点评:The Mae Hong Son Loop is a beautiful route in Northern Thailand.
Popular amongst bikers and tourists because of the amazing roads with stunning viewpoints.
I can't even tell how many times I did the loop, probably about 7+ times,and I would do it all over again. And again.
It's the feeling of freedom to wander where you want, on not such a strict schedule.
Is it dangerous, some ask.
Be responsible while driving, stay in your own lane and watch out for oncoming traffic, because sometimes they might be on your side of the road.
How about the curves?
Some of them are hairpin curves which can be quite steep.
How to know if you are able to ride such a curve?
As an example you could take a trip to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai. Just before arriving to the 300 steps stairs, there is a hairpin curve with some steepness to it. Now you can determine yourself if you are able to conquer this curve and the curves along the Mae Hong Son Loop.
Back to the Mae Hong Son Loop with some tips, do's and don'ts.
When it comes to clockwise or counter clockwise direction, there is no right or wrong. However, I prefer clockwise because it seems in this direction the loop gets only better and better.
For this ride you might need 5/6 days. No rush, take it easy and enjoy every moment.
After a few days sightseeing in Chiang Mai, it's time to start the loop.
Make sure you have a (big) bike with at least 155cc.
My favourite ride is a Yamaha Aerox 155cc.
This is an automatic bike which has enough power to get you through the loop.
Leave some luggage behind in your Chiang Mai hotel if you have too much.
During the loop comfort is essential, so have a lightweight backpack on and leave some space for groceries on the way.
Always pack a raincoat (or 2, two bottles of water and a jacket. A jacket? Yes, it can be cold up there in the mountains!
Leave Chiang Mai City when it starts to get light outside. There is a long drive ahead. Follow road 108 for 63km and turn right into road 1009 to Doi Inthanon National Park. From road 1009 to the summit is about 50km.
This park is famous for it’s highest point of Thailand, waterfalls, the 2 pagoda’s and it’s garden. At the entrance of the national park you pay an entrance fee for yourself and your bike.
Personally I have 3 stops in this park. The first one is the Wachirathan Waterfall. This is 80m high waterfall and the biggest in this park.
The next stop are the 2 pagoda’s. It’s easy to miss while you drive, so keep your eyes open. You’ll see some parkingspots on the left side of the road with a steep road between them, which is the entrance.
Park your bike and start walking up the steep road, or get the shuttle if available. The 2 pagoda’s honor the late king and queen of Thailand.
These pagoda’s are stunning, surrounded by a beautiful garden and amazing views if the weather is good.
Now the last stop is the highest point of Thailand, which is only 6km away from the pagoda’s. Now the anti climax is that the highest point of Thailand is surrounded by trees, so not much of a view.
Some people like to arrange accomodation in or near the park to enjoy the sunrise which they view from a once of the turns or from the pagoda’s.
It’s time to hit the road and leave the National Park.
Going back to road 108 and follow this road for 135km to Mae Sariang.
Mae Sariang is a city not far from Myanmar.
There is not much to see in this city, but rest is needed since the drive was about 290km in total.
A recommended hotel is Above The Sea Boutique hotel. There is not much
choice when it comes to hotels, but this is the best one. It has rooms in loft style and one of the softest beds I’ve ever tried.
Drop your stuff in the room, have a shower and go for a Khao Soi,
a famous soup in the northern part of Thailand.
After a ride like today and a nice meal, you sure need a good rest.
The second day of the loop is also recommended to leave after breakfast,
Above The Sea Boutique Hotel offers you different options of breakfast.
The drive will be continued on road 108 for 165km to Mae Hong Son.
This doesn’t seem far, but there are many curves tob e conquered.
From Mae Sariang to Mae Hong Son you will see some changes in nature
and here and there some viewpoints will popup.
Get off your bike, grab a drink and enjoy some of the views you see a long the way. Have a stop at these viewpoints such as Mae La Luang Viewpoint with it’s soft rounded hills or Pha Bong Viewpoint with it’s view of huge mountains.
After 165km you arrive in Mae Hong Son City.
My recommended hotel is B2 Mae Hong Son Premier Resort.
This hotel is not far away from the center, but it’s located at a quiet spot.
It’s a good idea to stay here for 2 nights.
Wake up early the next day, very early. Grab the bike, buy some coffee and a bite at 7-11 and hit road 1095 for about 15km, where you then turn left into road 4001 for 25km until you arrive at the Pang Oung Lake. This is a beautiful lake, which is a project of the late King Bhumibol to restore forests and ecosystems. And if you are early enough, you can see the fog floating on the water. Sit down and enjoy the view with your breakfast you bought at 7-11.
Continue on road 4001 for 13km and you will arrive at Ban Rak Thai.
This is a village not far from the Myanmar border built in Yunnanese style.
In the middle of the village there is a lake, which also has the morning fog
over the water. You may want to choose where you want to enjoy the
morning fog, in Pang Oung Lake or Ban Rak Thai.
It’s only viewable in the morning for a short period of time.
By the time you arrive at the second destination, there won’t be morning fog to be seen anymore.
Be careful, because the road to these 2 destinations is very steep and has a
lot of curves.
From Ban Rak Thai on road 4001 going back for 28km, going back on road 1095 (which becomes road 108) for 20km, you arrive at a temple on a mountain called Wat Phra That Doi Kongmu.
This temple shows you a great view of the city of Mae Hong Son.
You can even see the airport from here.
There is a coffeeshop located next to the temple, have a seat, have a drink and enjoy the view.
When you’re on the way back to the hotel, stop by the Cafe Station or MHS Chamber of Commerce. At both of these places you’ll be able to get yourself a certificate for doing the Mae Hong Son Loop. A very nice souvenir!
After you have returned in your hotel and enjoyed a nice shower,
it is recommended to get out in the evening and visit the lake in the city center, named Chong Kham.
This lake is surrounded by a temple, named Wat Chong Kham and a night market. Time for a nice dinner next to the lake with a view of the temple.
After such a day full of activities, it’s time to hit the sheets.
The next day awaits a trip to the city of Pai. Follow road 108/1095 for 105km.
This route has countless curves. Be careful, but enjoy it!
You will pass a bamboo bridge named Su Tong Pae Bridge after 12km on the road. This bridge is meant for monks, so they wouldn’t have to walk in the rice fields. After 10km on the road you will arrive at the fish cave, named Tham Pla.
Personally I am not into caves so I rather move on.
Along the way on road 1095 you arrive at the Pang Mapha viewpoint.
Beautiful view, if the weather allows it, and some stalls around for a drink and
a small bite. From this viewpoint it’s about 10km on road 1095 turning into 1226 going to Ban Jabo, if you are interested.
This is a Lahu tribe village with some beautiful views.
Another viewpoint along the main road is Doi Kiew Lom Viewpoint.
This is the viewpoint which has a view from both sides of the road,
there is a giant swing and ofcourse some stalls around for your appetite.
So after in total 105km you arrive in Pai. It will probably be late in the afternoon.
My recommended hotel in Pai is the Ai Pai Hotel.
It’s one of the most expensive hotels in Pai, but has amazing beds and is
around the corner of the famous walking street.
It’s recommended to stay for 2 nights, so you have a whole day to spend
in Pai.
Have a refreshing shower and head into the walking street. From the Ai Pai Hotel it’s less than 30 seconds and you’ll be in the walking street.
There is a very laid back vibe and so much to see..and eat.
The next morning it’s time to grab the bike and drive 5km on road 1095 and head out to the Big White Buddha. Park your bike and have a morning workout walking up the stairs to the Buddha. Don’t forget a bottle of water, you’ll need it! Once up there, you’ll have a view of the city, if there isn’t too much fog.
4km away on road 1095 and you arrive at the Pai Canyon.
Park your bike next to the road and have a walk up Pai Canyon.
It has some beautiful views, but try not to be there midday, because it can be hot. Some people like to enjoy the sunset at that spot.
There is also another good spot to enjoy the sunset while having a bite and a drink, which is Two Huts Pai. From the White Buddha it’s only 6km away.
After sunset the walking street is waiting for the evening meal.
The next day is the last day of the Mae Hong Son Loop.The route goes on road 1095/107 from Pai back to Chiang Mai.
Don’t forget to take a picture or selfie at the “I AM PAI” sign.
You’ll pass the Pai Canyon again on the way back, and just after the Pai Canyon you will see the Tha Pai Memorial Bridge. In the past this bridge was used to bring trees from the jungle to Pai.
In 1944 the Japanese Army burned down the bridge and at the end of the war it was rebuilt.
Along the curvy road you will pass a viewpoint named Rak Chang.
Not much of a view, but there is a coffeeshop, and you might need a refreshment during conquering this road.
60km away from Chiang Mai there is a small waterfall named Mok Fa.
It’s not too big, but it’s on the road to our destination, so why not.
Back on the road you will notice that traffic increases, trafficjams, shoppingmalls, noise, tourists…and after about 700km, 5 nights and 6 days you’re back in Chiang Mai.
Now this is just an example how to do the Mae Hong Son Loop.
You could do it counter clockwise, stay for more or less nights, have more or less stops; it’s all up to you.
One thing is guaranteed when you do this loop, you’ll experience freedom and Thai hospitality.
Oh, and don’t forget wear a helmet!
Thanks for reading!
翻译:湄宏顺环路是泰国北部一条美丽的路线。
这条路线因道路优美、景色迷人而深受骑行者和游客的欢迎。
我甚至记不清自己骑过这条环路多少次了,大概有 7 次以上,而且我还会再骑一次。一次又一次。
这是一种自由的感觉,可以随心所欲地漫步,而不必遵守严格的时间表。
有人问,这危险吗?
开车时要负责任,保持在自己的车道上,注意迎面而来的车辆,因为有时它们可能在你这边。
弯道怎么样?
有些是发夹弯,可能相当陡峭。
如何知道您是否能够骑这样的弯道?
例如,您可以前往清迈的素帖寺。在到达 300 级台阶之前,有一个发夹弯,有些陡峭。现在您可以自己确定自己是否能够征服这条弯道和湄宏顺环路沿线的弯道。
回到湄宏顺环线,这里有一些提示、注意事项。
说到顺时针或逆时针方向,没有对错之分。不过,我更喜欢顺时针,因为似乎在这个方向上环线会越来越好。
这次骑行可能需要 5/6 天。不要着急,放松一下,享受每一刻。
在清迈观光几天后,是时候开始环线了。
确保您有一辆至少 155cc 的(大)自行车。
我最喜欢的车是雅马哈 Aerox 155cc。
这是一款自动自行车,动力足以让您完成环线。
如果您的行李太多,请在清迈酒店留一些行李。
在环线期间,舒适度至关重要,因此请背上轻便的背包,并在途中留出一些空间放置杂货。
一定要带上一件(或两件)雨衣、两瓶水和一件夹克。夹克?是的,山上很冷!
天开始亮的时候离开清迈市。前面还有很长的路要走。沿着 108 号公路行驶 63 公里,然后右转进入 1009 号公路前往茵他侬国家公园。从 1009 号公路到山顶大约有 50 公里。
这个公园以泰国的最高点、瀑布、两座宝塔和花园而闻名。在国家公园的入口处,您需要为自己和自行车支付入场费。
我个人在这个公园停留了 3 站。第一个是 Wachirathan 瀑布。这是 80 米高的瀑布,也是这个公园里最大的瀑布。
下一站是两座宝塔。开车时很容易错过,所以要睁大眼睛。您会在路的左侧看到一些停车位,中间有一条陡峭的道路,这是入口处。
停好自行车,开始沿着陡峭的道路步行,或者乘坐班车(如果有)。这两座宝塔是为了纪念已故的泰国国王和王后。
这些宝塔令人惊叹,周围环绕着美丽的花园,如果天气好的话,景色令人惊叹。
现在最后一站是泰国的最高点,距离宝塔仅 6 公里。现在的败笔是泰国的最高点被树木环绕,所以风景不多。
有些人喜欢在公园内或附近安排住宿,以欣赏他们从一个转弯处或宝塔上看到的日出。
是时候上路离开国家公园了。
回到 108 号公路,沿着这条路行驶 135 公里到达湄沙良。
湄沙良是离缅甸不远的一座城市。
这个城市没什么可看的,但需要休息,因为总共开车大约 290 公里。
推荐的酒店是 Above The Sea Boutique 酒店。说到酒店,选择不多,但这家是最好的。它有阁楼风格的房间,床是我住过的最柔软的床之一。
把东西放在房间里,洗个澡,去吃一碗 Khao Soi,这是泰国北部著名的汤。
经过今天的骑行和一顿美味的饭菜后,你肯定需要好好休息一下。
第二天的环线也建议在早餐后离开,
Above The Sea Boutique Hotel 为您提供不同的早餐选择。
继续沿着 108 号公路行驶 165 公里到达湄宏顺。
这似乎不远,但有许多弯道需要征服。
从湄沙良到湄宏顺,你会看到大自然的一些变化,这里和那里会突然出现一些观景点。
下车,喝一杯饮料,欣赏沿途看到的一些景色。在这些观景点停留片刻,例如 Mae La Luang 观景点,那里有平缓的圆形山丘;或者 Pha Bong 观景点,那里有巨大的山脉。
行驶 165 公里后,您将抵达湄宏顺市。
我推荐的酒店是 B2 Mae Hong Son Premier Resort。
这家酒店距离市中心不远,但地处安静之地。
在这里住两晚是个不错的主意。
第二天早起,很早。骑上自行车,在 7-11 买些咖啡和小吃,然后沿着 1095 号公路行驶约 15 公里,然后左转进入 4001 号公路行驶 25 公里,直到到达 Pang Oung 湖。这是一个美丽的湖泊,这是已故国王普密蓬为恢复森林和生态系统而发起的项目。如果你来得足够早,你可以看到水面上飘浮着雾气。坐下来,一边享用在 7-11 买的早餐,一边欣赏美景。
继续沿着 4001 号公路行驶 13 公里,你将到达 Ban Rak Thai。
这是一个距离缅甸边境不远的村庄,采用云南风格建造。
村庄中间有一个湖泊,湖面上也有晨雾。你可以选择在 Pang Oung 湖或 Ban Rak Thai 欣赏晨雾。
只能在早上短暂地看到它。
到达第二个目的地时,将不再看到晨雾。
要小心,因为通往这两个目的地的道路非常陡峭,而且有很多弯道。
从 Ban Rak Thai 沿 4001 公路返回 28 公里,再沿 1095 公路(后变为 108 公路)返回 20 公里,您会到达山上的一座寺庙,名为 Wat Phra That Doi Kongmu。
从这座寺庙可以看到湄宏顺市的壮丽景色。
您甚至可以从这里看到机场。
寺庙旁边有一家咖啡店,您可以坐下来,喝点东西,欣赏美景。
当您返回酒店的路上,可以去 Cafe Station 或 MHS 商会。在这两个地方,您都可以获得湄宏顺环线的证书。一份非常好的纪念品!
回到酒店并享受舒适的淋浴后,
建议您晚上出去参观市中心的 Chong Kham 湖。
这座湖周围有一座名为 Wat Chong Kham 的寺庙和一个夜市。是时候在湖边享用美味的晚餐,欣赏寺庙的景色了。
经过如此充实的一天,是时候睡觉了。
第二天,我们将前往拜县。沿着 108/1095 公路行驶 105 公里。
这条路线弯道无数。小心谨慎,但要享受它!
行驶 12 公里后,您将经过一座名为 Su Tong Pae Bridge 的竹桥。这座桥是为僧侣设计的,这样他们就不必在稻田里行走。行驶 10 公里后,您将到达名为 Tham Pla 的鱼洞。
我个人不喜欢洞穴,所以我宁愿继续前行。
沿着 1095 公路行驶,您将到达 Pang Mapha 观景点。
如果天气允许,景色很美,周围有一些摊位可以喝点东西和吃点东西。如果您有兴趣,从这个观景点出发,沿着 1095 公路行驶约 10 公里,然后转到 1226 前往 Ban Jabo。
这是一个拉祜族村庄,风景优美。
主干道上的另一个观景点是 Doi Kiew Lom 观景点。
从这里可以看到道路两侧的风景,
那里有一个巨大的秋千,当然还有一些摊位可以满足您的食欲。
总共行驶 105 公里后,您便会抵达拜县。可能要到下午晚些时候了。
我推荐的拜县酒店是 Ai Pai Hotel。
它是拜县最昂贵的酒店之一,但床铺很棒,
位于著名步行街的拐角处。
建议住 2 晚,这样您就有一整天的时间在拜县度过。
洗个清爽的淋浴,然后前往步行街。从 Ai Pai Hotel 出发,不到 30 秒即可到达步行街。
那里氛围非常悠闲,有很多东西可以看……和吃。
第二天早上,是时候骑上自行车,沿着 1095 号公路行驶 5 公里,前往大白佛了。停好自行车,沿着通往白佛的台阶走上晨练。别忘了带一瓶水,你会需要它的!如果雾不太大,上去后,你可以看到城市的景色。
沿着 1095 号公路行驶 4 公里,你就会到达拜县峡谷。
把自行车停在路边,步行上拜县峡谷。
那里有一些美丽的景色,但尽量不要在中午去,因为天气会很热。有些人喜欢在那里欣赏日落。
还有另一个欣赏日落的好地方,那就是 Two Huts Pai。距离白佛只有 6 公里。
日落之后,步行街正在等待晚餐。
第二天是湄宏顺环线的最后一天。路线从拜县沿着 1095/107 号公路返回清迈。
别忘了在“I AM PAI”标志处拍照或自拍。
回程时,你会再次经过拜县峡谷,过了拜县峡谷后,你会看到 Tha Pai 纪念桥。过去,这座桥被用来将丛林中的树木运到拜县。
1944 年,日军烧毁了这座桥,战争结束后,它被重建。
沿着弯曲的道路,你会经过一个名为 Rak Chang 的观景点。
景色不怎么样,但有一家咖啡店,在征服这条路的过程中,你可能需要喝点东西。
距离清迈 60 公里的地方有一个名为 Mok Fa 的小瀑布。
它不是很大,但它在通往目的地的路上,所以为什么不去呢。
回到路上,你会发现车流量增加,交通拥堵,购物中心,噪音,游客……大约 700 公里后,5 晚 6 天后,您回到了清迈。
现在,这只是一个如何完成湄宏顺环线的示例。
您可以逆时针进行,停留更多或更少的夜晚,停留更多或更少;一切都取决于您。
当您完成这个环线时,有一件事是肯定的,您将体验到自由和泰式热情好客。
哦,别忘了戴头盔!
感谢您的阅读!