The Samoeng Loop: A Basic Straight-forward Guide to the Loop
There are lots of places to see and visit on this loop, but for this guide I’m including just a few Key ones .
*Note* Fill your tank up (there are some village pumps along the way, but best to fill up beforehand.).
*Note* Fill your tank up (there are some village pumps along the way, but best to fill up beforehand.).
THE CLASSIC SAMOENG LOOP
Whether on a scooter or a bigger bike,
here is the MOTO ZED guide to the famous Samoeng Loop.
I will be producing a series of detailed guides in the future, with lots of hidden spots, for a small download fee.
(However, Patreon Supporters can access detailed maps, plus downloadable KMZ files & more via this LINK)
(However, Patreon Supporters can access detailed maps, plus downloadable KMZ files & more via this LINK)
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!
Hey!! You did it alone? I am a solo travel and I want to do it as well but I don’t know if is safe alone!
Looks amazing!
Thanks
Jessica
Hi Jessica. I feel very safe alone in Thailand and solo ride everywhere, even rural and trails.
I even took my motorbike into Laos for a solo 11 day ride.
I have also just returned from a 3 day trip where I camped alone as well.
The Samoeng Loop is very popular with lots of people and coffee shops etc, you will feel very safe for sure.
I would not worry! Safe travels 😀
Hi, is there a lot of traffic on this loop? 🙂 thank you!!
Hi Annabelle!
Not much actually, which often surprises me.
Weekdays are quieter than weekends though, as you can imagine, and i tend to go during weekdays.
I hope that helps 😀