Motorbike Riding Tour from Thailand (Bangkok) to Yunnan (Shangri La) vie Mohan Border
Motorbike Rental in Bangkok
Notable Rental Providers
- Biketrip Thailand: Offers a range of bikes suitable for long-distance touring.
- Price: $20 to $50 per day
- A.N. Motorcycle Rentals: Known for their well-maintained bikes and good service.
- Price: $15 to $40 per day
- Big Bike Rental Bangkok: Provides various bikes, including adventure and touring motorcycles.
- Price: $25 to $60 per day
Rental Requirements
- Valid international driver’s license with a motorbike endorsement.
- Passport for identification.
- Deposit ranging from $200 to $1,000, depending on the bike.
Safety Gear
Most rental shops provide basic safety gear such as helmets. For long-distance tours, it’s advisable to bring your own protective clothing like gloves, jackets, and riding boots.
Motorbike Tour: Bangkok to Shangri-La via Chiang Mai, Luang Namtha, Mohan, Jinghong, Jingmai, Shuangjiang, Lincang, Fengqing, Dali, Lijiang, Shangri-La, and back to Bangkok
Tour Details and Itinerary
Day 1: Bangkok to Chiang Mai
- Distance: Approximately 700 km
- Route: Take the Route 1 (Phahonyothin Road) and then Route 11.
- Highlights: Scenic countryside, historical sites in Chiang Mai.
- Accommodation: Stay in Chiang Mai.
Day 2: Chiang Mai to Luang Namtha (Laos)
- Distance: Approximately 500 km
- Route: Head north to Chiang Rai, cross the border at Huay Xai, then proceed to Luang Namtha.
- Highlights: Mountain views, Mekong River crossing.
- Accommodation: Stay in Luang Namtha.
Day 3: Luang Namtha to Mohan (China Border)
- Distance: Approximately 100 km
- Route: Follow the Asian Highway 3 (AH3).
- Highlights: Beautiful landscapes, cross the border into China at Mohan.
- Border Crossing: Ensure all documents are in order for crossing into China.
- Accommodation: Stay in Mohan.
Day 4: Mohan to Jinghong
- Distance: Approximately 160 km
- Route: Take the G8511 highway.
- Highlights: Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, local Dai culture.
- Accommodation: Stay in Jinghong.
Day 5: Jinghong to Jingmai
- Distance: Approximately 180 km
- Route: Follow the S214 highway.
- Highlights: Tea plantations, scenic mountain roads.
- Accommodation: Stay in Jingmai.
Day 6: Jingmai to Shuangjiang
- Distance: Approximately 150 km
- Route: Take local roads through picturesque landscapes.
- Highlights: Tea culture, rural villages.
- Accommodation: Stay in Shuangjiang.
Day 7: Shuangjiang to Lincang
- Distance: Approximately 130 km
- Route: Continue on local roads.
- Highlights: Tea plantations, ethnic minority villages.
- Accommodation: Stay in Lincang.
Day 8: Lincang to Fengqing
- Distance: Approximately 100 km
- Route: Take the G214 highway.
- Highlights: Tea culture, Fengqing’s scenic spots.
- Accommodation: Stay in Fengqing.
Day 9: Fengqing to Dali
- Distance: Approximately 200 km
- Route: Follow the G214 highway.
- Highlights: Dali Old Town, Erhai Lake.
- Activities: Explore Dali Old Town, boat trip on Erhai Lake.
- Accommodation: Stay in Dali.
Day 10: Dali to Lijiang
- Distance: Approximately 180 km
- Route: Continue on the G214 highway.
- Highlights: Lijiang Old Town, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
- Activities: Stroll through Lijiang Old Town, visit Black Dragon Pool.
- Accommodation: Stay in Lijiang.
Day 11: Lijiang to Shangri-La
- Distance: Approximately 180 km
- Route: Take the G214 highway.
- Highlights: Tiger Leaping Gorge, Songzanlin Monastery.
- Activities: Hike in Tiger Leaping Gorge, visit Songzanlin Monastery.
- Accommodation: Stay in Shangri-La.
Days 12-14: Return to Bangkok
- Distance: Approximately 2,000 km (via Chiang Mai)
- Route: Retrace the route through Lijiang, Dali, Jinghong, Luang Namtha, Chiang Mai, and continue to Bangkok.
- Highlights: Enjoy the scenic ride back through Yunnan, Laos, and Thailand.
- Activities: Explore more sights along the way and enjoy the journey.
- Accommodation: Plan stops in major cities or towns for overnight stays.
Tips for the Journey
- Weather: Be prepared for varying weather conditions, from tropical in Thailand and Laos to cooler temperatures in the mountains of Yunnan.
- Road Conditions: Expect a mix of well-paved highways and rough, rural roads. A dual-sport or adventure bike is recommended.
- Navigation: Use GPS or reliable maps. Some remote areas may have limited network coverage.
- Border Crossings: Ensure all your documents are in order for crossing from Thailand to Laos and into China, and back.
- Local Laws: Familiarize yourself with traffic laws and customs in Thailand, Laos, and China.
This motorbike tour offers an adventurous way to explore the diverse landscapes and cultures of Thailand, Laos, and southern China. Enjoy your journey and ride safely!