How long is the Northern Thailand: Golden Triangle to Mae Hong Son route?

This route takes 10 days taking in 6 stops.

Where does this route start and end?

The route runs from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand, Thailand.

When is the best time to travel this route?

The best time to travel this route is November to March.

How active is this route?

Activity level: Active. Moderately active — expect some walking and light physical activity.

What transport do I need for this route?

This route works best with a car.

What budget do I need for this route?

Mid-range spending — expect comfortable accommodation and a mix of dining options.

What type of accommodation suits this route?

Mixed accommodation works well along this route.

What is the pace of this trip?

Balanced — a good mix of sightseeing and downtime.

What type of trip is this?

This route is well-suited to: Scenic, Nature, Culture, Adventure, Classic road trip.

Northern Thailand: Golden Triangle to Mae Hong Son

Loading…

The route · 6 stops

Chiang Rai

2 nights

Thailand's northernmost city rewards those who linger. Visit the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) at opening to beat the crowds: an all-white Buddhist masterpiece encrusted with mirror glass. Contrast it with the ink-black Baan Dam Black House, then head north to the Golden Triangle where Thailand, Myanmar and Laos meet at the Mekong River.Thailand's northernmost city rewards those who linger. Visit the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) at opening to beat the crowds: an all-white Buddhist masterpiece encrusted with mirror glass. Contrast it with the ink-black Baan Dam Black House, then head north to the Golden Triangle where Thailand, Myanmar and Laos meet at the Mekong River.

Recommendations

1h 58m · 142 km drive to Chiang Dao

Chiang Dao

1 night

A mountain town beneath Doi Chiang Dao, Thailand's third-highest peak. The main attraction is the cave sanctuary carved into the mountain's limestone flanks. Take the guided inner-cave route with oil lamps for stalactites and shrines. The surrounding hills offer some of the best bird watching in Southeast Asia.A mountain town beneath Doi Chiang Dao, Thailand's third-highest peak. The main attraction is the cave sanctuary carved into the mountain's limestone flanks. Take the guided inner-cave route with oil lamps for stalactites and shrines. The surrounding hills offer some of the best bird watching in Southeast Asia.

Recommendations

1h 1m · 73 km drive to Pai

Pai

2 nights

A bohemian mountain town reached via Route 1095's 762 curves. Pai Canyon (Khong Lan) offers narrow ridge walks above a sandstone gorge, best at sunrise. Soak in the Tha Pai Hot Springs (8km southeast, 200 THB entry). Tham Lod Cave, 45 minutes north, is one of Thailand's largest cave systems and worth a day trip.A bohemian mountain town reached via Route 1095's 762 curves. Pai Canyon (Khong Lan) offers narrow ridge walks above a sandstone gorge, best at sunrise. Soak in the Tha Pai Hot Springs (8km southeast, 200 THB entry). Tham Lod Cave, 45 minutes north, is one of Thailand's largest cave systems and worth a day trip.

Recommendations

54m · 65 km drive to Mae Hong Son

Mae Hong Son

2 nights

Thailand's most remote provincial capital sits in a mountain valley so enclosed that morning mist lingers until late morning year-round. Climb Doi Kong Mu hill at dawn to watch cloud fill the valley below two gilded Shan-style chedis. The Su Tong Pae Bamboo Bridge extends 500 metres across paddy fields at the valley's edge.Thailand's most remote provincial capital sits in a mountain valley so enclosed that morning mist lingers until late morning year-round. Climb Doi Kong Mu hill at dawn to watch cloud fill the valley below two gilded Shan-style chedis. The Su Tong Pae Bamboo Bridge extends 500 metres across paddy fields at the valley's edge.

Recommendations

2h 17m · 164 km drive to Mae Sariang

Mae Sariang

1 night

A quiet Shan-influenced river town on the Yuam River, roughly halfway between Mae Hong Son and Chiang Mai. Mae Sariang is an ideal overnight stop, with wooden temples worth an hour's wander. Boat trips on the Salween River to Karen villages near the Myanmar border can be arranged with local operators.A quiet Shan-influenced river town on the Yuam River, roughly halfway between Mae Hong Son and Chiang Mai. Mae Sariang is an ideal overnight stop, with wooden temples worth an hour's wander. Boat trips on the Salween River to Karen villages near the Myanmar border can be arranged with local operators.

Recommendations

2h 21m · 169 km drive to Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai

1 night

Thailand's cultural capital provides the route's final night. Arrive via a detour through Doi Inthanon National Park (2,565m, Thailand's highest peak) for the twin Royal chedis and misty cloud forest. In Chiang Mai, the Sunday Walking Street on Wualai Road and the moat-enclosed Old City temples make a worthy final evening.Thailand's cultural capital provides the route's final night. Arrive via a detour through Doi Inthanon National Park (2,565m, Thailand's highest peak) for the twin Royal chedis and misty cloud forest. In Chiang Mai, the Sunday Walking Street on Wualai Road and the moat-enclosed Old City temples make a worthy final evening.

Recommendations

Northern Thailand: Golden Triangle to Mae Hong Son