Thailand’s mountain roads offer some of the most scenic and rewarding rides in Southeast Asia. From misty switchbacks in Mae Hong Son to steep climbs up Doi Inthanon, riding in the hills gives you cool air, stunning views, and a sense of freedom that reminds us why we are riders.
But mountain riding is not the same as cruising down the coast or around the city. It requires different skills, more awareness, and a bike that can handle the strain. This guide shares practical tips and insights learned from real riding experience, not often found in the travel brochures.
Plan Ahead and Stay Flexible
Weather in the mountains and tropics changes fast. It might be clear and warm when you leave, but fog, drizzle or strong winds can hit without much warning. Check the forecast, but don’t rely on it completely. Keep an eye on cloud build-up, drops in temperature, and road conditions as you ride. If you start to feel the weather changing it might be a good idea to plan for a stop.
Allow extra time when planning, traveling on mountain roads are slower than you often expect, and you may come across police checkpoints, roadwork, or even small landslides after rain that can easily delay you. If its starting to plan out as more than 6 hours riding a day, add the extra night to make the ride more comfortable and avoid riding at night.
Another important consideration is if you are planning to ride through national parks or border provinces, carry your ID and keep some cash in case of entry fees or emergency fuel stops.
The main riding season in Northern Thailand and best time to visit Chiang Mai is between November and early February, when the weather is cool, dry, and clear,
Know Your Bike’s Limits
Small scooters like the Honda Click or Yamaha Fino are common rentals in Thailand. They are easy to ride and cheap to rent for around town, but they are not designed for long climbs or steep terrain. For example, the road up to Doi Inthanon is often too steep for underpowered 125cc scooters, especially with a passenger or loaded bags.
Scooters also often use a CVT (automatic) gearbox. These gearboxes can overheat on long uphill rides, especially if you don’t stop and let the bike cool down, leading to the rubber drive belt within the gearbox snapping. If riding a scooter in the mountains, plan to take a proper rest every hour. Park in the shade, turn the engine off, and let everything cool down.
Another important point is that scooters do not have engine braking. That means when you go downhill, the brakes do all the work compared to a regular motorcycle where you can kick it down a gear. If you ride the brakes the whole way, they will overheat and start to fade leading to brake failure. If you notice a burning smell or the brakes feeling soft or spongy, pull over immediately and wait for them to cool. Do not put water on the brake disk rotor as it may warp and be damaged.
If you are planning a mountain trip and have riding experience, consider renting proper manual motorcycle (big bike) instead. Larger bikes like the Kawasaki Versys or CB500X give you better control, have proper tyres, ground clearance, stronger disk brakes, and engine braking to help on steep descents. We have limited supply of Big Bikes, but recommend Pop Big Bike Rental in Chiang Mai who have a significant number of larger well maintained touring bikes for rent.
Understand Local Driving Habits
Even if you’re confident on the road, local habits can catch you off guard. In mountain areas, it’s common for Thai drivers to cut corners, especially around blind bends. Trucks and pickups often swing into the opposite lane to keep momentum, and you can’t count on drivers staying inside their lane.
To stay safe:
- Approach blind corners slowly and stick to the outer line of your lane
- Always assume someone could be coming the other way in your lane.
- Give a short beep before sharp turns to warn others of your presence
- Expect to meet a vehicle head-on in the wrong lane at least once per trip
Also be cautious around tour vans and minivans. These drivers are often on tight schedules and frequently take extreme risks on corners or overtakes. Give them space, don’t try to race them, and expect sudden overtakes in places you would not expect them.
Ride Smooth, within your Limits and Stay in Control
Mountain riding rewards smooth, steady control. Avoid sudden inputs. Brake early before corners, roll on the throttle gently, and shift your weight naturally into turns.
If you are riding a manual bike, use engine braking to manage your speed on long downhill stretches. Shift down and let the engine help you slow, rather than holding the brake the entire time.
On scooters, be extra careful going downhill. Tap the brakes gently, alternating between front and rear if possible. Avoid long, continuous braking which leads to fade and loss of control. Take breaks as needed and don’t push your luck on steep sections.
There is no need to set any speed records on the road or test the limits of your skills. Ride comfortably and enjoy the ride.
Dress for the Weather
Temperatures drop quickly in the mountains. A warm day at the base of the hill can turn cold and damp higher up. In the cool season, it can be below 15°C in the early morning, especially in areas above 1,000 metres.
Bring an extra layer like a windbreaker or light thermal. Waterproof gear is also important, even if rain is not in the forecast. Mist, fog, and cloud cover can leave you soaked in minutes.
Use a helmet with a clear visor that seals well. If your visor fogs up easily, apply anti-fog spray or use an insert if your helmet supports one. Bringing your own quality helmet is often a good idea as the availability of high end helmets is limited limited.
Expect Hazards on the Road
Thailand’s mountain roads often come with surprises:
- Gravel and loose stones on corners
- Washed-out edges or potholes after rain
- Fallen branches or trees after storms
- Dogs, goats, buffalo and even elephants wandering across the road
- Oil patches or moss in shaded, damp areas
Take a defensive approach. Always assume the next corner could be hiding something, and give yourself enough space and time to respond!
Stop Frequently
Mountain riding is more physically and mentally demanding than highway riding. Between the tight turns, the changing elevation, and the focus required, your body and your bike both need regular breaks.
Plan to stop every 45 minutes to an hour. Use the break to drink water, stretch, check your bike and enjoy the scenery. If you are on a scooter, this is a good time to rest the CVT and let your brakes cool down.
Prepare for the Unexpected
Sadly riding Thai roads are not always without incident.
Mobile signal in the mountains can be unreliable. Download maps offline, carry a power bank, and tell someone your route if you are riding solo. Bring a copy of your ID’s (passport, rental contract, health insurance) just in case it is needed and if something feels wrong with your bike, you feel unwell or the weather turns dangerous, turn back or wait it out.
Pre-Ride Mountain Checklist
Before you take on any steep Thai mountain roads, give your bike a proper once-over. It’s easy to overlook small issues that can become big problems on the hills. Here’s a quick checklist to run through before heading out:
Tyres
- Check pressure when tyres are cold. Mountain roads are demanding on tyres.
- Look for uneven wear, cracks, or low tread.
- Make sure the rear tyre isn’t squared off too much.
- Check how old the tyre is and what brand, if the tyre is not tacky to the fingernail or of a unknown brand, do not put any trust into the performance of it.
Brakes
- Squeeze the levers and feel for bite. If it feels spongy and vague or the braking performance is poor, don’t risk it.
- Check the pads have plenty of life left and rotors are in good condition.
- Make sure fluid levels are correct and there are no leaks.
- Verify the brake lights are working as they should
Engine oil
Especially important before long uphill rides or trips
- Ensure the oil is at the top of its range and looks fresh
- Look for any oil leaks around the engine and final drive
- If you have any doubts, get the oil changed or contact the rental agency.
Cooling system
- If you’re on a bike with liquid cooling, make sure there’s coolant in the reservoir.
- For air-cooled scooters, clean any blocked vents or grilles.
Drive system
- Chain: Clean, lubricate, and adjust the slack.
- CVT (scooters): Listen for slipping, whining, clicking or clanking. If it sounds off, get it checked.
Lights and indicators
- Visibility can change fast with fog or shade and being seen is important. Check headlights, red tail light and indicators are working
- Especially important if you’re riding through national parks, remote areas or at night
Mirrors
- Make sure both mirrors are tight and correctly angled. Thai roads are unpredictable, and rear visibility is crucial on tight bends.
- If the mirrors are loose, get them adjusted and tightened before you go. There is nothing worse than them constantly flopping back and being a distraction.
Toolkit and documents
- Carry your bikes green book copy or rental documents and license. The police and army are very active in Northern Thailand and around the border areas. From time to time they verify documentation.
- A basic tool kit and tyre repair kit can save you a long walk. Many larger touring bikes will have one, check before you set off.
Final Words
Thailand’s mountain roads are among the best in the world. They offer a rare mix of adventure, beauty, and peace that is hard to find elsewhere.
But they also demand skill, awareness, and attention. Take your time, respect the road, and prepare properly. Whether you are exploring Nan’s winding passes, the Mae Hong Son Loop, or the high ridges of Phetchabun, every ride can be unforgettable for the right reasons.
If you need route ideas, tips on rental bikes, or gear suggestions for your next trip, we are always happy to help. Just reach out.
