Having lived in Thailand for over thirteen years, it was time to hit the stunning Mae Hong Son Loop. This loop over mountains and valleys is about 600 km in total. On this trip, I decided to take my wife and son on a nine-night road trip. We could not fly overseas, as my annual spouse Thai visa is under the regular one-month assessment, and I cannot leave the country.
Image Slideshow (63 Photos)
Mok Fa Waterfall
It was such a beautiful waterfall to lose my A$700 drone; unfortunately, I lost it at the top of the waterfall as it started flying on its own, probably from interference from the waterfall spray or the light rain (not pilot error, I assure you). It is a pity, as I had recorded some excellent waterfall videos. Mook Fa waterfall is about one hour from Chiang Mai on the road to Pai. There is a small entrance and a car parking fee.
Pai
Ahh, the Nimbin of Thailand, where you will get a contact high in any bar or the central night market, and as such, it has a tremendous chilled-out vibe. The road from Chiang Mai to Pai has over 700 turns and bends. The journey is known for being windy and passing through forests, farmlands, and up hills. The drive is about 129 kilometers, and taking it super slow on the bends is best as we just missed two crashes as it had recently started raining.
Yun Lai View Point
Only 15 minutes west of Pai, you will find the beautiful Chinese Village and Yun Lai View Point. Once you arrive, you will find a lovely 180-degree view and multiple photo opportunities. It is well worth 30 minutes of your time and the 20 baht entrance fee. Make sure you take it slow up and down the final 100 meters of the road, as it is super steep.
Doi Kiew Liom View Point
This viewpoint is at the top of the first mountain from Pai to Mae Hong Son. It offers 360-degree views across the hills and valleys below. Doi Kiew Lom is a popular roadside break point northwest of Pai, and on a clear day, there are spectacular views from all directions.
Ban Luk Khao Lam View Point
Often considered the best viewpoint on the Mae Hong Son loop, it is located in Pang Mapha District, Mae Hong Son Province. With views across the Myanmar mountains, it is well worth a 20-minute pit stop.
Ban Rak Thai
At 1776 meters elevation, the stunning quaint Chinese Village surrounding a lake (Khuean Nai Mok Reservoir) is only 1500 meters from the Myanmar border. With immaculate views before and after sunset, you will be a popular attraction late in the day.
Located some 35 kilometers or one hour from Mae Hong Son, Ban Rak Thai (Thai Love Village) is in a valley surrounded by hills and tea plantations. This sleepy village is famous for its breathtaking views and tea cultivation.
Mae Hong Son City
I am impressed by the small city with a beautiful mountain range surrounding it. The Mae Hong Son Loop is a 375-mile scenic drive from Chiang Mai to Mae Hong Son and back. It’s a well-known rite of passage for backpackers in Thailand. At sunset, a small yet diverse night market with many food options is the city’s focal point, situated on the edge of Nong Chong Kham Lake in the centre of the city.
Wat Phra That Doi Kongmu
This temple has a 180-degree view over Mae Hong Son City, offering a beautiful panorama of the city, airport, and mountain ranges. The large pagoda, brought from Myanmar, was built by “Jong Tong Su” in 1860 and contained the relics of Phra Mokkhalana, the chief disciple of the Lord Buddha.
Huay Sua Thao Kayan Long Neck Village
This popular tourist spot, only 20 minutes from Mae Hong Son City, where you will find about two dozen handicraft stalls, has been home to refugees from Myanmar since 1992.
The 250 baht (adult foreigners only) is used for their daily needs, including vegetables, rice, curries, medical treatments, children’s education, and village development.
