Mae Hong Son Loop
Thailand
Thailand’s Mae Hong Son Loop is a classic mountain drive from Chiang Mai through Pai, Mae Hong Son, and back via the forested hills of northern Thailand. Expect more than 1,800 curves, river valleys, hot springs, cave temples, and Shan-influenced town culture on a relaxed multi-day circuit.
Explore on the interactive map →Stops along the route
- Chiang Mai
Start in Chiang Mai’s old city and head north into the mountains. The loop begins with temple streets, cafe stops, and an easy city exit.
- Mae Sa Valley Viewpoint
A quick pull-off with wide valley views and cool mountain air. It is a classic first break before the curves deepen.
- Pai Canyon
Red sandstone ridges and narrow trails overlook a dramatic valley. Sunset here paints the hills gold and orange.
- Tha Pai Hot Spring
A forested hot spring stop with steaming pools beside the road. It is an easy reset after a long mountain ride.
- Wat Phra That Mae Yen
Climb the hill for sweeping views over Pai town and the river plain. The white Buddha is a peaceful landmark above the valley.
- Ban Rak Thai
A tea village near the Myanmar border with misty lake views and Yunnan-style homes. It feels quiet, cool, and very different from Pai.
- Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu
This hilltop temple looks over Mae Hong Son town and the surrounding ridges. Sunrise and sunset both deliver strong mountain panoramas.
- Tham Lot Cave
A huge limestone cave with bamboo rafting and dramatic chambers. The river passage and stalactites make it one of the loop’s best stops.
- Mok Fa Waterfall
Finish back near Chiang Mai at a lush jungle waterfall. It is a refreshing end point after the final mountain descent.
Where to Eat
- Om Garden CafeCafe, Thai, vegetarian
A relaxed Pai favorite for breakfast, smoothies, and light Thai plates. Good for a slow meal before or after the canyon and hot springs.
- Charlie and LekNorthern Thai, Thai
A well-known Pai restaurant serving classic northern dishes and grilled favorites. It is a solid stop for khao soi, curries, and easy dinners.
- Pai Walking Street MarketStreet food, local market
An evening market with noodles, snacks, fruit shakes, and dessert stalls. It is the best place to sample lots of small local bites in one stop.
- Jabo Noodle ShopThai noodles, local
A simple roadside noodle stop popular for quick bowls on the mountain route. It works well as a low-key lunch between towns.
- Fern Forest CafeCafe, Thai, Western
A leafy Chiang Mai cafe that is easy for a final meal before or after the loop. Expect coffee, baked goods, and dependable lunch plates.
Things to Do
- Pai CanyonViewpoint
Walk the narrow ridges and watch the light change across the eroded red cliffs. Go late in the day for the best colors.
- Tha Pai Hot SpringHot spring
Soak in warm mineral pools surrounded by trees and mountain air. It is a classic recovery stop on the loop.
- Tham Lot CaveCave
Take a bamboo raft through the cave’s underground river and chambers. The scale and atmosphere make it one of northern Thailand’s highlights.
- Wat Phra That Doi Kong MuTemple viewpoint
Visit the hilltop chedis and look out over Mae Hong Son at golden hour. The temple is especially rewarding in the soft evening light.
- Ban Rak Thai Tea VillageVillage experience
Stroll the lakeside village and try local tea in a cool mountain setting. The Yunnan-style architecture and misty mornings give it a distinct feel.
Travel advisory
The loop is famously twisty and steep, so allow extra time for slow traffic, rain, and frequent stops. Dry-season conditions are best; in the wet season some stretches can be slippery and visibility can drop in mountain fog.