Northern Thailand may be a place you’ve visited. It’s most likely a place you’ve heard stories about. Historic, exotic cities like Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. The Karen hill tribes. The far flung border outposts of Mae Hung Son and Pai. Whether you have been here or not, you will have never experienced like you will in the seat of a free-revving motorcycle with the magic of Thailand encompassing you on all sides.

After a likely long commute, relax in our carefully selected luxury boutique hotel in the heart of the Nimman neighbourhood. An enclave of restaurants, bars and coffee shops will make your landing in beautiful Northern Thailand a soft one. We meet in the evening for a ride briefing in the hotel before heading out for some authentic Northern Thai dishes.

To ensure you get to experience everything this charming town has to offer, we will embark on a late morning cultural tour of the Old Town including the magical temples of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh, local markets and incredible street food. 

Later in the day, we'll do a quick orientation on our bikes and at the end of the day, head our to the Night Market for dinner.

After a leisurely breakfast, we head off for Phrae. Phrae is a peaceful, historically rich province in Northern Thailand, set in a lush valley beside the Yom River. Renowned for its classic teakwood architecture, deep-rooted Lanna heritage, and relaxed “slow travel” atmosphere, it was once a major center for the teak trade.

Nan is a peaceful, culturally vibrant province and town in the mountainous far north of Thailand, close to the Laos border. Known for its relaxed “slow life” atmosphere, strong Lanna traditions, and breathtaking landscapes, it provides an authentic and less crowded alternative to Chiang Mai.

Mountains and tight switchbacks are the order of the day.

Seemingly on the edge of civilisation, we ride through Phu Chi Fa National Park, ditch the bikes and take a 710 metre hike to the famous lookout with a beautiful view of the Mekong and Laos in the distance. After we burn some carbs, it's lunch with a magical view of the world below.

Our beds for the night are at Rico Resort, a beautiful place in the forest owned by Rico and his girl, Emmy. If there is anywhere to be treated like family, it is here! Great, home cooked food, beer in abundance, a pool table and stories without end.

Seemingly on the edge of civilisation, we ride through Phu Chi Fa National Park, ditch the bikes and take a 710 metre hike to the famous lookout with a beautiful view of the Mekong and Laos in the distance. After we burn some carbs, it's lunch with a magical view of the world below.

We will arrive at the luxurious Le Meridien Chiang Rai Resort in time for cocktails and a wonderful al fresco Italian dinner.

A long waited and must deserved 'off day', our digs about 5 minutes from the town centre is the Le Meridien Chiang Rai Resort. After we take a cultural tour of the town, the afternoon is yours to chill by the pool, get a message or hit the gym.

We will also check out the magnificent White Temple. Dinner will be at the Nighy Bazaar, a cultural and culinary treat in the old town centre.

Today we ride along the Mekong with Laos over our left shoulder. From there, the river run turns to wide, sweeping perfect roads through the mountains taking time to take in some beautiful temples along the way. 

Ready for something more exotic? Today our twisty route takes us into the hills toward Santikhiri Chinese Village.  Rural and devoid of cars, the pavement winds up and down over mountains for hours. Around lunchtime we reach Santikihiri, set up in the mountains along the Thai-Burmese border. Once known for growing opium poppies, Santikihiri is now famous predominantly for growing tea.

We spend the night in a remote ecolodge on the Kok river.

The road out of Fang is a serene country road that winds through rice fields and forest. It becomes a lovely 2 lane highway as we skirt Chiang Dao wildlife sanctuary. We then turn north and pass through areas devoid of tourists with the nation's second highest peak in Pha Daeng national park gracing our left flank.

We will spend the evening in the exotic Pai Village Resort in the backpacker haven of Pai.

The route to Mai Hong Son is much shorter than the day prior, but don't fret: our 60 km side diversion to the village of Ban Rak Thai, directly on the Burmese border, adds an exotic addition. Set around a lake, this Chinese village in as if out of a story book complete with lakeside restaurants, paddle boats and views of the surrounding hills.

We will set off early as the ride back to Chiang Mai is a long one and arguably one of the most beautiful. Tracing the route of the best sections of the famous Mae Hong Son loop, we'll stop for lunch at the stunning Rachiratan Waterfall and then head up to Doi Inanton, the highest mountain in the country, in the national park of the same name. We will arrive back at the Marriott in time for a cocktail and a wonderful farewell dinner.

Today is all about hugs and farewells and we make our way back to our default worlds. You flights back home will provide ample time to recount your adventure and plan what happens next!