Introduction and Trip Overview
Our Christmas and New Year adventure for 2026 takes Midlife on 2 Wheels into the mountains, valleys and quieter backroads of Northern Thailand.
The trip will be shared by Chris and Janette, our son Lachlan, and our “adopted” daughter Katinka. Together, we will complete an eleven-day motorcycle loop of approximately 1,338 kilometres, starting and finishing in Chiang Mai.
We will leave Melbourne on Boxing Day, travelling overnight through Bangkok before connecting to Chiang Mai. After two nights to recover, explore the city and prepare for the journey, we will collect three motorcycles from CBTT Rentals: one Royal Enfield Scram and two Royal Enfield Himalayans. The bikes will cost approximately THB1,500 each per day and will include luggage racks.
From Chiang Mai, the route heads south-west towards Mae Chaem before continuing to Mae Hong Son. We will then ride north through Pai and smaller hill communities, follow roads close to the Myanmar border, and continue east towards the Golden Triangle.
The return journey will take us south through the Thoeng district to Chiang Rai, where we have scheduled a rest day, before continuing through Phayao and Ban Paa Miang and returning to Chiang Mai.
Accommodation will be a mix of resorts in the larger towns, locally run homestays and glamping in the hill communities. This should provide a balance between comfort, local character and the chance to experience places beyond the major tourist centres.
Although the daily distances are relatively modest, the mountain roads, tight corners, villages, sightseeing stops and changing conditions should make each day feel much fuller than the kilometres suggest.
As with our previous journeys, the itinerary is a framework rather than a fixed script. Weather, road conditions, local advice, wrong turns and unexpected discoveries will inevitably shape the final story
Gear & Equipment
Because this is an international motorcycle trip using rental bikes, the aim will be to travel as lightly as possible while still carrying the protective equipment required for eleven days of riding.
The Royal Enfield Scram and two Himalayans will include luggage racks, allowing compact soft bags to be secured to the motorcycles. The final packing arrangement will depend on the exact rack setup provided by CBTT Rentals.
Each rider and passenger will bring their own essential riding equipment, including:
- Motorcycle helmet
- Lightweight protective riding jacket
- Lightweight protective riding pants
- Motorcycle gloves
- Protective riding boots
- Lightweight waterproof outer layer
- Neck tube or buff
- Sunglasses, and of course…
- Earplugs!!
In the spirit of light weight adventure travel Off bike gear will be limited to one daily set of light weight clothes plus bathers for waterfalls and rivers that will require regular refreshment washing. Most riding gear will be packed in checked luggage. Helmets will be carried on board to reduce the risk of damage, together with our off-bike clothing and other essentials.
Navigation will be based on the planned Google Maps route, supported by mobile phones, local data, downloaded offline maps, phone mounts, charging cables, power banks and helmet intercoms.
Trip at a Glance
Travellers: Chris, Janette, Lachlan and Katinka
Dates: 26 December 2026 to 12 January 2027
Riding Days: 11
Planned Distance: Approximately 1,338 kilometres
Start and Finish: Chiang Mai
Trip Style: Motorcycle touring and light adventure
Motorcycles: One Royal Enfield Scram and two Royal Enfield Himalayans
Motorcycle Hire: CBTT Rentals, approximately THB1,500 per bike per day
Accommodation: Resorts, homestays and glamping