unforgettable journey, we’ll gather for a farewell dinner to celebrate our new friendships and the “Unseen Thailand” we’ve explored.