One road can change your whole Thailand trip. This 5-day Chiang Mai motorcycle tour focuses on long, fun mountain riding days, with standout stops like Nan, Phayao Lake, a wooden ferry across Sirikit Dam, and the UNESCO ruins of Sukhothai. It’s built for people who want scenery without city gridlock, and it’s run small, with a max of 10 riders.

Two things I like right away: you get a full package of gear plus a licensed road captain (English-speaking) to keep the group together, and you’re pointed at motorcycle-friendly roads like R1148, billed as one of the world’s most fun biking routes. One thing to consider: you’ll ride hard for about 7 hours/day, and the tour requires evidence of at least 4 years of riding experience to join.

Key things that make this ride worth your time

• R1148’s 120 km of up-and-down curves, designed for steady throttle and real road feel
• Bo Kluea salt wells and mountain viewpoints, so you’re not just riding through, you’re stopping for character
• Sirikit Dam reservoir on a wooden ferry, a quick break that still feels like part of the adventure
• UNESCO Sukhothai Historical Park with sunset time among the old ruins
• Small group size (10 max) and a road captain-led pace that helps newer road riders stay confident
• Included riding support: luggage van and on-the-road help (including a mechanic role reported by past riders)

Riding Northern Thailand like a true road rider: the vibe of the route

This tour is basically a guided case for why Northern Thailand is special on two wheels. The operator markets the experience as “no speed cams” and low-drama roads, and the itinerary leans hard into curvy highways, mountain passes, and scenic lakes. You’re not stuck in town traffic much, and most days feel like they were planned to maximize road time.

You’ll also notice the stops are chosen to match the driving: lakeside views, temple viewpoints, and UNESCO ruins that work well after a long day of riding. That matters because it turns the day from ride-only into ride-plus-reward.

Bike rental, helmets, and the crew: what you’re really paying for

The value here isn’t just the motorcycle. It’s the whole system that keeps your day smooth: unlimited-mileage bike rental, protective gear provided, meals handled, and a road captain leading the group on a motorcycle. The tour uses English-speaking leadership with a TAT license, plus a mechanic role is mentioned in rider feedback (including the name Jaye as someone supporting during the ride).

You’ll be given helmets, jackets, gloves, and knee guards. Since the tour notes helmets are compulsory in Thailand, you should take that seriously even if you’re arriving with your own gear. If you ride with special sizing, bring it with you if you have it—this tour strongly encourages riders to use protective clothing that fits.

One more practical point: the tour uses a support vehicle for luggage, and it can also carry a few guests by request. That helps you avoid overpacking riding bags and lets you focus on what you’ll actually need for the day.

Day 1 from Chiang Mai toward Nan: mountain roads and Wat Phra That Khao Noi

You start with pickup from Chiang Mai Airport and a 8:30am departure. Then the tour heads north into a more mountain feel right away, using a route through Chae Son National Park and R1252, so the day kicks off with curves instead of warm-up straightaways.

The first big payoff is Nan, a town that feels calmer than the major hubs but still has nightlife if you want it. Before dinner, you visit Wat Phra That Khao Noi, a hilltop temple with panoramic viewpoints over the area. After a long riding day, you’ll be able to slow down in your accommodation and use the leisure facilities—past riders have mentioned the overall comfort of the stay, including resort-style setups.

Possible drawback for your energy level: day one is framed as a full riding day (about 7 hours total). If you’re arriving from an early flight, you’ll want a decent night’s sleep before departure.

Day 2: Phayao Lake viewpoints, Bo Kluea salt wells, and the famous R1148 curves

This is where the tour leans into what road riders came for. You head through winding mountain roads via R1081 (the tour calls it a motorcycle paradise road), stopping at Bo Kluea salt wells. These aren’t the kind of tourist stops that feel rushed. They’re tied to the region’s working landscape, and the route selection makes the stop feel earned.

After lunch near Chiang Klang in a local restaurant, the highlight riding segment hits: R1148. The tour describes 120 km of up-and-down curves through mountains, and it’s marketed as one of the world’s top fun biking roads. If you like predictable road rhythm—apex, unwind, uphill sweeper—this kind of route is exactly what you want.

Then you reach Phayao, with the Kwan Phayao (Phayao Lake) viewpoint and the town sitting along the lake’s southeast corner. It’s a scenic finish that feels more like a place than a stop.

One practical tip: because this day is heavy on curves, pack for comfort at stops. Even if you’re not the type to fuss with gear, keep a small layer ready for cooler viewpoints.

Day 3: crossing the Sirikit Dam reservoir by wooden ferry to Uttaradit

Day three shifts from lakes and salt wells into a different kind of Northern Thailand drama. You ride south a bit, then use back roads through Mae Yom National Park, and then rejoin fantastic riding roads connected to Khun Sathan National Park.

Lunch is served in a remote spot described as having a million-dollar view. That’s a great pattern for a motorcycle tour: you don’t just eat, you reset your brain with a wide panorama before the day’s signature moment.

And that signature moment is the ferry crossing. The tour takes the bikes on a wooden ferry across the Sirikit Dam reservoir, described as the largest earth dam in Thailand. This is one of those transitions that’s fun even if you’ve seen dams before—it’s slower, visual, and it breaks the ride flow without turning the day into a long sightseeing slog.

Once you reach Uttaradit, you’ll notice the tour intentionally picks places with fewer crowds. It’s described as a smaller city near Denchai, which is exactly why it can feel refreshing after busier routes.

Day 4: Sukhothai UNESCO ruins at sunset, with shorter riding time

If you like your tour days to stay varied, day four is a nice balance. The ride to Sukhothai is described as a shorter riding day, with back roads passing through massive rice fields. You get that sense of Thailand that’s different from mountain roads—wide, open, and calmer.

The big event is the Ancient Sukhothai Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site (listed as number 574). You’ll have time to explore, then the tour emphasizes a sunset in the old ruins. Sunset matters here because the ruins look completely different when the light softens, and the air usually feels cooler after a riding day.

Then it’s back to comfortable accommodation, described as a classic wooden Thai guest house with a swimming pool. That kind of “reset” is more than a nice touch: after days of riding, a pool time can be the difference between enjoying day five and feeling wrecked.

Day 5: Columnar Mountains road R101, reclining Buddha stop, and back to Chiang Mai

The final day is another road-rider finish. You leave Sukhothai riding via R101, specifically through what the tour calls the Columnar Mountains road and the route toward Den Chai. You’ll also stop at a large reclining Buddha before continuing toward Lampang.

Lunch is at a local restaurant, and then you keep riding through national parks and farming areas—ending with a local market stop for refreshment before heading back to Chiang Mai. It’s a good structure for the final day: a couple of cultural anchors, then open-road miles, then a practical market stop to pick up snacks or small gifts.

This is also the day where your pacing discipline matters. By day five, even confident riders can get sloppy if they’re tired. The tour’s group style helps, and the compact group size makes it easier to stay together without constant regrouping.

Price and value: what $1,875 per person includes in real terms

At $1,875 per person for about 5 days, this isn’t a budget-only motorcycle ride. But it is priced like a guided touring package, and the included items explain why.

Here’s what you’re not paying separately:

• Motorcycle rental with unlimited mileage
• Protective riding gear (helmets, jackets, gloves, knee guards)
• English-speaking road captain and group leadership
• Luggage transport support (and sometimes extra seating requests)
• Hotels/resorts for 4 overnights with leisure facilities
• A mix of meals: breakfast (4), dinner (4), lunch (5), plus water/soft drinks/coffee or tea with meals
• Insurance coverage: third-party liability for motorcycles, accident cover up to 100,000 THB, life insurance up to 1,000,000 THB, and motorcycle insurance with a deductible up to 25,000 THB if damage occurs

You’re also getting a mobile ticket and a T-shirt, which are small perks. The big part is that you’re buying less hassle. You don’t need to coordinate hotels, bike logistics, route timing, ferry handling, or daily meal planning.

If you’re someone who loves planning, you could attempt a do-it-yourself route. If you want maximum riding time with fewer moving pieces, this price starts making more sense fast.

Safety and ride style: what to expect on a guided road tour

The tour is very explicit about riding requirements and safety habits. You must show evidence of motorbike driving license with at least 4 years of riding experience. Minimum age is 21.

Helmets are compulsory in Thailand, and the tour provides helmets plus other protective gear. It also recommends protective clothing be worn, boots and gloves especially.

Alcohol gets a clear rule: alcohol isn’t provided, and alcohol consumption isn’t allowed during the day while motorcycles are in use. That’s a sensible rule on a long-route tour. In the evening, you can relax.

One detail I appreciate from rider feedback: organization seems strong even when minor disruptions happen. One rider mentioned the trip ran smoothly despite two minor accidents, and another highlighted attentive support with a mechanic on hand. That’s not a guarantee, but it tells me the operator is used to keeping the machine running and the group cared for.

Who should book this tour, and who should consider something else

This is best for you if:

• You want road riding with twisty mountain highways rather than off-road or tiny-backroad exploring
• You enjoy a guided pace with planned stops, not full independence
• You’re comfortable riding for long days around 7 hours
• You like the idea of combining road fun with real cultural stops like Sukhothai and temple viewpoints

You might want to choose a different tour if:

• You’re new to road riding or don’t have the experience needed for the join requirement
• You want more free time or fewer stops
• You’re sensitive to long sitting time and would rather do a slower pace tour

Should you book True Bikers Paradise from Chiang Mai?

I think you should book if your dream Thailand trip is mostly about curves, scenery, and a guided flow. The itinerary hits multiple “why Thailand on a motorcycle works” moments: iconic roads like R1148, a working-region stop at Bo Kluea, and a memorable transit moment with the Sirikit Dam ferry, then finishes with UNESCO Sukhothai sunset vibes.

If you’re unsure, focus on two things: your comfort with long ride days and your riding experience level. If you meet the experience requirement and you like road-focused travel, this looks like a very efficient way to see Northern Thailand without wasting time figuring out the route.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the 5 Day Motorcycle Tour True Bikers Paradise?

The tour runs for 5 days (approximately).

Where does the tour start, and what time is departure?

It starts at Big Bike Tours, 134 Ragang Rd, Tambon Chang Khlan, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand, with a start time of 8:30am.

Is pickup included?

Yes. Pickup service from Chiang Mai Airport is included.

What motorcycle experience do I need to join?

The tour requires evidence of motorbike driving license with at least 4 years of riding experience.

Are riding helmets and protective gear provided?

Yes. Helmets and other protective riding gear (jackets, gloves, knee guards) are provided, and helmets are compulsory in Thailand.

What’s included in the meals?

Breakfast is included for 4 days, lunch for 5 days, and dinner for 4 days. Water, soft drinks, and coffee/tea are provided in connection with meals.

Is there a support van for luggage?

Yes. A support van transports luggage and has space for a few guests on the entire tour upon prior request.

Is alcohol included or allowed during the ride?

Alcoholic beverages are not included. Alcohol consumption during the day is not allowed while motorcycles are in use, though evening alcohol is allowed when bikes are not being used.

What insurance is included for riders and motorcycles?

The tour includes third-party liability insurance for motorcycles, motorcycle insurance with a deductible up to 25,000 THB in case of damage, and accident cover up to 100,000 THB plus life insurance up to 1,000,000 THB.

If you tell me your riding style (fast road rider vs. steady scenic rider) and what month you’re traveling, I can help you judge whether this specific route timing fits you well.