North Thailand
19-23 December 2023
Curves and Culture
For a truly unforgettable adventure in Thailand, the Mae Hong Son Loop is a journey that should be at the top of your list. This 600-kilometer route takes you through some of the most stunning landscapes in northern Thailand, with winding mountain roads, lush jungles, and vast rice paddies that will take your breath away. An adventurous traveller will be immediately drawn to this route, with its challenging terrain and scenic vistas.
What we love most about the Mae Hong Son Loop is the opportunity to experience authentic rural life and cultural diversity. Passing through small towns and villages, we will be able to interact with locals and get a true sense of their way of life. And exploring the surrounding hills and forests, home to hill tribes and indigenous communities, added a unique richness to the experience. For anyone seeking an authentic and personal adventure in Thailand, the Mae Hong Son Loop is an absolute must.
Unveiling Mae Hong Son: The Itinerary
Upon arrival in Chiang Mai, you’ll be warmly greeted by your host. Depending on your arrival time, the day will be left free for you to roam and discover the city’s wonders. We will immerse ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere of the night market while feasting on delicious local delicacies. We’ll then retreat for a restful evening, preparing ourselves for the exciting journey ahead.
We kick off the day with an early start, enjoying a quick breakfast before picking up our motorbikes. Our destination is Pai, a 3.5-hour ride without pit stops. Along the way, we’ll make a delightful pause at a charming café for a refreshing break. Upon reaching Pai, we’ll settle into our accommodation and savor a delicious lunch.
In the afternoon, we’ll explore the nearby attractions, including the stunning Pai Canyon, where we’ll catch the captivating sunset. To wrap up the evening, we’ll indulge in a delightful dinner along the lively walking street, immersing ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere.
Following a satisfying breakfast, we embark on an exciting excursion to the picturesque Nam Lod Cave. We’ll immerse ourselves in a captivating tour, exploring the cave’s natural beauty. Afterward, we’ll enjoy a delicious lunch to refuel before commencing our journey to Mae Hong Son. While the road may be a little winding, we’ll reach our destination in time to relax and recharge at our accommodation. As a unique twist, we might even get the chance to join the accommodation owners in preparing a delightful dinner together!
The roads become less winding, ensuring a smoother ride. However, it’s still a considerable distance, so we’ll make a brief stop at Khum Yuan before proceeding to Mae Sariang. Known for its tranquil ambiance, Mae Sariang is the most serene village on our itinerary. Here, we can unwind and embrace the warm hospitality of the locals. If time allows, we’ll embark on a sunset hike to a nearby viewpoint, offering breathtaking vistas of the surroundings.
We embark on the final stretch of our journey, setting off early for another long but relatively straight route. Along the way, we’ll make a well-deserved coffee stop, allowing us to recharge and appreciate the scenic surroundings. We’ll also make a detour to visit a majestic waterfall near Doi Inthanon. Then we conclude our loop in Chiang Mai.
Uncharted Routes:
Optional Days
Ban Rak Thai
Take a detour between Pai and Mae Hong Son to visit this Yunnanese village that makes you think you’re no longer in Thailand! Live on the edge of a lake and catch a beautiful sunrise in the early morning.
Doi Inthanon
The highest peak in Thailand is worth a visit for the cool weather and stunning views! The mountains can be accessed from Khum Yuan skipping Mae Sariang, or from Mae Sariang. Stay in the mountains for a night to experience beautiful countryside sunset and sunrise.
Connect
Meet your Host
I rode this loop for the first time in April 2023. Unfortunately, it was also during a season when North Thailand was plagued by suffocating haze due to the dry season. Nevertheless, I loved riding this loop, especially when I witnessed the breathtaking view from Doi Inthanon! There are still many things to see along this route, so I would be delighted to go again and guide you along!
Reserve
Booking request
* Price from US$900 per pax
Secure your slot by submitting a booking request below! In case the trip is fully booked, our host will contact you for further discussion on alternative solutions. You may also contact us if you have any enquiries about the trip.
