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Mae Hong Son Loop — a 6-Day Plan You Can Actually Drive
The 6-day version for December: every day fits real transit, opening hours and daylight. Prefer more or fewer days? 3-day plan · 4-day plan · 6-day plan · best time to go.
6
days
834 km
distance
18.5 h
driving
34
curated stops
💡 Good to know for this plan
- Cool season: clear ridgelines, morning mist seas at Ban Jabo, and Pai's high season buzz — 1,864 curves at their best.
Day 1 Chiang Mai → Doi Inthanon
🌡 5.0–30.2°C · 🌧 ~2 rain days · ☀ 10.9h light
09:00
Chiang Mai Historical Centremuseums & heritagelocal & traditionalhistory & sagas
Enjoy air-conditioned rooms with traditional guides and subtitled videos.
50 min · Chiang Mai · 90 baht
open: Tu-Su 08:30–17:00
09:50
Chiang Mai National Museummuseums & heritagehistory & sagas
Explore the rich history of Chiang Mai through captivating exhibits.
50 min · Chiang Mai · 100 baht
open: W-Su 09:00–16:00
10:40
Northern Telecoms of Thailand Museummuseums & heritagehistory & sagas
Learn about the evolution of telecommunications technology and services.
50 min · Chiang Mai
open: M-F 08:30–16:30
13:42
Doi Inthanon National Park Tourist Centremuseums & heritagehiking
Discover exhibits showcasing local wildlife and natural heritage.
50 min · Doi Inthanon
14:32
Birdwatchingmuseums & heritagehiking
Observe rare birds and learn about their habitats in a serene forest setting.
90 min · Doi Inthanon
16:02
Namtok Wachirathanhiking
Feel the cool spray of a large waterfall plunging into a deep pool.
50 min · Doi Inthanon
18:30
The Duke's Ping Rivercraft beer & pubslocal & traditional
Feast on American classics like ribs and burgers in a family-friendly atmosphere.
75 min · Chiang Mai
open: 10:00-22:00
Overnight: Chiang Mai
e.g. 2230 Hostel · Dhara Dhevi
Day 2 Around Chiang Mai
🌡 5.0–30.2°C · 🌧 ~2 rain days · ☀ 10.9h light
09:00
Lanna Traditional House Museummuseums & heritagelocal & traditional
Step into traditional wooden houses showcasing Lanna culture and architecture.
50 min · Chiang Mai · 100 baht
open: Tu-Su 08:30-16:30
09:50
Wat Phrathat Doi Suthephikinghistory & sagas
Behold the iconic gilded chedi, a symbol of Chiang Mai from a mountain peak.
50 min · Chiang Mai
open: 07:00-17:00
10:40
Songkran Festivalmuseums & heritagehistory & sagas
Join joyful water fights steeped in cultural and spiritual tradition.
90 min · Chiang Mai
12:10
Hua Lin Cornerhikinghistory & sagas
Feel the flow of fresh water redirected into the city.
50 min · Chiang Mai
13:00
Lanna Architecture Centermuseums & heritagelocal & traditional
See models, photos, and videos of traditional Thai buildings and architecture.
50 min · Chiang Mai · 120 baht (foreigner), 60 baht (Thailand
13:50
Wat Chedi Luangmuseums & heritagehistory & sagas
Witness the grand ruins of an ancient chedi toppled by an earthquake.
50 min · Chiang Mai · Thais free; foreigners 50 baht
14:40
Pun Pun Vegetarian Slow Foodmuseums & heritagelocal & traditional
Taste organic Thai vegetarian dishes from local farmers.
60 min · Chiang Mai
open: 09:00-15:00, closed W
Overnight: Chiang Mai
e.g. 2230 Hostel · Dhara Dhevi
Day 3 Mae Sariang
🌡 5.9–29.6°C · 🌧 ~1 rain days · ☀ 10.9h light
11:56
Mae Sariang Museummuseums & heritagelocal & traditional
Discover local crafts and culture in a beautifully carved wooden building.
50 min · Mae Sariang
12:46
Authentic Hilltribe villageslocal & traditional
Experience traditional hill tribe life amidst stunning mountain scenery.
90 min · Mae Sariang
14:16
Trekkinglocal & traditional
Trek through rarely visited hills and genuine hill tribe villages, far from crowds.
90 min · Mae Sariang
15:46
Hot Springs
Relax in natural hot springs, surrounded by scenic, quiet landscapes.
90 min · Mae Sariang
18:30
Sawadeecraft beer & pubs
Relish river views and delicious Isaan-style dishes, paired with local beer.
75 min · Mae Sariang
Overnight: Mae Sariang
e.g. Northwest Guesthouse · Riverhouse Hotel
Day 4 Mae Sariang → Doi Inthanon
🌡 5.9–29.6°C · 🌧 ~1 rain days · ☀ 10.9h light
09:00
Mae Sam Laeb
Enjoy views of the Salween River and nearby border villages from this tranquil spot.
90 min · Mae Sariang
13:26
Namtok Huai Sai Lueanghiking
Watch year-round water cascade down a medium-sized cliff into lush greenery.
50 min · Doi Inthanon
14:16
Tukki's Riverside Restaurantcraft beer & pubs
Enjoy tasty Thai meals with the best river views in town.
60 min · Mae Sariang
Overnight: Mae Sariang
e.g. Northwest Guesthouse · Riverhouse Hotel
Day 5 Mae Hong Son
🌡 1.5–29.8°C · 🌧 ~2 rain days · ☀ 10.8h light
11:50
Pha Sua Waterfallhiking
Admire a stunning 20-meter waterfall, especially beautiful in the rainy season.
50 min · Mae Hong Son
12:40
Thampla-Phasua Waterfall National Parkhiking
Discover vast mountain ranges and the highest peak in the area.
50 min · Mae Hong Son
13:30
Ban Rak Thaihistory & sagas
Visit a picturesque Kuomintang village near the Myanmar border.
50 min · Mae Hong Son
14:20
Pang Unghistory & sagas
Explore a scenic Shan minority village with traditional bamboo houses.
50 min · Mae Hong Son
15:10
Fish Cavehiking
Cool off at a charming spot where fish gather near a mysterious cave.
50 min · Mae Hong Son
16:00
Mae Hong Son Loop
Experience the vast, mountainous province on a scenic circular route.
90 min · Mae Hong Son
18:30
Salween River Restaurantlocal & traditionalhistory & sagascoffee & bakes
Feast on Shan, Thai, and Western dishes in a warm, book-filled space.
75 min · Mae Hong Son · 30-300 baht
open: 10:00-22:00 daily
Overnight: Mae Hong Son
e.g. Rooks Holiday Hotel & Resort · Look Tai Guesthouse
Day 6 Pai → back to start
🌡 3.6–28.2°C · 🌧 ~2 rain days · ☀ 10.8h light
11:08
Village Farmmuseums & heritagelocal & traditionalcoffee & bakes
Enjoy fresh fruits, flowers, and alpacas, plus local coffee and snacks.
50 min · Pai · 40 - 80 baht per person
open: 10:00 - 16:00
11:58
WWII Memorial Bridgehiking
See a steel truss bridge with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
50 min · Pai
12:48
Mo Paenghiking
Feel the cool rush of a multi-tiered waterfall and swim in its verdant pools.
50 min · Pai
13:38
Pam Bokhiking
Relax in a secluded waterfall's shade, surrounded by high cliffs.
50 min · Pai
14:28
Pai Canyonhiking
Experience steep red ridges and pine forests with stunning valley views.
50 min · Pai