Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai

All levelsNovember to February (cool and dry)18.788, 98.98529 routes

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

Routes in Chiang Mai

Mae On to Mae Kampong
EASY
Mae On to Mae Kampong
Mae On, 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.

32 km1,000m gainHalf Day
Verified Oct 2025View route →
The Phrao Loop
EASY
The Phrao Loop
Chiang Mai

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.

180 km4866m gainFull Day
Verified Jan 2026View route →
Chom Thong, Mae Chaem and Tiger's Head
INTERMEDIATE
Chom Thong, Mae Chaem and Tiger's Head
Chom Thong, Chiang Mai

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.

95 km3791m gainFull Day
Verified Jan 2026View route →
Samoeng to Khun Win Offroad
EASY
Samoeng to Khun Win Offroad
Samoeng, Chiang Mai

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.

74 km2041m gainFull Day
Verified Jan 2026View route →
The Mae Khanin River Run
EASY
The Mae Khanin River Run
Hang Dong, Chiang Mai

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.

21 km292m gain1 Hour
Verified Jan 2026View route →
Bamboo Creek and the Butterfly Trail
INTERMEDIATE
Bamboo Creek and the Butterfly Trail
Chiang Mai

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.

58 km784 m gainFull Day
UnverifiedView route →
The Ramming Tea Estate to Chiang Dao
EASY
The Ramming Tea Estate to Chiang Dao
Chiang Mai

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

24.9km1705 m gainFull Day
Verified Feb 2026View route →
Red Sands Area
EASY
Red Sands Area
Chiang Mai

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.

45.9 km680 m gainHalf Day
UnverifiedView route →
Doi Mon Angket
INTERMEDIATE
Doi Mon Angket
Chiang Mai

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

97.5 km3310 M CLIMBFull Day
UnverifiedView route →
The Jesus Trail
ADVANCED
The Jesus Trail
Chiang Mai

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.

26.8 km1280 m gainFull Day
UnverifiedView route →
The Mae Chaem Western Dirt Loop
EASY
The Mae Chaem Western Dirt Loop
Chiang Mai

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.

48.8 km1990 m gainHalf Day
UnverifiedView route →
The Road to Tha Koh Kha
INTERMEDIATE
The Road to Tha Koh Kha
Chiang Mai

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.

54.9 km2250 m gainFull Day
UnverifiedView route →
The Mae On Warm Up Trail
INTERMEDIATE
The Mae On Warm Up Trail
Chiang Mai

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.

18.6 km508 m gain1 Hour
Verified Feb 2026View route →
The Sala Trail
INTERMEDIATE
The Sala Trail
Chiang Mai

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.

23 km1180 m gainHalf Day
UnverifiedView route →
Mae Win Dirt Roads
EASY
Mae Win Dirt Roads
Chiang Mai

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

40 km1130 m gainHalf Day
UnverifiedView route →
Mae On Ridgeline Ridge
INTERMEDIATE
Mae On Ridgeline Ridge
Chiang Mai

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.

26 km1123 m gainFull Day
UnverifiedView route →
Muang Khong to Mae Taeng
EASY
Muang Khong to Mae Taeng
Chiang Dao, Chiang Mai

A fun rip through the mountains of Chiang Dao.

32.7 km890 mFull Day
Verified Feb 2026View route →
Muang Khong to San Pak Khia
INTERMEDIATE
Muang Khong to San Pak Khia
Chiang Dao, Chiang Mai

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.

193 km4070 mFull Day
Verified Feb 2026View route →
Samoeng to Ban Om Long (via Singletrack)
INTERMEDIATE
Samoeng to Ban Om Long (via Singletrack)
Samoeng, Chiang Mai

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.

23.7 km870 mFull Day
Verified Feb 2026View route →
Dirt From Doi Pui to Samoeng Town
EASY
Dirt From Doi Pui to Samoeng Town
Samoeng, Chiang Mai

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.

8.85 km44m gain1 Hour
Verified Feb 2026View route →
The Great Dirt West of Samoeng Ride (Ban Om Long to Ban Sop Win)
EASY
The Great Dirt West of Samoeng Ride (Ban Om Long to Ban Sop Win)
Samoeng, Chiang Mai

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.

50.33 km1845 m gainFull Day
Verified Feb 2026View route →
Muang Khong to Wiang Haeng
EASY
Muang Khong to Wiang Haeng
Wiang Haeng, Chiang Mai

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.

84 km2605 m gainFull Day
Verified Feb 2026View route →
Wiang Haeng to the Myanmar Border
INTERMEDIATE
Wiang Haeng to the Myanmar Border
Wiang Haeng, Chiang Mai

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

50km1432mHalf Day
Verified Mar 2026View route →
Wiang Haeng to Pai
EASY
Wiang Haeng to Pai
Wiang Haeng, Chiang Mai

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

50.4km1808mHalf Day
Verified Mar 2026View route →
Pai to Chaing Mai - Option 2
INTERMEDIATE
Pai to Chaing Mai - Option 2
Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai

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.

92.5km3257 M CLIMBFull Day
Verified Mar 2026View route →
Chom Thong to Mae Chaem
EASY
Chom Thong to Mae Chaem
Chom Thong, Mae Chaem, Chiang Mai

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

82.89km2984mFull Day
Verified Mar 2026View route →
Ban Mae Hai Noi to Samoeng
INTERMEDIATE
Ban Mae Hai Noi to Samoeng
Samoeng, Mae Chaem, Chiang Mai

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.

63km1336mFull Day
Verified Mar 2026View route →
Chom Thong and Doi Pha Khao Noi
INTERMEDIATE
Chom Thong and Doi Pha Khao Noi
Chom Thong, Chiang Mai

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

144km4347 M CLIMBFull Day
Verified Mar 2026View route →
The Long Way to Pai
EASY
The Long Way to Pai
Chiang Mai

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.

247 km5991 mFull Day
Verified May 2026View route →

Park access

Chiang Dao Wildlife Sanctuary
Chiang Dao Wildlife Sanctuary

A major wildlife sanctuary preserving limestone mountains and rare species habitats.

Chiang Mai
Open
Doi Fa Hom Pok National Park
Doi Fa Hom Pok National Park

A high-altitude national park known for Thailand’s coldest climate and montane forests.

Chiang MaiReopens 15 Oct 2026
Closed
Doi Inthanon National Park
Doi Inthanon National Park

Thailand’s highest mountain park, famous for waterfalls, cloud forests, diverse wildlife, and cool year-round climate.

Chiang MaiReopens 31 Oct 2026
Closed
Doi Suthep–Pui National Park
Doi Suthep–Pui National Park

A famous national park featuring forested mountains, temples, and scenic viewpoints.

Chiang Mai
Open
Khun Khan National Park
Khun Khan National Park

A mountainous national park known for forested ridges, scenic viewpoints, and rich biodiversity in northern Thailand.

Chiang MaiReopens 30 Sept 2026
Closed
Mae Wang National Park
Mae Wang National Park

A mountainous park known for scenic waterfalls, hiking trails, and forest landscapes.

Chiang MaiReopens 30 Nov 2026
Closed
Omkoi Wildlife Sanctuary
Omkoi Wildlife Sanctuary

A wildlife sanctuary protecting remote mountainous forests and biodiversity.

Chiang Mai
Open
Op Luang National Park
Op Luang National Park

A national park featuring dramatic canyon landscapes carved by the Mae Chaem River.

Chiang Mai
Open
Pha Daeng National Park
Pha Daeng National Park

A rugged mountain park with dramatic cliffs, caves, and scenic forest trails.

Chiang MaiReopens 31 Oct 2026
Closed
Samoeng Forest Park
Samoeng Forest Park

A mountainous forest park known for cool climate and scenic viewpoints.

Chiang Mai
Open
Si Lanna National Park
Si Lanna National Park

A national park centered around a large reservoir with scenic mountain landscapes.

Chiang MaiReopens 30 Sept 2026
Closed

Festivals & events

AI-generated image
Yi Peng Lantern Festival
November (Full Moon)

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.

AI-generated image
Songkran Water Festival
April 13-15

Thailand'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 image
Chiang Mai Flower Festival
Early February

A colorful celebration of the region's blooming season with flower displays, parades, and cultural performances throughout the city.

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