Northern Thailand loop: a 10-day route
Journal / Guides
Northern Thailand loop: a 10-day route
Chiang Mai, Pai, Mae Hong Son and Mae Sariang: mountain roads, hill towns and night markets, by scooter or by bus.
10 days
Duration
~600 km
Loop distance
Nov – Feb
Best season
Scooter or bus
Getting around
Moderate
Difficulty
The Mae Hong Son loop is one of Southeast Asia’s great road trips: roughly 600 km of mountain road out of Chiang Mai, through Pai and the far north-west, and back. Most riders do it in four or five days. Ten gives you time to stop properly, and it works whether you ride or take buses and minivans.
The route, day by day
Days 1–2 · Chiang Mai. Old-city temples, the Sunday walking street and a morning up Doi Suthep. Rent your scooter here and do a short test ride.
Day 3 · Chiang Mai to Pai (~130 km). The famous stretch: the road to Pai is known for its 762 curves. Start early, take breaks and don’t race the minivans.
Days 4–5 · Pai. Hot springs, Pai Canyon at sunset, waterfalls and a lot of good coffee. Two nights is the minimum; many people stay longer.
Days 6–7 · Mae Hong Son (~110 km). Stop at Pha Sua waterfall on the way. In town, walk around Jong Kham lake at dusk and climb to Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu.
Day 8 · Mae Sariang (~150 km). A quiet riverside town and a good break before the final leg.
Days 9–10 · Back to Chiang Mai (~190 km). Detour to Doi Inthanon, Thailand’s highest mountain, if you have the energy, then a last night market in Chiang Mai.
Ride safe
Carry an International Driving Permit with a motorcycle endorsement and wear a proper helmet. Without the right licence, most travel insurance won't cover a scooter accident.
| Leg | Distance | Ride time |
|---|---|---|
| Chiang Mai → Pai | ~130 km | 3–4 hrs |
| Pai → Mae Hong Son | ~110 km | 3 hrs |
| Mae Hong Son → Mae Sariang | ~150 km | 3–4 hrs |
| Mae Sariang → Chiang Mai | ~190 km | 4–5 hrs |
| Full loop | ~600 km | 4–5 riding days |
Not riding? Take the bus
Minivans run between Chiang Mai and Pai several times a day, and buses connect the other towns. It’s slower and less flexible, but you’ll see the same scenery. If you get motion sick, sit up front and take something before the Pai road.
When to go
November to February is cool and dry, and the best time to ride. March and April bring heat and smoky haze from crop burning, and the June to October rains make mountain roads slippery.
Where to stay
Guesthouses along the loop are good value, with simple rooms and bungalows in every town. Book ahead in Pai over Christmas, New Year and Thai holidays.
Chiang Mai & the Mae Hong Son Loop
10 days with a small group, a trip lead and a support vehicle for anyone who’d rather not ride.
The Strolling Backpacker
Slow traveller and budget nerd, writing honest guides about the long way round.
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