Home/Routes/Chiang Mai to Nan via Backroads

Chiang Mai to Nan via Backroads

EASY
296 km4844 m gainFull DayYear RoundVerified Feb 2026
Stay on the road

This route passes through 2 protected areas

Remain on the road, dirt or otherwise, and do not venture off the road.

  • Doi Phu Nang National ParkNational Parkอุทยานแห่งชาติ

    Remain on the road, dirt or otherwise, and do not venture off the road.

    Remain on the road, dirt or otherwise, and do not venture off the road. You may enter through a checkpoint and pay the entry fee, but you must stay on the roads the park designates. Riding trail inside a national park falls under s.19 (2), and the Department has separately banned large and off-road motorcycles from parks by Director-General's Rule. Acts affecting the ecosystem — the clause that covers cutting or rutting trail: up to 5 years' imprisonment, a fine up to ฿500,000, or both (s.42). Blocking or obstructing a way, or entering to carry on an activity for profit — which reaches guided and paid tours: up to 2 years' imprisonment, a fine up to ฿200,000, or both (s.44). Failing to comply with an official's order or the Director-General's Rule, including the motorcycle ban: a fine up to ฿100,000 (s.47). Your bike can be confiscated under s.56 whether or not you own it and whether or not anyone is convicted.

  • Chae Son National ParkNational Parkอุทยานแห่งชาติ

    Remain on the road, dirt or otherwise, and do not venture off the road.

    Remain on the road, dirt or otherwise, and do not venture off the road. You may enter through a checkpoint and pay the entry fee, but you must stay on the roads the park designates. Riding trail inside a national park falls under s.19 (2), and the Department has separately banned large and off-road motorcycles from parks by Director-General's Rule. Acts affecting the ecosystem — the clause that covers cutting or rutting trail: up to 5 years' imprisonment, a fine up to ฿500,000, or both (s.42). Blocking or obstructing a way, or entering to carry on an activity for profit — which reaches guided and paid tours: up to 2 years' imprisonment, a fine up to ฿200,000, or both (s.44). Failing to comply with an official's order or the Director-General's Rule, including the motorcycle ban: a fine up to ฿100,000 (s.47). Your bike can be confiscated under s.56 whether or not you own it and whether or not anyone is convicted.

Quoted text is from the Office of the Council of State's unofficial English translations. Only the Thai originals have legal force, and enforcement varies by park and by season. This is not legal advice — if in doubt, ask at the park office. More on riding responsibly here.

About this route

A mixed ride of dirt 4x4, concrete and main roads leading from Chiang Mai to Nan. An excellent ride with varied surfaces. A must ride route.

Ride safe

Trail conditions change — always confirm locally before riding, and never ride alone.

Trail details

Distance
296 km
Elevation gain
4844 m gain
Duration
Full Day
Best season
Year Round
Fuel stops
In all towns
Water crossings
None
Difficulty
EASY
Country
Thailand

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