What you'll do
Mae Hong Son Loop is a very famous trip in Northern Thailand, especially for bikers and nature lovers. I've put 5 days in this itinerary, but if you have more time, I strongly recommend to take a few more nights to relax and not rush.
Check my personalized itinerary service if you want a fully detailed itinerary based on your dates, budget and interests. I'll include hotels for you, restaurants, bars, transportation, best spots, all tailor-made!
Day 1
Leave Chiang Mai very early in the morning. Your first stop will be wat Pa Dara Phiram Phra Aram Luang, a long name for this temple complex very beautiful and interesting. If you're an onsen lover like I am, head to Mon Jam for the views, and then to Onsen@Moncham, it's a wonderful place where you really feel like Japan. After your relaxing time, head to four seasons for lunch. Here if you have more time, I'd suggest to stay the night either in onsen@moncham which offers rooms or in 4 seasons if you have the budget for a private villa. After lunch, head to Wat Ban Den, it's a bit of a detour for Pai, but it's worth it, that temple complex is huge and beautiful. Then direction Pai and the numerous turns on the road. On the way you can stop to Mok Fa waterfall which is very nice and a short hike from the parking lot. Finally you arrive in Pai. If you have time for sunset, head to Pai Canyon, but if no time, go the next day in the morning after sunrise, you'll have zero crowd. Spend the evening in Pai walking street and night market.
Wat Pa Dara Phirom Phra Aram Luang
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Beautiful old Lanna temple
Wat Pa Dara Phirom is a 100-year-old royal temple in an upcountry located in Mae Rim. This is one of the most significant temples in Chiang Mai. There are many different temples in this same complex: Sukhothai style Chapel with the buddha image, Chedi with Buddha's footprint, Lanna style temple, hall of fame and meditation hall. To be honest Inever heard about this place before and I was very surpised by the beauty of each building. There was almost nobody at the time I was there and just walking around felt so special and peaceful. It's definitely one of my favorite temple in all Chiang Mai! It's open from 8AM to 6PM and it's a good stop if you go in the direction of Mon Jam or Pai.
Mon Jam
парк
glamping heaven
Mon Jam or Doi Mon Jam is a mountain community/village about 1 hour from Chiang Mai, near the town of Mae Rim. Nowadays, Mon Jam has become a place to visit during cold weather but also is a significant agricultural intellectual center in Thailand, too. It is a beautiful landscape with pleasant weather and climate all through the year especially during peak month (October - early February) when there are plentiful lovely flowers and strawberries spread out over the mountains. Unsurprisingly, many people may think that Mon Jam is daintier during the winter period in particular on the days with a clear blue sky that you can see the heavenly view of a shady range of mountains layered a by cotton-like mist which is the scene you can't spot in any other season. And in the evening when dust and dark is entering you can see starry sky above you. Personally I thought the place is overcrowded with campings everywhere, there's not much nature left. The landscape is still pleasant, especially from a drone point of view, and if you like camping / glamping, this is a place for you !
Onsen @ Moncham
отель
Unique Japanese/Thai Resort and Onsen
Onsen @ Moncham offers a peaceful escape to experience a perfect blend of Japanese Onsen rituals and Northern Thai Culture. Guests can enjoy a unique stay in one of the 24 hand-curated guest rooms, including Grand Mountain View, Majestic Family Suite, Imperial Onsen Suite, Grand Tatami Onsen Suite and much more. While there, visitors should make sure to visit the famed Japanese onsen, as well as indulge in amazing dining experiences such as all-day Mi|Zü with its Thai and Japanese cuisine combined, or Ko | Sake, featuring Thailand’s largest selection of Sake and Japanese libations. Make your trip to Onsen @ Moncham unforgettable with these exclusive opportunities!
The onsen is a bit pricey (800 THB) but totally worth it! For onsen only or the room, you need to book 2 or 3 months in advance, especially if you come during high season (dec-feb).
Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai
отель
Luxurious Lanna Kingdom haven
The Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai is the perfect destination for anyone looking for a luxurious and unforgettable getaway. Boasting breathtaking natural beauty and stunning views of the surrounding rice paddies and distant Doi Suthep mountains, this amazing resort offers a unique combination of impeccable service, comfortable and spacious accommodations and outstanding dining options that will leave you wanting for more. The best part is, there are plenty of activities to enjoy on-property, including a spa, outdoor swimming pool, tennis court, fitness center, yoga and cooking classes, bicycle rentals and so much more. Plus, there's free shuttle service from Chiang Mai City that can take you to this paradise in one hour!
It's not far from Wat Pa Dara Phirom, they also have a restaurant surrounded by small rice terraces, the food is great and not too expensive, and the view is incredible. There are no rooms in this hotel, just pavilions and villas, so price starts at 10,000 THB per night.
Wat Ban Den
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Magical Buddhist Sanctuary
If you're on the way to Chiang Dao or Pai, you must stop to Wat Ban Den: it is a huge buddhist complex composed of several halls and stupas. Its colorful statues and immensity have made its reputation. Wat Ban Den is a huge temple that keeps getting bigger as it's still under construction. Architecturally speaking, you will find a lot of different elements and styles with an amazing sense of detail. I found it very beautiful and I'll probably go back there in a few years to see the new temples they'll build. It's open 7AM to 6PM, best visited during golden hour, but the place isn't crowded yet, so you can visit it anytime. you can easily launch the drone from the parking area.
Mok Fa Waterfall
Водопад
Beautiful Waterfall
Another stop on the way to Pai is Mork Fa Waterfall. It is a 60m tall, plunging waterfall located at the end of the river. Upon arriving, you'll see a huge semi-circular cut-out in the rock face, which forms a large amphitheater in the middle of the jungle. There is thick jungle vegetation growing up on all cliffsides, which creates a pretty magic scene. At the bank of the waterfall pool, you'll find soft, white sand, just like the beach! This makes it a great place to chill out, swim and relax. The pool is easily deep enough to swim in. You can even swim behind the base of the waterfall and climb up the small rock which rests behind it. You won't find many foreign tourists visiting this hidden waterfall. When I was here in peak season, I only saw a couple of Thai tourists. Price is 100 THB per person, best is visited during the morning for the best light.
Reverie Siam Resort
отель
Favorite hotel in Pai
Reverie Siam Resort is a luxurious destination for travelers in Pai, Thailand. The resort features traditional Thai design with vintage colonial-style accommodations, complete with air conditioning and free Wi-Fi access. With two outdoor pools and an all-day Mediterranean and contemporary Thai cuisine restaurant, it offers guests the perfect place to relax and enjoy their stay. They also have an extensive collection of wines and live performances, as well as an electric kettle, mini-bar, and tea/coffee-making facilities available in each well-decorated room. Reverie Siam also provides free airport transfer and shuttle services to Pai walking street, making it easy to explore and experience the local area. Guests will love unwinding in the cosy atmosphere and taking advantage of the many facilities on offer.