Best motorcycle destinations in Asia
Best motorcycle destinations in Asia
Winding highland ridge roads and remote asphalt loops across Asia
Asia has some of the highest and most dramatic roads in the world, and for a lot of riders a motorcycle trip here is something they talk about for years.
In India, the road from Manali to Leh crosses high Himalayan passes, and many riders do it on a rented Royal Enfield. Northern Vietnam has the Ha Giang Loop, with steep switchbacks, rice terraces and small villages, and it is easy to book with a local driver if you prefer to sit on the back. Northern Thailand is a gentler option, where the Mae Hong Son Loop has hundreds of curves, good roads and cheap guesthouses along the way. For a real adventure, the Pamir Highway in Tajikistan follows remote valleys at high altitude on rough roads.
An international driving permit with a motorcycle license is usually needed, and travel insurance often does not cover riding without one.
Lists by region
State/Prefecture in Japan
Hokkaido
Volcanoes, powder snow and fresh seafood
Riding season runs from May to October. Snow can still fall on mountain passes in May. Mikuni Pass on Route 273 is the highest mountain pass on Hokkaido's national highways. Cape Soya, at the island's northern tip, is reached by the Orolon Line with its long straight stretches. Expect cold wind even in summer.
City in Vietnam
Da Nang
Beaches, Mountains and City Vibes
The Hai Van Pass climbs to 496 metres over a coastal ridge between Da Nang and Hue. The road is about 21 kilometres long. Its name means roughly ocean cloud pass, after the sea mists. In 2008 Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson called it one of the best coast roads in the world.
Country
Bhutan
Himalayan monasteries, dzongs and trekking trails
The kingdom first admitted foreign tourists in 1974. Motorcycle tours run with a guide and a support vehicle. Many use Royal Enfield bikes. Passes include Dochu La at about 3,100 metres and Chele La at about 3,900 metres. Riders need a valid motorcycle license for the permit.
Region in Indonesia
Bali
Tropical beaches, vibrant culture and adventure
Mount Batur rises to 1,717 metres inside a huge caldera about 10 by 13 kilometres wide. The town of Kintamani lies on the southwest rim with views of the volcano and Lake Batur. Riders climb here from the rice terraces around Ubud. A 1963 lava field is still visible from town.
Region in China
Yunnan
Vibrant landscapes and ancient cultural crossroads
Tiger Leaping Gorge lies north of Lijiang between Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Haba Snow Mountain. The Jinsha River runs through the gorge. Riders also head for Lugu Lake on the Yunnan and Sichuan border. Roads pass rice terraces and Yi villages. Litang, across the border in Sichuan, stands at about 4,014 metres.
City in Thailand
Chiang Mai
Ancient temples and mountain escapes
Cool mountain air greets riders on the climb to Doi Inthanon. Its summit reaches 2,565 metres, the highest point in Thailand. The national park has about 500 bird species. Highway 1095 winds 245 kilometres from Chiang Mai to Mae Hong Son. The Imperial Japanese Army first built it during World War II.
Region in India
Ladakh
Himalayan Cold Desert of Contrasts
Prayer flags mark the high passes where riders stop for photos. The Manali to Leh Highway runs 428 kilometres and is usually open from May to October. Khardung La, at 5,359 metres, leads from Leh to the Nubra Valley. The Border Roads Organisation built its road in 1976.
Mountain in Tajikistan
Pamir Mountains
The Remote Roof of the World
Ak-Baital Pass on the Pamir Highway reaches 4,655 metres, higher than the Matterhorn at 4,478 metres. The M41 road runs over 1,200 kilometres across Central Asia and ends in Osh, Kyrgyzstan. It is the main supply route to the Gorno-Badakhshan region. Riders usually plan for thin air and cold nights.
Region in Vietnam
Ha Giang
Vibrant terraced rice fields and misty mountains
Vuong Chinh Duc expanded the family mansion at Sa Phin in the early 20th century. It is known as the Hmong king's palace and has 64 rooms. Ma Pi Leng Pass, at about 1,500 metres, overlooks the deep Nho Que River canyon. The loop also passes through Dong Van and Meo Vac.
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