Clockwise: 5-Day Route (Deep Dive)

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This is the most immersive way to experience the Mae Hong Son loop. You aren’t just riding; you are exploring.

By splitting the mountain phases across five days, you get to spend an entire night in the magical, mist-shrouded Chinese tea village of Ban Rak Thai, which many riders consider the absolute highlight of Northern Thailand.

Day 1: Chiang Mai to Mae Sariang

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

Head south on Highway 108. The roads are mostly gentle sweepers, making this a relaxing first day.

KM 85 - Ob Luang: A short hike at the river gorge to break up the flat highway riding.
KM 190 - Mae Sariang: Explore the “quietest town on the loop.” Enjoy a very relaxed afternoon. Consider renting a long-tail boat on the nearby Salween River if you arrive early enough, or simply sit on the balcony at Riverhouse and watch the river run.

Stay Strategy: Mae Sariang — The Riverbank or Above The Sea.

Day 2: Mae Sariang to Mae Hong Son City

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

Cruising steadily north through the lush jungle valleys.

KM 90 - Khun Yuam: Stop for a great local lunch by the roadside restaurants.
KM 165 - Mae Hong Son City: Arrive mid-afternoon. Visit the hilltop Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu for sunset panoramic views over the city before heading down to the lake for the nightly food market.

Stay Strategy: Mae Hong Son City — Piya Guesthouse.

Day 3: Mae Hong Son City to Ban Rak Thai

Distance: 45 km | Estimated Ride Time: 1.5 hours | Pace: Very Steep & Slow

A short but incredibly steep and highly technical climb up to the Myanmar border. Your bike will be working hard here. Do not rush this ascent.

KM 15 - Su Tong Pae Bridge: A beautiful bamboo bridge built by locals spanning over rice paddies up to a hillside temple. Best visited in the crisp early morning air.
KM 45 - Ban Rak Thai: Spend the entire afternoon exploring this stunning Chinese village built completely around a central lake. Drink locally grown Oolong tea, eat the famous Yunnanese pork knuckle, and take hundreds of photos.

Stay Strategy: Ban Rak Thai — Lee Wine Ruk Thai Resort (you literally sleep in cabins in the tea hills, book well in advance!) or Chasa Rakthai. This is extremely sleepy with no nightlife—enjoy the quiet.

Day 4: Ban Rak Thai to Pai

Distance: 120 km | Estimated Ride Time: 3 hours | Pace: Technical Switchbacks

Descend from the tea village and join Highway 1095 heading eastward through the high ridges.

KM 30 - Pha Suea Waterfall: A quick, refreshing stop to see one of the nicer waterfalls in the province.
KM 75 - Jabo Village: Pull over for incredible views and a strong coffee at the edge of the cliff.
KM 120 - Pai: Check into your hotel, relax at an aesthetic cafe like Monko in Pai or Coffee in Love, and physically prepare to hit the famous Pai Walking Street at night.

Stay Strategy: Pai — Pai Village Boutique Resort.

Day 5: Pai to Chiang Mai

Distance: 135 km | Estimated Ride Time: 3.5 hours | Pace: Highly Technical / Heavy Traffic

The final test of your cornering skills on the famous “762 curves” heading back down the mountain. Watch out for speeding minivans.

KM 90 - 32 Coffee Hill: Your last mountain break before hitting the plains.
KM 135 - Chiang Mai: Navigate the chaotic Highway 107 traffic and return your bike with a massive sense of accomplishment.