On the way to Pai
One of the joys of visiting Chiang Mai is getting around on a scooter or motorbike (provided you have a valid driver's license). There are many ways to enjoy the beautiful landscapes with breathtaking views and the local culture that the north of Thailand has to offer.
The main roads are usually excellent to drive on, but bear in mind that motorcycling can have serious consequences for those with little or no experience and who do not hold a valid driver's license. With windy roads, rain, mountain slopes and other road users, serious injury is a constant threat.
It will not be a problem for experienced motorcyclists, but renting a motor is certainly not recommended for beginners.
I found a nice article on Thaiger's website, in which ten ideas for an attractive motorcycle trip were listed and supported by beautiful photos. The ten recommended destinations are:
- Doi Suthep and Doi Pui
- Father
- Doi inthanon national park
- Mae Wang
- Chiang Dao
- Chiang Rai
- Sticky Waterfalls and Mae Ngat Dam
- Mae Sa
- What Chalum
You can read the descriptions of each idea and view photos at: thethaiger.com/hot-news/tourism/top-10-places-to-visit-around-chiang-mai-on-a-motorbike
Source: Thaiger website
"It will not be a problem for experienced motorcyclists". Completely correct, except for the heading "other road users".
Thais are dangerous on the road, I have 45 years of daily motorcycle experience, I am still regularly surprised by the complete kamikaze actions of young Thai men in particular.
According to my wife, this is because they rely on Buddha.
The first time I myself have to overtake in a blind (!!) curve on the track for oncoming traffic over the solid line has yet to happen.
My faith in Buddha is somewhat less than that of many Thai people..
I think they are just idiots who have no idea of the possible consequences.
School often not finished and long live the fun.
Preferably with half a bottle of whisky.
They are never to be found in the temple anyway.
And what about driving south to the town of Li in the neighboring province of Lamphun.
No tourists but a fantastic environment.
JanBeute.
I see Chiang Rai myself - but I admit: I'm biased - more as an 'independent' base for motorcycle trips than as one of the destinations from Chiang Mai. There are great trips to be made!
In all the years that I came to Thailand, unfortunately not yet 🙂
I always rented a scooter 125 cc, which is the best way to get to know the country well.
Bring a map, which later became Google maps, so let's go.
That has brought me to a lot of places where I would never have been otherwise.\
Is that risk worth it to me, yes.
I drive a lot of motorcycles even at a significant track level, is there a risk, yes.
Of course the circumstances cannot be compared to the Netherlands, no protective clothing, helmet no more than a jar, driving on the left, potholes in the road, weirdos on the road.
Well, enough risks to mention not to do it, which you can do.
Eyes and ears in front and behind, anticipating, making eye contact with your fellow road users, not taking priority even if you have it. Always expect the unexpected. yes that dog crosses over, yes that pit was deeper than I thought.
That is exhausting but all worth it, just to take in all those smells with the wind in your hair.
Can't wait to go again..
It is true that you should try to make eye contact, but a problem in Thailand is that many cars are blinded and you cannot make eye contact. What strikes me in the responses is that the Thais are mainly referred to as the troublemakers.
However, in my opinion, tourists are an equally big problem. Many have no driver's license, no insurance, no helmet (nice and cool) and copy behavior such as with several on 1 motorbikes, including children. The crazy people you see on heavy motorcycles making the loud noise and accelerating as fast as possible (no protective clothing or helmet) are usually tourists in tourist areas. If you see their behavior you know that they do not have a driver's license. This last group is just as big a problem in Thailand (if not bigger) as the Thai youth as mentioned here.