Feedback and Suggestions for Mae Hong Son Loop Itinerary
 

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Hi,

We’re excited but a bit nervous about our upcoming Mae Hong Son Loop trip on Saturday, November 2. After some research, we’ve put together a rough itinerary and would love your feedback. Does it seem too packed, or are we missing any must-see spots? We love nature and enjoy easy walks but aren’t particularly interested in visiting temples. We haven't booked accommodations or a car yet, so we're hoping to make our trip as smooth as possible. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Here’s our plan:

2 Nov (Sat): Arrive in Chiang Mai

• Explore the old city
• Visit the Saturday Night Plaza

3 Nov (Sun): Chiang Mai

• Visit Jin Jiang Market
• Enjoy massages
• Stroll around Nimman and Maya area
• Walk along the Sunday Walking Street

4 Nov (Mon): Chiang Mai to Doi Inthanon

• Wachirathan Waterfall
• Twin Pagodas
• Trek at Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail and Ang Ka Nature Trail
• Mae Ya Waterfall
  Stay in either Mae Chaem or Chom Thong

5 Nov (Tues): Depart for Mae Hong Son

• Kaeo Pine Tree Garden
• Thung Bua Tong Fields at Doi Mae U Kho
• Pha Bong Viewpoint
• Sunset at Doi Kong Mu
  Stay in Mae Hong Son town

6 Nov (Wed): Explore Mae Hong Son

• Visit the night market

7 Nov (Thurs): Mae Hong Son to Ban Rak Thai

• Pha Bong Lookout (with a coffee shop)
• Boat ride on the lake
  Stay at Ban Rak Thai

8 Nov (Fri): Ban Rak Thai to Pai

• Yun Lai View Point
• Bamboo Bridge
  Stay in Pai

9 Nov (Sat): Pai to Chiang Mai

• Visit Ban Jabo Noodle House
  Stay in Chiang Mai

10 Nov (Sun): Fly Home

I have a few questions:

1. Is it better to stay in Mae Chaem or Chom Thong? Any recommendations?
   
2. Since we’re starting our Mae Hong Son Loop from Doi Inthanon, which part of Chiang Mai would be the most convenient to stay?
   
3. Besides Pai (which seems a bit touristy) and Soppong (as we’re avoiding caves due to a fear of bats and insects), are there any other good spots to break up the journey from Ban Rak Thai to Chiang Mai?
   
4. Are there any special places we shouldn’t miss?
   
5. Are the sunflower fields worth a visit, considering they may not be in full bloom in early November?
   

Thank you