5 Nations Ride 2026
This isn't just a ride — it's a legend in the making
1 of 15 spots remaining
Why This Journey Matters
This isn't just a ride — it's a legend in the making. The question isn't whether you can afford to go... Can you afford to miss this once-in-a-lifetime adventure?
This is more than a motorcycle trip. It's a multi-nation cultural immersion that takes you across five countries, from the tropical streets of Singapore through the dramatic mountain passes of China's Yunnan province.
You'll cross borders, share roads with local riders, and experience landscapes that few ever reach on two wheels. Every kilometre of the ~6,620-km route is chosen to maximise awe and authenticity.
Route at a Glance
Route
Singapore → Hat Yai → Chiang Rai → Chiang Khong → Laos → Yunnan China → Laos → Chiang Mai → Hat Yai → Singapore
December 14–31, 2026
The Route
Custom route map — pinch/zoom on mobile, scroll on desktop
Trip Highlights
Baishuitai Limestone Terraces
2,380m altitude. Crystal formations unlike anywhere on Earth.
Tiger Leaping Gorge
One of the deepest gorges in the world. Dramatic canyon views.
Yulong Snow Mountain
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Snow-capped peaks visible from the road.
Boten Golden Gate
The China-Laos border crossing. A truly memorable milestone.
Pu Chi Fa
Dawn mist over the mountains on the Thailand-Laos border.
Catch the vibe
@mrazishere To more good years 🎉 #2025recap ♬ suara asli - TEMPLATE FOR YOU - TRENDING TEMPLATE
The Journey — Phase by Phase
Ride north through Malaysia to Hat Yai, then sleeper train to Nakhon Pathom while the trucking company moves the bikes
- Day 1 Singapore → Hat Yai ~870 km · via Malaysia
Ride north through Malaysia to Hat Yai. Check in to hotel — trucking company collects and transports the bikes overnight.
- Day 2 Hat Yai → Nakhon Pathom Overnight sleeper train
Sleeper train departs Hat Yai at 5pm (Thailand time). Sit back and enjoy the journey north while the bikes travel separately.
- Day 3 Arrive Nakhon Pathom Morning arrival
Train arrives Nakhon Pathom in the morning. Reunite with bikes — trucking company delivers them ready for the road north.
Ride north from Central Thailand through the heart of the country up to Chiang Khong on the Mekong border
- Day 3 Nakhon Pathom → Phitsanulok ~330 km
Ride north through central Thailand's plains. Phitsanulok is a key waypoint — Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat temple sits at the heart of the city.
- Day 4 Phitsanulok → Chiang Khong ~560 km
Long push north through the mountains to Chiang Khong on the Mekong. The river marks the border with Laos — cross tomorrow.
Cross the Mekong into Laos via Chiang Khong–Huay Xai border towards Boten
- Day 5 Chiang Khong → Boten ~250 km · via Laos
Early morning assembly at PTT Chiang Khong. Cross the Mekong at Huay Xai — Laos agents on hand to assist with the border. Ride to Boten for overnight stop and final checks before entering China.
8 days through China's Yunnan province — Pu'er, Dali, Shangri-La, Lijiang, Kunming, Jinghong — with a professional English-speaking guide handling all logistics.
- Day 6 Mohan → Pu'er 276 km · 4 h · 1,300 m
Guide meets you at China Immigration Hall and assists with border crossing. Stop at Mohan Traffic Administrative Bureau for temporary Chinese driving licences, then highway to Pu'er — the heart of pu'er tea country.
- Day 7 Pu'er → Dali 438 km · 5.5 h · 1,900 m
Highway ride to Dali — gateway to Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake, steeped in Bai ethnic culture. Easy evening walk around the ancient city.
- Day 8 Dali → Shangri-La 310 km · 6 h · 3,450 m
Pass the iconic Three Pagodas and Erhai Lake, then climb via national road into Tibetan highlands. Explore Shangri-La old town on arrival.
- Day 9 Shangri-La → Baishuitai → Lijiang 270 km · 6 h · 2,400 m
Winding mountain roads to Baishuitai's calcium-carbonate white terraces (2,380 m) sacred to the Naxi people, then through Tiger Leaping Gorge — 15 km of roaring rapids between Jade Dragon and Haba Snow Mountains.
- Day 10 Lijiang Rest day · 2,400 m
Morning cable car to Yulong Snow Mountain (Jade Dragon) Glacier Park and Blue Moon Valley. Afternoon at leisure in Lijiang Ancient Town — Mu's Residence, Black Dragon Pool, lantern-lit alleys at night.
- Day 11 Lijiang → Kunming 520 km · 8 h · 1,900 m
Highway ride to Yunnan's provincial capital. Highlights include Stone Forest, Dianchi Lake, and the vibrant Yunnan Ethnic Village.
- Day 12 Kunming → Jinghong 510 km · 8 h · 640 m
Descend into Xishuangbanna — tropical climate and Dai ethnic culture. Evening at Gaozhuang Night Market on the Mekong (Lancang) River, one of Southeast Asia's largest.
- Day 13 Jinghong → Mohan / Exit China 180 km · 2 h
Final highway run to Mohan. Guide handles all exit formalities — then across the border back into Laos.
Exit China at Mohan, transit Laos, cross back into Thailand, rest in Chiang Mai, then fly to Hat Yai
- Day 13 Mohan → Chiang Khong ~230 km · via Laos
After clearing China immigration, ride straight through Laos to Chiang Khong on the Thai border.
- Day 14 Chiang Khong → Chiang Mai via Pu Chi Fa
Scenic ride up to Pu Chi Fa — a stunning highland viewpoint — then on to Chiang Mai. Trucking company collects the bikes here.
- Day 15 Chiang Mai Rest day
Well-earned rest and relax in Chiang Mai. Explore the old city, temples, and night markets at your own pace.
- Day 16 Chiang Mai → Hat Yai Flight
Fly to Hat Yai while the trucking company moves the bikes south. Reconnect with them on arrival.
Final ride through Malaysia back to Singapore. Victory arrival and celebration.
- Day 16 Hat Yai → Kuala Lumpur ~500 km
Ride south through Malaysia — the familiar road now ridden in reverse, but with a very different feeling.
- Day 17 Kuala Lumpur → Singapore ~350 km · finish line
The final stretch home. Roll across the Causeway and into Singapore — ~6,620 km completed across 5 nations.
Investment
Base cost per motorcycle — China tour group pricing below
Final cost depends on group size. Target group: 15–19 riders.
Price breakdown(Estimate)
All prices in USD unless stated otherwise
- 🇲🇾 Malaysia fuel — outbound + return (1,733km @ 20km/L)~$65
- 🇹🇭 Thailand vehicle insurance (compulsory)~$26
- 🇹🇭 Loader service (2-way)~8,000 THB (~$248)
- 🇹🇭 Sleeper train Hat Yai → Nakhon Pathom (1-way)985 THB (~$30)
- 🇱🇦 Laos agent border crossing (2-way)$120
- 🇹🇭 Thailand fuel — outbound + return incl. Laos transit (1,486km @ 20km/L)~$83
- 🇨🇳 China guided tour 8 days incl. accommodation$719
- 🇨🇳 China fuel — incl. Laos transit out (3,348km @ 20km/L)~$179
- 🇹🇭 Thai immigration form (Chiang Khong)200 THB (~$6)
- 🇹🇭 Domestic flight Chiang Mai → Hat Yai (1-way)~$80 SGD (~$62)
- Accommodation — Hat Yai, Phitsanulok, Chiang Khong, Laos, Chiang Mai, Hat Yai (8 nights)$240
Additional costs (if applicable)
- 🇱🇦 Laos border crossing — pillion+$30
- 🇨🇳 China guided tour — pillion+$285
- 🇨🇳 China guided tour — single room supplement+$148
*Personal travel insurance, shopping, and meals not included
China Tour Group Pricing
Your total investment depends on final group size. More riders = lower cost for everyone.
Daily Budget Estimates
Meals and personal expenses — not included in the tour cost.
Meals
Meals
Meals
Meals
Payment Methods
- Malaysia — Touch 'n Go e-wallet widely accepted; cash for rural stops
- Thailand — Install and setup DeepPocket mobile app, supports Thai QR(Business & Personal)
- China — Touch 'n Go e-wallet for Alipay+; Or use Alipay app for wider acceptance
- ATMs available throughout — notify your bank before departure to avoid blocked cards
What's Included
Included
- Motorcycle trucking Hat Yai ↔ Chiang Mai (full distance on return)
- Sleeper train Hat Yai → Nakhon Pathom
- Laos border assistance and entry insurance
- China temporary motorcycle license and license plates
- China insurance coverage
- 8-day professional English-speaking China guide
- China support vehicle (8 days in China)
- Hotel accommodation
- Cultural experiences (Yunnan cultural program)
Not Included
- Fuel (all countries)
- Meals (hotel breakfast included where applicable)
- Thailand vehicle insurance (arrange separately before Hat Yai)
- Personal travel insurance (mandatory — minimum $100,000 medical cover; World Nomads or IMG Global recommended)
- Shopping and personal expenses
- Site entrance fees
Personal travel insurance is mandatory. Minimum $100,000 medical evacuation coverage required. World Nomads and IMG Global are recommended providers.
Official Ride Jersey
The official 5 Nations Ride 2026 long-sleeve jersey — custom Yunnan design, available for purchase separately at SGD $21 per piece. Enquire when you join.
Gear & Equipment Requirements
Motorcycle Requirements
- Minimum engine
- 250cc (400cc+ recommended)
- Fuel range
- 200km+ on a full tank
- Ground clearance
- 150mm minimum
- Tire tread
- 70% remaining (inspected before departure)
- Recent service
- Within 1,000km of departure date
- Brake pads
- 3mm minimum
- Documentation
- Original registration + proof of insurance for each country
Mandatory Gear Checklist
Safety Equipment
- ECE/DOT-approved full-face helmet
- CE-certified armored weatherproof jacket
- Kevlar/armored riding pants
- Motorcycle gloves (waterproof recommended)
- Ankle-supporting riding boots
- High-visibility reflective vest (mandatory in Laos)
Weather Protection
- Waterproof rain suit (top + bottom)
- Thermal base layers (for China Yunnan: temps 5–15°C at altitude)
- Heated grip liners or heated grips (recommended for Yunnan)
Electronics
- GPS unit or phone mount (handlebar)
- Power bank (minimum 20,000 mAh for multi-day use)
- Offline maps downloaded for all 5 countries
- Spare charging cables
Tools & Spares
- Basic motorcycle tool kit
- Tire plug/repair kit + portable inflator
- Chain lube and chain tool
- Spare brake/clutch levers
- Basic first aid kit
Budget allowance for new riders purchasing all gear: $800–$1,200 USD
Border Crossing Requirements
All riders must carry: passport with 6+ months validity, International Driving Permit (IDP), and country-specific documentation below.
🇸🇬 → 🇲🇾 Singapore → Malaysia Tuas Second Link ~30 min
Checkpoint: Tuas Second Link (Western checkpoint)
Documents required:
- Passport (6+ months validity)
- Malaysian vehicle insurance (arrange before departure)
Processing time: ~30 minutes
Notes: Carnet de Passage not required for Malaysia. Straightforward crossing.
🇲🇾 → 🇹🇭 Malaysia → Thailand Bukit Kayu Hitam → Sadao 45–60 min
Checkpoint: Bukit Kayu Hitam (MY) / Sadao (TH)
Documents required:
- Passport
- Thai vehicle insurance (purchase at border — ~$15–30 USD)
Processing time: 45–60 minutes
Notes: Vehicle inspection at Thai side. Buy insurance at the checkpoint — it is available right at the border crossing.
🇹🇭 → 🇱🇦 Thailand → Laos Chiang Khong → Huay Xai ~30 min
Checkpoint: Chiang Khong (TH) / Huay Xai (LA)
Documents required:
- Passport
- International Driving Permit (IDP) — mandatory for Laos
- Laos e-visa (arrange in advance)
Processing time: ~30 minutes
Notes: Laos e-visa must be arranged in advance. Tour group assists with processing at this crossing.
🇱🇦 → 🇨🇳 Laos → China Boten → Mohan 1–2 hours
Checkpoint: Boten (LA) / Mohan (CN)
Documents required:
- Chinese visa (obtained before departure)
- China temporary motorcycle license (arranged by tour group)
- Laos exit stamp
Processing time: 1–2 hours
Notes: Most complex crossing. Professional agent handles all paperwork. No private motorcycles permitted without a group arrangement.
The Laos → China crossing is the most complex. Our professional agent handles all paperwork. Allow 1–2 hours for processing.
Daily Logistics & What to Expect
Riding Schedule
08:00 – 18:00 daily riding window. Rest stops every 150–200km. Daily hotel briefing each evening.
Temperature by Country
Tropical. Expect rain — waterproof gear essential.
Hot lowlands, cooler northern highlands.
Cool mornings. Light thermals recommended.
Cold at altitude. Above 3,000m: snow possible. Bring thermals + heated layers.
Communication
- WhatsApp group — mandatory for all riders throughout the tour; invite sent upon confirmed registration
- GPS coordinate sharing at each rest stop
- Install Amap (高德地图) before entering China — Google Maps does not work in China and Amap is the standard navigation app used locally
- Daily briefing pack distributed each evening at the hotel
Safety & Support
Your safety is built into every aspect of the tour. The China leg runs as a fully guided tour; the rest of the route is led by the tour organiser with riders free to make their own way — but we ride as a group throughout.
Ride Format by Section
Led by the tour organiser. Participants are free to make their own way — accommodation and routing are your own responsibility, but we ride together as a group.
Led by the tour organiser. Laos agents assist with border crossing only — routing and riding through Laos is organiser-led as a group.
Professional English-speaking Chinese guide. Support vehicle, accommodation, and routing all arranged. This is the only fully guided leg of the tour.
Same as the outbound leg — organiser-led, riders free to make their own way, riding together as a group.
Emergency Protocols
Hospital GPS coordinates pre-loaded for all countries. English-speaking medical contacts. 24/7 emergency hotline.
China support vehicle carries spare parts and tools. Mechanic network in Chiang Rai, Dali, Lijiang, Chiang Mai.
Local legal contacts per country. Legal assistance fund (shared group). Embassy contacts pre-distributed to all riders.
Support Structure
- ✓ Trained lead rider with first-aid certification
- ✓ Dedicated sweep rider at rear of group at all times
- ✓ China support vehicle for 8 days in Yunnan
- ✓ Pre-loaded hospital GPS coordinates (all 5 countries)
- ✓ English-speaking medical contacts in each country
- ✓ Local mechanic network (Chiang Rai, Dali, Lijiang, Chiang Mai)
- ✓ Legal assistance fund for border incidents
- ✓ Personal travel insurance required: minimum $100,000 medical evacuation
Personal travel insurance (min $100,000 medical evacuation) is mandatory for all participants. World Nomads and IMG Global are recommended providers.
Your Preparation Timeline
Start early — the earlier you prepare, the smoother the ride.
- T-6 months
- Passport check (6+ months validity)
- Pay refundable deposit
- T-3 months
- Book pre-tour accommodations — Day 1: Hat Yai · Day 3: Phitsanulok · Day 4: Chiang Khong · Day 5: Boten · Day 13: Chiang Khong · Day 14: Chiang Mai · Day 15: Chiang Mai · Day 16: Kuala Lumpur
- Book train/flight tickets (Hat Yai → Nakhon Pathom sleeper train, Chiang Mai → Hat Yai flight)
- T-1 month
- Final bike service
- Full gear testing ride
- Purchase personal travel insurance
- T-3 weeks
- Pack and weigh all gear
- Download offline maps for all countries
- T-2 weeks
- Confirm insurance coverage
- Share emergency contacts with family
- T-1 week
- Apply for International Driving Permit (IDP)
- Final bike inspection
- Join WhatsApp group (invite sent upon confirmed registration)
- Receive hotel briefing pack
Frequently Asked Questions
Can't find your answer here? Ask via Telegram →
Eligibility & Bikes
What bike size or type is required?
There is no strict minimum CC, but this is a long-distance international tour covering ~6,620 km including high-altitude mountain roads (up to 3,450 m) and cold weather in Yunnan. A bike of at least 250cc with highway capability is strongly recommended. Underpowered or poorly maintained bikes are a risk to you and the group.
What riding experience do I need?
You should be a confident, independent rider comfortable with full-day riding (6–9 hours), unfamiliar roads, and varied conditions including mountain switchbacks, cold, and rain. Prior overseas or long-distance touring experience is a strong advantage. This is not a beginner ride.
Can I bring a pillion?
Yes. There are additional costs for the Laos border crossing (+$30) and the China guided tour (+$285 per pillion). Pilgrims are welcome on all other legs at no extra charge beyond personal expenses.
Can I join as a solo rider without a group?
Absolutely — solo riders are welcome. You will be part of the full group throughout. The only difference is you are responsible for your own accommodation on the non-China legs (the China leg is fully arranged).
Route & Flexibility
Can I join only part of the route?
The tour is designed as a complete end-to-end journey. Partial participation can be discussed — contact us via Telegram before registering. Note that the China leg requires a minimum group size for the guided tour pricing to hold, so dropouts affect everyone's cost.
What if I need to withdraw mid-tour?
Life happens. If you need to exit mid-tour, you are responsible for your own transport and bike logistics home. The group will continue without you. This is why personal travel insurance (including emergency repatriation) is mandatory — it can cover costs in genuine emergencies.
Do I need to speak Thai, Lao, or Chinese?
No. The China leg has a professional English-speaking guide. For Thailand and Laos, the tour organiser leads the group and handles key communications. Google Translate and basic signage literacy will cover most situations. For China, install Amap (高德地图) for navigation — Google Maps does not work there.
Visas & Documents
What is an International Driving Permit (IDP) and do I need one?
An IDP is an official translation of your home licence recognised internationally. It is mandatory for Laos and strongly recommended for all countries on this route. Singapore riders can apply through the AA Singapore — it costs SGD $20 and is typically issued same-day.
Do I need a Laos visa?
Our Laos agent will handle all visa paperwork and border formalities at the Huay Xai crossing. Nothing to arrange in advance — just bring your passport.
Costs & Booking
Is the deposit refundable?
Yes — the deposit is fully refundable until 90 days before departure (September 15, 2026). After that date, deposits are non-refundable as costs will already be committed with vendors.
How does the group pricing work?
The China guided tour portion is priced per group size — more riders means lower cost per person. The base estimate assumes a target group of 15–19 riders ($719 per bike for China). Your final cost adjusts once the full group is confirmed. This is why early registration matters.
What costs are not included?
Fuel (all countries), meals, personal travel insurance, Thailand vehicle insurance, site entrance fees, shopping, and personal expenses. See the Pricing section for full daily budget estimates by country.
How do I officially register?
Use the 'Register Your Spot' button to complete the Google Form. For questions before committing, reach out via Telegram first. A deposit is required to confirm your place.
On the Road
What happens if my bike breaks down?
The China leg has a dedicated support vehicle carrying tools and spare parts, plus a pre-arranged mechanic network in Dali, Lijiang, and Chiang Rai. Outside China, the group will not leave a rider stranded — basic repairs can be handled roadside, and local mechanics are available in all major towns. This is one reason personal travel insurance with repatriation cover is mandatory.
What navigation apps do I need?
Install Google Maps for Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Laos. Before entering China, install Amap (高德地图) — it is the standard navigation app used locally and Google Maps does not function in China. Offline maps for all countries are recommended. Daily briefing packs with GPS coordinates are distributed each evening.
How cold does it get in China?
Yunnan in December is cold at altitude. Expect -5°C to 20°C — Shangri-La sits at 3,450 m and snow is possible. Bring proper thermals, a heated or wind-blocking mid-layer, and waterproof outer gear. This is the section most riders underpack for.
Are You Ready for the Ride?
Maximum 15 motorcycles. Deposit is refundable until 90 days before departure (December 14, 2026).
Limited to 15 riders for safety and group cohesion. Enquire early.
1 of 15 spots remaining