Page 38 - MASALA Vol8 Issue4 February-March 2017

Doi Inthanon, Chiang Mai Rice fields in Mae Sariang

Variations of these routes exist as well, depending on the amount of time you have
at your disposal. Suggestions include:

Mae Chaem
Opting to go from Chaing Mai to Mae Chaem on the first leg, allows you to spend
the day exploring Doi Inthanon along the way. Also, the most beautiful leg of the
journey for me was the ride from Doi Inthanon to Mae Chaem. The views were an
absolute dream.

Soppong
A detour from the regular route, especially for those who want to do some cave
explorations, water sports and hill tribe visits is to spend the night in Soppong, prior
to arriving in Pai from Mae Hong Son.

Tham Lot Cave, Soppong Chiang Dao
Another detour is to travel up further north to Chiang Dao from Pai. It is the perfect
place to enjoy your last day relaxing in between the mountains at a nice spa resort
before making your way back to Chiang Mai.

Renting a Motorbike

A 120cc or 200cc scooter is not going to do the trick for undertaking this Mae
Hong Son Loop. However, if you are willing to ride at the speed of 30 to 40 km
per hour, then renting a scooter is the cheaper option, but definitely not the
safest option, as the curves are tight and often slippery. If you are a confident
rider, what you need is a 500cc motorbike at the very least. These bikes will
allow you to climb up steep hills and take on those curves beautifully without
compromising on your speed. The price ranges anywhere from B800 to B2,500
per day depending on the motorbike you select.

Medical insurance, motorbike insurance and helmets are usually included in
the price of the rental, and this should be the bare-minimum standard of safety
you set for yourself. Additionally, you also have the option of renting biking gear
including jackets, pants and other protective equipment. In order to rent a bike, a
motorbike license is required. These rental places will also retain your passport
for the duration of your rental. This is common practice, and thus it is important
that you are comfortable with leaving your passport in their hands.

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