.png)
GHOSTS OF ISSAN
LOCATION
Northern Thailand
DURATION
10 days & 9 nights
DISTANCE
1,450km approx.
BIKES
Honda CB500/NX500
DIFFICULTY
Beginner
DAILY RIDING HOURS
6 Hours approx.
ROAD
100% paved
PILLION FRIENDLY
Yes - £1450
SUPPORT VEHCILE
Included
MECHANIC
Included
FIRST AID
Tour guides are first aid trained
FOOD
Included on all riding days
Venture beyond the tourist trail and into a Thailand steeped in myth, mystery and ancient spirit. Over 10 unforgettable days, we ride through remote mountains, mist-covered valleys and quiet Isaan villages where folklore still whispers in the night.
The journey leads us along flowing asphalt and winding rivers, to sacred temples, rural border towns and the extraordinary Phi Ta Khon Ghost Festival, a riot of masks, spirits, music and centuries-old tradition.
Every day brings a new horizon, a new legend, and a deeper connection with the culture at the heart of Thailand. The roads are real, the stories are alive, and they’re waiting for you to follow them.
TOUR DATES
ITINERARY
DAY 1
ARRIVAL DAY - CHIANG MAI
Touch down in the charming city of Chiang Mai, where your adventure begins. You’ll be met at the airport and transferred in a private air-conditioned van to your luxury hotel. In the afternoon, meet your guide, go over your itinerary, and get to know your fellow riders. Spend the rest of the day relaxing by the pool or strolling the Old City before reconvening for a hearty welcome dinner. Eat well, tomorrow we ride!
HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY
-
Airport pickup and transfer to hotel
-
Welcome briefing with your guide
-
Explore Chiang Mai Old City or relax at the hotel
-
Unique welcome dining experience with the group
AIRPORT TRANSFER: Included
DINNER: Included
ACCOMMODATION: 4★ hotel with pool
DAY 2
CHIANG MAI - PHAYAO
Hit the road for your first riding day! Experience scenic mountain curves on Route 118 and soak in the tranquility of northern Thailand. Stop at the Mae Khachan Hot Springs for a refreshing break and continue toward Lake Phayao, the perfect spot for sunset photos and dinner by the water.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY
-
Scenic mountain curves along Route 118
-
Stop at Mae Khachan Hot Springs
-
Sunset at Lake Phayao
BREAKFAST: Included
LUNCH: Included
DINNER: Included
ACCOMMODATION: hotel with a pool
DAY 3
PHAYAO - NAN
Ride one of northern Thailand’s most beautiful roads, Route 1091, offering quiet mountain scenery and thrilling curves. Stop at Phu Langka or 1715 Viewpoint for breathtaking panoramas. In Nan, explore the old city and admire the famous Wat Phumin mural art, a highlight of Thai cultural heritage.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY
-
Route 1091 scenic mountain riding
-
Phu Langka or 1715 Viewpoint stop
-
Nan Old City & Wat Phumin murals
BREAKFAST: Included
LUNCH: Included
DINNER: Included
ACCOMMODATION: Boutique 4★ hotel
DAY 4
NAN - DAN SAI
Today takes you through quiet mountain backroads with virtually no traffic. Enjoy twisty descents and charming rural villages before reaching Dan Sai, home of the famous Phi Ta Khon Ghost Festival. Immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of northern Thailand.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY
-
Riding remote mountain roads
-
Scenic twisties and rural villages
-
Arrival in Dan Sai, gateway to Phi Ta Khon
BREAKFAST: Included
LUNCH: Included
DINNER: Included
ACCOMMODATION: TBC
DAY 5
REST DAY: DAN SAI - DAN SAI
Spend the day at the Phi Ta Khon festival, a celebration of ghosts, masks, music, and sacred rituals. Witness colorful parades, participate in local traditions, and capture unforgettable photos. This is the cultural highlight of the tour!
HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY
-
Experience Thailand’s legendary festival
-
Phi Ta Khon parade with vibrant masks
-
Sacred rituals and cultural experiences
BREAKFAST: Included
LUNCH: Not included
DINNER: Not included
ACCOMMODATION: TBC
DAY 6
DAN SAI - LOEI
Enjoy a relaxing ride along quiet roads to Loei. Stop at Phu Ruea National Park for cool mountain air, pine forests, and scenic viewpoints. Explore Loei town and savor local delicacies, including river fish and northern Thai specialties.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY
-
Short, scenic riding day
-
Phu Ruea National Park stop
-
Explore Loei town and local cuisine
BREAKFAST: Included
LUNCH: Included
DINNER: Included
ACCOMMODATION: Guesthouse
DAY 7
LOEI - PHU CHI FA
Ride along the Mekong River to Chiang Khan for a coffee break and stroll through its charming old town. Then ascend winding mountain roads to Phu Chi Fa, known for cliff-edge viewpoints over Laos. Sunset here is simply unforgettable.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY
-
Mekong River route and Chiang Khan stop
-
Mountain ascent to Phu Chi Fa
-
Sunset over Laos
BREAKFAST: Included
LUNCH: Included
DINNER: Included
ACCOMMODATION: Mountain view lodge
DAY 8
PHU CHI FA - CHIANG RAI
Descend through farmland and forest to Chiang Rai. Visit the dazzling Wat Rong Khun (White Temple) and Singha Park. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of Chiang Rai, its markets, and local cuisine.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY
-
Scenic descent through farmland and forest
-
Wat Rong Khun (White Temple) visit
-
Singha Park exploration
BREAKFAST: Included
LUNCH: Included
DINNER: Included
ACCOMMODATION: Boutique hotel
DAY 9
CHIANG RAI - CHIANG MAI
A relaxed ride back to Chiang Mai with optional detours to Mae Kachan Hot Springs or Doi Saket viewpoint. Relish the last twisty mountain roads before returning to the city. Celebrate the journey with a farewell dinner.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY
-
Relaxed ride back to Chiang Mai
-
Optional hot springs or viewpoint stops
-
Farewell dinner with the group
BREAKFAST: Included
LUNCH: Included
DINNER: Included
ACCOMMODATION: Boutique hotel
DAY 10
CHIANG MAI - DEPARTURE DAY
A relaxed ride back to Chiang Mai with optional detours to Mae Kachan Hot Springs or Doi Saket viewpoint. Relish the last twisty mountain roads before returning to the city. Celebrate the journey with a farewell dinner.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY
-
Final breakfast with the group
-
Airport transfer and departure
BREAKFAST: Included
AIRPORT TRANSFER: Included
BOOK NOW
FAQs
This itinerary blends Thailand’s best mountain riding with one of its most extraordinary cultural events, the Phi Ta Khon Ghost Festival. You’ll explore quiet backroads, remote villages, and cliff-edge viewpoints, all while experiencing a festival few travellers ever witness. It’s the perfect tour for riders seeking a mix of twisty roads, authentic culture, and off-the-beaten-track adventure.
WHY CHOOSE THE GHOSTS OF THAILAND TOUR?
Yes. This is a fully road-based tour with smooth, well-maintained tarmac throughout, making it ideal for pillions.
A pillion spot is available for £1,450 (shared/twin accommodation).
Our Honda CB500 / NX500 fleet offers excellent comfort and stability for two-up riding.
IS THE TOUR PILLION-FRIENDLY?
The standard bikes for this tour are Honda CB500X / NX500 as they are smooth, reliable, comfortable for long distances.
If you have a specific model in mind, let us know during your booking. We can often arrange upgrades or alternative bikes subject to availability and local supply.
WHAT MOTORCYCLES DO YOU USE? CAN I UPGRADE?
Phi Ta Khon is one of Thailand’s most colourful and unique cultural celebrations — a vibrant mix of ghost masks, ancient rituals, music, dancing, and spiritual ceremony. Rooted in Buddhist folklore, the festival symbolises joy, rebirth, and calling good spirits for the year ahead.
Expect parades of locals wearing towering carved masks, drumming, dancing, and playful “ghosts” interacting with crowds, as well as ceremonial events at the local temples.
WHAT IS THE PHI TA KHON GHOST FESTIVAL?
The festival itself is the main attraction, and a full day is needed to immerse yourself properly. Riders get time to enjoy the parades and ceremonies at a relaxed pace, join local activities and traditions, explore Dan Sai and its surrounding viewpoints, and recover from the previous long riding day. It’s not just a “rest day” — it’s the cultural heart of the entire tour.
WHY IS THERE A REST DAY AT THE GHOST FESTIVAL?