Approximately 270km of some fantastic sweeping roads, makes the Phrao loop a great day trip ride from Chiang Mai. There are some interesting stop-off points, views and photo ops to enjoy as well.
THE PHRAO LOOP
Whether on a scooter or a bigger bike, here is the Moto Zed guide to the PHRAO LOOP
Clockwise or Counter-clockwise, the choice is yours. To keep this guide simple, this guide will be based on clockwise.
A STRAIGHTFORWARD GUIDE to The PHRAO LOOP
Approximately 270km of some fantastic sweeping roads, makes the Phrao loop a great day trip ride from Chiang Mai. There are some interesting stop-off points, views and photo ops to enjoy as well.
THE PHRAO LOOP
Whether on a scooter or a bigger bike, here is the Moto Zed guide to the PHRAO LOOP
Clockwise or Counter-clockwise, the choice is yours. To keep this guide simple, this guide will be based on clockwise.
Clockwise Full Loop: From Chiang Mai city, head onto the 107 and continue along this road for approximately 30 km until you hit a junction at 19.377176, 98.946189
Clockwise Full Loop: From Chiang Mai city, head onto the 107 and continue along this road for approximately 30 km until you hit a junction at 19.377176, 98.946189
At this junction, you can choose to keep riding along the R107 or turn left towards Chiang Dao Caves. The road to the caves has a variety of interesting eateries, coffee shops and accommodation (including the well-known Chiang Dao Nest 2).
If hungry, then this is a good area to stop for a bite to eat before heading back to the R107 junction and heading north.
Keep riding along the R1150 for approximately 50 km until you hit the 118 junction. This stretch of road leading to the 118 is really scenic with plenty of twisties. At the R1150 – R118 junction (19.324894, 99.512445) head right towards Chiang Mai.
Keep riding along the R1150 for approximately 50 km until you hit the 118 junction. This stretch of road leading to the 118 is really scenic with plenty of twisties. At the R1150 – R118 junction (19.324894, 99.512445) turn right towards Chiang Mai.
Clockwise Half Loop: From Chiang Mai city, head onto the 107 and continue along this road for approximately 30 km until you hit a junction at 19.377176, 98.946189
Clockwise Half Loop: From Chiang Mai city, head onto the 107 and continue along this road for approximately 30 km until you hit a junction at 19.377176, 98.946189
At this junction, you can choose to keep riding along the 107 or turn left towards Chiang Dao Caves. The road to the caves has a variety of interesting eateries, coffee shops and accommodation (including the well-known Chiang Dao Nest 2).
Therefore, this is a good area to stop for a bite to eat before heading back to the R107 junction and heading north.
In Phrao town, when you see the PTT petrol station, turn right, onto the R1001 (19.369362, 99.200968).
Continue along the R1001 until you reach the junction at 19.099703, 99.077795. At this junction, you can either take a right on the R4046 rural road to Mae Ngat and visit the dam, or continue along the R1001 down to Chiang Mai city. (I recommend taking the 4046 to Mae Ngat and carry along onto the 3038 until it links up to the 107 back to Chiang Mai. Much more scenic.)
End of Half Loop
*Tips* / Highlights
*1st Tip* Chiang Dao area is great for exploring and recommend it for a day trip in itself (or a few days). In particular, the Chiang Dao Caves are worth seeing. I recommend paying a guide (easily found within the cave) who can guide you into the deeper caverns of the caves.
*2nd Tip*: Just after Chiang Dao on the 107 is the Wieng Hieng Loop (junction: 19.425979, 98.975677). This is an interesting loop but you will take several hours to complete. Best to ride this loop when you have plenty of time and energy.
*2nd Tip*: Just after Chiang Dao on the 107 is the Wieng Hieng Loop (junction: 19.425979, 98.975677).
*4th Tip*: The 118 passes pass through Mae Takhrai National Park where there is a beautiful stream straight off the highway. In addition, there is a small shop/restaurant. Worth a stop and a cool down. Very scenic.
The park adjoins Khun Chae National Park, which covers an area of 270 square kilometres and is home to a number of small rivers. In addition, it is home to the 2031 meter tall Doi Lang Ka, the fifth highest peak in Thailand and less popular, making it an interesting mountain to visit.
You can camp in this area too. I previously enjoyed one night of peaceful hammock camping in this national park. They have good facilities available and the site is very quiet.
*5th Tip*: If you want to make it a little more challenging, then take the R4031 down to Mae Kuang Dam Suspension bridge. The route to this bridge isn’t fully paved ( now graded dirt) but is a really great route and the dirt section is minimal (therefore most bikes can tackle it).
For more great locations and rides check out my POI Map.
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I havent done the Phrao Loop before, so will give it a shot.
Cheers!
Hi Pete, if you enjoy it, let me know. Hope the guide helps.