Siam Overland Tour

Eight nights in a loop from Chiang Mai, guided, 1,510 kilometres through the historic north, with a rest day at Sukhothai.

Sukhothai is the centrepiece. The thirteenth-century capital that preceded Siam is a world heritage site with its ruins spread over several square kilometres among trees and water, and a full rest day there is the right allocation: it is best seen slowly and by bicycle.

Mae Sariang opens the route, then Mae Sot on the Myanmar border, and Sukhothai on the plains. The return turns north east to Nan, a province that stayed effectively autonomous for centuries, on scenic highways with river crossings along the way. Bo Kluea follows, where salt has been drawn from inland wells for some eight hundred years, with the Phu Kha viewpoint above it, then Chiang Klang, the café on the 1148, which is a landmark among riders rather than a destination in itself, and Phayao before the final run home.

The motorcycle, the fuel, breakfast from the second day and lunch are included; the full inclusions are not itemised on the operator’s page and are worth confirming at booking. The price shown is for one rider. The cool dry season from November to February is the window, since the burning season in March and April fills the valleys with smoke. Nine days with a rest day in it covers both the history and the best of the eastern riding, which is a combination the shorter tours have to choose between. The 1,510 kilometres are spread over seven riding days, so the daily distances are substantial without being punishing.