Beyond the crowded beaches and bright lights, there's another side to Thailand that few foreigners get to see. Shane from Adventure Biking Asia shares some of his motorcycle adventures in some of Thailand's most remote and beautiful regions.

A motorcycle tour through Thailand is the best way to discover places off the beaten track. It's important to remember that the destination is only a fraction of the entire journey; the adventure lies in riding along breathtaking roads to these special places and enjoying the scenery.

Chiang Mai is an ideal starting point for all my adventures. Thailand's northern capital is home to several million people and boasts its own unique Lanna culture. Located in northern Thailand, near the borders with Myanmar and Laos, it is surrounded by rugged mountains and crisscrossed by a network of roads and paths just waiting to be explored. In the bars of the old city, you might meet other motorcyclists also ready to embark on an adventure.

Samoeng – Relaxed Riding

Getting to Samoeng and exploring the surrounding area from Chiang Mai is very easy once you leave the highway. There are many different routes that are perfect for exploring the region and discovering the small villages.

There are many excellent cafes and restaurants along the way. Be sure to try a few. The coffee is excellent, and many use locally grown Arabica beans. You won't be disappointed with the food on this leg of your motorcycle tour.

Umpang – The “Death Road”

Umpang is located in a very remote part of Tak province. There is only one access road, known as the "Death Road." With its 1,219 curves, it's a real challenge – nerves of steel and a strong stomach are required. One of the main attractions is the Thi Lor Su waterfall, considered the most powerful waterfall in Thailand.

Baan Sop Moei – A Karen village

This sleepy village at the confluence of the Moei and Salaween rivers is situated in a beautiful setting. It lies directly on the riverbank, just a few meters from Karen State in Myanmar, and is as remote as almost anywhere else. Most of the villagers are Karen who migrated from Myanmar.

The trip to Sop Moei is for experienced adventurers or off-road enthusiasts. The motorcycle tour from the nearest town takes several hours and follows a dirt track. If you're planning this trip, be sure to bring plenty of food and drink.

Khun Yuam – sunflower fields

Khun Yuam is best known for its sunflower fields of Thung Bua Tong. In December, the sunflowers bloom, bathing the entire mountainside in a hue of yellow. It is truly a breathtaking sight.

There are several ways to get to Khun Yuam. One of my favorite routes is Route 1263 from Chiang Mai. The road winds through spectacular mountain scenery and passes many Hmong and Karen villages.

Baan Rak Thai

The town of Baan Rak Thai is a picturesque place with breathtaking scenery, situated right on the border with Myanmar (Burma). Once a border town used to control the jade trade, it was later settled by ethnic Chinese, whose influence is still reflected in the architecture and cuisine. It's an ideal spot for a lunch break and to sample the local tea.

To reach Baan Rak Thai, turn off Highway 1095 north of Mae Hong Son and follow a small, steep, winding road until you almost reach the Burmese border. The road passes lush rice paddies and climbs a steep mountain. If you wish to cross the border to the village of Tai Yai on the Burmese side, you will need to leave your motorbike with the border officials and walk across.

Doi Angkang

Doi Angkang is a massive mountain with steep roads and challenging switchbacks. Located on the Burmese border, it offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Higher up the ridge is a military base with spectacular views into Myanmar's Shan State.

There are several ways to ride up Doi Angkang… all steep and winding. A dream for any adventurous motorcyclist. My favorite route starts on the Chiang Dao side and passes through some Chinese villages founded by former Kuomintang soldiers.

Mae Salong

This is a Chinese-style city founded by former Kuomintang soldiers. It was once a center of heroin production. The surrounding mountains used to be covered in poppies. Today, the poppies are gone, and the city is primarily known for its oolong tea and Chinese dumplings.

The roads to Mae Salong are winding mountain roads with magnificent views. The road surface is mostly excellent. The drive from Chiang Rai takes about two hours.

Chiang Khong

Chiang Khong is a tranquil town on the banks of the Mekong River and a gateway to Laos. Along the riverfront promenade, there are many charming restaurants with magnificent views of the river and the Laotian city on the opposite bank.

The drive to Chiang Khong, the "Paradise Road," is a beautiful route that winds through the hills along the Mekong River. It offers spectacular views all the way to the city and should definitely be included in your motorbike tour.

Nan – Motorcycle Touring Paradise

Nan is a paradise for motorcyclists. It is probably one of the least visited regions in northern Thailand, but at the same time one of the most rewarding for motorcycle enthusiasts. What it lacks in tourist attractions, it makes up for in its excellent roads.

Thailand is considered a motorcyclist's paradise with its rolling hills, excellent asphalt roads, and endless curves. The famous Route 1148 is a classic among Thai motorcycle tours and offers breathtaking views throughout. The lesser-known Route 1081 is a beautifully paved road that winds through the mountain ridges on the border with Laos. It is barely traveled and a true hidden gem.

Phu Chi Fah

Phu Chi Fah, home to the legendary Sea of ​​Fog, is one of the best places to experience this natural phenomenon. It is most beautiful at sunrise when the fog majestically descends from the valley.

Phu Chi Fah lies in the mountainous border region of Phu Sang National Park. There are many roads leading there, all steep and winding. The views from the access roads are breathtaking and almost as beautiful as those from the summit.

Thailand has far more to offer than just the usual tourist attractions. The adventure begins off the beaten track, and a motorbike tour is the best way to explore the country.

The places I've mentioned are just the tip of the iceberg. There are countless other really cool spots off the beaten track, but I don't want to give away all the secrets. If you want to know more, you'll have to buy me a beer or join me on a motorcycle tour.

For more information on motorcycle tours in Thailand, as well as the full version of this article, please visit Adventure Biking Asia.