Offroad riding in Northern Thailand

 

Using Chiang Mai as a base, Northern Thailand offers excellent off-road riding for riders of all abilities. Combine this with the great scenery, decent climate and huge variety of trails and it’s easy to see why so many riders choose to go off-road here.

The beautiful scenery includes Thailand highest mountains (Doi Inthanon being the highest at 2,565m), numerous waterfalls and the Hill tribe villages. Villages in the area include those of the Karen, Lhisu, Hmong and the “Long Necks”. In the more remote villages where traffic and farang are still an unusual site it is not uncommon for the majority of the village to come and have a look at these fair skinned people on motorbikes. Be prepared for lots of stares!

 

The roads/trails are extremely varied, for example very fast hardpack, loose and gravelly to large rock sections, thick jungle, many water crossings etc. Rides are generally arranged to last between 1-3 days, with overnight stays possible at various spots, the favourite being Pai, others being Lake Taeng (near the Thai/Myanmar border) and Mae Hong Son. There is still a huge variety within a days riding of Chiang Mai for those who are not so adventurous.

Gasoline and food are available at decent sized villages (you’ll be amazed where you can actually find gasoline available) though tours are obviously planned with this is mind.

 

Beginners should initially consider riding in the dry season (mid October-May) only as conditions are much easier to master. The dry season does bring with it dusty conditions particularly after a couple of months without rain.

The onset of the wet season (June- mid October) initially see’s the hardpack dirt roads turn extremely slippery, then later become badly rutted and often deep in mud. This time of year is best avoided by beginners as conditions can be treacherous and also very physically demanding.

 

A suitable helmet, goggles, boots, gloves should be considered essential and it would be helpful if you brought your own as it is difficult to obtain good quality off-road gear in Thailand. It is recommended that arm and knee protectors be worn also.

 

A few examples of 1-2 day off-road rides are:

Half - 1 Day: Doi Suthep Mountain, Chiang Mai – Doi Inthanon

2 Days:          Chaing Mai – Pai. Overnight in Pai, Pai – Wiang Haeng – Chiang Mai.

 

Although most trail bikes will be suitable, dedicated off-road bikes such as Honda’s XR 250 / Yamaha’s 225 Serow which are readily available in Chiang Mai will provide the most enjoyment.