Motocycle Loop. Scenic Viewpoints, Soft Terrain, and Serene Local Life
Nestled within the lush folds of Soppoeng, in the Mae Taeng District, lies Mok Fa Waterfall — a cool oasis embraced by forest and mist. While most riders head in via the straightforward R1095, there’s a much more rewarding way to reach it: a scenic back route with mixed terrain, soft dirt sections, and secret viewpoints.
Take this off-the-beaten route to immerse yourself in northern Thailand’s quiet rhythms, charming villages, and forested beauty.
🧭 The Route
📍MAP LINK A (with waypoint tweaks to avoid Google Maps rerouting)
📍MAP LINK B (a slight alternative route with an additional glorious temple!)
Most of this route does not permit you to go off-road into the forest-jungle, but if you are looking for more of a soft dirt mixed-terrain route, check out this Goat Track route.
⚠️ Road Surface Notes:
Most of this route is paved with concrete, and some single-track. Expect a few patchy sections — broken concrete, the occasional gravelly or craggy stretch — classic back-route Northern Thailand. It’s the kind of ride that keeps you alert but rewards you with stunning viewpoints and peaceful scenery.
🚨 Just a heads-up: some sections can be slippery, especially during the Rainy Season. Mossy patches and wet leaves can sneak up on you, so take it slow and steady where needed.
🧭 Outbound
The route starts off on the main R107 highway route, giving you a chance to warm up for the ride and fuel up if you haven’t done so already. When you eventually veer off on the R3009, you will get a taste of local Thai life and a contrast from Chiang Mai city life.
As an aside, this is also the location of the Erotic Garden – an interesting sculpture garden that explains Thai erotic art.
After a few km on the R3009, you will take a left onto a concrete route, which is when the fun begins. This single track takes you through glorious twisty farming routes, forestry areas and mountain views!
As the road winds through hilltop vistas and sleepy farmland, you’ll find plenty of chances to stop, breathe in the views, and soak up the ride.
There are moments where the road dips into shady forest patches or runs alongside quiet farming areas, where the scent of moist earth and foliage fills the air. This isn’t an aggressive off-road trail — but it’s far from sterile.
It’s soft mixed terrain: predominantly concrete, but with a sprinkling of broken segments, potholes, gravelly ridges, and craggy corners that keep things interesting.
One thing to be mindful of — especially if you’re riding during or after the Rainy Season — is the presence of mossy concrete and wet leaves, particularly in shaded areas under dense tree cover. These slick sections can be surprisingly hazardous, even on low-speed stretches, so take your time and ride with intention.
Eventually, the road leads you to the back entrance of Mok Fa Waterfall.
This waterfall is a refreshing oasis tucked into the landscape. At this point, you’ve got options:
- 🏞️ Stop in at the waterfall for a rest or swim (entrance fee applies)
- 🛣️ Continue riding through to meet the R1095 Pai road (or stop first at Pankled Coffee)
If you decide to stop at the waterfall, you will need to park in the main car park area and purchase a ticket. Personally, I haven’t tried to go to the falls without buying a ticket, but I suppose some may try to do this.
🌊Mok Fa Waterfall
Mok Fa Waterfall (น้ำตกหมอกฟ้า) is a single-tiered waterfall plunging around 60 metres into a natural pool below, and is a part of Doi Suthep–Pui National Park (yes, it really is that big of a national park!).
The area is surrounded by thick forest and birds – a lovely stop, whether you’re planning to dip your toes or simply soak up the atmosphere. Please note that during Hot Season, the waterfall may be quite dry though!
🌿 What to Expect:
- A short, easy walk (approx. 300–500 metres) from the parking area to the falls
- Cool, shaded picnic spots under tall trees
- A pool suitable for wading or a quick splash
(though the current can be strong in the Rainy Season, and dry in the Hot Season) - Local flora, butterflies, and the occasional monkey, if you’re lucky
- Quiet during the week, but may be busy at weekends or during holidays.
🕒 Opening Hours & Fee:
- Open daily: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- Entrance Fee:
- 100 THB for foreign adults
- 50 THB for foreign children
- (Thai citizen pricing is lower; carry your Thai licence or work permit if you have one, as this may result in a discount)
The site is well-maintained by the national park, with basic facilities like:
- Toilets
- Rubbish bins
- A small shop (depending on season and time of day)
🎟️ Note: The entrance fee also grants access to nearby attractions in the same national park zone (if you’re planning further explorations).
🥣Food Stop: Pankled Cafe’
While Mok Fa Waterfall itself doesn’t have much in the way of food stalls or restaurant options on-site, luckily, Pankled Coffee is just around the corner. This little gem is tucked into a lush garden setting and offers a surprisingly broad menu of great food and drinks at reasonable prices.
It’s not just the food that draws people in — the peaceful ambience, greenery, farm animals, and even wandering peacocks make it a memorable stop.
🛕Route B Additional Temple
🛕Wat Phra Phatthaban Si Roi
A Sacred Sanctuary Amidst the Mountains
Wat Phra Phutthabat Si Roi (วัดพระพุทธบาทสี่รอย) is a hidden gem that offers both spiritual significance and breathtaking architecture. (Just look at how huge the entrance is compared to my motorbike!)
The temple is renowned for housing the Four Buddha Footprints, a revered site that attracts pilgrims and travellers seeking tranquillity and reflection.
🕒 Details:
- Open daily: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Entry: Free
- Coffee Shop on Site
☕ Coffee Shop at Wat Phra Phutthabat Si Roi
Right at the temple’s entrance, there’s a pretty coffee shop that offers a selection of beverages and light snacks. It’s an ideal spot to grab a cool drink, relax, and soak in the peaceful surroundings before continuing your journey.
🧭 Inbound
A scenic soft adventure back to Chiang Mai City.
Assuming that you stopped at Pankled Coffee, we will begin the inbound route from there. At this point you can continue with my shared route or head back to Chiang Mai via the R1095.
🧘♂️ Pa Pae Turn-Off
Shortly after rejoining R1095, keep an eye out for the left turn toward Pa Pae. This stretch will guide you through quiet hillside communities and small farming pockets.
On this route, you’ll ride through small hill tribe farming communities, where life moves slowly and traditionally.
Expect to see locals tending fields, drying crops by the roadside, or herding animals across the way. In fact, keep an eye out for animals on the route!
The road surface is a mix — primarily narrow concrete, sometimes worn and cracked, with occasional sections of packed dirt and gravel. During the dry season, it’s a manageable, soft-roading experience. In the rainy season, however, moss and wet leaves in shaded parts can get slick, so caution is advised. It’s not a technical off-road trail, but the uneven patches require some attention.
This leg of the ride feels tucked away from the world — like discovering a secret path through the northern hills. What makes this route truly special is the tranquil atmosphere with very little traffic on the entire route to Sukhavati Temple.
🛕 Sukhavati Vietnamese Temple
Cực Lạc Cảnh Giới Tự
Further along this inward ride lies a truly hidden gem: Sukhavati Temple (Cực Lạc Cảnh Giới Tự). With intricate Vietnamese architecture, golden spires, and statues nestled in forested surroundings, this peaceful temple is well worth a short stop.
Some time back, I sort of put this stunning temple on the map, so to speak. I had been out riding, checking nooks and crannies, and couldn’t believe it when I happened upon this temple, which at the time was in disrepair. It has since seen a revival due to visitors who follow my social media.
It is a little hard to spot the entrance. So, keep an eye out!
The temple was established in 2005 by the Vietnamese Buddhist monk Thích Hạnh Nguyện, and spans approximately 7 hectares. (Thanks to Damian Hanson for these incredible drone shots).
🏯 Architectural Highlights
The temple’s architecture is a harmonious blend of traditional Vietnamese and Thai styles, featuring elegant pagodas, serene Buddha statues, and meticulously landscaped gardens. A notable feature is the white pagoda situated amidst a reflective pond, creating a peaceful and picturesque setting.
Dotted all around this temple are solar panel lights and speakers, and many of the lights are unique and interesting ways (such as cherry blossom flowers and lotus leaves within the water). This hidden temple has to be seen to be believed.
🧘♂️ Spiritual and Cultural Activities
Sukhavati Temple serves as a centre for meditation and Buddhist practice. The temple offers a structured daily schedule for monastic life, which includes early morning meditation, work duties, and evening chanting. (If this is something you wish to participate in, contact the temple in person or through the information offered via this site
🌿 Visiting Tips
- Respectful Attire: Visitors are advised to dress modestly when visiting the temple.
- Respect the Quiet: The temple is a meditation retreat, so keep noise at a minimum (Including turning off your motorbike engine to roll into the temple grounds).
🌿 Additional Note
If the temple gates are locked, it indicates that an important ceremony is taking place. Unfortunately, there is nothing you can do in this case, and you will need to visit at another time.
After visiting the temple, continue along the R4021 until you reach the junction at Samoeng Village.
As an aside, some additional interesting stops before this junction include Mae Sap Cave, and the stunning Doi Nok Pagoda. There is also a famous Ice Cream Shop and other interesting eateries. If you would like a great off-road route in this area for a later date, then you this trip guide will give you a fantastic experience where you ride through hilltribe villages to a hidden jungle temple.
Take a left at the Samoeng junction and head towards the Sameong Forest Viewpoint.
The road surface on this leg is primarily bitumen and generally in good condition, with smooth curves.
🌄 Samoeng Forest Viewpoint
After riding a great twisty mountain route, you’ll reach the Samoeng Forest Viewpoint. This viewpoint offers a fabulous view of the Samoeng Valley.
It is a great spot to pause and breathe in the view, and if you are lucky, some local hilltribe ladies will be selling cold drinks and treats at the entrance.
Video Clip of the viewpoint – November 2021
🛣️ Final Leg: Samoeng to Chiang Mai
From the viewpoint, it’s an easy ride back into the city, completing the loop. The road descends with long sweeping bends, with soft light filtering through the trees. The closer you get to Chiang Mai, the busier it becomes, but traffic is usually manageable.
✨ Final Thoughts
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