THE CLASSIC SAMOENG LOOP

lockwise or Counter-clockwise, the choice is yours.
To keep this guide simple, this guide will be based on clockwise.

The Samoeng loop is really more about the ride and the natural scenery than destinations.
Soak up the atmosphere and enjoy what you see. I have included some points of interest and cafes, but there is so many to choose from on the loop.

Coffee Stops: Max Coffee / The Doi

Max Coffee and The Doi: For a stop-off and a snack, I recommend either Max Wine & Coffee On Hill or The Doi Resort. (Due to the close proximity of each other, it’s best to choose one or the other). For some great views of the valley, Max Coffee wins. They also sell alcoholic beverages (not that I am advocating drink-driving of course).

The Doi offers some great food and drinks at reasonable prices and is a perfect roadside spot for watching people ride by. Many fabulous bikes and cars use this route, so you will often get a visual treat.  (This spot used to also be a popular elephant spotting area, as elephant trek companies would often pass by. Not so common to see anymore. I’m personally glad there is more focus on ethical interactions with elephants these days. )

Max Coffee

The Doi

Samoeng Village

The local life of Samoeng isn’t so dramatic. However, it is still interesting to see local village life. There are a few small eateries, some coffee shops and a petrol station. This area can also take you on the R1349 back route to Pai.

Samoeng Forest Viewpoint

This viewpoint offers fantastic views over Samoeng Valley and is a classic photo-op stop as well as a stunning viewpoint. |
During the high season (November to January), you will often see local Hilltribe people at the viewpoint, selling fresh food and plants.

Queen Sirikit Gardens

Stunning gardens on a HUGE compound. Lots to see for lovers of all things flora. Additionally, the compound now has a skywalk.

OPENING HOURS:
8.30am – 5pm

TICKET PRICES:
100 Baht/50 Baht for children (40 Baht/10 Baht if Thai)
NOTE* These prices may have increased

Mae Sa Waterfall

The Mae Sa Waterfall is a ten-step waterfall set in the lush forest jungle. It is easy to pass by the entrance due to it being quite hidden, so keep an eye out or use GPS. The entrance road will lead you to the ticket checkpoint, where you can purchase a ticket. This is a two-tier pricing national park (foreigner price is higher than Thai). You can camp overnight in the park too, which I have done on a couple of occasions. During the high season, the waterfall pools can get quite busy, but if you walk up to the higher levels the chances are it will be much quieter.

OPENING HOURS: 8.30am – 4.30pm

TICKET PRICE:
Adult – 100 THB / Children – 50THB

VEHICLE PRICES:
Bicycle – Free
Motorbike – 20 THB
4 Wheels Car – 30 THB
6 Wheels Car – 100 THB
Over 6 Wheels – 200 THB
Over 10 Wheels – not permitted

The X-Center

If you fancy a bit of an adrenalin rush then stop in at the X-Center and see what is on offer. Activities include Go-Carts, off-road Buggies, Bungee Jumping and PaintBall. There is a bar and restaurant, which makes it a good wind-down spot after completing the loop (or a good meet-up spot, if riding anti-clockwise. You can also get breakfast and coffee in their restaurant.) So, even if you have no time or energy on this day to take on an activity there, you can still grab a cool drink or something to eat before heading back from the Samoeng Loop into Chiang Mai city

OPENING HOURS:
9am – 6pm

Additonal Cafes on the Samoeng Loop…

Di Bosco Coffee Specialists

Di Bosco popped up on the R1096 a few years ago and is certainly worth a mention and a stop in. This fabulous coffee warehouse and restaurant offers excellent coffee and great food when riding the Samoeng Loop. If you are riding the loop anti-clockwise, then this is the perfect first stop. If riding clockwise, and feel like an end-of-day winddown, this is the place to go.

Zombie Cafe

If you fancy something a bit different, then give Zombie Cafe a go. Again, more for an anti-clockwise ride, but still a good end-of-day spot. You can choose to cool down your feet at this interesting cafe because tables and seats are set up in the river that runs through it.

There is actually SO much more to this loop, especially in recent years with lots of new coffee shops and interesting venues that have popped up, but the places listed in this guide are the basic staples. You will certainly see much much more, so give yourself ample time to stop off and enjoy the many sights and views. 🙂

ENJOY!