Last Updated on October 19, 2024
Across the mountainous
It is a stunning mountain road with few tourists via Mae Chaem hiding in western Chiang Mai. The distance is about 280 km, and it takes more than 7 hours; you may add 1-2 hours from Google Maps.
Mae Hong Son has 4 routes to get there by road. 1st is usually via Pai on Route 1095; the 2nd is the longest via Mae Sa Riang along Route 108; the 3rd is through Mae Chaem District, which is less well-known but offers a unique perspective; and the 4th is off-road, which is not recommended.
According to the map, the route via Mae Chaem is most likely the quickest route to Mae Hong Son. No, it’s a bit more than the other options.
Summary of route
108 or 119 > 1009 > 1192 > 1088 > 1263 > 108
- Across the mountainous
- Mae Chaem behind Doi Inthanon
- How long does it take?
- Section 1
- The first turning
- Section 2
- Arrive Mae Chaem
- Section 3
- Mae Chaem, Mae Na Chorn and Khun Yuam
- Be ware to turn left
- Checking you are on Route 1263
- 2 out of 3 at Khun Yuam
- Section 4
- Khun Yuam – Mae Hong Son
- Sample Itinerary:
- 5-day travel to Mae Hong Son
Mae Chaem behind Doi Inthanon
It’s a route that takes you through Doi Inthanon National Park, Thailand’s highest and most popular mountain.
Then head down to Mae Chaem District, well known for its spectacular mountain beauty and few tourists. Lunch at a charming place in Mae Chaem and stop by a small cafe or viewpoint along the way.
However, the peak of Doi Inthanon may be visited if you have allocated 1 night to stay in Mae Chaem. It will take time to appreciate the nature of Doi Inthanon more.
How long does it take?
The overall distance traveled is approximately 300 kilometers, and it takes at least 7 to 8 hours to complete. We normally leave around 8:00 a.m. and arrive at 5:00 p.m.
It’s a difficult route to drive, and you’ll need to take your time climbing up the steep hill. As a result, the cost is higher than on alternative routes.
Section 1
You should start early in the morning if you want to get to your destination without stopping, using Routes 108 or 119, which are faster and will meet in the next hour.
The first turning
On Route 108 before arriving at Chom Thong District.
Turn right onto Route 1009 to Doi Inthanon without paying the National Park fee. When you reach the second checkpoint, inform the officer that you are going to Mae Chaem District.
The next intersection is close to the checkpoint. Keep going and turn left onto Route 1192. The road is narrow and steep until reaching Mae Chaem District.
See: Doi Inthanon National Park Check Point 2
Route 1009 is a mountain road and is quite busy with continuous traffic.
Recap Section 1:
- Start from Chiang Mai: Route 108 or 119
- Before Chom Thong: Turn right onto Route 1009
- Check Point 2: Turn left onto Route 1192
Section 2
Arrive Mae Chaem
Quickly turn left onto Route 1192 after out of Check Point 2. The first step up is so steep and quite a narrow track, and some of the range is twisted. Please go down slowly, just 30 minutes. Take it easy!
Then it will merge with Route 1088 before Mae Chaem town. Now, you are one-third of the way there. You can stop for lunch or refuel at only 3 gas stations here.
If you fill up a full tank before leaving Chiang Mai, it will be enough to reach your destination today.
Where do we stop for lunch?
It’s a hard question for me because Mae Chaem doesn’t have many restaurants to choose from. If you’re a foodie, this district isn’t for you.
There aren’t many restaurants; mostly small cafes. I usually have lunch at Mae Chaem Gate Restaurant and Sompon Restaurant. That’s along the way.
Mae Chaem Gate Restaurant is on the corner between Route 1192 and 1088. Just shave-turning and parking on the roadside.
Another one is Huean Man Muk Restaurant; we have to cross the Mae Chaem River to the other side. May mark on planner if we are staying here.
How many gas stations?
I would avoid the crowds and use PT Gas Station Mae Chaem. It is on the left before the PTT Station, which has cafes, 7-Eleven, and toilets. The other one is Bang Chak, just outside the city and on the left. All 3 gas stations are on Route 1088.
Recap Section 2:
- From Check Point 2: Route 1192
- Before Mae Chaem: Route 1088
In case of emergency for fuel, there will be an automatic fuel dispenser or a traditional hand-cranked one. You should prepare small bills, especially for motorbikes.
Section 3
Mae Chaem, Mae Na Chorn and Khun Yuam
Ok, let’s continue our journey. Along the way, you can stop at a coffee shop or a viewpoint.
From PTT Station. We are now on Route 1088; turn right past the district office and police station, straight to Mae Na Chorn [mae-na-jon], where I have added a pin at Hot Coffee Guest House and Resort, it will get us in the right direction.
We’ll probably eat lunch and relax at Hot Coffee Guest House and Resort, just located 30 kilometers from Mae Chaem downtown.
I always make a pit stop and stay the night here. The lovely location along the Mae Chaem River’s banks.
Be ware to turn left
When you reach Mae Na Chorn, the road enters the community. Drive slowly and turn left, which can be confusing. The road is still on Highway 1088.
Note: The route will force you to turn left out of the traffic. The road surface will be asphalt, which is different from the concrete roads in the community.
Continue for another 5 km, don’t forget that you have to turn left again after a temporary bridge. Be careful, because the mountain view is very beautiful and makes you lose the way to the left again onto Route 1263.
Checking you are on Route 1263
Now, you will be on Route 1263, which will take you straight to Khun Yuam District for another 2.5 hours.
We’ll travel up and down each mountain range till we reach Route 108. There are few restaurants, passing through small villages and communities, and there is not much traffic except in November, which is the golden sunflower festival and the tourist season from November to February.
And of course, you have to pass the scenic spot with its small shops and crappy bathrooms for 5 THB.
Be patient and go to Khun Yuam. When you reach Khun Yuam District, turn left to find a restaurant and a gas station before continuing your journey.
2 out of 3 at Khun Yuam
Khun Yuam District has only one main road, so it is convenient and doesn’t take up too much time. Restaurants are 2-3 places on Route 108 and also have 2 gas stations; PT and PTT plus 7-Eleven.
Checklist at Khun Yuam
You can find these places close by on Route 108.
- Restaurant
- Grahtin’s Kitchen (Krat̄hin) or Khrua Nong Krathin
- Dad’s Garden
- Gas Station
- Bang Chak
- PT Station Khum Yuam 1
- PTT Station
- Others
Recap Section 3:
- From Mae Chaem: Route 1088
- After Mae Na Chorn: Route 1263
- Arrive Khun Yuam: Route 108
Section 4
Khun Yuam – Mae Hong Son
Hit on Route 108 and continue to Mae Hong Son. The last section is about 70 km, or the remaining 1.30 hours, with most carving but wide track. It’s only one road and no turn.
You may have come to a stop at a viewpoint, had a break at a coffee shop along the roadside, or discovered something unusual.
I pinned the destination on the map as Piya Guesthouse, where the center of town is. You may find the hotel recommendation on this website.
For motorcycle riders, please choose a motorcycle type of more than 150 cc and get to know how to carry your baggage.
Enjoy a safe journey to Mae Hong Son.
Recap Section 4:
- From Khun Yuam: Route 108
Transfer service from/to Mae Hong Son
Alternatively, I provide a car with driver service starting from Chiang Mai and arranging trips before and after going to Mae Hong Son.
If the route option via Mae Chaem is on your plans, please contact us. We’ll drive you to your destination.
Get started from other destinations
Other routes, such as Mae Sot, Sukhothai, and your destinations, can be arranged on a case-by-case basis.
Related Post
Sample Itinerary:
5-day travel to Mae Hong Son
Half loop via Mae Chaem
Route: Chiang Mai – Doi Inthanon – Mae Chaem – Mae Hong Son – Pai – Chiang Mai
Day 1: Chiang Mai – Doi Inthanon – Mae Chaem
Depart from Chiang Mai. Travel through the south of Mae Hong Son along Highway 108. First visit of the day with a soft adventure trek to the waterfall on the Pha Dok Sieo Nature Trail for 2 hours and then lunch at Hug How Farmstay, a family restaurant in Mae Klang Luang Karen village.
Drive up to visit “Doi Inthanon National Park” where the highest mountain is. Also, visit the great two pagodas called “Phra Maha That Chedi” which is dedicated to the King and the Queen of Thailand.
From November til February, we may change to trek at Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail through a forest featuring a waterfall & observation areas with scenic views once a year.
Afterward, depart to Mae Chaem and check in at a beautiful hut on the hillside.
Day 2: Mae Chaem – Mae Hong Son
Late morning check out and depart to Khun Yuam. Stop at Hot Coffee / Viewpoint / Thai-Japan Friendship Memorial Hall. Lunch at the local Thai restaurant: Grahtin’s Kitchen.
Continue to Mae Hong Son, and before arriving, take a short break at Pha Bong Viewpoint, a good stop before sunset, and Natural Hot Spring Ban Pha Bong, where you can have a hot spring bath and Thai traditional massage. Then straight to Mae Hong Son town.
From 15 – 30 November only, we may change the program to visit Bua Tong Forest Park. The famous wild sunflowers mountain at “Bua Tong Forest Park” where the sunflowers blossom once a year.
Day 3: Mae Hong Son – Baan Rak Thai
Get on the ride with a long tail boat along the Pai River to visit the “Padong Village or Longneck Karen” for 2 hours.
Back to town, visit the hilltop temple “Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu” then move to the temple by the lake “Wat Jong Kum-Jong Klang.” Lunch at the local Thai restaurant.
Afternoon, visit the highlight: Bamboo Bridge, a bridge made of weaving bamboo strips and wooden pillars for the monk’s cross to the village. Phu Klon Mud Spa, Take the package for the hot spring and end up with a mud bath and scrub: Pang Oung, a reservoir with beautiful mountains and a pine tree garden.
Check in at Baan Rak Thai. Enjoy activities in the Chinese Village.
Day 4: Baan Rak Thai – Pai
Late in the morning, check out and depart for Pang Ma Pha. Stop by the viewpoint to explore the panoramic view of the limestone mountain range. Also, see some of the local hilltribe products.
Then depart to visit the biggest cave in Thailand, “Lod Cave.” Explore Lod Cave for 1.30 hours and then find the restaurant for lunch.
Keep going to Pai, stop by Kew Lom viewpoint, and then check in at the hotel in Pai. Evening, enjoy the night market, dinner, and shopping.
Day 5: Pai – Chiang Mai
Late morning check out and depart to Chiang Mai. Plan to visit 1 place and 1 restaurant or cafe on the way. When the afternoon arrives in Chiang Mai, it can drop you off at the airport, train station, or hotel elsewhere.
Remarks: The above tour programs, details, attractions, and services can be changed according to the weather conditions and accessibility to the sites.
