PAI & MAE HONG SON LOOP
The Pai & Mae Hong Son Loop is Northern Thailand’s legendary 600km motorbike adventure, featuring over 1,800 curves winding through misty mountains, deep valleys, and lush jungles.
This remote journey blends the bohemian charm of Pai with the unique Shan (Tai Yai) and hill-tribe culture of Mae Hong Son province, offering a truly immersive, picturesque, and authentic experience.
Most Popular Attractions
Bohemian Pai Town & Valley Sites
Pai Walking Street Night Market: The bustling heart of Pai, famous for its street food, quirky souvenirs, and lively evening atmosphere.
Pai Canyon (Kong Lan): A miniature version of a canyon offering narrow, eroded red-rock ridges and spectacular sunrise and sunset views.
Wat Phra That Mae Yen (White Buddha): A large white Buddha statue on a hilltop, providing panoramic views over the Pai Valley after a climb of 353 steps.
Pai World War II Memorial Bridge: A rustic, historic steel bridge spanning the Pai River, built by the Japanese army.
Yun Lai Viewpoint: A popular spot near a Chinese village for watching the sea of mist over the valley at dawn.
Tha Pai Hot Springs: Natural geothermal springs where visitors can soak in warm, mineral-rich pools.
Land Split (Pai Land Split): A privately-owned farm where an earthquake created a large fissure, known for its friendly owner and organic fruit snacks.
Pam Bok Waterfall: A small, picturesque waterfall nestled in a gorge, perfect for a refreshing swim.
Mae Hong Son City Core & Cultural Sites
Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu: A hilltop temple with Burmese-style pagodas offering the most spectacular views over Mae Hong Son town, especially at sunrise.
Wat Chong Kham & Wat Chong Klang: Two beautiful, historic Burmese-style temples located side-by-side on the edge of Chong Kham Lake, famous for their evening reflections and a collection of Burmese wooden dolls.
Mae Hong Son Walking Street: The night market that encircles Chong Kham Lake, known for its local Shan food and crafts.
Su Tong Pae Bamboo Bridge: A magnificent 500-meter-long traditional bamboo footbridge that stretches across rice fields to the Su Thong Pae Temple.
Mountain Route & Natural Wonders
Tham Lod Cave: An extensive limestone cave system near the town of Pang Mapha, explored by bamboo raft through a river that flows inside the cave.
Ban Rak Thai (Mae Aw): A picturesque village right on the Myanmar border, settled by Kuomintang Chinese soldiers, famous for its tea plantations, Chinese architecture, and serene lake.
Pha Suea Waterfall: A wide, impressive waterfall near the border, particularly strong during the rainy season.
Tham Pla (Fish Cave) National Park: A small cave where a natural spring is home to a large number of unique, sacred Soro Brook Carp.
Doi Kiew Lom Viewpoint: A roadside stop along the famously curvy route between Pai and Mae Hong Son, offering sweeping mountain vistas.
Thung Bua Tong Fields at Doi Mae U-Kho: Hillside fields that erupt in a sea of golden Mexican Sunflowers typically between November and mid-December (seasonal).
Huay Pu Keng Long Neck Karen Village: A village where visitors can respectfully learn about the Kayan (Padaung) hill tribe culture and their distinctive brass neck coils.
Pang Oung Reservoir (Pang Tong Royal Forest Project): A tranquil high-altitude reservoir surrounded by pine trees, often referred to as “Switzerland of Thailand,” with morning mist.
The Southern Leg & Riverside Charm
Mae Sariang Riverside: A quiet, traditional town on the banks of the Yuam River, known for its authentic, slow-paced atmosphere and Shan culture.
Mae Surin Waterfall: A stunning, tall single-tier waterfall in Namtok Mae Surin National Park, one of the main highlights of the southern section.
Thai-Japan Friendship Memorial Museum (Khun Yuam): A museum commemorating the history of the Japanese army in the area during WWII and the resulting cultural exchange.
Pha Bong Hot Spring: A natural hot spring located on the way to Mae Sariang, providing another opportunity for relaxation.
Activities & Experiences
Ride the 1,864 Curves: Experience the ultimate motorcycle or car adventure on the winding mountain road connecting Chiang Mai, Pai, and Mae Hong Son—a journey as much a highlight as the destinations.
Hike Pai Canyon (Kong Lan): Trek the narrow sandstone ridges of this natural gorge, especially stunning at sunset for panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Explore Tham Lod Cave on a Bamboo Raft: Venture into this massive limestone cave system near Soppong (Pang Mapha). A local guide will escort you on a bamboo raft through the Nam Lod stream that flows inside the cave chambers.
Witness the Sunrise at Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu: Drive or hike up to this hilltop temple in Mae Hong Son for a breathtaking sunrise view over the mist-filled town and its serene lake.
Relax in Natural Hot Springs: Soak in the mineral-rich, warm waters. Options include the well-known Tha Pai Hot Springs (National Park entrance fee applies) or the more secluded Sai Ngam Hot Spring (The Secret Hot Spring).
Stroll the Pai Walking Street: Explore the vibrant nightly market in Pai, sampling delicious Northern Thai street food, buying local crafts, and enjoying the town’s famously relaxed atmosphere.
Visit the Long-Neck Karen Village: Learn about the unique culture of the Kayan people who settled in villages like Huay Pu Keng after fleeing Myanmar, a key cultural stop on the loop.
Discover Ban Rak Thai (Mae Aw): Explore this picturesque, Chinese-influenced village near the Myanmar border, famous for its tea plantations and small lake, offering a unique “fairytale” vibe.
Walk the Su Tong Pae Bamboo Bridge: Visit this beautiful, long bamboo bridge near Mae Hong Son, built by locals to allow monks from the forest temple to cross the rice paddies for morning alms.
See the Big White Buddha (Wat Phra That Mae Yen): Climb the steps to this massive statue near Pai for a majestic view and a chance to offer a respectful prayer.
Visit a Mountain Tea/Coffee Plantation: Stop at one of the many roadside cafes and farms (like Coffee in Love) for a locally grown coffee or tea with stunning, foggy mountain vistas.
Chase Waterfalls: Cool off at one of the region’s waterfalls, such as the accessible Pam Bok Waterfall or the more secluded Mae Yen Waterfall (a few hours’ hike).
Local Tips & Transport
Motorbike is King, but be Cautious: The loop is predominantly done by renting a motorbike (125cc is recommended, especially for two people) from Chiang Mai or Pai. The road has over 1,864 curves, demanding skill, experience, and vigilance.
- Tip: If you are an inexperienced rider, consider taking a minivan between the main towns (Pai, Mae Hong Son) and then renting a smaller scooter locally for nearby attractions.
Rental/License Checklist: Reputable rental shops will often ask for your passport as a deposit, but it is highly recommended to leave a cash deposit instead. Ensure you have an International Driving Permit (IDP) with a motorcycle endorsement to comply with local law and for insurance purposes.
Alternate Transport: The loop can also be comfortably done by rental car (much safer and more comfortable during the rainy or cool season) or via the excellent minivan service (Prempracha Transport) connecting Chiang Mai, Pai, and Mae Hong Son.
Fuel Stops: Gas stations are available in the major towns, but it’s wise to fill up whenever you have the chance, as distances between stations can be long and uphill. Smaller villages often sell fuel in bottles at a slight markup.
The Burning Season: Avoid visiting between late February and April. This is the peak of the Burning Season (seasonal agricultural burning), leading to very poor air quality (haze) and severely reduced visibility of the mountain views. The best time is the Cool Season (November – February).
Shan Influence: Mae Hong Son Province has a rich cultural heritage, with a strong influence from the Shan people (Tai Yai) from neighboring Myanmar. This influence is visible in the Burmese-style temples (like Wat Chong Klang) and the local cuisine.
Hill Tribe Respect: When visiting ethnic hill tribe villages (Kayan, Lahu, Lisu, etc.), remember you are a guest. Ask permission before taking photos of the people, especially children, and be respectful of their customs and dress. Only purchase souvenirs from the local people themselves.
Accommodation: While Pai has a vibrant hostel and guesthouse scene, Mae Hong Son and the smaller stops like Mae Sariang offer a more peaceful, authentic experience, with riverside resorts and homestays. Booking ahead during the peak Cool Season is advisable.
Hidden Gems:
- Baan Jabo: A Lahu hill tribe village on the route known for its stunning hanging noodle soup restaurant with a view overlooking the mountain fog.
- Thung Bua Tong Fields (Doi Mae U-Kho): If visiting around November to December, detour to see the vast fields of blooming Mexican sunflowers covering the hills in a stunning yellow blanket.
- Pang Oung Lake: Often called the “Switzerland of Thailand,” this royal project is a beautiful, peaceful reservoir in the mountains where you can camp or stay in basic cabins, famed for its morning mist.
Cost & Cash: While the overall region is budget-friendly, carry sufficient cash (THB), as ATMs and card machines may be scarce or unreliable in smaller towns and remote attractions. The exchange rate for the Thai Baht (THB) is approximately 35 THB to 1 USD.
Top Restaurants
Khao Soi Zister’s [$3-$7] – A casual, must-visit spot in Pai renowned for its excellent, creamy, and traditional Khao Soi (Northern Thai curry noodle soup).
Pa Hom Noodles [$3-$7] – Famous noodle shop in Mae Hong Son city, known for over 20 years, specializing in delicious, tender honey-stewed beef noodles.
Charlie & Lek’s [$5-$10] – A long-standing, well-regarded local restaurant in Pai, originally a cooking school, offering wonderfully fresh, healthy, and authentic Thai dishes, including a unique Green Papaya Pad Thai.
La-Mai’s Kitchen [$3-$7] – A humble, often-busy spot in Pai serving up large portions of delicious, affordable, and authentic Thai and regional food.
Dang Thai Food And Drink [$3-$6] – An extremely affordable and popular local eatery on the Loop (often cited near Soppong/Pang Mapha) serving classic, delicious Thai rice and noodle dishes.
Son and Mom Restaurant [$3-$8] – A great local option in Mae Hong Son city for experiencing authentic Thai cuisine in a clean, no-frills setting.
Bi Fern Restaurant [$5-$10] – A popular Mae Hong Son city restaurant with a comfortable, local atmosphere and a menu featuring delicious Northern Thai recipes.
Pai Noodles and More [$3-$6] – A local favorite in Pai for a simple, hearty, and authentic Thai noodle breakfast or lunch.
Two Sisters [$4-$8] – Highly recommended by locals in Pai for authentic Thai-Burmese food, especially their salads and beef curry.
Northern Soul Riverside BBQ Pai [$5-$12] – Tucked away by the river, this spot serves up a laid-back vibe with delicious Northern Thai BBQ and other locally inspired dishes.
Ja Bo Noodles [$2-$5] – A truly unique experience at Ja Bo Village viewpoint, offering simple, cheap bowls of noodles with an incredible “million-dollar view” over the mountains and fog.
Krua Isaan Jud Sagad Lao 100% [$4-$8] – An excellent place in Pai for authentic Northeastern Thai (Isaan) cuisine, with a lovely owner.
Congee Restaurant [$3-$6] – A go-to spot for a traditional, comforting Thai breakfast of jok (rice porridge) in Mae Hong Son city.
Ganesh Bar & Restaurant [$5-$10] – Located in the hills outside of Pai, serving healthy portions of traditional Thai food like Khao Soi and curries in a lively setting.
Salween River Restaurant [$4-$9] – A well-loved local eatery in Mae Hong Son city known for its authentic Shan dishes, like Khao Soi and Burmese tea leaf salad.
Jae’y Cafe (near Tham Lot Cave) [$3-$7] – Located near the Tham Lot Cave entrance, a popular stop for good, quick, and affordable traditional Thai food.
A Taste of Joy [$6-$12] – A cute, rustic, and organic spot in Pai. Everything, from bread to ice cream, is made in-house, often using fresh produce from the garden behind the restaurant.
Witching Well [$7-$15] – An atmospheric, eye-pleasing restaurant near Pai’s walking street with a vintage vibe, serving Mediterranean-Italian Fusion cuisine and a respectable wine menu.
Silhouette by Reverie Siam [$10-$20] – Located within the beautiful Reverie Siam Resort near Pai, offering an elegant dining experience with contemporary Mediterranean cuisine, tapas, and a tranquil atmosphere.
The Blue Ox [$7-$15] – A tranquil, all-day restaurant in Pai with a cool, open-air design, known for its tasty breakfast options including homemade jams and fresh yogurt.
Baan Pizza [$8-$15] – Providing a comfortable vibe and a proper, satisfying slice of Western-style pizza for when you need a break from Thai flavors.
Little Good Things [$5-$10] – A charming spot in Mae Hong Son city for fresh, wholesome, healthy, and often vegetarian-friendly food.
Baan Coffee [$5-$10] – Located in Mae Hong Son city, known for its good coffee and light, quality Western-style meals and snacks.
Cafecito [$4-$9] – An excellent little cafe in Pai known for its high-quality Mexican-inspired breakfast and lunch options like homemade tacos and burritos.
Grunge Burgers [$6-$12] – A simple joint just off Pai’s main walking street, celebrated for its delicious, large-portion Western-style burgers and homemade fries, with options for both meat-eaters and vegetarians.
Joy’s Pizza [$7-$14] – A well-regarded alternative pizza spot in Pai, popular for its thin-crust, wood-fired pizzas.
Burger Queen [$6-$12] – Offers a good variety of well-made, hearty burgers in Pai, including chicken, beef, and creative vegan options like sweet potato and pumpkin.
Kaffe In Than [$4-$8] – A quaint cafe in Mae Hong Son city offering good coffee and a menu of light Thai and international snacks/meals.
Mae Hong Son Bakery [$4-$9] – A local spot for fresh pastries, baked goods, and simple breakfast or lunch items in Mae Hong Son city.
Sawadee Cafe & Bar [$5-$10] – Located in Pai with a great river view, offering a mix of Thai dishes and solid Western fare like burgers.
Intira Restaurant [$5-$10] – A clean, comfortable restaurant in Pai with a mix of Thai and international food options.
Suan Mokfa [$3-$7] – Located on Route 1095, this cafe is famous for its superb, high-quality organic coffee and surprisingly delicious, clean, and tasty Thai food. A great, non-touristy roadside stop.
Coffee In Love [$4-$8] – Famous viewpoint cafe outside Pai. While popular, it’s worth a quick stop for a coffee and a photo opportunity with the iconic yellow house and panoramic views.
Posaho Cafe’ [$2-$5] – Situated in Mae Hong Son city, known for its simple, cheap meals described as a “1 Dollar Meal with 1 Million Dollars View.”
Sook Coffee Mae Sariang [$2-$5] – A highly-rated stop in Mae Sariang for wonderful, strong, local coffee.
Sane Cafe Coffee Roasters [$3-$6] – Tucked away in Mae Sariang, this spot is lauded for having some of the best-roasted coffee on the Loop.
Coffee Morning Cafe [$3-$6] – A welcoming, two-story wooden house cafe in Mae Hong Son city center near Wat Jong Kam, great for a warm, relaxed morning vibe.
Chang Thai Coffee [$3-$6] – A great spot on the 1095 near Soppong/Pang Mapha to enjoy a nice cup and savor the remote jungle view.
Coffee We… The Witch’s House [$3-$7] – A memorable, themed cafe on Route 1095 before Pai (coming from Chiang Mai) that offers good coffee and food with large eating areas and jungle views.
Ninebar Coffee Shop [$3-$7] – A fun, themed stop on Route 1095 with a vintage car inside and statues outside (often being fixed up), offering good coffee.
Doi Kiew Lom View Point Stalls [$2-$5] – Various small coffee and tea stalls at this iconic viewpoint between Pai and Mae Hong Son city, perfect for a snack and a rest.
Baan Rak Thai (Ban Rak Thai/Mae Aw Village) [$5-$15] – Not a single restaurant, but the whole Yunnanese-influenced village near the border is famous for its Chinese tea houses and unique Yunnan/Northern Thai cuisine, such as Yunnan noodles and Black Tea Roast Pork.
Pai Walking Street [$1-$5 per item] – A daily evening market where you can sample an extensive, lively variety of cheap street food, from classic Thai snacks to inventive dishes and desserts.
Mae Hong Son Night Market (Chong Kham Night Market) [$1-$5 per item] – A must-visit nightly market around Nong Chong Kham Lake in Mae Hong Son city for incredibly cheap, authentic regional specialties and street food.
Mae Sariang Night Market [$1-$5 per item] – A smaller, more local night market along the main roads in Mae Sariang offering a selection of local dishes and drinks.
In Love Mookata (อินเลิฟ หมูกะทะ) [$8-$15 per person] – A classic Thai “cook your own” Mookata (BBQ buffet) experience in Pai, great for a fun, social, and hearty dinner.
Local Food Stalls around Wat Chong Klang [$1-$4 per item] – Numerous small food stalls and vendors around the temples in Mae Hong Son city, great for authentic, quick, and very cheap local snacks like Khang Pong (crispy fritters) and Khao Som.
Yunnan Noodles Stalls (Mae Hong Son City) [$3-$6] – Look for small stalls specializing in Yunnan Noodles for a local, ethnic Chinese flavor that is distinct to the Mae Hong Son region.
P’lai Rice Soup Stand [$2-$4] – A simple, roadside jok (rice soup) stand in Pai that is only open from sunrise to around 8-9 am, loved by locals for an authentic start to the day.
Local Khao Sen Stalls [$3-$6] – Seek out places selling Khao Sen (rice vermicelli noodles), a local Tai Yai dish unique to the Mae Hong Son area.
Mae Sariang Food Court [$3-$7] – A more organized option in Mae Sariang for quick, diverse, and clean local Thai food.
Food Market near the Mae Hong Son Bus Terminal [$2-$5 per item] – A concentration of vendors offering cheap, freshly prepared local meals and snacks, popular with commuters and residents.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Almost Famous: A popular and vibrant cocktail oasis located in the town of Pai, known for its creative drinks, lively atmosphere, and friendly staff. It’s a premier spot for an expertly crafted cocktail using fresh ingredients.
Sunset Bar: Located in Pai, a short distance from the walking street, this alfresco bar is aptly named for its breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains at dusk. It offers a chill atmosphere with hammocks and comfy cushions, serving classic cocktails and cold beers.
Jikko Beer: Situated near the Pai night market, this casual spot is dedicated to craft beer, stocking a variety of local and international brews. They also feature an exceptional cocktail menu for those who prefer mixed drinks, all in an inviting, open-front setting.
The View Bar: Found just a few minutes’ walk from Pai town, this bar offers a stunning viewpoint for sunset. It has a chill, open space with wholesome music, reasonably priced beers, and tasty cocktails, complete with an open fire on cool evenings.
Jazz House Pai: A very chill spot near the Pai town center known for its live acoustic music, which includes jazz and other genres. It offers a cozy, unique vibe where you can enjoy a drink in a hammock or at a candlelit table.
PM Spirit (or Spirit Bar & Jewelry): This little “hippy bar” is hidden off the main Walking Street in Pai (through an alley near the 7-Eleven). It offers a colorful, fort-like garden atmosphere with neon lights, attentive staff, and a range of cocktails.
Paradise Bar: Located slightly out of Pai town, this rickety old wooden structure is perched on a slope, offering views of the fields. It’s known for its unique hippy vibe, campfires, a “secret drink menu,” and occasionally hosts fire shows.
Why Not Bar: A long-standing institution in Pai, popular with backpackers for its happy hour specials and strong cocktails. It features a lively party scene and nightly DJs.
Paizy Bar Cocktail: Located on the Walking Street in Pai, this is a dedicated cocktail spot offering a wide variety of drinks in a vibrant, centrally located setting.
The Bottle & Cat’s Whiskers: A cozy bar in Pai known for its focus on fine wines, cocktails, and tapas, offering a more refined experience compared to the backpacker bars, often featuring live music.
Silhouette By Reverie Siam (Pai): An upscale bar part of the Reverie Siam Resort, this spot offers a sophisticated atmosphere with beautiful views and a carefully curated selection of signature and classic cocktails, providing a luxurious escape outside of the main town area.
Mad Monkey Hostel Pai (Poolside): Located at one of Pai’s top social hostels, guests can enjoy nicely crafted cocktails poolside or surrounded by lush gardens, perfect for meeting other travelers in a lively setting.
Doze Bar & Cafe (Pai): A casual and cozy spot that offers a blend of relaxation and good drinks, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring the loop.
Humble Bar Pai: Known for its friendly atmosphere and live music, this bar in Pai provides a welcoming spot for refreshing drinks and a chill night out.
The Moon Bar Pai: Offers stunning views and a tranquil beauty, making it a perfect place in Pai to enjoy a drink and soak in the mountain atmosphere.
Don’t Cry Bar: This is the most consistent late-night venue in Pai, effectively operating as the town’s main “club” after other bars close (usually midnight). It’s an open-air spot, located a short distance from the town center (Mae Hi), known for playing techno and electronic music, beer pong, a pool table, and a lively backpacker crowd.
Boom Bar: Situated in the heart of Pai’s city center, this is a key party venue, popular for its rapid techno beats, affordable cocktails, and being a great place to meet fellow travelers. The party vibe often spills out onto the street.
Yellow Sun Pai: Located a short walk from Boom Bar, this two-story venue is famous for its reggae music, laid-back vibe, comfy seating, and pool table. It acts as a lively dance spot on weekends with DJ sets, making it a major nightlife fixture in Pai.
Pai Pub Crawl Venues: While not a permanent club, this organized pub crawl is the largest party event in Pai, ending at the raving dancefloor of a local bar/club that turns into the town’s biggest dance party for the night.
Jungle Tubing Party Stops (Revs Foam Party & Tube Camp): This organized daytime river excursion turns into a massive party event with multiple stops down the Pai River. The final stops, like Revs and Tube Camp, become large, open-air parties with foam, DJs, games, and a big dance crowd, functioning as temporary, all-day clubs.
IRIE BAR PAI: A popular spot in Pai known for its reggae influence and vibrant, welcoming atmosphere, often turning into a lively dance spot as the night goes on.
Ganesh (Pai): Located in Pai, this bar is known for its array of drinks and live music, frequently attracting a crowd ready to dance and enjoy the upbeat atmosphere.
C Bar (Pai): Offers a unique and vibrant atmosphere, becoming a celebration spot perfect for a fun night out with music and dancing in Pai.
DARUMA BAR (Pai): Known for its lively charm and vibrant atmosphere, it attracts a crowd looking for a fun night and a place to party in Pai.
Pai Pub: A centrally located spot that offers a mix of drinks and live music, creating a vibrant atmosphere that often leads to dancing and a party scene.