Where to ride in Thailand: easy starts and bigger routes

Thailand has brilliant motorcycle days, but the best route depends on traffic, rain, and how much mountain riding you want.

Good first routes

• Easy: Hua Hin coast, Phuket viewpoints outside rush hour, or Krabi to Ao Nang and Klong Muang.
• Medium: Chiang Mai to Mae Rim and the Samoeng loop, or short northern loops with an early start.
• Hard: Chiang Mai to Pai, Mae Hong Son loop, or long southern crossings only after you know the bike.

Weather and season

Rain is often heaviest from May to October, while the Gulf islands can be wetter around November to March.

First-day rule

On day one, skip central Bangkok, night highways, and steep island shortcuts until you understand the bike.