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Clockwise: 3-Day Route (Express)

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This 3-day loop is a true test of endurance. You will spend 5–7 hours in the saddle each day minimum. It is highly recommended only for experienced riders who are short on time.

If this is your first time riding in Southeast Asia, strongly consider upgrading to the 4-Day Route to give yourself more recovery time between the mountain passes.


Distance: 190 km | Estimated Ride Time: 4.5 hours | Pace: Fast & Flowing

Your journey begins on Highway 108 South. The first 50 km are mostly flat highway to get out of the Chiang Mai traffic. The real fun begins after Chom Thong as the road starts to gently sweep through the pine forests of Ob Luang National Park. This is your warm-up day to get used to the bike and the road conditions.

  • KM 85 - Ob Luang National Park: A perfect mid-morning break. Park the bike and take a 20-minute walk to see the narrow river gorge.
  • KM 130 - Suan Son Bor Kaew (Pine Tree Garden): Stunning rows of towering pine trees, an ideal spot for a quick photo and a stretch.
  • KM 190 - Mae Sariang: Arrive in time for sunset over the quiet Yuam River. We highly recommend grabbing local street food near the bridge before turning in early.

Stay Strategy: Mae SariangRiverhouse Resort (for premium comfort) or The Riverbank (for undercover parking).


Distance: 165 km | Estimated Ride Time: 4 hours | Pace: Moderate Curves

The road gets narrower and the forest gets thicker. Highway 108 continues north, featuring enjoyable, mid-speed winding roads. The switchbacks here are gentle enough to carry speed but technical enough to require your full attention.

  • KM 90 - Khun Yuam: Stop here for lunch and fuel. Visit the Thai-Japan Friendship Memorial Hall if you enjoy WWII history.
  • KM 115 - Pha Bong Viewpoint: A highly recommended pull-off with a small cafe overlooking a gorgeous, sprawling canyon valley.
  • KM 165 - Mae Hong Son City: Check into your hotel, then head straight to Nong Chong Kham Lake for the night market. Grab some authentic Shan food and a cold beer.

Stay Strategy: Mae Hong Son CityPiya Guesthouse (right by the lake) or Bunk Boutique.


Day 3: Mae Hong Son City to Chiang Mai (via Pai)

Section titled “Day 3: Mae Hong Son City to Chiang Mai (via Pai)”

Distance: 245 km | Estimated Ride Time: 6-7 hours | Pace: Highly Technical

This is a monster day. Start early (by 8:00 AM). You will tackle the famous 762 curves back-to-back, passing through Pai and then descending rapidly into the Chiang Mai valley. This day requires absolute focus. Watch out for speeding minivans crossing the center line on blind corners.

  • KM 65 - Jabo Village Viewpoint: A breathtaking spot for morning coffee, suspended over the valley.
  • KM 110 - Pai: Grab a solid lunch at Om Garden Cafe and refuel your bike at the main PTT station. Do not linger too long; you still have 135 km of intense mountain riding left and the afternoon traffic heading out of Pai can be heavy.
  • KM 245 - Chiang Mai: Return your bike before the rental shops close at 6:00 PM. Follow Highway 107 back into the city carefully, as rush hour traffic will be building.