7 Maybe 8 Day Rides From Chiang Mai

[Territorian]

G'day GT Riders
A group of mates and I did our first Thailand ride last year and are looking at heading back again this year and I was looking for suggestions for a loop from Chiang Mai.
A loop towards Chiang Rai and across towards Lao could be interesting but not sure if 7 to 8 days would be long enough.
Any way I'd be grateful for your suggestions.
Cheers.

 

[canthai]

If based in CNX you could do Nan - Phayao - Golden Triangle - MHS loop - Umphang - CNX.
Overnight wherever you end up. Many hotels/guest houses on the routes.

 

[Territorian]

G'day canthai thanks for your suggestion I'll take a look at the map.
Cheers.

 

[DavidFL]

From wherever you are in North Thailand it is only ever a day's ride maximum back to Chiang Mai.
For me just play it as you go.
Follow this GTR North Thaiiland Trip Planner
Tours

The Golden Triangle / Laos border Run
The Way To Go
Chiang Mai – Chiang Dao – Arunothai – Fang – Tha Ton – Doi Mae Salong – Thoed Thai – Doi Tung – Mae Sai – GT – Chiang Saen – Chiang Khong – Pha Tang – Phu Chi Fah – Chiang Kham – Tha Wang Pa – PUa – Doi Phukha – Nan – Chiang Muan – Phayao – Mae Kachan – Chiang Mai​

Ride at a pace that you are comfortable so that you can stop & see things along the way. Take photos. Hang out with the locals.
Nearly all the towns are good. Some have more night life than others.

Trip reports: Places to go & see on the Golden Triangle Loop.
A Top End Meander
Doi Pha Tang
The Big Dipper
Phu Chi Fah

Phu Chi Fah to Mae Hong Son

In Nan: The riding in Nan is so good you easily could spend 3 – 4 days there.

To fully understand the road network & how to get the best out of your trip use a GT Rider guide map.

Some waterfalls in the North.

The top roads in the North.​

Accommodation: you can check out the GT Rider Accommodation suggestions here

Food – where to eat: GTR has a list of recommended restaurants for every town.

Quieter favourite overnight towns
Doi Mae Salong
Thoed Thai
Chiang Khong
Phayao
Chiang Kham
also good are
Fang
Chiang Saen​

My favourite towns are the quieter ones for a better cultural experience.

Overnight towns with night life
Chiang Rai
Mae Sai
Phayao
Nan
Fang

Take a GT Rider Golden Golden Triangle guide map to understand the road network & all the options. With so many choices and options available it is important to know where you are in relation to all the towns and the distances involved.
​

Thoed Thai is my top out of the way place to go
Prince of Death Road Trip-Khun Sa Memorial
once you have over nighted here you can say you have spent a night in the heart of the Golden TRriangle.

A fun time on the road for Destination Thailand

 

[Territorian]

Hey David
Cheers for putting all this info together for us it's a huge help. Now the fun part putting our trip together.
Cheers Dave

 

[DavidFL]

Here's another one

3 Days/2 Nights Ride From Chiang Rai - Any Recommendations?