The Mae Hong Son Loop

Remote Mae Hong Son is reached along a mountainous stretch of road known to travelers as "the Loop." The route runs from Chiang Mai to Mae Hong Son via Pai if you take the northern route, and via Mae Sariang if you take the southern one. Many visitors find the northern route through Pai (six hours) the more attractive trip, but the southern route through Mae Sariang (eight hours) easier to drive. The entire Loop is about 600 km (360 miles) long. Allow at least four days to cover the Loop, longer if you want to leave the road occasionally and visit the hot springs, waterfalls, and grottos along the way.