The Incredible Mae Hong Son Loop
Mae Hong Son | 720 KM Loop | Classic Guide
Spanning over 600 km and 4,088 curves, the Mae Hong Son Loop is Northern Thailand’s most iconic ride, famed for its winding mountain roads, epic views, and rich cultural encounters. Note: this guide is more km than the average classic loop, due to including the spectacular route through Mae Chaem, and the option of riding to Thailand’s highest mountain.
The Loop offers generally good paved roads, tight hairpins, with occasional potholes or debris.
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720
KM
4
Days
Paved
Mixed
21
Stops
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Routes for each are mixed (straight, curvy, twisty & steep). Add additional time for visiting attractions.
Day 1: Chiang Mai to Mae Sariang
240
KM
5.5
Hours
Paved
Curvy
6
Stops
+additional KM/time if visiting attractions
Day 2: Chiang Mai to Mae Hong Son
162
KM
3
Hours
Paved
Curvy
5
Stops
+additional KM/time if visiting attractions
Day 3: Mae Hong Son to Pai
108
KM
2.15
Hours
Paved
Curves
5
Stops
+additional KM/time if visiting attractions
Day 4: Pai to Chiang Mai
127
KM
3
Hours
Paved
Twisty
5
Stops
+additional KM/time if visiting attractions
Fuel stops are based on a 7.7 Liter tank. Smaller tanks will need to add additional stops.
Day 1 – Chiang Mai to Mae Sariang
Day 1 is the longest day in the saddle, so an additional day may be added if needed (or, alternatively, bypass the Doi Inthanon-Mae Chaem section, to reduce the saddle hours). A scenic and varied ride on smooth tarmac, passing waterfalls, farmland, and Thailand’s highest peak.
240
KM
5.5
Hours
Paved
Curvy
6
Stops
+ 18 km / 26 mins ride time, if visiting Doi Inthanon Summit
Day 2 – Mae Sariang to Mae Hong Son
Day 2 is a scenic blend of rolling hills, forested curves, and peaceful mountain views. With its long stretches of road leading to Mae Hong Son, it is less intense than Day 1 route.
162*
KM
3
Hours
Paved
Curvy
5
Stops
+20 km / 34 mins – if visiting Kayan Long Neck Village.
Day 3 – Mae Hong Son to Pai
Day 3 is a scenic ride through lush mountain curves, viewpoints, and hilltribe village zones. Its long, sweeping bends make it a memorable part of the Mae Hong Son loop.
108
KM
2
Hours
Paved
Twisty
5
Stops
+additional KM / Time if visiting attractions
Point A – Depart Mae Hong Son
Adjust start point to your preferred location
Point B – JUNCTION for Su Tong Pae
Decide if you wish to visit Su Tong Pae Bridge or continue along the route. The route is 2 KM each way.
Su Tong Pae is a 500-meter bamboo bridge built by local volunteers in 2012 to aid the local monks. It has since become a popular local tourist attraction.
10
KM
13
Mins
Paved
straight
Su Tong Pae – Bamboo Bridge
4
KM
6
Mins
Paved
Twisty
End – Return to junction and continue along the loop
Point C – JUNCTION for Ban Rak Thai
Decide if you wish to visit Ban Rak Thai Village or continue along the route. The route is 27 KM each way.
Ban Rak Thai (meaning “Thai-loving village”), is a picturesque village, known for tea cultivation.
6.5
KM
8
Mins
Paved
Curvy
Ban Rak Thai – Yunnanese Village
Founded: 1980’s
Population: 800 approx
Background: Originally a settlement for former Kuo Min Tang nationalist fighters from Yunnan Province in China, who fled after the Communist takeover in 1949.
3.6
KM
6
Mins
Paved
Twisty
Ban Rak Thai State Outpost
Step over the border into Mae Aw remote border village, to visit the village, shop and museum. Note: This is a restricted access zone, controlled by the Thai Army. It may be closed at times – especially during political turmoil periods.
Background: This zone was set up for controlling the Jade trade arriving in from the Shan State. It was also a hotspot for drug smuggling, which used to dominated the economy.
3.6
KM
6
Mins
Paved
Twisty
End – Return to junction and continue along the loop
Point D – JUNCTION for Nam Lod Cave
Decide if you wish to visit Ban Rak Thai (village) or continue along the route. The route is cuts through a local village area, and adds an additional?? KM each way.
Nam Lod is famous for towering chambers, prehistoric history, and guided bamboo river rafts.
55
KM
50
Mins
Paved
Curvy
Note: There are many steep steps to climb.
Entrance Fee
(Group of 1-3 people)
Column Cave (1 Cave) : 300 Baht*
All 3 Caves + Raft: 600 Baht*
Additional
Fish Food: 50 Baht
Tip for Guide: (Optional)
*Prices may vary
This impressive 1,666-meter limestone cave system contains towering stalactites, a river system, ancient teakwood coffins believed to be carved by the Lawa tribe, and thousands of swifts and bats.
A lamplit bamboo raft takes visitors along the Nam Lang River system, which winds through the cave’s towering dark chambers.
8.5
KM
15
Mins
Paved
Straight
End – Return to junction and continue along the loop
Point E – Doi Kiew Lom Viewpoint
Doi Kiew Lom Viewpoint offers stunning mountain views, local snacks, Hilltribe souvenirs, and occasional photo ops with children in traditional dress for a small tip. Drinks, snacks and souvenir shops on-site are normally open from 6am to 6pm.
17
KM
24
Mins
Paved
Curvy
Point F – Arrive Pai
Once a quiet Shan market village, Pai has evolved to be a popular tourist hub, known for its laid-back vibe.
25
KM
30
Mins
Paved
Curvy
Quick recommendations – Read the detailed guide to Pai below for more information on Pai.
Where to Stay
Heart of Pai
Villa de Pai
Where to Eat
Baan Pai
Cake ‘o’ Go
Market
Walking Street
6pm – 10pm
Saturday Market
9am – 3pm
Temple
Big Buddha Pai
Waterfall
Morpaeng Falls
Nightlife
Attractions
Pai Canyon
Best for sunset
Yun Lai Viewpoint
Best for sunrise
Hot Spring
Sai Ngam
End – Enjoy your time in Pai
Day 4 – Pai to Chiang Mai
Day 4 is a steep and twisty ride of 762 curves through the lush mountains between Mae Hong Son and Chiang Mai Province. This is one of Thailand’s most thrilling riding routes.
127
KM
3
Hours
Paved
Twisty
5
Stops
Point A – Depart Pai
Adjust start point to your preferred location
Point B – Pai Memorial Bridge
Pai Memorial Bridge was built during WWII by villagers under Japanese orders, using elephants to haul jungle timber, to extend the army’s route into Myanmar / Burma. Drinks, snacks and souvenir shops on-site are normally open from 6am to 6pm.
9
KM
12
Mins
Paved
Curvy
Point C – Army Checkpoint
The army checkpoint at Doi Mae Ya is typically hassle-free. Foreign visitors are rarely stopped. Just slow down and continue on your way.
19
KM
26
Mins
Paved
Twisty
Point D – Rak Chang Viewpoint
A small café and convenient bathroom stop with pretty views, where low clouds and grazing cattle often create perfect photo moments. The on-site cafe is open from 6am to 6pm.
9
KM
17
Mins
Paved
Twisty
Point E – Coffee We / Witches Hut
A fun, quirky witch-themed café-restaurant serving a variety of drinks, food, and homemade snacks in a cozy setting filled with witch statues and broomsticks.
13
KM
19
Mins
Paved
Twisty
Point F – Mok Fa Waterfall
Mok Fa is a 60-meter waterfall with a shallow 1-meter pool, perfect for a cool dip. Note: it may close during the rainy season and be shallow in the hot season. Note: Ticket prices may vary and expect to pay an additional 20 Baht for motorbike parking fee.
Food & Drink available in the nearby Pankled Coffee.
28
KM
31
Mins
Paved
Twisty
Point G – Arrive Chiang Mai
The final leg into Chiang Mai city brings you onto the main highway route. If you have time, consider stopping at Air Diamond Café, an intriguing coffee shop built inside a jet plane.
55
KM
1
Hour
Paved
straight
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