Under the theme “Beyond the Map, Closer to Resilience,” the journey showcased the exceptional performance, road grip, and durability of the KO3 tires across over 650km and 4,000 hairpin turns.
This year, BFGoodrich’s exclusive annual driving experience event took the form of the BFGoodrich KO3 Caravan, bringing together automotive and off-road influencers from seven countries: Australia, Indonesia, South Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam. With the theme “Beyond the Map,” the journey offered participants the chance to push their limits and experience the true power of BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 tires during a four-day adventure, conquering over 650km of diverse terrain along the Chiang Mai – Mae Hong Son – Chiang Mai route.
Supported by the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the Mae Hong Son Tourism Business Association, and the Mae Hong Son Chamber of Commerce, the caravan journey spanned a month, from late September to October, with a total of nine convoys participating. Each convoy had the opportunity to tackle the same challenging route, featuring diverse terrains ranging from asphalt and concrete to gravel, mud, and treacherous mountain passes. The route ascended from 400m to 1,900m above sea level and navigated through 4,088 sharp turns.
The 2025 BFGoodrich KO3 Caravan took participants through new shortcuts and undisclosed trails connecting Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son.
On Day 1, the convoy departed from Mae Wang, tackling the longest stretch of nearly 300km through Doi Inthanon and Khun Yuam to Mae Hong Son. The route consisted of 95% asphalt and 5% off-road terrain, with 80% curves and 20% straight sections.
On Day 2, the journey continued from Nai Soi to Pang Ung, passing through the Long-Neck Karen Village, covering approximately 100km, with 65% off-road and 35% asphalt.
On Day 3, the route from Ban Rak Thai to Pai took participants through Ban Huai Hai and Muang Rae Pai, spanning over 150km, with 70% off-road terrain.
Finally, on Day 4, the convoy returned from Pai to Chiang Mai, stopping at the Patara Elephant Farm, completing a 200km route with 30% off-road and 70% asphalt, concluding a challenging journey filled with unforgettable memories for all participants.
Every turn and every slope in this year’s BFGoodrich KO3 Caravan offered participants a chance to fully embrace the spirit of conquest.
Vietnam proudly participated in the BFGoodrich KO3 Caravan with three representatives embodying the spirit of adventure, the desire to conquer, and an unwavering passion for off-road driving.
Mr. Bùi Hữu Việt, Vice President of the Vietnam Pickup Truck Club, shared: “I participated in last year’s BFGoodrich KO3 Caravan from Laos to Vietnam, but this year’s Northern Thailand route was truly different. The terrain in Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son is both majestic and challenging, constantly shifting from highways to mountain passes, and then to forest trails, rocky paths, and muddy sections—it was far more demanding. On steep slopes or deep mud, thanks to the differential lock and KO3’s excellent grip, the vehicle climbed smoothly without slipping or losing control. It was an exhilarating, true off-road conquest. This year’s program felt distinctly different, with more off-road challenges, offering participants new experiences and insights into the synergy between vehicle off-road capabilities and tires. I was particularly impressed by the route design, organization, and safety measures—everything was highly professional.”
The KO3 tires’ performance was proven during the four-day adventure, conquering over 650km of diverse terrain and more than 4,000 sharp turns.
Mr. Trần Phát, a renowned off-road racer who has competed in many major events, said: “On the first day, I drew an SUV instead of a pickup, which made me a bit nervous. But when tackling rocky slopes, streams, and muddy sections, the KO3 tires performed exceptionally well, gripping firmly and instilling confidence. Each day ended with anticipation for the next, eager to face new surprises. Although the organizers shared the daily itinerary each morning, the route always presented fresh challenges, from winding mountain passes to forest trails. Every destination left a lasting impression: the serene Ban Rak Thai, the rustic and friendly Pang Mu, and the wild, exhilarating Pai. Moreover, I made many new friends from other countries, making the experience both challenging and energizing—truly memorable.”
Mr. Lê Quang Nhựt, a travel content creator and a familiar face in Vietnam’s off-road community, shared: “The journey with BFGoodrich was not just about conquering the rugged terrains of Northern Thailand but also about experiencing vibrant cultural encounters. From peaceful villages and winding mountain passes to heartfelt interactions with locals, every moment was invaluable.”
Alongside the adventure, the 2025 BFGoodrich KO3 Caravan offered rich cultural experiences throughout the journey.
The four-day caravan journey presented dramatic off-road challenges while serving as a real-world test for the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 tires, demonstrating superior performance in durability, grip, and longevity. Developed with a new multi-terrain rubber compound, the KO3 tires ensure durability and longevity, performing flexibly on both highways and off-road terrain. Additionally, the 3D interlocking tread blocks with maximum depth enhance mud and wet road grip, while the nested block design maximizes handling and traction on harsh surfaces. The CoreGard technology further strengthens the tire’s sidewalls, protecting against sharp rocks and impacts, inheriting the legacy of the Baja Champion racing series.
CoreGard technology ensures the KO3 tires’ robust performance, carrying the legacy of the Baja Champion racing series.
With safety as the top priority, the caravan was escorted by a Medical Rescue Vehicle equipped with first aid supplies, basic repair tools, and a team of dedicated technicians. A rapid response vehicle, staffed by two professional rescuers and a medical officer, was also on standby to address any health issues or emergencies promptly.
