Page 39 - MASALA Vol8 Issue4 February-March 2017

Noodles at Ban Jabo, Soppong

Not Confident on a Motorbike?

If you are not an experienced or confident motorbike rider, there are
plenty of other options to explore the stunning scenery. These include:

• Car: You can opt to rent a car from Chiang Mai. Just make sure to rent
a manual-geared car that is in impeccable condition.

• Public Transport: For a cheaper alternative, and especially if you are
on a tight budget, you can also attempt to complete this loop by
public transport. However, the journey will take longer.

My Recommendations Cherry blossom trees at Doi Ang Khang, Chiang Mai

• Don’t skimp on the bike. It is a tough ride and you want a solid set Khao Soi curried noodle soup Kai-Pam (grilled egg)
of wheels under you.
A coffee shop overlooking mountains at Mae Hong Son
• Go clockwise along the route and buildup towards the hardest leg of
the journey which is the trail from Pai to Chiang Mai.

• To experience the microclimates and clock-in some Thailand winter,
take on the loop between November and February.

• Do not underestimate how cold it gets on a motorbike. Bring thick
sweaters, wind sheeters, riding gloves and sunglasses.

• Although the trip can be done in as little as four days, it is much
better if you stretch it out to at least a week.

• Eat your way through the loop, as the lovely northern Thai delicacies
and favourites are hard to come by in any other region of Thailand.

• Visit the cute coffee shops along the way. Some of them are hidden
gems with amazing views.

I’ve road tripped through several stunning and exotic locations outside of Thailand, but this drive is, without exaggeration, one of the most
beautiful I have experienced – not just for its scenery, but also because of the locals I encountered. Northern Thailand, especially the Mae
Hong Son province has some of the friendliest locals, keeping alive our widely beloved slogan, the Land of Smiles. It is about time we go
explore what is right in our backyard.

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