Photo: Khánh Hmoong ↗THE JOURNEY IN DETAIL
1,864 bends in northern Thailand.
A loop from Chiang Mai through Pai, Mae Hong Son, Khun Yuam and Mae Sariang on routes 1095 and 108: mountains on the Myanmar border, morning mist, Karen and Shan villages, hot springs. The tarmac is smooth and the bends so numerous they were officially counted at 1,864. An easy motorcycle tour for riders who want corners and Thai food rather than survival.
- The route 1095 switchbacks from Pai to Mae Hong Son
- Tham Lod cave by bamboo raft
- Doi Inthanon National Park, 2,565 m
- Shan villages and morning mist over Mae Hong Son
With old friends or new ones
Join a group or arrange a separate departure for your own team. Before travelling, we get to know each other, discuss everyone's experience and find suitable dates. You can also prepare together.
DAY BY DAY
Your daily itinerary.
A provisional itinerary. Weather, group readiness and local conditions may change the order and length of the stages.
- DAY 1 · Briefing, 20 km
Chiang Mai, the old city
Airport pick-up, a hotel in the old city, bike collection and a short loop to get used to riding on the left. Dinner at the night market.
Overnight: Hotel in Chiang Mai - DAY 2 · 135 km, mountain tarmac
Route 1095 to Pai
The first 762 bends: route 1095 via Mae Taeng and the pass at Huai Nam Dang to Pai at 500 m. The Sai Ngam hot springs, then an evening on Walking Street.
Overnight: Resort in Pai - DAY 3 · 110 km, switchbacks
Tham Lod and Mae Hong Son
Via Soppong to Tham Lod cave and its underground river, then the 1095 switchbacks through Pang Mapha to Mae Hong Son. Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu above the town at sunset.
Overnight: Hotel in Mae Hong Son - DAY 4 · 100 km, mountain tarmac
Villages near the Myanmar border
A loop north to Ban Rak Thai, the Chinese village on a lake by the border, via the Pang Ung pine forest. Back to Mae Hong Son and rest.
Overnight: Hotel in Mae Hong Son - DAY 5 · 170 km, tarmac
Route 108 to Mae Sariang
South on route 108 via Khun Yuam and the Mae U Kho sunflower fields, in bloom in November and December. Night in quiet Mae Sariang on the Yuam river.
Overnight: Hotel in Mae Sariang - DAY 6 · 240 km, mountain tarmac
Doi Inthanon, the roof of Thailand
Via Hot to Doi Inthanon National Park and the climb to the country’s highest point at 2,565 m, the royal pagodas and the Wachirathan waterfall. Down to Chiang Mai and bike hand-back.
Overnight: Hotel in Chiang Mai - DAY 7 · Transfer
Flight home
Breakfast and transfer to Chiang Mai airport.
Overnight: —
Included in the estimated price
Honda CB 500 X / Kawasaki Versys 650 / Royal Enfield Himalayan hire
Support vehicle carrying luggage
Local riding guide
3–4-star hotels and boutique resorts
Breakfasts and dinners
Fuel and national park entry
Chiang Mai airport transfers
Not included in the price
Flights to the meeting point
Personal travel insurance and visas
Personal equipment
Single-room supplements and personal expenses
Motorcycle deposit
Lunches
Single supplement
YOUR PREPARATION
Arrive ready for the route.
Category A licence and at least a year of riding; left-hand traffic and many tight bends, but no dirt. Ivan holds an introductory session on kit for the tropics and Thai driving habits.
Prepare with IvanROUTE QUESTIONS
BEFORE WE MEET ON THE TRAIL
What to prepare in advance
- Full riding kit: helmet, protection, gloves and boots
- Rain gear and waterproof covers
- Documents and insurance for your chosen riding format
- Compact soft luggage without unnecessary weight
Once we choose a date, we agree on the equipment list, meeting point and transfer time. Please wait until the programme is confirmed before booking flights.