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MHS Loop Wiki

Counter-Clockwise: 4-Day Route (Explorer)

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This is the most logical and highly recommended way to see the loop counter-clockwise. Breaking up the massive 350 km final leg back to Chiang Mai by stopping overnight in peaceful Mae Sariang makes the entire trip infinitely more enjoyable.

Day 1: Chiang Mai to Pai

Section titled “Day 1: Chiang Mai to Pai”

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

You attack the famous 762 curves while you are fresh, well-rested, and overly excited. This section commands respect and focus.

  • KM 45 - 32 Coffee Hill: Fuel up with caffeine and sugar before the mountain switchbacks become serious.
  • KM 135 - Pai: Arrive by early afternoon. Change out of your riding gear and head up to Pai Canyon for sunset (remember to wear good walking shoes for the narrow ridges!). The views here are iconic.

Stay Strategy: Pai — Pai Village Boutique Resort.

Day 2: Pai to Mae Hong Son City

Section titled “Day 2: Pai to Mae Hong Son City”

Distance: 110 km | Estimated Ride Time: 3 hours | Pace: Scenic Mountain Passes

This is a joyous day of riding. Sharp, steep mountain passes punctuated by breathtaking viewpoints and cool mountain air. The traffic drops off significantly after you leave Pai.

  • KM 45 - Jabo Village: Park the bike and order a bowl of spicy noodles over the massive cliff edge.
  • KM 95 - Su Tong Pae Bridge: Detour slightly off the main road to walk across this stunning, historic bamboo bridge built by locals over working rice paddies.
  • KM 110 - Mae Hong Son City: Unwind at a lakeside bar (like 77 House or Good Day Cafe) and enjoy a quiet, highly atmospheric evening under the glowing temple lights reflected on Nong Chong Kham lake.

Stay Strategy: Mae Hong Son City — Bai Fern Guest House or Fern Resort.

Day 3: Mae Hong Son City to Mae Sariang

Section titled “Day 3: Mae Hong Son City to Mae Sariang”

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

The road finally begins to widen slightly and becomes a joyous, flowing ride through the denser southern forests.

  • KM 50 - Pha Bong Viewpoint: A quick pull-off for a coffee overlooking the deep canyon gorge.
  • KM 75 - Khun Yuam: Stop for a local lunch and refuel your bike at the main PTT station. Visit the Thai-Japan World War II museum if history interests you.
  • KM 165 - Mae Sariang: Check into your riverside hotel. Head directly to Sawadee Bar, order a cold beer, and watch the sunset lazily over the Yuam River. This is the perfect place to “cool down” after three days of tense mountain riding.

Stay Strategy: Mae Sariang — Riverhouse Resort or The Riverbank.

Day 4: Mae Sariang to Chiang Mai

Section titled “Day 4: Mae Sariang to Chiang Mai”

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

The homeward stretch. Highway 108 is generally wide, fast, and highly relaxing compared to the mountain passes in the north.

  • KM 60 - Pine Tree Garden (Suan Son Bor Kaew): A peaceful stop among perfectly aligned rows of towering pine trees.
  • KM 105 - Ob Luang National Park: A scenic river gorge right beside the highway, perfect for a final lunch or a snack break.
  • KM 190 - Chiang Mai: Arrive back in the city limits. Be hyper-aware of impatient local drivers as you transition from quiet mountain roads back into urban sprawl. Return your bike before closing time!