Make Life a Ride: Lanna Kingdom

Ten nights in a loop from Chiang Mai, guided, 2,008 kilometres across the old Lanna kingdom of northern Thailand.

Two thousand kilometres is the longest route the operator runs out of Chiang Mai, and it takes in both halves of the north: the Nan country in the east, which almost no tours reach, and the famous loops in the west.

Phayao and Nan open it, then Bo Kluea, a mountain village where salt has been drawn from inland wells for some eight hundred years, and the Doi Phukha road, which is the Nan Loop and among the best riding in the country. Phu Langka and Phu Chi Fa follow on the Laos border, then Chiang Khong on the Mekong, the Golden Triangle where three countries meet, and a rest day at Chiang Rai for the White Temple. Chiang Dao, Mae Taeng and Pai come next, then Mae Hong Son on the famous curves, Mae Sariang, and Doi Inthanon, the highest point in Thailand, on the way back.

The choice of motorcycle with three base models included and upgrades available, GPS and riding gear are included; the full inclusions are not itemised on the operator’s page and are worth confirming at booking. The operator is the official BMW Motorrad partner in Thailand. 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 and the wet brings landslips to the hill roads.