Wild Elephants Encounters – Ride, Swim & Rafting – Mae Hong Son Loop 1864 Curves

Itinerary

1. 1
   Welcome

   welcome to (Chiang Mai / Hotel Check in)

   Complimentary Hotel Night

   We understand the fatigue of travel, so we've included an extra night's stay for you to unwind and recharge before the adventure kicks off. Relax, get a feel for Chiang Mai, and prepare yourself for what's ahead. This is your calm before the curves. Have breakfast at your hotel, then we will pick you up at 8:00 AM the morning of your tour and bring you to our HQ to complete paperwork, Safety Briefing, Bike Hand Over, and hit the road.

2. 2
   Day 1158 km

   Chiang Mai - Mae Taeng - Pai

   Start your motorcycle adventure in Chiang Mai's vibrant streets before ascending to the cloud-kissed Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, where the golden spires of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep shimmer against the mountain backdrop. Wind through verdant forests to authentic Karen and Lisu villages, where generations of traditions remain untouched by time. At Mae Taeng Elephant Camp, interact with Thailand's gentle giants in their natural setting. The day's journey culminates in Pai, a bohemian paradise nestled among rolling hills, where artistic energy meets laid-back charm after a day of conquering thrilling mountain hairpins.
3. 3
   Day 2148 km

   Pai - Mae Hong Son

   Glide from Pai's artistic enclave into a landscape of undulating mountains wrapped in morning mist. The route to Mae Hong Son delivers pure riding ecstasy countless curves cutting through dense jungle and revealing sudden, breathtaking valley vistas. Pause at Pai Canyon's dramatic ridges to capture panoramic shots before continuing your ascent. Arrive in Mae Hong Son, a tranquil town embraced by mountains where Shan culture thrives. As the sun sets, climb to Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu's whitewashed stupas for a golden-hour panorama of the mist-filled valley below a perfect reward for the day's ride.
4. 4
   Day 3225 km

   Mae Hong Son to Mae Sariang

   Embark on the southern leg of the legendary loop as morning light filters through mountain passes. Explore the ancient Lod Cave, where a bamboo raft carries you through limestone chambers adorned with stalactites and prehistoric paintings. The road unfurls like a ribbon through emerald highlands before revealing the thundering Mae Surin Waterfall cascading 100 metres down jagged cliffs. Navigate remote mountain villages where hill tribes preserve ancestral ways amid terraced fields. Descend into Mae Sariang as the afternoon softens — a riverside haven where teakwood houses line quiet streets and the Yuam River reflects the setting sun. The perfect backdrop to rest up before the wildest two days of the loop.
5. 5
   Day 4120 km

   Mae Sariang - Doi Inthanon - Elephant Village

   Leave Mae Sariang's peaceful riverside behind and point your front wheel toward Doi Inthanon, Thailand's highest peak. The climb takes you through ever-changing ecosystems, from lush tropical forests to cool cloud-wrapped highland zones, with the ornate twin Royal Pagodas emerging from the mist like something out of a dream. Stop to take in the thundering Wachirathan Waterfall before the road begins its descent through golden rice terraces and sweeping curves — some of the most rewarding riding on the entire loop.

   Water Rafting – Ride the River Wild

   You arrive at the Elephant Village with the engine still ticking and the grin already locked in. Swap your helmet for a life jacket and hit the river for a rafting session that's every bit as wild as the roads you just conquered. This is your camp for the night — deep in nature, far from the crowds, and exactly where you want to be.

6. 6
   Day 560 km

   Elephant Village - Chiang Mai

   🐘 Swim with Elephants – The Morning You'll Never Forget

   Wake up to the sounds of the jungle and step into something truly special. This morning you get in the water alongside elephants gentle giants who couldn't care less about your riding resumé. It's raw, it's real, and it's unlike anything you'll find on a regular motorcycle tour.

   After this unforgettable encounter, saddle up for the final 60 km back to Chiang Mai, rolling through the lush lowlands as the city gradually comes back into view. It's a short ride, but a meaningful one — the last stretch of a loop that's handed you 1,864 curves, two wild days off the bike, and memories that no souvenir shop could ever bottle.

   Your Last Night on Us: Pizza, Drinks & A Bed to Sleep It Off

   After a day of exploration, riders head back to Big Bike Touring HQ, arriving around 4:00 PM, where the tour officially comes to an end. We wrap up our adventure the best way we know how — with a well-earned pizza and 2 complimentary drinks at the Novotel pizzeria, where you can pick from 6 different pizza options and wash it all down with a beer or soft drink of your choice before saying your goodbyes. With a complimentary night's stay included, each rider can choose whether to rest and recharge or head straight home the same day. For those staying the night, we highly recommend heading out to explore the vibrant Nimman area, right on your hotel's doorstep a fantastic selection of restaurants, nightlife, shopping, and more just steps away. The tour concludes back in Chiang Mai, leaving riders with unforgettable memories of an incredible journey through breathtaking landscapes and unique experiences shared on the open road.

Tour location