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Best motorcycle destinations in Asia

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Yunnan
Vibrant landscapes and ancient cultural crossroads
8.7
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.
Highlights:
  • 🕉️ Visit Shangri-La's Songzanlin Monastery, a Tibetan landmark
  • 🥾 Hike Tiger Leaping Gorge for breathtaking river views
  • 🏞️ Explore Dali's ancient town and stroll around Erhai Lake
Hokkaido
Volcanoes, powder snow and fresh seafood
9.3
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.
Highlights:
  • 🚤 Explore historic Otaru Canal and its shops
  • 🏂 Ski or snowboard in world-famous Niseko resorts
  • 💧 Visit the spectacular Shirogane Blue Pond
Ladakh
Himalayan Cold Desert of Contrasts
8.5
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.
Highlights:
  • ⛺ Camp overnight beside the Tso Moriri Lake under stars
  • 🌊 Admire the surreal blue waters of Pangong Lake
  • 🏍️ Ride through the world’s highest motorable pass at Khardung La
Bali
Tropical beaches, vibrant culture and adventure
8.2
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.
Highlights:
  • ⛪ Visit Uluwatu Temple perched high on a seaside cliff
  • 💦 Swim beneath the cascading Tegenungan Waterfall
  • 🌋 Watch the sunrise over Mount Batur volcano
Da Nang
Beaches, Mountains and City Vibes
6.8
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.
Highlights:
  • 🚠 Take a cable car to Sun World Ba Na Hills
  • 🪨 Explore the Marble Mountains with caves and temples
  • 🌉 Visit the iconic Dragon Bridge lit at night
Bhutan
Himalayan monasteries, dzongs and trekking trails
8.5
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.
Highlights:
  • 🌄 Admire Himalayan panoramas from Dochula Pass’ 108 chortens
  • 🎉 Join a colorful Buddhist festival at Punakha Dzong
  • 🏔️ Hike to the cliffside Tiger’s Nest Monastery in Paro
Pamir Mountains
The Remote Roof of the World
6.6
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.
Highlights:
  • 🏡 Stay with a local family in a remote Pamiri village
  • 🥾 Trek through the Wakhan Valley with views of Afghanistan’s peaks
  • 🚙 Drive the rugged Pamir Highway, one of the world's highest roads
Chiang Mai
Ancient temples and mountain escapes
8.1
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.
Highlights:
  • 🛕 Visit the sacred Doi Suthep temple atop the mountain
  • 🍲 Join a traditional Thai cooking class with locals
  • ⛩️ Explore the ancient temples of the Old City
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.
Highlights:
  • 🏞️ Hike to the Dragon's Tail viewpoint
  • 🍤 Taste fresh seafood at Ha Giang night market
  • 🛶 Explore Cần Giờ Mangrove Forest by kayak
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