Mae Hong Son Loop
Thailand
In short: Mae Hong Son Loop is a about 650 km mountain road trip in Thailand, typically driven over 6 days, best in Nov–Jan. Highlights: Chiang Mai, Pai, Tham Lod and Pang Mapha.
The full classic clockwise loop through Pai, Pang Mapha, Mae Hong Son, Khun Yuam and Mae Sariang before returning to Chiang Mai.
Make this route yours
Set your dates, pace, and taste, and RoadAtlas AI rebuilds this trip day by day with real, verified places.
Included with Traveler and Explorer plans.
Plan this trip
Third-party planning links may be affiliate links. RoadAtlas stays independent, and you should verify details with the provider.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1Chiang Mai to Pai via Mok Fa
Mok Fa Waterfall and Pai arrival · Om Garden Cafe
Day 2Pai
Pai Canyon and town · Charlie and Lek
Day 3Pai to Pang Mapha and Tham Lod
Guided Tham Lod Cave · Jabo Noodle Shop
Day 4Pang Mapha to Ban Rak Thai and Mae Hong Son
Ban Rak Thai and Doi Kong Mu · Salween Home Restaurant
Day 5Mae Hong Son to Mae Sariang via Khun Yuam
Khun Yuam and Mae Sariang riverside · The Teak House at Riverhouse Hotel
Day 6Mae Sariang to Chiang Mai
Southern-loop daylight return · Fern Forest Cafe
Stops along the route
Things to Do
Where to Eat
Nearby and similar drives
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Mae Hong Son Loop drive?
The Mae Hong Son Loop covers about 650 km from start to finish.
How long does the Mae Hong Son Loop take to drive?
Most travellers spend 6 days on the Mae Hong Son Loop, depending on stops and pace.
When is the best time to drive the Mae Hong Son Loop?
The recommended season for the Mae Hong Son Loop is Nov–Jan.
What are the main stops on the Mae Hong Son Loop?
The Mae Hong Son Loop passes through Chiang Mai, Pai, Tham Lod and Pang Mapha.
How difficult is the Mae Hong Son Loop to drive?
The Mae Hong Son Loop is rated hard and is best handled with any vehicle.
Can I drive the Mae Hong Son Loop in a regular car?
Yes — the Mae Hong Son Loop is paved end-to-end and a regular car is fine in normal conditions.
How many fuel stops are needed on the Mae Hong Son Loop?
Plan around 1 refuels (or about 2 EV charges) along the Mae Hong Son Loop, based on its about 650 km length.
Is the Mae Hong Son Loop safe to drive?
Thailand is Level 1 as of 7 July 2026. Prefer November–January; official 2026 monitoring recorded unhealthy to hazardous northern PM2.5 in March–April, so check Air4Thai daily from February onward. Drivers and riders need a 1968 IDP, matching vehicle-class licence and insurance; riders need a proper helmet and experience. Tham Lod requires its local guide and seasonal bamboo raft. Expect fog and tight bends and never drive at night.
What scenic tier is the Mae Hong Son Loop?
The Mae Hong Son Loop is a legendary drive — The world's most extraordinary drives — once-in-a-lifetime road trips with cinematic scenery, legendary roads, and unmatched cultural depth.