So, in a rapid change of plans I have now confirmed some tickets for a Spring 2024 adventure. I am arriving in Bangkok on March 24th, staying for one night, then planning to take the overnight train up to Chiang Mai. After that, my hardpoint is a flight out of Singapore on the evening of April 12th.

The plan is to rent a bike in Chiang Mai and do the Mae Hon Song loop, and I would love to hear people's advice on it - where to rent, how many days to schedule for the loop, which parts are definitely worth a stop? Anything else you'd recommend for sure in Chiang Mai?

Also, recommendations beyond that, as I travel (by train and/or plane) down through Thailand and Malaysia towards Singapore? The main problem is that I have already done a trip the other way around years ago, from KL overnight to Penang and flying up to Bangkok, so I've kind of done the most obvious touristy bits. I am also, quite subjectively, not super excited about the popular destinations in South Thailand, like Phuket or Krabi, just because it automatically conjures up ideas of masses of drunk British/American/Australian/German vacationers.

I might go back to Penang/Georgetown, or I might not. I might spend a bit of time in KL, or I might not. I have a vague idea of Malacca being worth a stop, but that's primarily to check off the last of the three old colonial cities, along with Penang and Singapore.

So; suggestions?

Malacca - it's a bit too touristy for me when I did a tour of Peninsular Malaysia recently.
Too crowded with tourists (international & domestic).

Chiang Mai bike rentals -

Here are a few of the reputable bike rentals.

C&P Big Bike
Mr Mechanic Motorbike
Pop Big Bike Rental.

I've personally used Pop Big Bike in 2022 and rented a Honda Forza 350 for 3 weeks.

The MHS (Mae Hong Son) loop is a definite do as the roads are great and scenery is great too.
I did not like the town of Pai as there were too many tourists at that time so I stayed a night and left the next day.

Mae Hong Son town is smaller than Pai but I enjoyed it's peacefulness.

I took a back road that lead to Mae Sai, the northern most point of Thailand which is a border town with Mynamar. Very few tourists take that back road and you have to pass a few Thai military checkpoints.

I am currently in Seoul and be back home in a week.
I will share with you my route when I did my tour in July 2022 once I am back home.

Do buzz me if I forget to post the details.

Have a look at my trip report from late 2014 it might give you some ideas. Although C&P bike rentals do not offer cross border options anymore
I too did the over night train from BKK to CM, enjoyed it.
https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hu...and-laos-79478

If you’re in my area, pop for a coffee
Enjoy the trip

Wayne

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