Fodor's Travel Talk Forums - Itinerary Feedback for Mae Hong Son Loop Trip

Hi,

We're excited but a bit anxious about our upcoming Mae Hong Son loop trip on Saturday, November 2. After some research, we've put together a rough itinerary. I’d love your feedback on whether it feels too packed or if we’re missing any must-see spots. We love nature, enjoy easy walks, and aren't particularly interested in visiting temples. We haven't booked any accommodations or a car yet, and we're a bit concerned about the smoothness of our trip. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Here’s our plan:

2 Nov (Sat): Fly into Chiang Mai

- Explore the old city
- Visit the Saturday Night Plaza

3 Nov (Sun): Explore Chiang Mai

- Visit Jin Jiang Market
- Enjoy massages
- Stroll around the Nimman and Maya area
- Walk around 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 (including 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): Depart for Chiang Mai
Pai to Chiang Mai (3 hours)
- 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. Should I consider spending a night in Mae Sariang and stay in Mae Hong Son 1 day since the journey from Doi Inthanon National Park to Mae Hong Son will take about 5 hours?

3. Are there any other places, besides Pai (which feels too touristy) or Soppong (since we’re not visiting caves due to a fear of bats and insects), where we could break the journey from Ban Rak Thai to Chiang Mai?

4. Is there anything special we shouldn’t miss?

5. Is it worth stopping at the sunflower fields, considering they may not be in bloom in early November?

Thank you!