Nan has a story of its own: a province that remained autonomous and relatively isolated for centuries, with a distinct culture and heritage. One standout detour is Bo Kluea, a traditional village known for its ancient salt wells, still part of local life today.

From Nan you push on to Chiang Rai to see the striking White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), then ride out toward Phu Chi Fa, a mountain range straddling the Thai-Lao border where viewpoints open up across the horizon. Not long after, you meet the Mekong River for the first time and trace it toward the Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar converge. Once notorious for opium production, the region changed dramatically after the trade was eradicated in 1996 following the death of Khun Sa.

Further north, Mae Sai offers a glimpse of Thailand’s busiest crossing with Myanmar, before the road turns scenic again toward Doi Tung and the tea-clad slopes of Mae Salong (Doi Mae Salong). Then comes the headline stretch: between Mae Taeng and Mae Hong Son, the road stacks up an addictive 1,864 bends - a perfect place to settle into your cornering rhythm, whatever your experience level. Pai makes an ideal pause point, with enough energy and cafés to keep things lively and enough nature nearby to properly unwind.

Cultural encounters are part of the north, too, including the chance to visit a Kayan (Karen) community, known for the brass rings traditionally worn by some women. Then it’s time to loop back to Chiang Mai, threading through one last run of mountain roads - the kind that makes you want to turn around and ride them again.

Mountains of Nan: Empty, sinuous tarmac and a window into old Lanna culture, with the option to visit Bo Kluea’s ancient salt wells.

Mekong River: Meet the great river at misty viewpoints and timeless river towns.

Golden Triangle: Stand where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet, and see how the region has turned the page on its opium past.