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Mae Hong Son Hills
The Mae Hong Son area of northern Thailand is the country's remotest and most mountainous region. Close to the border of Myanmar, reflected in the diverse mix of hill tribes and the architecture of the region, the province of Mae Hong Son is a spectacular and unique place to visit and is still relatively undiscovered by many tourists. The fantastic mountainous landscape coupled with smooth tarmacked roads and a phenomenal loop of a route around this charming and mystical region makes this a road biking dream for those game enough for the challenge.
- CategoryRoad Cycling
- TypeFully Guided
- Duration9 days
- Culture LevelAdventurous
- Skill Level4 - Advanced
- Activity Level4 - Challenging
- Elevation4 - Challenging
- TerrainMountainous
- Distance421.3 miles
- Avg. Daily Distance60.3 miles
Itinerary Details
- Day 1Meet in Chiang Mai
Welcome to Chiang Mai, the “Rose of the North”! You’ll begin your adventure by meeting at the tour hotel in the early afternoon. From there, you’ll transfer to the nearby Huay Tueng Thao Reservoir, a popular recreation spot for locals. Surrounded by forests and free from traffic, the area features a large, serene lake.
After setting up and adjusting your bike, you’ll enjoy a relaxed ride around the reservoir, following a dedicated cycling and running track that loops around the picturesque lake. Keep an eye out for the unique and playful straw statues scattered throughout the area! From there, you’ll ride along the canal road and through some city streets to return to the hotel. In the evening, you’ll gather with the group for a warm welcome dinner to kick off the tour.- 12.4 miles
- -16.4 ft
462.6 ft
479 ft - Cross Vibe Chiang Mai Decem
- Dinner
- Day 2Chiang Mai - Samoeng - Mae Rim
Your adventure begins with a ride along a section of the famous Samoeng Loop, one of Chiang Mai’s most scenic road cycling routes. Known for its peaceful, winding roads surrounded by lush jungle, this route promises a thrilling start to your journey. After a 30-minute transfer from the hotel to the starting point southwest of the city, you’ll set off through the forested foothills of Doi Suthep-Pui National Park.
The ride starts with a gentle 15 km stretch to ease you in before you take on a series of winding climbs, leading to the Samoeng viewpoint at an altitude of about 1,100 meters. Here, you’ll pause to soak in the breathtaking views before descending into the Mae Sa River Valley. Along the way, you’ll pass vibrant forests, agricultural fields, and possibly even spot elephants at one of the camps dotting the road! Your day wraps up at a cozy rural retreat in Mae Rim, where you can relax and settle in for the night.- 34.8 miles
- 45.9 ft
4,455.4 ft
4,409.4 ft - Cool Downs Resort
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 3Mae Rim - Pai
You’ll start today’s journey with a flat 30 km ride across the valley floor, passing through quaint villages, lush rice paddies, and fields brimming with local produce. As you progress, the terrain gently rises, and at the 40 km mark, you’ll face your first challenge of the day—a short but steep climb over the initial pass.
From there, you’ll cruise along a scenic, flat highland road before taking on two consecutive, winding climbs that lead you to an altitude of over 1,400 meters. At 85 km, you’ll cross into Mae Hong Son Province and begin a long, technical descent into the Pai Valley. Take your time on the switchbacks, savouring the stunning views that open up through the forested clearings.
The final 15 km offer a relaxing flat ride to your hotel in the heart of Pai town. While Pai is a well-loved destination for travellers, it maintains its relaxed, bohemian charm. In the evening, enjoy a casual stroll through the bustling night market, just a short walk from your accommodation.- 70.8 miles
- 672.6 ft
6,184.4 ft
5,511.8 ft - The Quarter Hotel
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 4Pai - Mae Hong Son
You’ll leave the Pai Valley and, after a gentle 10 km warm-up, tackle one of the most challenging climbs of the journey: the Doi Kiew Lom Climb, a signature highlight of the Mae Hong Son Loop. This steep, winding ascent stretches for approximately 15 km, taking you through lush, forested hillsides and rewarding you with a stunning panoramic viewpoint at the summit.
From there, enjoy a thrilling 10 km descent that more than makes up for the effort of the climb. The remainder of the ride carries you through a remote and scenic stretch of Mae Hong Son Province, with rolling terrain that mirrors the natural contours of the land. You’ll now find yourself cycling through the majestic Shan Hills, a mountain range spanning Thailand, Myanmar, and southern China, named after the Shan people who call this region home.
Your day concludes in the charming town of Mae Hong Son, predominantly inhabited by the Shan community. After the ride, take some time to explore the town’s historic temples, showcasing the unique and beautiful architecture of the Shan culture.- 67.1 miles
- -708.7 ft
7,765.7 ft
8,474.4 ft - Rimtarn Resort
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 5Mae Hong Son - Khun Yuam
After several challenging days, today offers some welcome relief—but remember, this is northern Thailand, so there’s still some climbing ahead! You’ll start the day with a scenic 15 km ride through peaceful farmlands as you leave Mae Hong Son town. Soon after, you’ll face a short but steep climb leading to the picturesque Pha Bong Viewpoint, where you can enjoy stunning views of a narrow river valley framed by rugged mountains.
The rest of the ride is relatively gentle, winding through the lush, forested hills of Namtok Mae Surin National Park. With few villages along the route, you’ll be fully immersed in the tranquility of nature. At around the 55 km mark, a gradual and manageable uphill section leads you to the quiet town of Khun Yuam, where today’s journey comes to an end. Take in the serene, off-the-beaten-path atmosphere and enjoy a well-deserved rest.- 41 miles
- 1,227 ft
3,428.5 ft
2,201.4 ft - Mit Khun Yuam Hotel
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 6Khun Yuam - Mae Sariang
Today, you’ll ride from one charming highland town to another. Leaving Khun Yuam behind, you’ll quickly find yourself on scenic backcountry roads surrounded by lush jungles, sprawling agricultural fields, and stunning mountain views. Along the way, small villages dot the route, adding a touch of local charm to the journey.
The terrain rolls with a mix of climbs and descents, trending downhill overall but offering enough challenges to keep your legs engaged. By the 60 km mark, you’ll enter the picturesque Yuam River Valley, cycling through its fertile floodplain and navigating a few gentle slopes before arriving in Mae Sariang. Nestled by the riverbanks, this peaceful town is where you’ll spend the night at a cozy riverside hotel—the perfect spot to relax and reflect on another rewarding day along the Mae Hong Son Loop.- 60.3 miles
- -1,161.4 ft
4,245.4 ft
5,406.8 ft - Riverhouse Hotel (The Teak House)
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 7Mae Sariang - Mae Cham
Be sure to get plenty of rest because today is the longest and most demanding ride of the tour! Heading east from Mae Sariang, you’ll kick off the day with a challenging 15 km climb, tackling steady gradients of about 6%. At the summit, around 1,000 meters above sea level, the road winds through lush, jungle-covered hilltops, passing highland farms and hill tribe villages along the way.
The ride keeps you on your toes with a rhythm of rolling hills and steep ascents until you hit the 70 km mark, where a thrilling 10 km descent takes you into the Mae Chaem River Valley. After enjoying the refreshing downhill and a smooth cruise through the valley, you’ll face one last test—a steep 5 km climb to the top of a pass. From here, vast rolling hills in Mae Chaem District unfold before you, with distant views of Doi Inthanon, Thailand’s tallest peak.
Your day wraps up at a serene rural retreat, the perfect place to relax after this incredible ride. A cold brew or two might just be the reward you deserve for conquering today’s epic challenge!- 78.9 miles
- 958 ft
9,803.1 ft
8,845.1 ft - Chaem Muang House
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 8Mae Chaem - Doi Inthanon - Chiang Mai
Your final ride takes you to the summit of Doi Inthanon, Thailand’s highest peak at 2,565 meters above sea level. This epic climb spans 30 km, with an elevation gain of over 2,200 meters and gradients that can hit a challenging 20%. Starting from Mae Chaem, the ascent begins almost immediately, demanding steady pacing as you take on long uphill stretches, steep ramps, zigzagging switchbacks, and tight hairpins—a true test of endurance and skill!
The slopes of Doi Inthanon are part of a national park renowned for its rich biodiversity, so take a moment to appreciate the lush surroundings as you power upward. The final kilometers are the toughest, but reaching the summit is immensely rewarding, offering breathtaking views and the satisfaction of conquering the "Roof of Thailand" through sheer determination.
After some well-earned relaxation at the summit, you’ll hop in the van for a 2.5-hour transfer back to Chiang Mai—descent by bike is prohibited for safety reasons. In the evening, you’ll gather with your group for a celebratory farewell dinner, a perfect end to this unforgettable cycling journey.- 18.6 miles
- 6,781.5 ft
7,257.2 ft
475.7 ft - Aruntara Riverside Boutique Hotel
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 9Chiang Mai Departure
Your tour has come to an end. You’re welcome to extend your stay in Chiang Mai, explore other regions of Thailand, or head to the airport for your journey home.
- Breakfast