Page 37 - MASALA Vol8 Issue4 February-March 2017

Mae Hong Son village Tucked away in Thailand’s Northwest corner lies one of the
most forested province known as Mae Hong Son. With Shan,
Lisu and Karen hill tribes lending the province its charm, Mae
Hong Song might be one of the country’s last frontiers where
cultural tapestry is woven into rural beauty. While most of
Thailand may be overflowing with tourists, Northern Thailand
still has plenty of pockets where you can lose sight of them,
providing a perfect off the beaten path exploration opportunity.
There is no better way to take in the breathless scenery, misty
mountainous passes and steamy jungles than tackling the
600 km Mae Hong Son Loop with a motorbike.

Memorial Bridge at Mae Hong Son The Mae Hong Son Loop
Highest point of Chiang Dao Mountain, Chiang Mai
Adventurous travellers and thrill seekers are in for a treat in Northern
Thailand with this multiday excursion. The Mae Hong Son Loop is not
for the faint-hearted, especially with 1,864 curves, steep mountain
trails and 360 degree blind corners. You will experience various
microclimates from burning desert heat to frigid winds to extreme
humidity as you pass over hills, ride through river valleys, rice
fields, dense forests, as well as herds of cattle and water buffalos.
The roads that are in perfect condition change drastically, as you
exit Chiang Mai, into sweeping racetracks that are exceptionally
enjoyable to ride on. This is, without a doubt, a biker’s paradise.

There are variations of the Mae Hong Son Loop – the starting point
always being Chiang Mai, unless you have your own motorbike
and would like to ride from Bangkok to Chiang Mai and continue
from there. The most commonly taken route requires four days to
complete and goes clockwise. In case you feel the need to rebel,
you can also choose to take it counter-clockwise of course.

The most common route follows this path:

Chiang Mai Mae Sariang Mae Hong Son Pai

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