Nan and Highway 1081

Nan sits out on its own in the far north, up against Laos. Most visitors never get there, which is why riders like it. Highway 1081 climbs from Santi Suk over the ridges to Bo Kluea, and one set of bends on the way looks like the number 3 from above. Thailand's Department of Highways promotes it as one of the country's most beautiful roads, and you share it with very few other vehicles.

Good for: Riders who have done the Mae Hong Son Loop and want the same kind of mountain road without the traffic.

Not for: A rushed day. The loop is short on the map but slow on the road, and the climb over Doi Phu Kha is steep with switchbacks.

Watch the road first

Thai Travel Diaries filmed this ride from the saddle. It's the quickest way to see whether these roads suit you and your bike.

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Epic Road Trip in Northern Thailand: Scenic Highway Ride, Nan Province · 18 min · by Thai Travel Diaries

Stop by stop

1. 1 Nan town A small, slow city with old temples, and the place to rent a bike or start your loop.

   About 25 km Highway 1169. An easy run east out of town to Santi Suk, where Highway 1081 begins to climb.

2. 2 Santi Suk The gateway to the mountain section. Take a break here before the climb.

   About 60 km Highway 1081. The road in the video. The Number 3 bend is near kilometre marker 38, and there are marked photo stops at other bends along the way.

3. 3 Bo Kluea A valley village known for its mountain salt wells, which have been worked for centuries. A good place to eat and stay.

   About 25 km Highway 1256. Up and over the national park, with switchbacks and the highest views of the day.

4. 4 Doi Phu Kha National Park Nan · see the place page The high point of the loop, with viewpoints over the ridges on both sides. Stop and let the brakes cool.

   About 25 km Highway 1256. A long descent to the valley floor at Pua.

5. 5 Pua A quiet town among rice fields, with fuel, cafes and places to stay.

   About 60 km Highway 101. A straight, easy main road south, back to Nan.

6. 6 Nan town Back in town, with the loop done.

Fuel: Fill the tank in Nan or Pua. There's very little fuel in the mountains between Santi Suk, Bo Kluea and Pua.

Our advice: Stay the night in Bo Kluea or Pua and ride it over two days. The mist sits in the valleys in the morning, and that's when this road looks its best.

Distances are rounded and come from road and news sources, checked November 2026. Lines on the map show the order of stops, not the exact road.

When to ride

The North: best Nov to Jan.

1. Jan Best
2. Feb Good
3. Mar Avoid
4. Apr Avoid
5. May Mixed
6. Jun Mixed
7. Jul Mixed
8. Aug Mixed
9. Sep Mixed
10. Oct Good
11. Nov Best
12. Dec Best

Month-by-month guide

Before you ride

You need a motorcycle licence from home and an International Driving Permit, and your travel insurance has to cover the bike you rent. The insurance that comes with a rental bike doesn't do that.

Read the checklist

Common questions

Where is the Number 3 road in Nan?

It's a set of bends on Highway 1081 between Santi Suk and Bo Kluea, near kilometre marker 38. From above, the curves look like the number 3. There's a marked place to stop for photos.

How far is it from Nan to Bo Kluea?

About 85 km by road. You take Highway 1169 for about 25 km to Santi Suk, then Highway 1081 over the mountains to Bo Kluea.

Can you ride the Nan loop in one day?

Yes, the loop from Nan through Bo Kluea, Doi Phu Kha and Pua is about 200 km. It's a full day because the mountain sections are slow, so many riders stay a night in Bo Kluea or Pua.

When is the best time to ride in Nan?

November to February, when it's cool and clear. Smoke builds from late February into April, and the rainy season runs from about June to October.

Sources: The Nation: Highway 1081, Department of Highways photo spots · GT Rider: Nan sights