Motorbike routes
Golden Triangle Loop
A multi-day motorbike adventure through northern Thailand, with mountain viewpoints, Mekong towns, and the borders with Laos and Myanmar.
Updated 19 October 2026
The Golden Triangle Loop is an amazing way to explore Northern Thailand by motorbike. The ride can take you over high mountain roads, past viewpoints and river towns, and along the borders with Laos and Myanmar. Give yourself several days to enjoy the stops: five to seven days works for a broader loop, but you can also ride a shorter version or make a longer journey of it.
See the route
Our variation starts in Chiang Mai, passes Mae Kampong and Phayao, then runs toward Chiang Khong on the Mekong. From there it goes through Chiang Saen and the Golden Triangle, Mae Sai, and Chiang Rai before returning to Chiang Mai. You can ride the loop in either direction, change the overnight stops, or extend it west through Mae Hong Son. The route is yours to shape.
Mae Sai and the northern border
Mae Sai is a busy, vibrant border town at Thailand’s northern edge. It is a memorable change of scene after the quieter mountain and river sections. Above town, Sky Walk Wat Phra That Doi Wao gives you a view across Mae Sai and into Myanmar.
Choosing a motorbike
The loop is possible on a 125cc bike, as many adventurous or budget-conscious riders know. For a multi-day mountain ride, though, we would choose at least 150cc for a little more power. A 300cc motorcycle or a touring bike around 450–600cc can be more comfortable, especially with luggage or a passenger. You do not need a huge engine; good brakes, suspension, tyres, and a bike you are comfortable riding matter just as much.
Most main roads are paved, but expect climbs, bends, and changing conditions in the mountains. The route has plenty of places to eat and stay, from simple guesthouses to more comfortable hotels, so you can arrange overnight stops around the places you most want to see. For a different long-distance ride west of Chiang Mai, see our Mae Hong Son Loop guide.
