Thailand Motorcycle Tour - Golden Triangle Loop TB02
7 Days From £980 (1,489 USD)
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The Golden Triangle Loop is Scenic Riding Heaven as we motorcycle through some amazing countryside, through the lakes and mountain roads following the borders of Myanmar and Laos. For full no obligation pricing options and operator contact details please enquire: 
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This is a less arduous route than others that we offer and ideal for those who'd prefer a little less riding midweek, this route still takes you on an amazing journey into Myanmar and Laos, plus an overnight stay at the infamous Golden Triangle itself.
This is a Monday to Friday 'on the road' bike tour with additional sight-seeing and activities etc, dependant upon how many days you stay to fill your holiday dates.
Overview: Golden Triangle Loop; Chiang Mai, Tha ton, Mae Sai, Golden Triangle, visiting Myanmar & Laos, Chiang Rai.
This tour also includes many attractions to see en route, national parks, waterfalls, hot springs, gardens, the mighty Mekong river, lakes, mountains, temples, The Three Tribes Village (Eghor, Karin longnecks and Musoe), the largest cave system in Thailand, the famous Golden Triangle (where Thailand, Myanmar and Laos converge) including short visits to these countries, along with lots more (elephant rides, boat trips, etc).
Description
Notes
- Two riders minimum booking.
- Prices are based on two sharing a room otherwise our SBS (single booking supplement) applies.
- Also available is our CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) at 1,000b/tour to cover any possible mishaps that might occur above normal wear & tear.
- We can take up to 8 riders in a mixed group, but have taken 15 in a single party before.
- We also run ‘Specialist Tours’ outside our usual dates for parties of 5 and over.
Included
- Motorcycles (including all fuels/oils/reasonable running and servicing costs)
- Hotels/resorts and half-board (breakfast and evening meal)
- Support vehicle(s) for luggage etc.
- Drinks/iced towels etc from that vehicle (also available for the secure storage of valuables through the day)
- Entrance fees to parks & attractions
- Airport transfers
- Taxi/Tuk-Tuk fares when out with the group
- Also supplied FOC are creams/balms/light medication (such as Nurofen/Imodium) should they be required while out on the road.
Excluded
- Flights
- Lunches
- Drinks not from our support vehicles
- Souvenirs.
Please Bring
Riders/pillions are required to bring their own riding gear (Helmets/gloves/boots/armour), provide their own travel insurance covering them for riding the machines chosen, national and international driving permits for the same and notify us of any existing medical conditions, or dietary needs etc.
For more information on this and the other tours we offer, please submit an enquiry.
We offer discounts for groups of four and more
Itinerary
| Arrival | |
| Day Ride, Assessment and settling in. | |
| 245km, Elephant camp, exploring the largest cave system in Thailand. - we have to be out of the city bright and early before rush hour. You’re new to driving styles here and way too easy for the group to become fragmented. Stop for fuel at the first gas station on the left, regroup, make our way through the traffic keeping ourselves very tightly knit as a group, 30min later we’re on the motorway heading north enjoying light traffic and the absolute pleasure it is just to ride in Thailand! Stop at a viewpoint that simply mustn’t be missed. Golden Triangle Loop, Viewpoint From here we venture onwards to the largest cave system in Thailand. Golden Triangle Loop, Cave Entrance Two possible routes through the caves, an easy concreted walkway, or explore far deeper into the system with the aid of a guide and paraffin lamp. Even after going through here any number of times I still wouldn't attempt it without the guide, it's labyrinthine! Fairly easy going this, with a couple of tight spots to squeeze through, although our oldest guest (at 79) managed it with very little trouble. Golden Triangle Loop, Navigating the Caves If you choose the short route can always feed the fish for a little while; Golden Triangle Loop, fish The camp and caves soak up a great deal of time so we lunch here, still plenty of K’s to cover today! Golden Triangle Loop, Lunch As with Tour A lunch is usually a fairly simple affair, we recommend ordering meals that are easy for the kitchen to cook in bulk, such as Phad Thai (Thai fried noodles with either chicken, pork or shrimp), Cow Phad (Fried rice with the same options), especially with large groups, staple lunchtime fayre, no spices whatsoever unless you decide to add them yourself from the condiments provided. Once leaving the caves we hang a left, leave the main tourist route and the adventure really begins! Almost zero traffic, wonderful well-paved roads, dotted with tiny villages, smiling waving villagers, this is the life, we’re out in the sticks, the real Thailand where most just don’t manage to make it, no way you’ll get a tour bus around here. We then stop at a hot spring, sit and soak lunch away for a little while, then on to splash around in the waterfalls only 500m up the road and cool down a little. Dry off, quick change and on to some serious riding with a quick stop for fuel, new experience for most out here in the sticks. Golden Triangle Loop, Fuel An hour up the way at an elephant training centre. Golden Triangle Loop, Elephants They teach the elephants how to work in the jungle and demonstrate their abilities here at the camp. Begins by the Mahouts giving them a bath, then on to the show ground. This is where local knowledge comes in very handy, we’ll ensure the best seats in the house. Accommodation for the night is a Swiss-style villa set on the riverbanks, view of the 7-temples hillside, have a seat by the river as the sun sets chewing the fat over the day’s events. View of hotel and town from above. Golden Triangle Loop, Swiss style villa Heading out up the river to see a cracking chap for the evening meal, English couple moved here many years ago, the food is incredible, good English fayre if you choose, Thai food cooked exactly to your liking, even set dinners for one or two people so you can sample a variety of dishes. | |
| 167km; Boat ride, 7-temples hillside, Chinese village, optional palace and gardens trip. - We can relax today, not much mileage, lie in a little, breakfast, and then jump into the service vehicles for a look around the 7 temples hillside and some great views. Golden Triangle Loop, Burma Return to the hotel where we’ve arranged a longtail boat ride for you. Golden Triangle Loop, Boat Ride We’ll have loaded your luggage by the time you return, then a short hop to a working Akha village, spend a while having a good look round at how these people really live, blacksmith, school (we always take the kids pens/paper, plenty of packets of crisps & dried noodles), demonstrations of the traps and snares they use to catch wild pigs and suchlike. They have a demonstration house but the village chief we deal with is good enough to show us around his own house. Golden Triangle Loop, Village On the way into the village we always ask our guests to stop a moment and read the rules, these are simple folk steeped in folklore and superstition; we’ve had more than one idiot lean against the village gate for a photo before we could catch him. A complete no-no! These people treat us very generously indeed considering they’re basically refugees with no Thai citizenship, always a cup of tea for us after the village tour, whichever fruit’s in season freely available, even fed us in the past when somebody’s expressed an interest in something being prepared, nothing too much trouble, miraculously another pot will arrive, start preparing another batch especially for us with a little less spice for our sensitive palates! Incredibly proud of their culture and lifestyle, I’ve so much time and respect for them. Golden Triangle Loop, Satellite dish Satellite dish? Nah, that’s one of those newfangled chilli dryers innit?? From here we’re not too far from tonight’s resort, quick pit-stop in the village of Mae Salong, originally refugees fleeing China and Chairman Mao, very interesting indeed to suddenly experience the change in both architecture and faces from Thai to Chinese. This is honestly my second favourite stretch of road in Thailand (favourite just has to be Doi Inthanon), the twisties are out of this world and also as you round the mountainsides you’ve a clear view and can plan the next few bends ahead, pipes howling off the sheer granite faces. Can’t resist stopping here, firstly for a breather after the last few miles’ excitement but also to stock up on loads of little bits and bobs I’ve learned to appreciate since arriving. Real Chinese tea for example. Golden Triangle Loop, Chinese Gardens We get to the resort, absolutely beautiful place set in stunning gardens cut into the mountainside with views across the valley you simply would not believe, often little specks working away in the distance picking tea, baskets on their backs, like something out of a PG Tips advert! Golden Triangle Loop, Chalets We lunch in the resort’s restaurant, overlooking the valley. In the afternoon the choice is yours, chill by the pool for a few hours or head on another 50km to view the King’s summer palace and Queen’s gardens. Another fantastic road this, only a short hop but always takes upwards of an hour, see the hairpins on the opposing cliff face and simply start grinning from ear to ear! Golden Triangle Loop, Chinese Meal Once again in the evening we head into town for a meal, you are here to see the country after all, not simply hop from hotel to hotel. Chance to sample some authentic Chinese food from the Yunnan province. Nothing like the strangled, tamed, westernised food you’re used to, and absolutely delicious. | |
| 152km; Trip to Myanmar, visit the Golden triangle, souped-up longtail speedboat to Laos. - Sunrise at the resort can often be quite pleasant; Golden Triangle Loop, Sunrise Today we need to breakfast early as we’ve an awful lot to get in. Firstly down from the mountains, steady away as this stretch of road can be fairly slick first thing in the morning. Dries up nicely as soon as we drop below the clouds, last of the twisties for a little while though I’m sorry to say. We need to rejoin the motorway to Mae sai for your excursion into Myanmar. We’re not allowed to take the bikes over so park them about 100m from the border and cross on foot. Completely different atmosphere there, 20 feet over the river but can really feel you’re in a different country. A little paperwork to complete but not bad, they do most of it for you, take your picture with a webcam and you’re in. Golden Triangle Loop, Tuk-tuk They will take your passport, this is absolutely nothing to worry about, you’ll get a receipt and it’s returned as you cross back into Thailand. Once back a short hop to a Thai/Laos/Myanmar buffet lunch, all you can eat. Stuffed, head just another Km to the night’s resort; get that heavy biking clobber off. Golden Triangle Loop, Longtail We’re now at the point of the infamous Golden Triangle, so a bit of touristy stuff’s essential! Visit the Opium museum, then off over to Laos and have a look around there for a while. Golden Triangle Loop, Laos Craftsmanship’s quite different to Thai on their souvenirs. Just as the day’s dying we’ll have a look around The Golden Triangle itself, plenty to see before returning to the resort. Golden Traingle Loop Boat Quick wash and brush up at the resort, centrally located so we can actually stretch our legs a little for a change! Into town, the usual high standards of Thai food you’ve come to expect by now, and with a view like this from the restaurant. Golden Triangle Loop, Sunset Only a small town, not a great deal of nightlife here so usually just straight back to the resort for a night-cap, you’ve a hard day tomorrow! | |
| 250-350km, dependant; Opium museum, temple ruins, the tulip fields when in season. - Anywhere between 250-350Km to cover today, depending on which route the group’s decided to take. Had a few complaints of sore bums occasionally, but this is without doubt my favourite day of all. Tuesday & Wednesday were short riding days and now I’m itching to get back in the saddle. The roads and bends are tightening up again, got some excellent riding ahead! Golden Triangle Loop, good roads After breakfast we’ll just nip 500m back into town for a viewpoint that can only be truly appreciated first thing as the mists lie between the banks of the mighty Mekong. Golden Triangle Loop, Golden Triangle Viewpoint We then follow the river for quite a way before peeling off and heading for the hills. Unlike anywhere else I’ve been in Thailand the scenery seems to unfold before you presenting a magnificent vista at the crest of every rise. Breathtaking. Stop for a coffee where we rejoin the Mekong for a while. Golden Triangle Loop, Viewpoint Heading back up into the mountains the roads just seem to be getting better & better! Few really interesting sections where the road washed away in the past and they’ve built wooden spar-style bridges across the gap. Just need to be confident over these, nothing to do with being a good rider, the wheel tracks are a comfortable 2’6” wide, piece of cake to make it over as long as you look straight ahead and not at your front wheel. We’re all at the far end taking pictures anyway so should you have any trouble we’re all there to make fun of you! Did I say that? Sorry, meant to offer you assistance if necessary! Golden Triangle Loop, Lunch Stop for lunch (another place we must pre-book, tiny kitchen and simply couldn’t cope otherwise!) at a really rustic restaurant. Again another of those little ‘finds’, have to remember the marker post number myself to avoid sailing on by. Great guy, doesn’t speak a word of English but built his own dirtbike, few of them in a club tearing up the local mountains. This is/was basically one of the local step-through scooters! Golden Triangle Loop, Moto-X Scooter Onwards and upwards, through a National Park where we have an afternoon coffee, then drop back down back into Chiang Rai and civilisation again at last!! As we’ve pretty much acclimatised you to Thailand and her ways by now, time to throw you in at the deep end. They’ve this wonderful night market and bazaar in Chiang rai, have a look around then off for some real market food. Not normally recommended in Thailand, but hygiene standards here are pretty strict with it being such a major tourist area. At last you can get in and experience a night out as the Thais do themselves. A stage at the far end provides the evening’s entertainment, live bands, Thai dancers etc. Golden Triangle Plenty of nightlife later for those who’ve been missing it a little out in the wilds! | |
| 273km; Waterfalls, hot springs, astonishing views on the return to Chiang mai. - Last day, heading back to Chiang mai and a few choices today depending on how everybody’s feeling. The odd few feel a little beat after a week on the road; we like to offer as many options as possible all the way through the tour. Golden Triangle Loop First absolutely 'must see' is an incredible temple just south of the city. The architect is privately funding this venture, still under construction in places but certainly not to be missed. There’s a waterfall we can visit, must be over 100m high. However it’s a good kilometre walk from the parking area. Well worth it if you can be bothered, also bat caves and nature trail on the return. Golden Triangle Loop, Waterfall Then we’re on to the main Chiang rai-Chiang mai highway, three lanes, two uphill and one down, fabulous stretch of road, all long, sweeping bends. We stop for lunch along here, three storey restaurant built around a huge tree. Another option is to stop for lunch at a hot-spring and market, can even boil your eggs in there! Golden Triangle Loop, Geyser Alternatively , and this takes a great deal more time, we can head for San Kampaeng hot springs and geyser for the remainder of the afternoon. Lunch there, walk around the gardens, see the geyser, spend a while in the swimming pool fed from the hot-springs, foot massage for an hour or so - you wouldn’t believe just how relaxing a foot massage can be after a week on the road, iron out all the creases! If you wish San Kampaeng could instead be visited as part of a day ride. Golden Triangle Loop, Foot Massage Fully rested and relaxed I’m afraid to say it’s now time to return you to Chiang mai and the rat race. The one major advantage of getting back to the city is tonight we dine in whichever style you prefer. Italian, Mexican, Texan, French? Your choice. We’ve shown you around for a week or two, personal experience here allowing us to take you deeper into the country and culture than you’d ever have believed possible. We specialise in taking the time to find small, family run places where we get excellent treatment. You could be anywhere in the world inside a Travelodge room, we believe you’re here to actually experience this wonderful country, not just take a peek from the safety of your bus window! All this but with quality hotels and resorts, we’d never allow you to sleep in some 200baht/night back-packer’s guesthouse! |
