Multi-Day Dirt Bike Routes from Chiang Mai

Single-day rides from Chiang Mai are excellent. Multi-day routes are transformative. When you push beyond the 80km day-trip radius, Northern Thailand reveals a completely different character: remote mountain towns with no phone signal, Karen villages along the Salween River that see very few outsiders, dramatic river valley terrain, and the physical satisfaction of covering serious ground over multiple days.

This guide covers the main multi-day route options from Chiang Mai, what level of experience you need, logistics to plan around, and a sample 3-day itinerary.

Route Clusters Overview

Multi-day routes from Chiang Mai generally fall into three geographic clusters, each with distinct character:

• •North circuit (Chiang Dao, Wiang Pa Pao, Chiang Rai approaches) — 2-3 days, limestone karst, cooler highland terrain
• •Salween River corridor (Mae Sariang → Mae Sam Laep → Sob Moei → Tha Song Yang) — 3-4 days, the most remote and scenically dramatic terrain in Thailand
• •Southwest corridor (Doi Inthanon, Mae Chaem, Mae Sariang approaches) — 2-4 days, the most technical off-road terrain

The Salween River Corridor: Mae Sariang to Tha Song Yang (3–4 Days)

From Mae Sariang the route heads west along the Salween River — one of the great rivers of Southeast Asia and the natural border between Thailand and Myanmar. The road transitions from sealed to gravel as you push toward the river, passing through Karen villages with minimal outside contact and terrain that rewards riders prepared for remote conditions. A stop at Tha Ta Fang offers sweeping views over the river valley before the road drops to Mae Sam Laep directly on the Salween bank. From there the route follows the river north through Sob Moei and continues to Tha Song Yang in Tak province before looping back. Few riders do this stretch — which is exactly the point.

Day 1: Chiang Mai → Chom Thong → Mae Sariang

Depart early heading south on Route 108. The approach through Chom Thong and the southern flank of Doi Inthanon offers the first off-road sections through forest trails and village tracks. By afternoon you're descending into the Mae Chaem valley and pushing west toward Mae Sariang. The town sits in a wide river valley with a relaxed, unhurried atmosphere — excellent Karen food, comfortable guesthouses, and a sense that you've left the tourist trail behind. ~220km, 7–9 hours.

Day 2: Mae Sariang → Tha Ta Fang → Mae Sam Laep → Sob Moei

Head west from Mae Sariang toward the Salween. The road narrows and the sealed surface gives way to gravel as the valley closes in. Tha Ta Fang is a natural stop — a high viewpoint above the Salween with views stretching into Myanmar on the far bank. Descend to Mae Sam Laep, a small Karen river village where long-tail boats cross to Myanmar and the air is completely different to anything closer to Chiang Mai. Continue north along the river track to Sob Moei, where the Moei River joins the Salween. Overnight here or push on. ~80–100km of mixed terrain, plan for a full day.

Day 3: Sob Moei → Tha Song Yang → Return

Continue north to Tha Song Yang in Tak province — the terrain opens up slightly here and the riding is faster. The return route retraces part of the river corridor before picking up sealed roads east toward Mae Sariang or directly back toward Chiang Mai via Mae Chaem and Doi Inthanon. This leg offers a completely different perspective on the same landscape you rode through two days earlier.

Sample 3-Day Itinerary: Chiang Mai to the Salween River Corridor

Logistics: Planning Your Multi-Day Ride

Fuel

Fuel stations along the Salween corridor are sparse. Mae Sariang has a full PTT station — fill up completely before heading west. Between Mae Sariang and Tha Song Yang there are very limited fuel options; small roadside sellers exist in some villages but supply can't be guaranteed. Always fill at Mae Sariang and carry a backup 2L fuel bottle as standard on this route.

Accommodation

Mae Sariang has several guesthouses that cater to motorcyclists and is the most comfortable base for this route. Accommodation in Sob Moei and Tha Song Yang is basic — small local guesthouses only. Don't expect WiFi or hot water beyond Mae Sariang. Book Mae Sariang ahead during high season (November–February); further west you can generally just turn up.

Bike Preparation

• •Fresh oil change before departure
• •New or good tyre tread (tyres wear fast on rough terrain)
• •Chain cleaned, lubed, and at correct tension
• •Carry a basic tool kit: tyre levers, tube, puncture repair kit, chain links, zip ties
• •Phone holder and offline maps downloaded (Maps.me or GAIA GPS with Northern Thailand)
• •Contact/WhatsApp number of your rental shop for emergencies

Safety in Remote Areas

• •Never ride remote single-day sections alone — at minimum ride in pairs
• •Tell someone your planned route and expected return time
• •Mobile coverage is limited between towns — download offline maps before departure
• •River crossings: walk the crossing first, assess depth and current, never attempt in flood
• •Medical facilities: Chiang Mai Ram and McCormick Hospital are the nearest major hospitals — know the number (+66 53 920 300 for CM Ram Emergency)

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