Stefan Pertz words Jacqueline Pertz photos

It has been a long time since Australian biker legend Brett Cross, “Crossy“, made me sign up to become a member of the Sydney Motorcycle club he founded. It was in 1999 that we rode together. To the Robertson Pie Shop it was. Since then, I have moved around the region. Without any powered two-wheeler though. On the invitation of Harley Davidson Asia, I was able to join their festival in Khoa Yai, Thailand, on November 21 and 22, 2025. 

Khao Yai, which, by Harley, is located a good 2.5 hours north-east of Bangkok. The National Park covers more than 2,000sqk of forest and grassland in central Thailand. More than 50km of hiking and biking trails wind through the long-standing nature preserve, and its many waterfalls include 150m-tall Haew Narok and 20m-tall Haew Suwat, immortalised in the Danny Boyle film 'The Beach.' The park also shelters diverse wildlife such as bears, gibbons, elephants and hornbills.

Mark O’Flaherty, Managing Director, Emerging Markets Harley-Davidson Motor Company

Exploring the area around Khoa Yai, one may pass a very curious business premise. Perched on the side of the Mittraphap Road (Thanon Mittraphap), several old military vehicles, including a plane, are on display at the USA Military Scrapyard. By no means an official US military operation, the shop is known to some urban explorers for selling relics from the Vietnam War, restoration of military vehicles and being a café. Some items seem collectibles, such as engines, aircraft parts, and 'movie prop'–type military stuff. 

Thailand and the U.S. have a long history of military cooperation (e.g. during the Vietnam War), which is part of why surplus American military equipment might end up in Thailand now. This highway (Route 2) was originally built with U.S. assistance (in the 1950s) to service U.S. supply routes to bases in northeast Thailand. 

The Asia Harley Days festival is the fourth instalment of the annual event. Roving, it was hosted in Midwinter, Khao Yai this year. Bikers from 20 countries joined the festival with many taking the opportunity to tour Thailand for a few days before parking at the event to celebrate a shared interest. Patches from all over the world could be seen. Proud groups of biker clubs were invited onto the stage to receive numerous awards. Somehow, it seemed that Malaysian clubs won a lot of awards. 

“We are expecting some 5,000 visitors this year and we are proud to be welcoming a multi-cultural audience,” Mark O’Flaherty, Managing Director, Emerging Markets Harley-Davidson Motor Company told me. A special highlight was to be the Corso of bikes, which, according to him, was to be in the style of the marching in of athletes at the Olympics. 

As a main supporter, Michelin was present; Bibendum being the darling of many of the participants. While the mascot did his dances, Michelin colleagues were on hand to provide insights and knowledge. I learned that Harley-Davidson is the only brand in the world that has its logo on their tyres.  

Having had one of the longest trips to the venue was Mr Carl Cospel, Chief Technology Officer of US-based Motorcycle Safety Solutions LLC who told me that he was, indeed, impressed. “This is very very similar to how these festivals are run in the states,” he told me. 

The motto ”United we Ride” was brought to live in the many activities that the organisers put together. Reflecting this motto, sponsors also contributed to good causes: Helmet Heros is a organisation that raises funds to sponsor helmets for children. Poorer families may already struggle with the cost of school uniforms and may not have the funds for even the cheapest helmets while a powered two-wheeler may be the only way for the parents to get their kids to school and back home. 

Part of the show were stunt performances (which everyone was asked not to try at home), and a line-up of high-flying international music acts, such as Asterism, Fleur and Johnny Pandora.

Outside of the festival, Khao Yai has a lot to offer. Those willing to go on a discovery, will eventually be drawn to one of the quirkiest restaurants. Located just in front of an entrance to the national park, Penlaos ranks among the newest, cheapest and most unlikely places recognised with a Bib Gourmant by the Micheline Guide for two consecutive years. Although it offers 300 covers, and a choice of 200 dishes, food is delivered fast, thanks to and some 70 front-of-house staff. 

The cuisine at Penlaos is from the Isaan region, as Thailand’s northeast is called. Dishes are made with river fish and whatever can be foraged from the forests. A number of outlets can be found in Bangkok. Those liking the cuisine may want to sample the fares in town as the dishes vary. 

GranMonte Vineyard and Winery (above) is a family-owned sustainable vineyard and zero-waste winery in the foothills of Khao Yai National Park. GranMonte is a leading producer of New Latitude wines and is at the forefront of the development of tropical viticulture and tropical winemaking.

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