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Mae Hong Son Hills
Duration
9 days
Site savings
$60
From
$1,940 USD
The Mae Hong Son area of northern Thailand is the country's remotest and most mountainous region. Close to the border of Myanmar, reflected in the diverse mix of hill tribes and the architecture of the region, the province of Mae Hong Son is a spectacular and unique place to visit and is still relatively undiscovered by many tourists. The fantastic mountainous landscape coupled with smooth tarmacked roads and a phenomenal loop of a route around this charming and mystical region makes this a road biking dream for those game enough for the challenge.
- CategoryRoad Cycling
- TypeFully Guided
- Duration9 days
- Culture LevelAdventurous
- Skill Level4 - Advanced
- Activity Level4 - Challenging
- Elevation4 - Challenging
- TerrainMountainous
- Distance421.3 miles
- Avg. Daily Distance60.3 miles
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Quick Stats
- Duration9 days
- Main DestinationNorth Thailand
- Distance421.3 miles
- Avg. Daily Distance60.3 miles
- Elevation4 - Challenging
- TerrainMountainous
Route Map (click to view larger image)
Itinerary Details
- Day 1Arrive in Chiang Mai
The tour operator will meet you in the late afternoon for a tour briefing and a bike fitting.
- Aruntara Riverside Boutique Hotel
- Day 2Chiang Mai to Samoeng to Mae Rim
You will circumvent imposing Doi Suthep to the peaceful Samoeng. The ride out of Chiang Mai is flat, but soon you will start climbing. There are two gentle but steady climbs before taking a break in Samoeng. This area was the first Lanna settlement, who were escaping from a Burmese conqueror in the 18th century. The climbs continue in the afternoon as you ride up to 1,140 m (3,740 ft) with a viewpoint before starting down to the Mae Sa River valley. You will pass orchid farms and other flower fields that are grown for the Chiang Mai market, as well as fields of vegetables cultivated by the Hmong.
- 54.7 miles
- 6,660.1 ft
6,660.1 ft - Cooldowns Resort
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Snacks
- Day 3Mae Rim to Pai Ride
Today you will climb up and over a mountain to get to the next valley. You will ascend over 2,000 m (6,561 ft) and descend about the same amount, so an equalising day lies ahead. The ride starts nice and flat through rice fields before you start the ascent on a scenic winding road. The views of the mountains are superb as you ride to an altitude of 1,440 m (4,724 ft). Then it’s a thrilling 20 km (12.4 mi) overall downhill, with a few ascents thrown in to make the riding interesting, down to Pai. Your overnight stop is in a boutique hotel in the center of town. The resort is located near the Night Market, ideal for an evening stroll and a fantastic opportunity to sample exotic fruits and local foods.
- 68.4 miles
- 7,007.9 ft
7,007.9 ft - The Quarter
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Snacks
- Day 4Pai to Mae Hong Son
You will leave the tranquil Pai valley behind, and after 10 km (6.2 mi), the first climb begins. When you reach 1,443 m (4,734 ft), it's time to take a break and enjoy the view, before descending through mountain villages. There are, of course, a few more climbs to come, but they will seem like undulating hills. You will end your ride at Mae Hong Son, a town nestled in between mountains populated by Shan, whose ancestors came from Shan region in Myanmar. The hill tribes of the region consist of Karen, Lisu, Mhong, Lahu, and Lua, and each have their own distinct culture. Enjoy the natural surroundings and the pool to give your legs a rest from pedalling.
- 68.4 miles
- 7,874 ft
7,874 ft - Rimtarn Resort
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Snacks
- Day 5Mae Hong Son to Khun Yuam
Today is an easier day in terms of kilometers ridden, but there are still some hills to get over. You are now in hill tribe country, and being so close to the border with Myanmar, you will no doubt notice an influence on the architecture. The day will end with an uphill ride to the small traditional village of Khun Yuam.
- 41 miles
- 3,608.9 ft
3,608.9 ft - Mitkhoonyoum Hotel
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Snacks
- Day 6Khun Yuam to Mae Sariang
Today you will descend more than you ascend, but there is still enough climbing to test those legs. You will ride past farms, orchards, forests and will always have mountains as your backdrop. This scenic road will take you directly to quaint Mae Sariang and your riverside hotel.
- 62.1 miles
- 3,937 ft
3,937 ft - Riverhouse Hotel
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Snacks
- Day 7Mae Sariang to Mae Cham
Your toughest day awaits, though tomorrow will rival it in steepness. A brutal start with a 20 km (12.4 mi) climb of 860 m (2,821 ft) up to the top of the pass at 1,210 m (4,030 ft). The climbing continues as you cross through beautiful mountains and the jungle landscapes. Then you will finally have a 10 km (6.2 mi) descent to enjoy. You'll pass the refugee camps where members of ethnic minorities of Myanmar origin have come to escape their homeland. The sheer scale of the camps will astound you. But back to the climbing, as it hasn't ended yet, and a steep 500 m (1,640 ft) climb will have to be tackled at kilometer 95 (mile 59) before you finish at the town of Mae Chaem.
- 79.5 miles
- 9,481.6 ft
9,481.6 ft - Duan Raem Chaem Muang House
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Snacks
- Day 8Mae Cham to Doi Inthanon to Chiang Mai
The kilometers don't look long, but the gradients will be tough today as you climb to the top of Thailand. From Mae Cham, the ascent starts immediately, and in the first 15 km (9.3 mi), you climb 870 m (2,854 ft). The ride is shady and quite windy, providing some distraction from the burn in your legs. The final 10 km (6.2 mi) will be the true test, taking you to the "Summit of Thailand" at 2,565 m (8,415 ft). A photograph at the sign marking your accomplishment is a must. Then it's downhill, with a few more ups, to Chom Thon. Here, you'll have a choice of getting in the van and transferring the flat section to Chiang Mai or riding for 65 km (40 mi) more to up today's total to 141 km (87 mi). Tonight, it's time to celebrate your accomplishment!
- 47.2 miles
- 1,699.5 ft
7,759.2 ft
6,059.7 ft - Aruntara Riverside Boutique Hotel
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Snacks
- Day 9Departure