THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE
THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE​
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This self-guided Thailand Motorcycle Tour gives you a great insight into the land of the Lana Kingdom – the “Kingdom of a Million Rice Fields”. The roads are mainly rural two lanes with a variety of surfaces and wind through areas of spectacular mountainous beauty. From Chiang Mai, the “Rose of the North” we ride to the remote province of Nan, which for centuries remained autonomous and cut off from the outside world. Take a look at the unique village of Bo Kluea with its Salt Wells. You will visit the city of Chiang Rai and the stunning artwork of the nearby White Temple – known as Wat Rong Khun. You will also go to rather more famous or infamous places like the Golden Triangle by the Mekong River, where Laos, Myanmar and Thailand meet and where in previous decades the opium poppy provided a living to many people until it was stopped in 1996 after the death of Khun Sa, a legendary drug lord. Experience the main border crossing between Thailand and Myanmar at Mae Sai and ride the spectacular road to Doi Tung and Mae Salong. Doi Angkhang with its scenic beauty. Between Mae Taeng and Mae Hong Son, there are 1,864 bends or twisties which gives everybody a great opportunity to improve their cornering skills whatever their level of expertise. Among the highlights of the trip, you can also visit the Long Neck Women of the Karen Tribe, famous for the brass rings that they wear around their necks. Before returning to Chiang Mai drive to the top of Thailand – the highest mountain in Thailand (Doi Inthanon), 2,565 meters.
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Distance: 1700 kilometers
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Duration: 12 days
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7 riding days
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1 rest day in Chiang Rai
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Level: Intermediate - Expert
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daily route: 180-300 kms
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Accomodation: hotels and resorts carefully selected
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Highlights: Mountains of Nan, Salt wells at Bo Kluea, Mekong River, Golden triangle, trip to Laos, Road of 1864 curves, Doi Inthanon Thailand highest mountain.
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ITINERAY OF THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE TOUR - TOTAL DISTANCE: 1700 kms
DAY 1: CHIANG MAI
Upon arrival at Chiang Mai airport, transfer to the hotel. After your installation, you will be invited to a welcome briefing, answer any questions you might have, followed by a common dinner. Overnight in Chiang Mai.
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DAY 2: CHIANG MAI TO NAN
Once on our motorcycles we quickly leave Chiang Mai behind and start our ride in an eastern direction towards Phayao. During most of the day, we cruise one hilly road, a great start to get familiar with riding in Thailand and your motorcycle. In Phayao we enjoy a nice lunch by the lake before we continue our journey towards Nan. The last part of the day we are crossing a mountain range enjoying the curves and the remote roads. There are plenty of villages and rice fields along the route. Dinner by the Nan River. Overnight in Nan.
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(300 km/186 miles) ​
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DAY 3: NAN TO BO KLUEA - NAN
Without any doubt, the road to Bo Kluea offers some of the best ridings in all of Thailand. Classic twisty roads with almost no traffic will make this day unforgettable riding experience. The tiny village of Bo Kluea is located in a scenic valley close to the Lao border - remote and picturesque. “Bo Kluea” means salt well as the village has raised around two natural saltwater wells which have been used for centuries. From here we cross over the mountain through Phu National Park. Enjoy the stunning scenery and empty roads. In the early afternoon, we are back in Nan to visit the most beautiful temple, Wat Phumin. The temple was built as if it were on the back of two immense snakes. We will spend the evening at an authentic local restaurant on the bank of the Nan River. Overnight in Nan.
(210 km/13O miles) ​
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DAY 4: NAN TO CHIANG RAI
We leave Nan and make our way through the hinterland on small back roads in a south-eastern direction. Passing through rice fields and fruit plantations and cruise through small farm villages. After a local lunch at a scenic restaurant, the ride becomes more and more spectacular. For the next hundred km or so we ride through countless bends through yet more beautiful landscapes. Just before reaching our hotel in Chiang Rai we will visit the remarkable Wat Rong Khun (White Temple) which is today recognized as one of the main attractions all over Thailand. Overnight in Chiang Rai.
(250 km/155 miles) ​
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DAY 5: CHIANG RAI - REST DAY
This is a rest day. Enjoy a healthy breakfast in the hotel and spend the day at the hotel pool or in a Spa. You may also take a walk exploring the town to visit some of the many markets and temples. A walk is likely needed after all the great riding hours. Overnight in Chiang Rai.
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DAY 6: CHIANG RAI TO THATON
From Chiang Rai, we make a short ride to the mighty Mekong River at the legendary Golden Triangle where the three borders of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos meet. We swap the motorcycles for a boat and explore the river region. Taking a short break in Laos (no visa needed, only bring your passport) before returning to our motorcycles.
From Mae Sai, we ride up the mountains to Doi Tung and Doi Mae Salong on yet more amazingly twisty mountainous roads. Doi Mae Salong is a Chinese settlement which was built by a division of the Chinese Nationalist Army that refused to surrender to Chinese communists after the Nationalist Kuomintang government was routed in 1949. Today the village still offers a native Chinese cuisine, lovely houses with flowers and countless tea plantations as far as the eyes can see.
The final part of today’s route will take us along gentle hills through rice paddies and farm villages. We follow the Kok River for a while before you turn left to your resort at Thaton. Enjoy a cold drink and stretch your legs by the pool. Overnight in Thaton.
(220 km/137 miles) ​
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DAY 7: THATON TO PAI
Another great riding day is ahead of you. From the resort ride couple of kilometres to enjoy the splendid view from Wat Thaton over the valley, Kok river and the vicinity. Make the effort and visit the Wat. (It’s well worth taking off your riding boots….)
From Wat Thaton, you follow the main road and have a coffee break at the Hua Luk Royal Project. Lunch can be held at The Nest Resort with a beautiful view at the Limestone Mountains in the back.
At Mae Tang turn right and cross the mountains to Pai. This is the beginning of the road to Mae Hong Son, famous for having 1864 bends of varying sharpness. Before we reach your hotel stop at an Elephant Camp near Pai. Once in Pai, enjoy the pool at the resort. After sunset stroll down along the walking street, taste food from the street food stalls or enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants.
Overnight in Pai.
(240 km/149 miles) ​
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DAY 8: PAI TO MAE HONG SON
Today is a very scenic riding day. Even if the distance is not that much, there are plenty of mountains and switchbacks to negotiate, don’t worry, you will need the full day.
This is also the second part of the road famous for its 1864 bends of varying sharpness. We pass two mountains with 2 great scenic View Points en route. The journey takes us through some beautiful mountainous scenery. Around mid-day arrive Ban Rak Thai where we have lunch in one of the local Chinese restaurants by the little lake. They serve delicious Chinese specialities. Ban Rak Thai means literally "the Thai-loving village", built around a lake on the Myanmar border. About 800, mainly Chinese settled here after the communist takeover of China and some of the buildings have a distinctively Chinese appearance.
Overnight in Mae Hong Son.
(180 km/112 miles) ​
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DAY 9: MAE HONG SON TO CHIANG MAI
In the morning we leave Mae Hong Son behind and ride to Khun Yuam. It is a great winding road with wide bends. In Khun Yuam we visit the local Museum. The Imperial Japanese Army troops were stationed in Khun Yuam during the construction of a highway intended to cross Burma to India. Tip:
From Khun Yuam we continue to Mae Chaem on great twisty back roads. Lunch at a little local restaurant. We continue up to the top of Doi Inthanon, which at 2,565 meters is the highest mountain in Thailand.
Next stop is the Wachiratharn Waterfall - an impressive and powerful 80 m high waterfall. From here we ride the last part of Doi Inthanon national park. Once down in the valley, we have another 50 km to Chiang Mai where we expect to arrive around 5 PM. Transfer to your hotel in Chiang Mai. Overnight in Chiang Mai.
(300 km/186 miles) ​
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DAY 10: FLIGHT TO KRABI
Flight to Krabi / Krabi
In the early morning, you fly to Krabi Province in the South of Thailand.
A van drops you at the hotel and you can enjoy the afternoon at the swimming pool and at the beach. Lunch and dinner are at the hotel.
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DAY 11: KRABI
Boat trip / Snorkeling
We go to different islands hopping and have a picnic on the beach. Swim with colorful fishes and other creatures of the sea.
Enjoy this memorable day.
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DAY 12: FLIGHT TO BANGKOK
Fly back to Bangkok
Appreciate this energizing day at the beach or at the swimming pool before you fly back to Bangkok.
Lunch is at the hotel.
In the evening, we fly back to Bangkok and we have dinner nearby the hotel.
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PRICES
Motorbike Group of 6 people Group of 10 people
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Honda cb500x 2560€â€‹/person 1920€/person
Kawasaki Versys 650
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Suzuki V-Strom 650
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WHAT'S INCLUDED
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- 9 overnights at carefully selected quality hotels and resorts with leisure facilities
Private double bedroom (king size bed). You do not need to share a room with someone else.
- 10 lunches, 9 dinners, breakfast every day
- Water, soft drinks and coffee/tea in connection with the meals
- Motorcycle rental with unlimited mileage
- Third party liability insurance for motorcycles
- Full First Class Comprehensive insurance for motorcycles with deductible of up to 25,000 THB in case of damage
- Pick up service from Chiang Mai Airport
- English speaking professional Road Captain with TAT license (Tourism Authority of Thailand) on a motorcycle leading the group
- Support van for luggage transportation, drinks, and space for a few guests on entire tour upon prior request
- All entrance fees to National Parks and Historic Sites
- Riding gear (Helmets, Jackets, Gloves, Knee Guards)
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WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
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- Alcoholic beverages
- Travel insurance (cover against cancellation costs, medical expenses, including repatriation, in the event of accident or illness). We highly recommend you arrange an appropriate insurance in your home country
Airfare
- Visa fee
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