Mae Hong Son Highlands Loop
Overview
A classic loop of a lifetime in the verdant topography of Thailand’s interiors Mae Hong Son hills. Pedal along to your next destination across misty mountains, through deep valleys and riversides.
This tour takes you through the more remote landlocked region of Mae Hong Son.
Chiang Mai | 13:00hrs
Chiang Mai
casual
moderate to challenging
85km or 67mi
Age: 18+
Highlights
Itinerary
Brief Itinerary
Day | Place | Hotel | Meals | Distance | Activity |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
DAY 1 | Chiang Mai | Aksara Heritage | D | ||
DAY 2 | Chom Thong | Doi Inthanon Riverside Resort | B,L,D | 75km / 45mi | cycling |
DAY 3 | Bo Luang | Pak Doi OK Farm Stay | B,L,D | 72km / 42mi | cycling |
DAY 4 | Mae Sariang | Riverhouse Hotel | B,L,D | 65km / 40mi | cycling |
DAY 5 | Khum Yuan | MitKhoonYoum Hotel | B,L,D | 100km / 60mi | cycling |
DAY 6 | Mae Hong Son | Palmhouse Normal Loft | B,L,D | 70km / 42mi | cycling |
DAY 7 | Mae Hong Son | Palmhouse Normal Loft | B | ||
DAY 8 | Soppong | Soppong River Inn | B,L,D | 68km / 42mi | cycling |
DAY 9 | Pai | The Quarter Pai | B,L,D | 45km / 27mi | cycling |
DAY 10 | Chiang Mai | Aksara Heritage Hotel | B,L,D | 100km / 60mi | cycling |
DAY 11 | Departure | B |
Accommodation - Casual Inns
Small luxury and boutique hotels that are true to their heritage and character and reflect local ethos are listed here as Casual Inns. They hold within them an unassuming charm and regional character that is an extension of the destination itself. Most of them fall under the 3-star or 4-star category with a possible mix of homestays.
We have chosen them carefully so that you are well-rested; get a drift of the local character or an enthralling view from your verandah. The above brief itinerary gives you a clickable list of hotels for your perusal.
Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Chiang Mai
Meet with your guides in the early afternoon at our hotel to enjoy a walking tour through parts of the Old City section of Chiang Mai. Discover stupa ruins dating back 700 years and historic wats (temples) sprinkled in among the shops and houses of locals. Gather for orientation and bike fitting before heading out for some excellent Lanna cuisine.

Day 2: Chom Thong
Avoiding morning rush hour, we will shuttle out to Wiang Khum Kam Visitor Center to start our ride. Cycle around this area where Chiang Mai was originally founded 735 years ago, exploring the ruins of ancient temples. From here the route turns south cycling along the Mae Ping (Ping River) through small villages, past fish farms, and through expansive longan orchards. Tonight we relax riverside at our hotel in Chom Thong.

Day 3: Bo Luang
After breakfast enjoy a bit more riverside cycling before we turn towards the mountain and start the reason cyclists come here, alpine cycling. Today's ride starts in thick forests of teak and other trees, slowly gaining altitude along the Mae Chaem (Chaem River). Take a walking break to explore the Ob Luang Gorge, before reaching the tiny village of Bo Luang where we spend the night at a farm stay, enjoying a farm-to-table dinner.

Day 4: Mae Sariang
Our route stays high in the Thong Chai Mountain Range, cycling up and down a number of smaller ridge lines as we cross over what many geologists believe to be the southeastern end of the Himalayas. In the afternoon we enjoy a downhill run to the Yuam River Valley and our overnight stop in Mae Sariang. Relax on the balcony of your room overlooking the river before dinner.
Day 5: Khum Yuan
Today you can plan your own day. Spend the day at leisure or take short walk around and explore some Wats.

Day 6: Mae Hong Son
Another day of rolling terrain through forests, farmlands, and small towns. Enjoy photo breaks at several overlooks, then faster descending at the end of the day, a quick stop at Pha Bong Hot Spring before rolling into town. Our hotel sits in rice paddies on the edge of town, yet within walking distance of all the interesting aspects of the town.

Day 7: Mae Hong Son
The day is to your leisure, perhaps stroll around Nong Chong Park to explore the Burmese-style temple complex or the night markets.

Day 8: Soppong
Today is what you have been building up your legs for as we tackle a couple of big climbs crossing back over the Thong Chai Mountain Range. Take a short break from cycling to visit Tham Pla the fish cave and So Tong Bamboo Bridge, before starting the first big climb. If time allows go to visit Tham Lod and catch the evening return of some 300,000 swallows to the cave.

Day 9: Pai
You have one long uphill this morning gaining 1000 meters in 17 kms, then a long downhill runs to the mountain town of Pai. You have the afternoon free to explore this old hippy paradise, perhaps a hot spring visit or ride out to Pai Canyon or simply relax at the hotel.

Day 10: Chiang Mai
The grand finale of our alpine cycling tour takes us over one of the highest points of the ride and then we start a downhill roller coaster, descending and climbing again and again until we find ourselves at the edge of the Ping River Valley again. We finish our descent out of the mountains into the Ping River Valley. Passing Mae Malai our ride picks up quiet farm roads along the Klong Kiat, an irrigation canal, with beautiful panoramic views of the valley and its surrounding mountains and no traffic. We will end the ride at Wat Mae Ket Noi, with its Good & Evil teaching garden full of rather bizarre and colorful statuary. We shuttle from here to our hotel to avoid downtown traffic.
Day 11: Departure
Travel further as per your onward travel plans.
Map
Dates and Prices
Note:
Our base pricing is in USD. However, we can also quote in AUD, GBP, CAD, and EUR, and you can pay in the same. Please write us.
Single Supplement
From US $530
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Open your date as a join-in tour or customize further as private one.
We offer private departures on almost all our itineraries, and for groups of four or more, they cost the same as our standard trips!
Essential Info
Inclusions
LODGING
All hotels as mentioned in the tour details or similar (subject to availability).
trip leader
Expert Trip Leader(s) who look after your every need and add meaning to your vacation.
bike
Immaculately maintained bike with helmet, suited to a terrain.
shuttle
A Van support that follows the group of riders and carries all belongings.
meals
Meals as per itinerary. Guests are given the opportunity to dine on their own so that they discover a location independently.
refreshments
Refreshments and mineral water while cycling.
entrance
Entrance fees to most of the monuments and temples.
Exclusions
Airport pickup and drop
We recommend to book direclty from airport or hotel.
meals
Some meals may not be included. Please check your itinerary.
Beverages
Beverages such as alcohol, tea, coffee, juice at a hotel or restaurant.
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