13 Day Guided Motorcycle Tour: Crossing Thailand Adventure

Overview

From Chiang Mai, the “Rose of the North,” you ride to the remote province of Uttaradit for an insight into the Land of Smiles. Pass the unique highlands’ vast panoramic views and continue on back roads through lush green rice fields to the World Heritage Site of Sukhothai. Discover the Ho Chi Minh House in Phichit and stay in Nakhon Sawan, experiencing the real and authentic Thailand. Explore the hidden Erawan National Park and visit the famous River Kwai Bridge in Kanchanaburi. Enjoy the beach and nightlife in the well-known Hua Hin. Stay at the unseen and forgotten fishing town of Ranong. Take a speedboat on the Myanmar Sea and visit the breathtaking Cocks Comb Island – the Emerald Heart of Myanmar, formerly Burma (no visa necessary). Ride on dream roads along the Andaman Sea, enjoying unique panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. Relax on a boat and enjoy the best moments of Krabi islan

Highlights

• 10 riding days
• Explore ancient ruins at Sukhothai Historical Park at sunset
• Ride scenic mountain roads and visit hidden temples in Uthai Thani
• Walk the Hellfire Pass trail and see the Bridge on the River Kwai
• Cruise along Thailand’s coastline from Hua Hin to Chumphon
• Cross from the Gulf of Thailand to the Andaman Sea with epic views
• Take a boat trip to James Bond Island and visit the floating village
• End the tour with a stunning sunset ride to Phuket
• 12 nights accommodation

Itinerary

1. Day to day itinerary

2. Day 1: Chiang Mai – Uttaradit (268 km / 167 miles)

   Get familiar with the bikes by heading south of Chiang Mai. You will ride on a windy mountain road to Khun Tan, the highest train station in Thailand with the longest tunnel (1,300 meters). Then continue on the highway passing through rice fields until you reach charming Uttaradit. It is a small city near Lampang and a few kilometers away from Denchai. Very few tourists come here to visit the area, but Uttaradit City and its surroundings are worth visiting. If you want to see authentic Thailand, the one not many tourists see, you have to come here. Later, you enjoy the beautiful accommodation.

3. Day 2: Uttaradit – Sukhothai (89 km / 55 miles)

   After breakfast, leave Uttaradit, riding again on backroads and passing through massive rice fields until you reach Sukhothai. A short day of riding gives you plenty of time to discover one of the highlights of this amazing motorcycle tour: the Ancient Sukhothai Historical Park, designated World Heritage site number 574 on December 12, 1991, by UNESCO. Enjoy the amazing sunset in the old ruins, a magical and memorable scene. Later, arrive at the guest house, where you enjoy the charming classic wooden Thai accommodation with a swimming pool.

4. Day 3: Sukhothai – Phichit - Nakhon Sawan (240 km / 149 miles)

   After breakfast, leave Sukhothai, riding south to Phichit, a land of legends and crocodiles! According to local folklore, a huge crocodile ruler named Chalawan once lived in a cave. The story tells of a skilled man, Krai Thong, who traveled to Phichit from a faraway province, determined to defeat the monstrous crocodile. He fought the beast in the water, then followed the wounded crocodile into his cave and fought again, ultimately killing Chalawan and saving a kidnapped girl. Because of these legends, crocodile references are found throughout Phichit today. Visit the Ho Chi Minh house, where

5. Day 4: Nakhon Sawan – Erawan National Park (313 km / 194 miles)

   First stop: Wat Tha Sung in Uthai Thani, built in 1320 A.D. and now an important temple in Central Thailand. Next, visit the unseen teakwood temple, Wat Tham Khao Wong, surrounded by Castle Rock Mountain. Then, ride hidden backroads and take a ferry to Erawan National Park, making a quick stop at the Sri Nakarin Dam viewpoint. Arrive before sunset.

6. Day 5: Erawan National Park - Kanchanaburi (222 km / 138 miles)

   A sightseeing day with a 200 km ride. From Erawan National Park to Kanchanaburi City, visit Sai Yok Yai waterfall, then ride to Hellfire Pass for a short trekking trail. Continue to Tham Krasae for the Death Railway passing. Take an easy ride to Mallika, a 100-year-old model town. In Kanchanaburi City, stop to pay respect at the war cemetery. Explore sites like the famous WWII memorial bridge, featured in the movie “The Bridge on the River Kwai.”

7. Day 6: Kanchanaburi - Hua Hin (296 km / 184 miles)

   After breakfast, ride to the Giant Monkey Pod Tree, then transfer to Kaeng Krachan Motorcycle Race Circuit. Continue riding through Kaeng Krachan Dam and National Park, stopping for lunch at the dam. Now in Southern Thailand, avoid the main highway, taking backroads via Khao Samroiyod to reach Hua Hin. Stay overnight at Hua Hin Beach, enjoying a fresh seafood dinner before exploring the famous Hua Hin night market and nightlife.

8. Day 7: Rest Day in Hua Hin

   A day of leisure. Relax by the pool or shop in town. Optionally, explore Hua Hin’s historical and cultural sites by bicycle. (Laundry service available.)

9. Day 8: Hua Hin - Prachuap Khiri Khan – Chumphon (324 km / 201 miles)

   Ride scenic routes along the coastline of the Gulf of Thailand. Visit Thamthong and Bangberd Beach, then continue to the fishery harbor pier. Ride dream roads past beaches like Baan Krud, Bo Mao, and Tungwualaen. Stop at Dinsor Hill viewpoint before reaching Chumphon City. Visit the Nong Yai Development Project before arriving at the hotel for a perfect sunset. Stay overnight by the beach.

10. Day 9: Chumphon - Ranong (198 km / 123 miles)

    Today, cross from the Gulf of Thailand to the Andaman Sea. Visit Wat Suwankhiri, a Myanmar-style temple, then ride to Kra Isthmus, Asia’s narrowest point. Stop for coffee at Kong Valley and have lunch with locals before heading to Khao Fahchi viewpoint for breathtaking bay views. Continue to Ranong Pier at the Myanmar border and explore local markets in the city.

11. Day 10: Rest Day in Ranong

    A day of leisure. Relax by the pool or explore the town. Optional: Take a trip to Cock’s Comb Island, known as “Emerald Heart Island.” This program is available from October 15 through May 15. (Laundry service available.)

12. Day 11: Ranong - Krabi (320 km / 199 miles)

    Enjoy an awesome ride from Ranong to Ao Nang, Krabi. Stop at “Grass Hills” for photos, then speed ride to a cozy coffee shop at Baan Rai Ai Aroon. Continue through Takuapa’s old town for a traditional lunch before heading up the twisty mountain roads to Nang Hong viewpoint. Ride downhill via backroads to Ao Nang, Krabi, where you stay for two nights to explore the area.

13. Day 12: Rest Day in Krabi

    A day of leisure. Relax by the pool or beach. Optional: Join a Krabi Island Hopping tour to Koh Poda, Chicken Island, Tup Island, and Phranang Cave Beach. Swim, snorkel, and explore beautiful coral reefs. (Laundry service available.)

14. Day 13: Krabi – Phuket (216 km / 134 miles)

    The final tour day from Ao Nang, Krabi to Phuket. Take an easy backroad ride to Phang Nga Bay, then a boat trip to “James Bond Island.” Visit Koh Panyee, a floating village built on stilts by Malay fishermen. Explore the floating football field, island mosque, and local school before enjoying lunch on the island. Ride back to the mainland and head to Ao Tho Li viewpoint. Arrive in Phuket in time for sunset and an ice-cold beer. Tour Ends.

Ride Details

Terrain

Mostly paved roads, back roads, and coastal routes with some highland areas

Bike

Rental bike provided (motorcycle rental with unlimited mileage, fuel, and oil included)

Mileage

2,486 km (1,544.73 miles)

Daily rides

89 - 324 km / 55 - 201 miles

Riding gear

Helmets, jackets, gloves, and knee guards provided (European high-quality brands in many sizes); personal gear recommended; boots and trousers not provided for hygienic reasons

Meals

Full board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) included, except lunch on rest days; water, soft drinks, and coffee/tea included with meals

Accommodation

Overnight in carefully selected quality hotels and resorts with leisure facilities.

Getting There

Tour Highlights: Chiang Mai (the “Rose of the North”); unseen Uttaradit; World Heritage Site of Sukhothai; Phichit (Ho Chi Minh House); Nakhon Sawan (insight into the Land of Smile – the real & authentic Thailand); Erawan National Park; Death Railway; Bridge of River Kwai in Kanchanaburi; famous beach town of Hua Hin, charming Prachuap Khiri Khan; unseen Chumphon, hidden fisher town of Ranong; Coc