Mae Hong Son loop Cycling Tour
Overview
The Mae Hong Son Loop cycling tour is one of the ultimate road cycling adventures in Thailand. Starting and finishing in Chiang Mai, this fully supported multi-day cycling tour takes you deep into the mountains of Northern Thailand, through Pai, Mae Hong Son, Khun Yuam, Mae Sariang and Mae Chaem before finishing with an unforgettable climb to Doi Inthanon, the highest mountain in Thailand at 2,565 metres.
Over six riding days, you’ll cover approximately 600 km and more than 14,000 metres of climbing on some of the most beautiful mountain roads in Thailand. Expect long climbs, sweeping descents, endless switchbacks, quiet roads, tropical forests, mountain villages and incredible views around almost every corner. This is not an easy cycling holiday and that is exactly what makes the Mae Hong Son Loop so special.
A Bucket-List Cycling Adventure in Thailand
For cyclists who love climbing, the Mae Hong Son Loop deserves a place on the bucket list. Every day brings something different. One moment you’re climbing through dense forest, the next you’re descending into a remote valley or riding through a small village surrounded by mountains. The route combines challenging riding with the landscapes, food, people and culture that make Northern Thailand one of Asia’s most exciting cycling destinations. And because this is a fully supported cycling tour, you can concentrate on the best part riding your bike. Our cycling guides and support vehicle are with you throughout the journey, with accommodation, meals, snacks and drinks taken care of along the way.
Mae Hong Son Loop Cycling Route
Our route begins in Chiang Mai and takes you across the mountains of Northern Thailand:
Chiang Mai → Pai → Mae Hong Son → Khun Yuam → Mae Sariang → Mae Chaem → Doi Inthanon → Chiang Mai
Tour at a Glance
Riding days: 6
Distance: Approximately 600 km
Total climbing: More than 14,000 m
Shortest day: 66 km
Longest day: 128 km
Difficulty: Advanced
Terrain: Paved mountain roads
Start / Finish: Chiang Mai, Thailand
Highest point: Doi Inthanon 2,565 m
Double room: 43,000 THB
Single room: 48,000 THB
Mae Hong Son Loop Cycling Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive at Chiang Mai
Airport for a warm welcome and transfer to your hotel. After bike setup, enjoy a welcome dinner and an overview of the tour.
Day 2 – Chiang Mai to Pai (110 km | +2,136 m)
Kick off your adventure with a spectacular ride along winding mountain roads offering breathtaking views. You’ll arrive in Pai, a vibrant town known for its stunning canyon, lively night market, and relaxed vibe.
Day 3 – Pai to Mae Hong Son (110 km |2,400)
Prepare for the toughest day as you climb to 1,443m, then descend through charming hill tribe villages into Mae Hong Son, a picturesque mountain town with a rich Burmese influence and a beautiful lake temple.
Day 4 – Mae Hong Son to Khun Yuam (66 km | +1,200)
Enjoy a shorter, yet hilly ride south along the Myanmar border. This easier day rewards you with stunning scenery, ending in the traditional village of Khun Yuam.
Day 5 – Khun Yuam to Mae Sariang (100 km | +1,200 m)
Experience mostly descending terrain, punctuated by a few climbs. The route meanders through beautiful forested valleys, leading to the riverside town of Mae Sariang.
Day 6 – Mae Sariang to Mae Chaem (128 km | +2,890 m)
Brace yourself for the longest and most challenging day, with long climbs through dense rainforest culminating in a steep ascent into Mae Chaem, a culturally rich mountain town surrounded by hill tribes.
Day 7 – Mae Chaem to Doi Inthanon to Chiang Mai (76 km | +2,365 m)
The grand finale! Climb to Doi Inthanon, Thailand's highest peak at 2,565m. Conquer strong winds and tough gradients, but the stunning view awaits you. Then, enjoy a long, well-deserved descent back to Chiang Mai for a celebration.
Day 8 – Departure
Enjoy a free morning in Chiang Mai or tackle the nearby Doi Suthep for one last climb. Airport transfer is arranged when you're ready.
Why Cycle the Mae Hong Son Loop?
Incredible Mountain Roads
Northern Thailand is made for road cycling. The Mae Hong Son Loop is packed with long climbs, smooth mountain roads, flowing descents and hundreds of bends through spectacular scenery.
Quiet Roads and Remote Landscapes
Once outside Chiang Mai, much of the ride takes you away from the busy tourist areas and into the mountains of Mae Hong Son Province. You’ll ride through forests, valleys, farming communities and small mountain towns that most visitors only experience through a car window.
A Proper Cycling Challenge
With approximately 14,000 metres of climbing in six days, this trip is designed for experienced cyclists who enjoy climbing and are comfortable spending several hours in the saddle.
There will be hard moments.But reaching the top of another mountain, sharing the experience with the group and looking back at everything you have ridden makes it worth it.
Finish on the Roof of Thailand
The final riding day takes you to Doi Inthanon, Thailand’s highest mountain.
At 2,565 metres above sea level, reaching the summit by bike is one of the most iconic cycling achievements in Thailand and a fitting finish to an unforgettable week in the mountains.
Fully Supported Cycling Tour
We want you to enjoy the riding without worrying about the logistics.
Your Mae Hong Son Loop tour includes:
• Professional cycling guide
• Support vehicle
• Accommodation
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Snacks and drinks during the rides
• Airport transfers
• Chiang Mai Cycling Buddy jersey
• Daily support throughout the tour
Just ride. We’ll take care of the rest.
Bike Rental in Chiang Mai
Travelling without your own bike? Road bike rental is available for the Mae Hong Son Loop, including full-carbon bikes with Shimano 105 Di2. We can prepare the correct bike size before you arrive in Chiang Mai, so your bike is ready for setup before the tour begins.
Who Is This Tour For?
The Mae Hong Son Loop is best suited to experienced road cyclists with good fitness and confidence riding long mountain climbs and descents. You don't need to be a racer, but you should be comfortable with consecutive days of climbing and long days on the bike. Because the tour has a support vehicle, there is also flexibility if you need to shorten a day or skip part of a difficult climb.
Best Time to Cycle the Mae Hong Son Loop
The best cycling conditions in Northern Thailand are generally during the cooler months, particularly November to February.
This is when Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son normally experience cooler temperatures, lower humidity and some of the best conditions for long days of mountain cycling.
We run scheduled Mae Hong Son Loop tours throughout the winter cycling season.
Private Mae Hong Son Loop Cycling Tours
Travelling to Thailand with your own cycling club or group of friends?
You don't have to join one of our scheduled departures.
Private Mae Hong Son Loop cycling tours can be arranged on your preferred dates, and we can customise the itinerary depending on the size, fitness and riding level of your group.
Contact us and tell us when you're coming to Chiang Mai.
Cycle the Mae Hong Son Loop With Us
Some cycling trips are about kilometres.
The Mae Hong Son Loop is about the whole experience - the climbs, the descents, the mountains, the food, the people you meet and the people you ride with.
It is challenging, beautiful and sometimes brutal. And when you reach the end, you'll understand why we think it's a cycling trip everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime.
Ready to ride the Mae Hong Son Loop?
Check our upcoming tour dates or contact Chiang Mai Cycling Buddy to arrange your own private cycling adventure in Northern Thailand.
Full Itinerary
