Mae Hong Son Loop, Golden Triangle, Nan Loop
Finally! I’ve had this ride on my bucket list for a long time. Perhaps I’ve been pressed with time, had not found the right group or the stars just did not align for the trip.
But now, I am taking the time, riding solo and enjoying the adventure!
Mae Hong Son Loop
Mae Hong Son by the western, Myanmar facing border of northern Thailand is the most mountainous region in Thailand and named one (yes, yet another one) of the best motorcycle roads in the world.
Well, I can wholeheartedly confirm that it is a fantastic ride and when it comes to Thailand, Mae Hong Son Loop is literally above the rest – it actually takes you on top of the tallest peak in Thailand, Doi Ithanon!
If you are looking for the two wheels for your ride, I would suggest you head for C&P Big Bike rental shop in Chiang Mai. They have a wide selection of bikes in very good repair, as much as I could see when looking around in the shop. My V-Strom was brand new and when picking up my bike, service was excellent! My earlier correspondence with Ammy was quick in English and Mr Lan got my bike ready on time and as agreed. This is NOT paid promotion but my bid to answer the question everyone seems to be asking – where to get a reliable bike.
The ride on Mae Hong Son Loop usually starts from Chiang Mai and is a multi-day trip. Unless you just power through the route, I would suggest at least four days for just the MHS loop. The distance of the simple MHSLoop from CM to CM as such is not very long, only some 650 km from/to CM but there is a lot to take in, places to see and places to stop en route. Waterfalls, Caves, Elephants, the Kayan Long Neck people from Myanmar, coffee houses and great restaurants on the road side, nice resorts or just admiring the views. Even some party spots for the western tourist, such as Pai. For reference, my trip was 1500km in nine days during which I also did the Golden Triangle and Nan loop. I rode the MHS loop in clockwise direction.
Thailand is rather flat and Doi Ithanon earns the title of the highest peak by reaching the dizzying height of 2,565 meters above sea level. When I say flat, I mean it doesn’t have really high mountains but I do not mean flat as not being hilly, which this road really is. Just up or down AND left or right. Not much flat or even straight sections on these roads!
Due to being so hilly, I feel that the road is best enjoyed with a bike which has a bit more power than an average small scooter. Having said that, there are also a lot of small scooters on the road, ridden mainly by youngsters, even couples often two-up. Presumably more holiday-makers than bikers. I am sure they enjoy their ride – like even those with a bicycle do. But as you are reading my blog, I believe you may be a more experienced biker and to truly get the most out of the route, I recommend something more suitable for the hilly, smooth tarmac. In my case I rode a 2024 model Suzuki V-Strom 650XT adventure bike and it was perfect for the road.
Before my ride I read many articles warning how treacherous the road is. Continue reading Northern Thailand – Yet Another Biker’s Paradise!
