
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.
Highlights
AI-generated imageThailand's highest peak at 2,565m with challenging mountain trails — opens Google Maps in a new tab
AI-generated imageNatural limestone formations creating climbable cascades — opens Google Maps in a new tab
AI-generated imageWater park and viewpoint popular with riders — opens Google Maps in a new tab
AI-generated imageBeautiful gardens perfect for a rest day — opens Google Maps in a new tab
AI-generated imageChiang Mai's most revered temple, reached by a twisting mountain road above the city — opens Google Maps in a new tab
Routes in Chiang Mai

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A dirt trail from Mae Wang to nearby the Chom Thong Area

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.

A fun rip through the mountains of Chiang Dao.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A beautiful trail from the town of Wiang Haeng to the Myanmar border.

An easy, fast and scenic 4x4 and concrete road leading from the town of Wiang Haeng to Pai (or, at least, the 1095).

From Pai to Chiang Mai featuring fun sections of dirt / broken concrete to Baan Saar Neaua, single track near a forest temple and plenty of 4x4 roads.

Single track and farm roads from South Chom Thong to Mae Chaem

A great mix of 4x4 and single track leading from the Western edge of Samoeng down to Mae Chaem. Featuring a great wooden bridge crossing and plenty of fast and flowing 4x4 roads.

A great 4x4 and single track route leading through Chom Thong and featuring an ascent of Doi Pha Khao Noi.

A full day route best done in the dry season as wet and slick trail conditions will make this route quite long. Nearly 250 km of road, concrete, and dirt, this is a full view of the 4x4 dirt roads between Chiang Mai, Samoeng, Wat Chan and Pai. A great route.
Park access

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
AI-generated imageThousands 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.
AI-generated imageThailand's traditional New Year celebration becomes an epic city-wide water fight. Chiang Mai hosts some of the country's most enthusiastic celebrations.
AI-generated imageA colorful celebration of the region's blooming season with flower displays, parades, and cultural performances throughout the city.