Travel to Mae Hong Son on highway 108

What about travel on Highway 108?

This classic tour is still shown on the Mae Hong Son vacation itinerary. You can begin your journey from Chiang Mai to Hot District, then go to Mae Sariang District along the mountain road.

We’ll get over the most challenging bends of the two segments in the afternoon. You may feel dizzy, which will cause you to be late. The driver slowed down and became more steady.

This route does not have the highest mountains, but it’s the longest and takes approximately 8 hours. However, we need to prepare ahead and do tight planning.

Begin your journey from Chiang Mai

Of course, you will need to choose Route 108 or 119, which route 119 is faster in rush hour and will meet in the next hour. Do the same as Section 1 of the Road Trip to Mae Hong Son via Mae Chaem.

But you won’t go via Doi Inthanon. You’ll continue to Hot District with a wide track. When you reach Hot District, turn right at the clock tower roundabout, which is also Route 108.

First stop to rest at PTT Station. The first part of our journey takes about 1.30–2.00 hours. So you should start early in the morning to avoid rush hour.

From Hot District to Mae Sariang

Then continue to Mae Sariang District along the mountain road. The road leading up the mountain has many twists and turns.

Op Luang National Park on the right hand after 20 minutes pass. If your itinerary allows for flexibility, you may want to spend more time walking across the canyon exploring nature.

As the area could become a dam in the future.

If not, continue driving for another 20 minutes to Bo Kaeo Pine Tree Garden for a short photoshoot and a walk around. The temperature is getting cooler as we go up there.

Are you hungry?

By now, if you’re hungry, we recommend a quick meal at Paak Doi OK Farmstay, an organic food and drink spot, or if not, travel another hour to Mae Hong Son’s oldest restaurant, Inthira Restaurant, in Mae Sariang.

Of course, going through this route takes a long time. As a result, you’ll need to find a restaurant and take a lunch break halfway through. Typically, Thais prefer to dine at well-known restaurants or sample popular cuisine in their neighborhood.

About Mae Sariang

Pronounce as mae-sa-riang, The community of ethnic groups, Shan, Karen, and Lawa. A large city with Shan architecture and old wooden houses. In the past, it was a source of a valuable teak industry.

You can walk around this peaceful town and be enchanted. Although the accommodations and restaurants are not as prosperous as they used to be, there are still many interesting places along the road along the Yuam River to stay.

It is the only area where the Salween River, a major Southeast Asian river, flows from the Himalayas through China and Burma to the Thai border at Mae Sariang District. It is a rich and rare area with beautiful and unusual scenery.

I used to work in Mae Sariang, and I am delighted. The airport runway has no flights. It is well maintained and is a great place for us to exercise. (Jogging)

There are also 3 local markets on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday in each area around the city.

Where to eat lunch at Mae Sariang

Of course, going through this route takes a long time. As a result, you’ll need to find a restaurant and take a lunch break halfway through. Typically, Thais prefer to dine at well-known restaurants or sample popular cuisine based on reviews.

Mae Sariang is a very nice town, with the wooden houses of the Tai Yai people along the roadside. And you can also see traces of glorious periods in the past of Mae Sariang. You may enjoy finding your lunch here. We recommend Inthira Restaurant, which is the best local one.

If you are still not hungry, we can continue to Mae La Noi District for a bit for 30 minutes. They also have a nice restaurant near the rice field at Herntai Resort.

Please call to inquire before traveling because there may be a tour group booking.

Start traveling to Mae Hong Son again

Ok, if you don’t have a stopover for 1 night in Mae Sariang, we’ll continue on Route 108 for the remaining 180 km, taking about 3 hours.

The most challenging bends of the two segments. One is between Mae La Noi and Khun Yuam, while the other is between Khun Yuam and Mae Hong Son.

You can choose some places for short visits along the route between Mae Sariang and Khun Yaum as well.

Kaew Komon Cave: A stunning calcite cave, 150 meters deep, in a beautiful area and worth a visit.

Mae La Luang Viewpoint: Good view, a well-shaded area, good pillow recliner type. All are good rest stops.

Nong Haeng Hot Spring: Soak in the hot spring to relax after being on the journey.

Khun Yaum to Mae Hong Son

The final stretch of the journey to Mae Hong Son will be similar to the road trip to Mae Hong Son via Mae Chaem.

The last section is about 70 km, or the remaining 1.30 hours, with most carving but wide track. Indeed, this stretch of road has many turns but is safe with sweeping turns. Unfortunately, my photo doesn’t do justice to this scenic ride.

Welcome you with Pha Bong Viewpoint 20 minutes before reaching Mae Hong Son. Next, have a look at Pha Bong Hot Spring, which is nearby and you can visit anytime during your stay in Mae Hong Son.

Day 1: Chiang Mai – Mae Sa Riang – Mae Hong Son

Depart from Chiang Mai. Travel south of Mae Hong Son along Highway 108. For your first visit of the day, visit Ob Luang National Park, where the Mae Cham River passes through the George, and visit the prehistoric site.

Then move to the beautiful alpine area at Suan Son Bo Keaw. Arrive in Mae Sa Riang District and have lunch at the local Thai restaurant.

In the afternoon, depart for Calcite Cave. Explore the delicate calcite mineral that covers the whole tunnel. Before arriving in Mae Hong Son, take a short break at Natural Hot Spring Ban Pha Bong, where you can have a hot spring bath and traditional Thai massage.

You can manage more travel dates to stay at Mae Sa Riang, Mae La Noi, and Khun Yuam.

Day 2: Mae Hong Son

Get on the ride with a long-tail boat along the Pai River to visit the Padong Village or Longneck Karen. Then back to town and continue on the program where you plan to visit Mae Hong Son.

Continue to visit the hilltop temple Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu, then see the mini-museum at the temple by the lake Wat Jong Kum-Jong Klang.

Go up the north route to visit the Chinese village at the border. Here you can try the traditional Yunan food with the famous “Shing Shing” and “U-Long” Chinese tea.

Afternoon, visit the local Tai Yai village at Ban Ruam Thai and try some fresh coffee. Afterward, walk under the pine shade at Pang Oong Park.

Spend the rest of the day relaxing in the natural hot spa pool at Hot Spring, receiving treatment, and massage at Phu Klone Mud Spa. Back to the hotel.

Day 3: Mae Hong Son – Pai

Soft hiking at Tam Pla National Park on the way. Heading to Pang Mapha, stop by the next viewpoint and see some local hill tribe products. Then visit the biggest cave in Thailand, Lod Cave, for 1.30 hours. Lunch at the local restaurant nearby.

Afternoon, leave for the viewpoint to explore the panoramic view of the limestone mountain range at Kiew Lom viewpoint.

Check-in at the hotel. Spend the first night in Pai, enjoy dinner, and shop at Pai walking street.

Note: For the itinerary, days 2 and 3 are too tight. It is possible to add more nights to stay at Baan Rak Thai or Pen Cave Homestay near Lod Cave.

Day 4: Pai – Chiang Mai

We will go back to the other way on Route 1095 and managed to stop by elsewhere on the way. Afternoon, we arrived in Chiang Mai. Check-in at the hotel or drop off at the airport.

Remarks: The above tour programs, details, attractions, and services can be changed according to the weather conditions and accessibility to the sites.