Thailand
Mae Hong Son Loop
Eight days and 4,088 curves through waterfalls, hill-tribe villages, caves, and the easy streets of Pai.
~700 km
Distance
8 days
Duration
Moderate
Difficulty
December 2024
Trip Date
The Mae Hong Son Loop is one of northern Thailand's iconic rides, tracing the border with Myanmar for 4,088 curves across roughly 700 km. I'd wanted to do it for a while, and it turned out to be everything I'd hoped for: towering mountains, waterfalls, caves, and small towns that still feel a world away from the crowds further south. I started and finished in Chiang Mai, and along the way I stopped at Doi Inthanon National Park, home to Thailand's highest peak at 2,565 meters, wound through Pai with its laid-back energy, and passed through the quieter towns of Mae Hong Son and Mae Sariang, where I got a real taste of local culture, temples, and traditions. I rode it clockwise over 8 days and 7 nights, on a scooter, which felt like the right way to actually experience the place.
The Route
Here's a rundown of the places I stopped along the way, in case it helps you plan your own version of this route:
Chiang Mai
The charming city, full of ancient temples, where I rented my scooter and kicked off the whole adventure.
Doi Inthanon National Park
A breathtaking natural park and home to Thailand's highest peak. I'm glad I spent a night here; it gave me time to actually take the place in instead of rushing through.
Mae Sariang
A peaceful town near the Myanmar border, surrounded by green mountains and rivers. It let me slow down and get a feel for local life, well away from the tourist trail.
Khun Yuam
A small village without much going on, honestly, but a handy stopover on the way to Mae Hong Son. For me, the winding mountain roads getting there were more memorable than the park itself.
Mae Hong Son
Like Mae Sariang, tucked between green mountains and valleys. I used it as a base to get a more authentic taste of Thailand and to visit nearby ethnic villages.
Ban Rak Thai
Reaching this pretty village means a short detour off the main loop, but I thought it was worth the extra riding, both for its beauty and its Chinese cultural roots.
Pai
Easily the most touristy stop on the loop, known for its relaxed vibe and gorgeous nature. I gave myself two nights here before closing the loop.
Chiang Mai→Doi Inthanon National Park1
1Doi Inthanon National Park→Mae Sariang2
2Mae Sariang→Khun Yuam3
3Khun Yuam→Mae Hong Son4
4Mae Hong Son→Ban Rak Thai5
5Ban Rak Thai→Pai6
Pai6
6Pai→Chiang Mai
A Monk Collecting Alms in Pai
Eight days, 4,088 curves, and more mountains, waterfalls, and small towns than I could properly process at the time. It's the kind of trip that stays with you.
Trip Info