Mae Hong Son Loop (Scenic Drive),Thailand

• Chiang Mai (usual start/end point) — gateway city with amenities
• Pai — relaxed town, Pai Canyon, Santichon Yunnan Village, hot springs
• Mae Hong Son — Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu, lakeside town vibe
• Tham Lod Cave (Pang Mapha / Soppong) — vast river cave system with boat passages and prehistoric teak coffins
• Mae Sariang — quiet riverside town and scenic detours
• Numerous waterfalls & hot springs — e.g., Mae Sa-nga, Tha Pai Hot Springs

• Extremely winding mountain roads (often quoted as ~1,800+ curves) — dramatic viewpoints and hairpin bends
• Diverse hill-tribe villages and local markets offering textiles and handicrafts
• Extensive limestone caves with river passageways and stalactite/stalagmite formations
• Cool highland microclimate (especially at night) compared with lowland Thailand
• Photogenic sunrise/sunset viewpoints and mist-filled valleys

• Scenic driving or motorbiking along the loop (Chiang Mai → Pai → Mae Hong Son → Soppong/Tham Lod → Mae Sariang → Chiang Mai)
• Cave exploration (Tham Lod) — riverboat + guided walk
• Temple visits and viewpoint photography (Doi Kong Mu, Pai viewpoints)
• Hiking short trails, visiting waterfalls and hot springs
• Cultural visits to hill-tribe villages, local markets and craft workshops
• Relaxed café culture in Pai and local night markets

November to February (cool, dry, clear skies) is ideal for driving, sightseeing and photography. March–May is hot; June–October is the rainy/monsoon season (risk of landslides and slippery roads).

Mountainous tropical climate: cool mornings/evenings (can be quite chilly above 1,000 m) and warm afternoons in the dry season. Heavy rain and reduced visibility are possible in the monsoon season.

Primary gateway airport: Chiang Mai (CNX). The loop is usually driven clockwise or counterclockwise by car or motorbike. Roads are paved but narrow and very winding; many steep hairpins. Fuel stations are available in major towns but can be sparse on long rural stretches — carry spare fuel if riding a motorcycle. Small regional airstrips exist (Mae Hong Son, Pai seasonal) but flights are limited. Public transport: combination of buses/minivans between major towns; more time-consuming than driving.

3–7 days depending on pace: 3 days is a fast drive-through (mostly driving); 4–5 days allows stops in Pai, Mae Hong Son and Tham Lod; 6–7 days or longer lets you explore side-trips and relax.

Layered clothing for cool mornings/evenings, light breathable clothes for daytime, sturdy shoes for hikes and caves, rain jacket in monsoon months. If riding a motorcycle: full-face helmet, gloves, protective jacket, and boots. Bring a basic first-aid kit and headlamp for cave visits.

Try northern Thai specialties: khao soi, sai ua (northern sausage), sticky rice and local coffee. In Pai and Mae Hong Son look for Yunnan‑style buns (Santichon village), hill-tribe handicrafts, woven textiles, silver jewelry and locally roasted coffee as souvenirs.