The Best Motorcycle Road Trips in Vietnam and Thailand to Add to Your Bucket List
We’ve all seen pictures of those charming rice paddies, coffee, and tea plantations, temples, and pagodas in Southeast Asia. But nothing can prepare you for the exotic landscape, remote countryside, and rich culture that these lands have to offer.
Vietnam and Thailand are countries of superlative. Go beyond the tourist hubs and mingle with the locals and discover authentic Vietnam on two wheels. Considered one of the best motorcycle touring destinations in the world, Thailand is also referred to as the ‘Land of Smiles.’ The fishing villages, jungles, elephants, monkeys by the side of the road, and natural splendor truly make the country a motorcycle paradise.
If you are planning a motorcycle tour in this part of the world, then here are the best road trips in Vietnam and Thailand that every motorcycle enthusiast should take at least once in their life.
5. Saigon – Dalat – Nha Trang, Vietnam
- Best time: all year
- Distance: around 370 miles (600 km)
- Time: allow at least 4 days
The first section of the road takes riders from Ho Chi Minh to Mui Ne, a laid-back beach resort that has long been considered Vietnam’s answer to Hawaii. The beach at Mui Ne is quite popular among water sports lovers, as it is home to some of the best surfing in Vietnam, as well as world-class kitesurfing and windsurfing.
The road from Dalat to Nha Trang takes riders by farmlands, rolling hills, and mountain scenery, passing through the Long Lanh Pass before reaching Nha Trang.
4. The Ho Chi Minh Trail, Vietnam
- Best time: March to September
- Distance: 1,168 miles (1,880 km) from Hanoi to Saigon
- Time: around 2 weeks, but the trail can be split into smaller sections
Today, the Ho Chi Minh Trail takes riders through Vietnam’s lush countryside, by coffee plantations and iconic water buffaloes.
Most travelers prefer to start from Hanoi. The first section of the road will take you close to Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park, home to the world’s largest cave – San Doong.
Other must-see attractions on the road to Saigon are the historical cities of Hue and Hoi An, the Dau Mau Bridge, and Dalat and Ho Chi Minh cities.
3. Ha Giang – “The Road of Happiness”, Vietnam
- Best time: summer (June and July) and autumn (September to November)
- Distance: around 200 miles (330 km) for the round-trip
- Time: allow at least 3 days
The road will take you from Ha Giang to the Dong Van karst plateau geopark, passing by tall limestone walls, rice terraces, and local hill tribes. But the highlight of the trip is the section between Dong Van and Meo Vac, said to be the most beautiful road in Vietnam. This section will take you through the Ma Pi Lang Pass, offering numerous spectacular viewpoints along the way.
2. The Chiang Rai Loop, Thailand
- Best time: October to April
- Distance: around 350 miles (570 km)
- Time: allow at least 4 days
From Mae Sa, a lush countryside scenery will unravel before your eyes as you ride to Tha Ton, where the imposing Wat Tha Ton temple awaits visitors with stunning panoramic views of the lush countryside. While here, set some time aside to visit the long-necked Karen tribe village too.
The road will take you to Doi Mae Salong, where you can visit mountain tea farmers. Then, you will continue towards Mae Sai, the northernmost point of Thailand, and reach the Golden Triangle, where the three borders of Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand meet. If you like, to can hop on a long-tail boat and cross over to Laos, as no visa is required.
The road from the Golden Triangle to Chiang Rai is said to be one of the best in Thailand. In Chiang Rai, the Wat Rong Khun temple is the main tourist attraction, better known as the White Temple.
1. The Mae Hong Son Loop, Thailand
- Best time: October to April
- Distance: 420 miles (670 km)
- Time: allow at least 5 days
On your way to Mae Sariang, you will pass by the Doi Inthanon National Park, where you can make a detour and ride to the top of the highest summit in Thailand – the Doi Inthanon Mountain, part of the Himalayan mountain range. On the road to Pai, you can stop and visit caves or try the many exciting outdoor activities available, such as white water rafting.
If you are riding in Thailand for the first time, it is better to do the Mae Hong Son Loop in a clockwise direction and make your first stop at Mae Sariang. If you have an extra day or two to spend here, you can tackle one of the many gorgeous hikes near Mae Sariang.
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