Chiang Mai
Overview
Chiang Mai stands as the undisputed capital of dirt bike riding in Northern Thailand. This vibrant city and its surrounding mountains offer an unparalleled variety of terrain that caters to every skill level. The region's accessibility, combined with world-class infrastructure for motorcycle enthusiasts, makes it the perfect base for both short day trips and extended adventures. The cool mountain climate, especially from November to February, provides ideal riding conditions while the landscape transitions from lush jungle valleys to bare mountain peaks. With countless trails radiating from the city center, riders can find themselves deep in nature within minutes of departure.
Area Highlights
- Doi Inthanon National Park - Thailand's highest peak at 2,565m with challenging mountain trails
- Sticky Waterfalls - Natural limestone formations creating climbable cascades
- Grand Canyon Chiang Mai - Water park and viewpoint popular with riders
- Royal Park Rajapruek - Beautiful gardens perfect for a rest day
- Numerous hilltop temples offering spiritual and scenic rewards
Difficulty Level
Best Season
November to February (cool and dry)
Coordinates
18.7883°N
98.9853°E
- •Doi Suthep-Pui National Park trails
- •Mae Sa Valley loop
- •Samoeng mountain road
- •Mae Rim off-road parks
- •Mix of technical and scenic trails
Available Routes in Chiang Mai
Explore our curated collection of dirt bike routes in this region
Mae On to Mae Kampong
An accessible single track leading through the hills and forests of Eastern Chiang Mai to the quaint hill tribe village of Mae Kampong. Enjoy fast and flowing single track, steep rutted sections and a fun hill climb.
The Phrae Loop
A great loop through the forests of Northern Chiang Mai, leading to the small town of Phrae before looping back to Chiang Mai. An easy beginner ride with 4x4 roads suitable in all seasons.
Chom Thong, Mae Chaem and Tiger's Head
A fun, relatively easy (though potentially bush-wacky in some parts) ride into the hill of Chom Thong before heading into the jungle. Over-grown, fun adventurous, this trail will leave you talking about it weeks later.
Samoeng to Khun Win Offroad
A fun ride through the best parts of Samoeng and Khun Win. Ideal for beginners looking to explore the best areas of Chiang Mai for dirt riding.
The Mae Khanin River Run
Also known as The 1,000 Rivers or The River Run, this is an excellent beginner trail suitable for an easy morning. Starting in Hang Dong and winding up a scenic 4x4 trail up to an elephany sanctuary, this is a great break-in ride or a place to go if you are taking beginners for a ride.
Bamboo Creek and the Butterfly Trail
A fun single track ride through a bamboo grove, creek and forest. Great full day ride, plenty of varied terrain. Note: the national park closes during the dry season to prevent forest fires. Be aware of signs indicating restricted access. Fines and other penalties may apply.
The Ramming Tea Estate to Chiang Dao
A fun, easy 4x4 route through the tea plantations of the Ramming Tea Estate, leading to the cute riverside town of Muang Khong before ending in Chiang Dao
Red Sands Area
An easy beginner loop close to Chiang Mai. Perfect for an easy day or taking new riders out to explore.Next to the sticky waterfalls for a great activity afterwards or during a lunch stop.
Doi Mon Angket
A fun, fast ride up a scenic and forested mountain near Chiang Mai. 4x4 and farm trails predominate here, with a few single tracks available for exploration
The Jesus Trail
A fun, though challenging at time, adventure through the forested hills near Doi Inthanon. Starting at a statue of Jesus at a local church (hence the name), this single track trail winds up the mountains before finally joining a larger 4x4 road leading to a small village at the base of Doi Inthanon. A classic trail in Chiang Mai and a must visit at least once.
The Mae Chaem Western Dirt Loop
A great ride though dirt and concrete 4x4 roads around the Western side of Mae Chaem. Creeping up the hills behind Mae Chaem and offering stunning views of Doi Inthanon, this route takes you through farm roads, fields and villages.
The Road to Tha Koh Kha
A scenic concrete and 4x4 dirt road route leading to the remote Karen village of Tha Koh Kha. A great way to get to the Western border of Thailand and also featuring Karen hospitality. No hotels or homestays here, just camping. The villagers are extra ordinarily hospitable and will assist you if you need anything. A nearby waterfall is well worth a visit.
The Mae On Warm Up Trail
A fun, rutted and rocky ascent that sits between Chiang Mai and the trails of Mae On proper. A great trail to ride before heading into the hills of Mae On.
The Sala Trail
A route up the North side of Doi Pui. A great rdie, easy, fun, shaded, and available whenever the park allows the trails to remain open. Typically closed during the burning season to combat forest fires, keep your eyes open for park closures before you ride this trail.
Mae Win Dirt Roads
A dirt trail from Mae Wang to nearby the Chom Thong Area
Mae On Ridgeline Ridge
A challenging ascent of the Mae On hills and ending in Mae Kampong. Rutted, steep and quite challenging single track. Not advised to ride this track solo.
Muang Khong to Mae Taeng
A fun rip through the mountains of Chiang Dao.
Muang Khong to San Pak Khia
Explore the entirety of the area around Chiang Dao. From the town of Chiang Dao, into the mountains towards the town of San Pak Khia, where a series of farm tracks leads to Muang Khong. Here, head South to Mae Taeng.
Samoeng to Ban Om Long (via Singletrack)
Rutted, steep, un-used and dry, this track is falling into disrepair. However, it is quite engaging still. A meandering track through the hill of Samoeng to the small village of Ban Om Long, this trail takes you through creeks, full in the rainy season and nearly dry in the winter. A hill climb section in the middle of the trail is the crux, but it is entirely doable, if you have proper tires and motorcycles.
Dirt From Doi Pui to Samoeng Town
A short 4x4 trail that has become disused and rutted. It runs through the hills and forests of the back-side of Doi Pui and then to Samoeng Town.
The Great Dirt West of Samoeng Ride (Ban Om Long to Ban Sop Win)
An exciting adventure ride of mostly 4x4 but also including some single track leading from Samoeng to Mae Win. A great ride through hills, forests and farm lands.
Muang Khong to Wiang Haeng
An easy ride from Muang Khong to Wiang Haeng following hills and rivers. Mostly through farm roads and community, this dirt track will most likely be paved soon.
Parks and Protected Areas
National parks and protected areas in Chiang Mai. Check current status before planning your ride.
A major wildlife sanctuary preserving limestone mountains and rare species habitats.
A high-altitude national park known for Thailand’s coldest climate and montane forests.
Thailand’s highest mountain park, famous for waterfalls, cloud forests, diverse wildlife, and cool year-round climate.
A famous national park featuring forested mountains, temples, and scenic viewpoints.
A mountainous national park known for forested ridges, scenic viewpoints, and rich biodiversity in northern Thailand.
A mountainous park known for scenic waterfalls, hiking trails, and forest landscapes.
A wildlife sanctuary protecting remote mountainous forests and biodiversity.
A national park featuring dramatic canyon landscapes carved by the Mae Chaem River.
A rugged mountain park with dramatic cliffs, caves, and scenic forest trails.
A mountainous forest park known for cool climate and scenic viewpoints.
A national park centered around a large reservoir with scenic mountain landscapes.
Festivals & Events in Chiang Mai
Plan your visit around these major attractions and celebrations
Thousands of lanterns light up the sky in one of Thailand's most magical celebrations. The festival coincides with Loy Krathong and transforms Chiang Mai into a fairytale setting.
Thailand's traditional New Year celebration becomes an epic city-wide water fight. Chiang Mai hosts some of the country's most enthusiastic celebrations.
A colorful celebration of the region's blooming season with flower displays, parades, and cultural performances throughout the city.
Ready to Explore Chiang Mai?
Browse all our dirt bike routes and start planning your adventure in Northern Thailand.