Readme before you journey
Chiang Mai - Mae Hong Son: 6 Days, 1,864 Curves, and Must-See Check-In Points
As the second half of the year begins, many people start planning their winter trips. Planning in advance makes your journey smoother and ensures you're prepared for every step of the way. This trip will take you to a dream destination for many: Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son.
6 Days, 1,864 Curves, and Must-See Check-In Points
We'll share some tips and tricks for planning your trip, along with must-see check-in points and the breathtaking 1,864 curves that await you on this incredible journey.
Book your tickets first
Every trip we take always starts with booking tickets first. Because we believe in the motto "Have a ticket first… the plan will come later". Feel free to use it, hehe.
From Bangkok, we chose to take a bus to Chiang Mai so that we could start our trip early in the morning.
For this trip, we are traveling with 3 people and will be renting a car to drive around for 6 days.
Now that we have our bus tickets for the outbound journey, let's book our return flight tickets.
The reason we chose to fly back is because we want to save time and rest our bodies from all the traveling.
The good thing about booking tickets well in advance is that you can get cheap flight tickets.
And another important thing that we can't overlook is "travel insurance".
Travel Insurance
Normally, everyone would buy travel insurance anyway.
Today, we would like to recommend the "best" domestic travel insurance, TIP FLY SURE from Tip Insurance.
With higher coverage at a lower price than buying through airlines.
Only 55 Baht for one way / 129 Baht for round trip (covers the entire trip)
Maximum coverage amount of 4,000,000 Baht
Pay with your credit card and receive your policy via email.
The application process is simple. When booking your flight, proceed to the additional services selection page.
Tips for Choosing Travel Insurance
Don't automatically purchase travel insurance offered by airlines.
Instead, compare options and consider purchasing TIP FLY SURE through their website:
https://www.tipinsure.com/tipflysure
With just a few simple steps, you can find the right coverage for your needs.
Compare prices and see the difference!
This option offers nearly half the price and higher coverage.
Traveling with a group, especially on round-trip flights, can save you hundreds of Baht.
We, a group of three, saved almost 300 Baht with a One-Way Trip.
Why pay more?
Preparing for your trip
Accommodation Booking
This trip, we will be camping for 3 nights in 3 different locations: Pine Forest at Wat Chan, Huai Nam Dang, and Pang Ung.
Before heading out, it's crucial to research campsite booking procedures. During the winter season, tourist numbers surge, potentially leading to fully booked campsites. Therefore, it's advisable to book campsites in advance, especially at parks or locations that offer reservation options.
For one night, we have booked accommodation at Le Vigne Rak Thai, which is also known for its limited availability.
For this trip, we were three people, so we had a lot of luggage, including clothes, cameras, tents, and more.
Since most of the route we were going to take was uphill, we decided to rent a car.
This was the most convenient option, as it allowed us to stop wherever we wanted.
The driver should have good driving skills, as Mae Hong Son has a lot of curves.
If you're not confident, you can rent a car with a driver or hire a tour guide.
Itinerary for this trip
Given the length of this itinerary, it would be challenging to complete it within six days.
We prefer to savor the atmosphere of each location rather than rushing through it like a typical tour group.
Therefore, we have carefully selected must-see Check-In points that you
should not miss.
Chiang Mai - Ko Puek Ko Dam
A popular coffee and breakfast shop that you shouldn't miss when visiting Chiang Mai.
The shop's most popular menu item is the 4-color kaya toast, which is very colorful and delicious.
The blue color is made from butterfly pea flowers, the pink color is made from beetroot, the green color is made from jasmine tea, and the orange color is made from Thai tea.
Other menu items in the shop include tea, coffee, delicious fried eggs, Vietnamese pork noodle soup, etc.
However, you may have to wait in line for a while when you come to this shop, as there are always people queuing up.
Location: Soi next to The Harbor, go straight until you reach a three-way intersection, turn right, the shop is on the corner of the street.
You can also find the shop name on Google Maps.
Chiang Mai - Doi Inthanon National Park, Pa Son Wat Chan Project Development Center
After leaving the Ko Puek Ko Dam restaurant, we drove for approximately 154 kilometers.
We took Highway 107 (Mae Rim-Samoeng-Bo Kaeo-Wat Chan), which led us to Mae Rim District. From there, we continued on Highway 1096, passing through Samoeng District, Ban Mae Sa, Ban Bo Kaeo, and Jaem Noi.
We then entered the Wat Chan village and drove for about 3 kilometers on a local road.
Finally, we arrived at the "Royal Project Pine Forest Wat Chan," where we would be camping for the night.
The atmosphere here is fantastic. Pine trees line the paths, and various flowers bloom throughout the seasons. We spent a long time walking and taking pictures, and every angle seemed more beautiful than the last.
If we're lucky, we'll see fog floating over the reservoir in the morning. As the sun rises, the light will hit the water's surface, creating a breathtaking mist.
Sleeping in this environment is an incredible experience.
Chiang Mai - Huai Nam Dang National Park
Leaving the pine forest of Wat Chan Moon, we drove for no more than two hours.
Our Google Maps pin was set for Huai Nam Dang National Park, our second camping spot.
While it's possible to walk in and camp here, you might not get a spot with a good view.
However, booking through the park's website beforehand guarantees a stunning sunrise view.
Waking up at 5 am to watch the sunrise is a must-do. The views at Huai Nam Dang are truly magical, like something out of a fairytale.
And if you visit during the right time in winter, you'll be treated to the sight of blooming tiger lilies in full glory.
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Mae Hong Son - Ja Bo Noodle Shop
Driving from Huai Nam Dang, we continued towards Mae Hong Son, aiming for Pang Ung.
After about 80 kilometers, we decided to stop for a bite to eat at a noodle shop with the best view in the world, so crowded it seemed like they were giving away free food.
Ja Bo Noodle Shop offers noodles for just a few dollars, but the view is truly priceless.
You can sit with your legs dangling, enjoying your noodles while admiring the sea of fog.
However, don't expect to see fog every time you visit. You need to come at the right time.
As you can see from our experience, the view was beautiful and clear, with no fog, just bean sprouts and noodles.
For a better chance of seeing the fog, it's best to arrive early in the morning.
Pang Ung: A Serene Escape in Mae Hong Son
Our third night's destination was Pang Ung, nestled within the serene embrace of the Pang Tong 2 Royal Development Project in Mae Hong Son. Arriving just before dusk, we swiftly pitched our tents before venturing out in search of sustenance.
The night sky unfolded in its celestial splendor, adorned with a myriad of twinkling stars. It was a moment we wished to freeze in time, a testament to the captivating beauty of nature. As the cool air enveloped us, we lay beneath the canopy of stars, mesmerized by their celestial dance.
Pang Ung's allure lies in its ethereal mornings, where wispy tendrils of mist dance gracefully upon the water's surface. As the golden rays of dawn pierce through the mist, a breathtaking spectacle unfolds, painting the landscape in hues of warmth and serenity. However, on this occasion, the elusive mist eluded our encounter, leaving us with a yearning to return and witness its ethereal embrace.
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Mae Hong Son - Pang Tong Royal Palace
In the late morning, we packed our belongings and prepared to depart for the Rak Thai Village. We had booked a room at the Leewine Rak Thai six months in advance, as walk-ins would have been out of luck due to the high demand.
On our way, we stopped at the Pang Tong Royal Palace, located approximately 14 kilometers from Pang Ung. This palace serves as the Pang Tong Highland Development and Service Center, established under the royal initiative to promote livestock raising and cold-weather crop cultivation among the highland Thai people. The aim is to provide the villagers with sustainable livelihoods to support their families.
The highlight of this location is the large flock of sheep grazing peacefully in the fields. Additionally, the area is home to various other wild animals that visitors can observe while driving through the scenic landscape.
Mae Hong Son - Rak Thai Village
After spending some time playing with and photographing the sheep, we drove another 15 kilometers to Rak Thai Village. This village is home to the Yunnan Chinese community and is ideally suited for growing tea and other cold-weather crops.
The morning atmosphere here is simply amazing. The beauty is indescribable, making it a truly stunning village. The morning mist floating on the water was an unforgettable experience, making this trip a resounding success.
Chiang Mai - Bo Kaew Pine Forest
After enjoying the mist at Baan Rak Thai, we left around noon and stopped for a night in Mae Sariang. The next morning, we continued driving on Highway 108 to visit Bo Kaew Pine Forest. We spent some time taking photos among the tall, beautiful pine trees. The journey from Mae Sariang to Bo Kaew Pine Forest is 70 kilometers and takes about an hour. This location is perfect for taking stylish profile pictures amidst the towering pines. If you're passing by, don't forget to stop and take some photos – it's truly beautiful.
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Chiang Mai - Royal Park Rajapruek
After a brief photo stop at the pine forest, we continued our journey to Chiang Mai city. The 120-kilometer journey took approximately 2 hours.
With a few hours to spare before our evening flight, we decided to visit Royal Park Rajapruek. Initially, we thought it wouldn't take long, but upon entering, we were captivated by the grandeur and beauty of Ho Kham Luang. The intricate murals inside were stunning and held immense historical value. We also enjoyed strolling through the flower gardens within the park.
To truly explore the entire park, one would need a full day. However, due to our limited time, we could only manage a brief tour of the interior.
Summary of the Trip
This 6-day trip covered 1,000 kilometers and nearly 2,000 curves, traversing the scenic landscapes of Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son. The journey began in Chiang Mai and continued through the following destinations:
- Pa Sin Wat Chan: A serene temple nestled amidst a pine forest.
- Huai Nam Dang: A picturesque valley known for its stunning natural beauty.
- Pai: A charming town renowned for its laid-back atmosphere and bohemian vibes.
- Ban Jabo: A village offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
- Pang Ung: A tranquil lake surrounded by lush forests.
- Phra Tamnak Pang Tong: A royal residence with stunning architecture and gardens.
- Ban Rak Thai: A village known for its unique tea plantations and cultural heritage.
- Phra That Doi Kong Mu: A sacred temple perched atop a mountain, offering panoramic views.
- Mae Sariang: A charming town with a rich history and diverse cultural influences.
- Bo Kaew Pine Forest: A sprawling forest with towering pine trees and scenic trails.
- Royal Park Rajapruek: A vast botanical garden showcasing Thailand's diverse flora and fauna.
Day 1: Pine Forest at Wat Chan Temple - Camping
Day 2: Huai Nam Dang - Camping
Day 3: Pai - Baan Jabo - Pang Ung - Camping
This sentence describes the third day of a trip, starting in Pai and ending with camping at Pang Ung. The journey includes stops at Baan Jabo and Pang Ung.
Day 4: Pang Tong Royal Villa - Rak Thai Village - Overnight stay at Li-Wine Rak Thai Resort
Day 5: Doi Kong Mu Temple - Sleep in Mae Sariang Guesthouse
Day 6: Suan Son Bo Kaeo - Doi Kham Temple - Royal Flora Ratchaphruek Park
Expenses:
- Rent a Vios car for 6 days at 5,400 baht.
- The total fuel cost for the trip was approximately 3,000 baht.
- Accommodation fee at Liwaine Rak Thai: 2,050 baht (sleeps 3) weekdays
- Guesthouse accommodation in Mae Sariang costs 1,500 baht (sleeps 3 people in a very large room).
- Tent rental for 2 tents for 3 days and 3 nights costs approximately 500 baht.
- Bus fare (Somchai Tour) Bangkok - Chiang Mai (759 baht/person)
- Flight cost Chiang Mai - Bangkok (approximately 1,300 THB/person)
Contact Camping Sites - Accommodation
- Pine Forest Wat Chan, Reservation 053 249349 / Office 086 181 3388
- Book campsites at Huai Nam Dang National Park through the website of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation: http://nps.dnp.go.th/
- Pang Ung can be contacted at the Tham Pla - Pha Suea Waterfall National Park, phone number 082 191 1746.
- Levi's Love Thailand Tel. 089 552 9650
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Note: The cost may vary slightly. Food expenses are not included as individual consumption varies.
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Wednesday, February 26, 2025 7:49 PM
