The Mae Hong Son Loop is easily one of the best things to do in Thailand. It is a must-ride journey through breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural experiences, and thrilling roads.

But a lot of tourists motorbiking through the Mae Hong Son Loop simply follow the first guide they see on the internet. But many of these routes fail to showcase the best of Northern Thai culture or neglect some truly amazing places that aren’t part of the typical backpacker route.

This guide will give you the lowdown on all the off-the-beaten-path spots, how much time you need, and–of course–helpful tips to make it a smoother journey.

What is the Mae Hong Son Loop?

Starting and ending in Chiang Mai, the Mae Hong Son Loop is a 600-kilometer ride through Northern Thailand’s lush mountains and forests. It is one of Thailand’s most scenic routes. You can expect epic views, quaint villages, winding roads, and incredible hospitality from locals.

Renting a Motorcycle in Chiang Mai

Find a Reputable Shop

Chiang Mai is chock-full of motorcycle shops where you can rent anything from a small 125cc automatic scooter all the way to a large 500cc manual bike.

Before renting, check Google reviews to make sure the shop is reputable. After renting, always make sure to take pics or videos of the motorbike so the shop can’t claim damage you didn’t actually do.

Tips for preparing for the journey

• Wear a helmet: Safety is important. You’ll be on a few sketchy roads. Also, police are notorious for fining foreigners in Chiang Mai that don’t wear helmets.
• International License: Carry an International Driving Permit or, again, you’ll possibly face a fine (you really don’t have to pay it though).
• Navigation: Download offline maps for the loop in case you lose internet.

How to do the Mae Hong Son Loop

Day 1 – Chiang Mai to Pai (129 km)

The first leg of the Mae Hong Son Loop goes from Chiang Mai to Pai through beautiful scenery and incredible, curvy roads.

If you want, there are two optional routes you can take to Pai, each with its own unique things to do. Or you can go straight to Pai if you are on limited time.

First Option: Chiang Mai to Doi Luang Chiang Dao

Time on motorbike: 1 hour and 30 minutes

The first option is good for travelers who want to get off the traditional backpacker route and experience places that only locals know about. Doi Luang Chiang Dao is a short ride north of Chiang Mai. It’s perhaps the most stunning mountain range in all of Thailand.

There are a handful of guest houses situated in the shadow of the mountain that offer incredible views of the mountains from bed. But since the place gets next to zero foreigners, it isn’t super easy to book. Most information is in Thai.

The easiest way is to search “Doi Luang Chiang Dao Viewpoint” on Google Maps and then locate a guest house nearby. Then, simply send them a message on Facebook (you will probably need to use Google Translate).

Highlights: Dantewada (awesome cafe with waterfalls)

Can’t-miss accommodation: Rabiang Dao Homestay

Second Option: Local tribes, Elephants, and Waterfalls

Time on motorbike: 1-2 hours

Another option on the way to Pai is to stop and see waterfalls, elephants, and the indigenous tribes of Northern Thailand with their trademark neck rings that give them long necks.

You could start by going to Dantewada to take some great pics for you Instagram. After that, you could visit the Long Neck Tribe Village to learn about their lifestyle and culture. Finally, you would make your way to the Elephant Nature Park where you can spend time and bathe majestic elephants.

The following day, you could take a quick detour to Mok Fa Waterfall before continuing to Pai, which should take about two more hours on motorbike.

Highlights:

• Dantewada
• Mok Fa Waterfall
• Elephant Nature Park
• Long Neck Tribe Village
• Doi Mon Ngo Summit Viewpoint

Can’t-miss accommodation: Cozy Wild

Day 2 & 3 – Leisure Time in Pai

Pai is definitely a place that you will want to spend at least a couple of days in. The small town in Northern Thailand is known for its thriving backpacker scene and unbelievably chill vibes.

Daytimes in Pai can be spent at charming cafes or exploring nature and nightimes can be used to unwind with some solid nightlife.

Top things to do in Pai:

• Pai Canyon
• Kho Ku So Bamboo Bridge
• Pam Bok Waterfall
• Chedi Phra That Mae Yen Temple
• Pai Hot Springs
• Pai Walking Street/Night Market

Can’t-miss accommodation: Pai Village Boutique Resort

Day 4 – Pai to Ban Rak Thai & Pang Oung (118 km)

Time on motorbike: 2 hours and 30 minutes

Leave Pai after breakfast and head towards Ban Rak Thai, a traditional Chinese village nestled near the border of Myanmar. On the way, you can stop at Nam Lod Cave where you can hire a local guide to take you on a bamboo boat tour through the cave. It’s a magical experience.

Once you arrive in Ban Rak Thai, you can spend the rest of the day soaking up the awesome vibes of the Chinese architecture of one of Thailand’s most beautiful villages.

When you wake up the next morning, head over to nearby Pang Oung Lake. In the mornings, a thick mist covers the water. It’s super serene and idyllic. You can also choose to camp on the banks of the lake at Pang Oung.

Pang Oung and Ban Rak Thai are far too often overlooked by tourists doing the Mae Hong Son Loop.

Highlights:

• Nam Lod Cave
• Sop Pong Village
• Tea Plantations in Ban Rak Thai
• Boat ride in Ban Rak Thai
• Eat Chinese cuisine in Ban Rak Thai
• Camping at Pang Oung
• Nam Tok Pha Suea

Can’t-miss accommodation: Lee Wine Rak Thai Resort

Day 5 – Ban Rak Thai to Khun Yuam (111 km)

Time on motorbike: 2 hours and 10 minutes

The next leg of the Mae Hong Son Loop is to head south down towards Khun Yuam town. There are quite a few interesting stops along the way.

The first stop you should make is Su Tong Pae Bridge before next making a pit stop at Mae Hong Son town, where you can spend time eating and exploring what small-town life is like in Thailand.

After that, continue south until you reach Khun Yuam town, which will be your home base for the night.

Highlights:

• Su Tong Pae Bridge
• Mae Hong Son Lake
• Mae Hong Son Night Market
• Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu

Can’t-miss accommodation: Khunyuam Resort

Day 6 – Khun Yuam to Doi Inthanon & Mae Chaem (130 km)

Time on motorbike: 2 hours and 40 minutes

The next morning, hop on your motorcycle and head to Mae Surin waterfall, an impressive 180-meter cascade located a short drive outside of Khun Yuam town. After visiting the waterfall, you can also check out the sunflowers at Thung Bua Tong Fields.

The next piece of the journey is a relatively tough ride through steep and not-super-great roads to Thailand’s tallest mountain, Doi Inthanon. But before exploring Doi Inthanon National Park, you will arrive in the small nearby town of Mae Chaem where you will sleep for the night.

Highlights:

• Mae Surin Waterfall
• Sunflower Viewpoint

Can’t-miss accommodation: Hug Camp Mae Chaem

Day 7 – Doi Inthanon to Chiang Mai (103 km)

Time on motorbike: 2 hours

After waking up in Mae Chaem, it’s time to go to Doi Inthanon National Park. The park and area around it are loaded with things to do including trails, waterfalls, gardens, and a temple at the top.

Once you’ve seen everything you can, it’s time to drive back to Chiang Mai while you reflect on the awesome experience you had doing the Mae Hong Son Loop.

Top things to do at Doi Inthanon:

• Pa Pong Piang Rice Terraces
• Mae Pan Waterfall
• Wachirathan Waterfall
• Mae Klang Waterfall
• Doi Inthanon Summit

FAQ About the Mae Hong Son Loop

How Many Days Do I need to complete the Mae Hong Son Loop?

Of course, the time it takes to complete the Mae Hong Son Loop totally depends on the pace you want to travel at. Our itinerary takes a full week to finish the entire route, but some travelers do the trip in as little as 3-4 days.

In our opinion, that is too short. We advise that you take at least 5-7 days to complete the Mae Hong Son Trail so you can see most of the major sights and don’t have to drive more than 2-3 hours per day.

When is the Best Time to do the Mae Hong Son Loop?

The rule of thumb here is to avoid the rainy seasons in Thailand. Put simply, you don’t want to have to drive in the loop’s steep, curvy roads in pouring rain.

This means going in drier parts of the year such as November to February or March to June. The former will be on the chillier side, while the latter will be quite hot.

Is the Mae Hong Son Loop Worth It?

This is a resounding yes. There are very few motorcycle routes in the world as unique, culturally compelling, or beautiful as the Mae Hong Son Loop. Trust us, it’s nothing short of amazing.

On top of that, Northern Thailand in general is very, very cheap. Food, motorbike rental, and accommodation are all super affordable. In fact, the loop can be done on a shoestring budget if need be.

Do the Mae Hong Son Loop the Right Way

The Mae Hong Son Loop is easily one of the most rewarding experiences a traveler can have in Thailand, especially for motorbike enthusiasts. The nature, food, and culture along the route is simply next-level.

Just remember to plan your trip smartly, take normal precautions, and go at your own pace. We guarantee you’ll love it!