MAE HONG SON + GOLDEN TRIANGLE
The roads we completed
The route joined some of Northern Thailand’s best-known motorcycle roads with mountain scenery, sweeping bends and plenty of reasons to stop.
- Mae Hong Son Loop
- Golden Triangle Circuit
- Northernmost Point of Thailand at Mae Sai
- Phu Chi Fa mountain region
- Doi Inthanon climb
WHERE WE STAYED
Accommodation and group rhythm
Accommodation was very good overall. De Lanna Hotel in Chiang Mai was an excellent staging base: its garden and pool created a natural gathering place where riders could relax and talk through the day.
- De Lanna Hotel — Chiang Mai
- Riverhouse Resort — Mae Sariang
- Imperial Mae Hong Son Resort — Mae Hong Son
- Cave Lodge — Soppong
- Yoma Hotel — Pai
- Hotel Selene — Chiang Rai
- Gateway Hotel — Phayao
- POR Thapae Gate — Chiang Mai
A couple of pools were not operating during the stay. POR Thapae Gate was an excellent finish hotel, although its limited outdoor communal space makes it better suited to the end of a ride. In Mae Hong Son, a future group may prefer to stay closer to town.
WEATHER + CONDITIONS
One proper rain day
Conditions were generally excellent. The only significant rain came between Mae Sariang and Mae Hong Son. Doi Inthanon brought the trip’s noticeably cooler temperatures.
The lesson was simple: even on a largely dry northern ride, the mountain forecast deserves respect.
BIKES + LUGGAGE
The CB500X was the right tool
Mr Mechanic in Chiang Mai proved to be the right rental choice: competitive pricing, excellent service and Honda CB500X motorcycles that suited the roads extremely well. Riders Corner did not respond to the quote request and Pops Big Bike was more expensive.
Each bike had a top box, phone holder and USB charger. The group’s 40-litre and 20-litre duffle combination was simple and effective: the larger bag carried main gear, the smaller bag handled secondary items and the top box kept quick-access gear close.
Chiang Mai was also well supplied for motorcycle gear. Replacement gloves and a lightweight mesh jacket were easily sourced, so riders do not necessarily need to bring every item from home.
PLANNING + MONEY
Small systems worked
Staged payments into a shared group account avoided one large pre-departure bill, while Splitwise worked well for expenses on the road.
Daily ride briefs included the route, map links, key stops, fuel points and destination. Everyone began each day knowing the plan.
NAVIGATION + CONNECTIVITY
Simple won
A paid navigation app was trialled but did not work effectively for the group. Riders returned to Google Maps, which was simple and reliable.
Nomad eSIMs performed well. One small but important lesson: activate credit cards for overseas use before leaving Australia.
COMMS + EQUIPMENT
What we will change next time
The EJEAS Q7 intercoms worked best with line of sight. Their practical range was closer to 500 metres than the advertised 800 metres, and mountain terrain interrupted the signal. With eight riders, lead-to-sweep separation sometimes exceeded that range.
- Trial a third intercom rider in the middle of the group
- Find a secure mounting solution for thermal cups
- Leave the little-used micro travel towels at home
- Use moisture-wicking fabric for future trip shirts
THE ROUTE
The overall structure was right
The tour length worked well. Two nights in Pai were particularly successful, giving riders time to explore and recover. The main route adjustment for a future ride would be the first day north of Chiang Mai, where unexpected roadworks slowed progress.
THE PEOPLE
Traditions made it ours
The Travellers Arms became the Chiang Mai social hub for rugby, drinks and post-ride stories. Each day also had a Ride Sheriff, keeping the ROAMERS traditions light-hearted. The banner strengthened the group identity and will be carried more often on future rides.
MEMORABLE MOMENTS
The bits we will still talk about
- 01Riding the Mae Hong Son Loop
- 02Visiting Ban Rak Thai
- 03Crossing briefly into Laos near the Golden Triangle
- 04Two nights exploring Pai
- 05Discovering the Phayao lakeside food festival
- 06Watching rugby at Travellers Arms
- 07The unforgettable pink-poncho rain ride
ADVICE FOR RIDERS
What Northern Thailand taught us
- Use realistic daily ride briefs with fuel and regroup points
- Google Maps is a dependable shared baseline
- Local eSIMs and motorcycle gear are easy to arrange
- Spread group payments before departure
- Build in recovery time—two nights in Pai worked
- Carry wet-weather gear even when the forecast looks settled
FINAL REFLECTION
Great roads.
Great mates.
Great memories.
The Northern Thailand Ride delivered everything a ROAMERS adventure should. It also laid a practical foundation for the rides that follow—better communications, proven daily briefings and a clearer sense of what makes a group trip work.
Northern Thailand mountain roads, a dedicated Laos day ride and a journey south to Thailand’s tropical coasts and islands.
Explore the next expedition