Motorbike Touring Around Chiang Mai

Here's an idea for a quiet day trip by yourself or with a friend. Rent yourself a Honda scooter for the day and head for the canal road up near Chiang Mai University.

When you reach the canal (actually a concrete flood prevention measure) turn left and follow it. About 10 kilometers later you will come to a junction. Turning left takes you into the unspectacular town of Hang Dong.

Turning right, however, takes you into Road 1269, a well-paved two laner that takes you right into the hills and eventually toward Samoeng Valley - an un crowded 100 km cruise though mountain scenery with plenty of things to do along the way.

When I do the trip my first stop is usually the coffee cottage, exactly 12 kilometers from the canal road junction turn off. Their cozy wooden balcony extends out over the river and the iced coffee is the best in Chiang Mai.

One km further up the road is the little known Thardyoy Waterfall. Park the bike at the side of the road and take a stroll along the brook to the waterfall. Prepare to have the place to yourself on a weekday.

The loop road continues up and into the mountains, leaving the resorts and tourist distractions far behind. Notice how the houses get fewer, the trees bigger, and the air crisper the further you go.

This long winding stretch of mountain road is the back end of Doi Suthep / Doi Pui mountains. You won't see too many people around here.

Eventually you'll start to descend into the Samoeng Valley. When you hit a fork in the road your loop road changes number and becomes Road 1096.

You will need to follow the road with the new number to get to Chiang Mai.

Motorbike Tour to Samoeng Town
But wait, if you have time then continue down 1269 for about 5 clicks into Samoeng Town, where you can take a well-earned break at Suphanee's Restaurant. She does the best cashew chicken, garlic pork and cold beer I have ever tasted, and at unfairly low prices, I might add.

Suphanee's is at the town's main intersection, on the right hand side opposite the strawberry stands. There are some places to stay here and from the town of Samoeng you can take one of the many dirt trails into the unknown.

It's a great area to explore but keep in mind it is wilderness .. if you're not careful you might get lost! However, if you need to give that bike back before the shop shuts then head back the way you came and continue following the loop road.

Heading toward Mae Rim you'll soon come down into the Mae Sa Valley and start seeing restaurants and elephant camps and bungee jump signs. If you can, stop in at the Queen's Botanical Garden and you'll see some amazing trees. It's well worth the paltry entrance fee.

Eventually you will come out in the town of Mae Rim and find yourself at a busy highway junction. Civilization.

Turn right and you'll be back in Chiang Mai within 20 minutes.

Turn left and the rest of the unknown north awaits you.