Chiang Mai is an ideal city in which to base yourself for a week or more. Once you have explored the delights of the city you might think that it is time to head off elsewhere around the country, but, before you leave to visit Bangkok or one of the gorgeous islands in the south, make sure you do not miss the chance to explore Thailand’s stunning northern countryside and mountain landscapes. One of the best ways to do this is to head out into the mountains on a motorbike, giving you the freedom to explore the region at your own pace.

Samoeng Loop

If you only have time to do one motorbike tour around Chiang Mai then it has to be the Samoeng Loop, widely regarded as one of the best rides across northern Thailand. It is a 100km route from Chiang Mai’s old town that climbs through the mountainous Doi Suthep National Park that lies just to the west of the city. As soon as you get out of the city’s busy streets, you will marvel at the stunning vistas across forests and valleys. Throughout the route there are also plenty of spots boasting great views where you can enjoy a coffee or lunch, or even a cold refreshing beer if you’re not driving!

If you have the time you should pop into the Queen Sirikit Botanical Gardens to enjoy the beautifully maintained gardens and displays. It is a pleasant place to stroll around for a couple of hours to get a rest from all that riding! There are so many sights to visit along the route that it is impossible to stop at them all during just one trip. You’ll need to choose which places you want to stop at, adrenaline junkies will love X-Centre which offers extreme sports, whilst nature lovers will enjoy the more sedate Mae Sa Waterfalls.

The route takes at least two hours, but, of course, the best thing about the Samoeng Loop is taking your time and making frequent stops for the gorgeous photo opportunities and cozy cafes where you can admire the views while enjoying coffee and a slice of cake.

Chiang Mai to Pai

Another of the most popular routes is the famous road from Chiang Mai to Pai, a tranquil small town three or four hours from Chiang Mai. The town is surrounded by green valleys and cascading waterfalls. Although any trip to Pai will probably require an overnight stay, the drive itself is certainly worth it. It is a fairly challenging drive with close to 800 twists and turns as you wind through the mountains on the way to Pai.

Once you have arrived in this quaint small town, you will want to spend the rest of the day wandering through the laid-back streets before heading out into the surrounding countryside the following day. National Parks, waterfalls, canyons and tribal villages are all easily accessible by motorbike from Pai and it is well worth spending a day exploring the wider area. Mo Paeng Waterfall and Pai Canyon (pictured above) are the two sights here that are not to be missed and both are around a 30 minute drive from the town, but there are loads of hidden gems that you’ll stumble across when driving around the mountain roads.

Mae Hong Son Loop

For those with enough time in this region the very best way to discover the north of Thailand is to take on the challenge of the Mae Hong Son Loop, a huge 600km circuit that covers Chiang Mai, Doi Inthanon National Park, Mae Sariang, Mae Hong Son and Pai. It will take up to four days in total and, although not for the faint-hearted or inexperienced, if you can fit this trip into your Thailand itinerary it promises to be one of the highlights of your entire vacation.

The loop obviously boasts some of the most breathtaking views in the country, but there are also some great sights to take in as well, such as the country’s tallest mountain, unspoiled towns with unique charm such as Mae Sariang, caves and, of course, countless waterfalls and scenic viewpoints overlooking blankets of forests and plunging valleys far below.

Chiang Mai through Chiang Dao and Phrao

Another favourite ride with those in the know is the route from Chiang Mai passing through Chiang Dao and Phrao before heading back to Chiang Mai. Chiang Dao is a small town perched high in the hills and with the feel of a mountain retreat. It is possible to tackle this route in one day, although at around 200km, it could be a bit too much for some in a single ride. If possible, you are sure to get more out of the ride if you stay overnight somewhere, breaking up the journey, plus you will get the unmissable opportunity to witness the sunrise breaking over the mountains. Along the route you can also visit the Bua Tong Waterfalls (pictured above), famous for the sticky texture that allows you to walk up the falls (there is more about this crazy natural wonder here). But whether you experience this route spread out over a couple of days or you zoom along these mountain roads in one day while enjoying the incredible views and the wind blowing through your hair, it is guaranteed to be a rewarding ride.

It could be easy to spend weeks on end relaxing in Chiang Mai; whether you enjoy soaking up the local atmosphere or trying new foods there is plenty to keep you busy in the city. However, the best way to experience the real northern Thailand is to head out into the mountains and discover the region’s hidden gems and the most exciting way to do this is to jump on a motorbike and set off!