About this tour
When Ben from our BugBitten team signed up for this 20-day Thailand motorcycle tour, he was after proper road riding—not a gentle spin. The route threads north to south across Thailand, starting in Chiang Mai's mountains (think Doi Inthanon and the famous Mae Hong Son loop), cutting through cultural stops like Karen villages and Sukhothai's historical parks, then dropping down to beach riding around Krabi and Phuket. It's a full itinerary that mixes elevation gain, cultural encounters, and coastal cruising with a licensed guide, support van, and all meals sorted. Pitched at riders comfortable on a bike for hours at a stretch.
Highlights
- Mountain passes like R1148 deliver genuinely engaging road surfaces, not tourist-trap loops
- Mae Hong Son's switchbacks tested Ben's throttle control and rewarded it properly
- Erawan National Park detour breaks riding fatigue with waterfall swimming and green space
- Karen village visit felt less theatrical than expected; real households, genuine conversation
- Kanchanaburi's River Kwai Bridge carries historical weight alongside the riding achievement
- Island-hopping legs around Krabi shift scenery entirely; coastal roads are properly scenic
- Support van means luggage doesn't pile on the bike; Ben travelled light and rode better
- 19 nights in solid mid-range hotels—no budget dives, proper beds after long days
What to expect
This isn't a cruise; it's structured riding days mixed with cultural stops. Ben covered serious kilometres—expect 200–300km riding days through the northern hills, then shorter hops once you hit the flatter central and southern regions. Early mornings are standard (7–8am starts), and the pace assumes you're confident on a motorcycle for 6–7 hours at a stretch. The Road Captain leads on bike, sets the tempo, and knows the roads; the support van trails behind with your gear and a safety net.
The first week focuses on northern elevation: tight hairpins, lush scenery, occasional wildlife sightings (monkeys, the odd water buffalo). Second week mellows into historical temple parks and flatter riding toward Kanchanaburi. The final stretch is beach and island roads—warmer, shorter daily distances, more downtime for swimming and local food. You'll eat breakfast before departing, lunch at a stop midway (included restaurant, decent quality), and dinner with the group in the evening. Nightlife in Hua Hin and Phuket is mentioned but optional; most riders are knackered by dark.
What travellers say
- Authentic road variety: mountains, flats, coastal—genuine riding challenge across regions
- Licensed Road Captain handles navigation and safety; you focus on riding and scenery
- Comprehensive insurance and support van reduce anxiety about breakdowns or accidents
- Meals and accommodation pre-sorted; no daily logistics stress between riding blocks
- Cultural depth beyond bikes: temples, villages, historical sites woven into route
- Suitable for intermediate–experienced riders; not a beginner park-and-ride
- 20-day commitment is a big ask for most Australian work schedules and budgets
- Daily riding distances demand genuine saddle time; expect fatigue by week two
- Northern roads can be rough; stunning views don't guarantee smooth tarmac
- No alcohol included; evening social atmosphere may differ from casual tour groups
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
All-inclusive model removes logistical headaches—bike rental, fuel, meals, insurance, airport pickup. Riding gears supplied (helmets, jackets, gloves, knee guards), so you're not scrambling to hire protective kit separately. The Road Captain has a TAT license and speaks English; he's not just a pace-setter but a guide who understands road conditions and cultural context. Ben valued the support van; it means you ride unencumbered and have a fallback if you're fatigued. Insurance is solid (up to 3,000 USD accident cover, 30,000 USD life insurance, third-party liability). The itinerary genuinely mixes riding with culture—Karen villages, Sukhothai parks, historical sites—so it's not just throttle worship. Suits riders of mixed fitness levels as long as you're comfortable on a bike; not a beginner's tour, but intermediate to experienced riders will thrive.
20 days is a commitment; most people can't just vanish that long. Daily riding varies (some days are 6–7 hours in saddle), which tires your back and backside—bring padding and fitness. Northern roads can be rough or potholed outside main highways; the scenery is spectacular but the surface isn't always silky. Thailand's heat and humidity are relentless, especially the southern coast; sunburn and dehydration are real risks. The tour doesn't include alcohol, which is fine for focused riders but worth knowing if you're expecting evening beers. Pregnant travellers, those with spinal injuries, or poor cardiovascular health are advised against this; it's genuinely physical. Peak season (Nov–Feb) means more riders on the same roads; shoulder seasons offer quieter routes but heat is fiercer. No visa fee included, so factor Thai entry requirements into planning. Phuket and Hua Hin do cater to tourist crowds; if you're after solitude, early morning rides are your best bet.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.