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5-Day Scenic Road Trip: Chiang Mai → Pai → Tham Lod → Mae Hong Son (Loop)

Viewed by 83 travelers

Day 1: Chiang Mai → Pai

Chiang Mai, Thailand on December 5, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Ristr8to Lab (Chiang Mai)

Specialty coffee and hearty breakfast to fuel the drive; world-renowned latte art and strong coffee make this a great start. Open roughly 7:30am–4:00pm — check local hours on the day.
THB180, 0h45m

8:30am

Drive Chiang Mai → Pai (Route 1095)

Scenic 3–3.5 hour mountain drive with many hairpin bends and viewpoints; leave early to avoid congestion and stop at viewpoints along the way for photos.
THB0, 3h30m

12:15pm

Lunch at Na's Kitchen or Pai local restaurant

Simple northern Thai home-style dishes — great for trying khao soi or spicy larb after the drive; most places open around 10:00am–9:00pm.
THB120, 1h

1:30pm

Check in and rest at guesthouse in Pai

Drop bags, freshen up, and rent a scooter if you plan independent exploring; typical check-in times 1:00pm–3:00pm depending on property.
THB0, 0h45m

2:30pm

Pai Canyon (Kong Lan)

Dramatic ridgewalks and narrow trails with excellent views — best in late afternoon for cooler light; site is open essentially daylight hours (informal site).
THB0, 1h15m

4:00pm

Santichon (Chinese Yunnan Village) & Yun Lai Viewpoint

Small, photogenic Yunnan-style village with tea shops and a hilltop viewpoint; open generally 9:00am–6:00pm — good for tea and photography.
THB50, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner — Pai Walking Street

Vibrant evening market (usually 5:00/6:00pm–10:00pm) with street food, cheap eats and local crafts; great for trying multiple small dishes and snacks.
THB150, 1h30m

8:00pm

Optional: Chill at a riverside bar or live-music venue

Pai has many relaxed bars with live acoustic music; hours typically 8:00pm–midnight. Good way to unwind after the drive.
THB200, 2h

Day 2: Explore Pai

Pai, Thailand on December 6, 2025

6:00am

Sunrise at Pai Canyon

Catch the sunrise or early morning light on Pai's ridgelines — cooler and less crowded before mid-morning; Canyon accessible at dawn but be careful on narrow paths.
THB0, 0h45m

7:30am

Breakfast at Om Garden Cafe or The Common House

Healthy breakfasts, pancakes and good coffee in a relaxed garden setting; typical opening 7:30am–5:00pm.
THB180, 0h50m

9:00am

Mo Paeng Waterfall or Pam Bok Waterfall swim

Popular natural pools for a refreshing swim and light hiking; best visited in the morning when flows are comfortable — most sites accessible 8:00am–5:00pm (no formal gate).
THB0, 1h30m

11:00am

The Land Split (Pong Dueat)

A quirky farmers' site where the earth split years ago — you can sample fresh fruit, homemade juice and local snacks; open 9:00am–5:00pm, small donations or purchases appreciated.
THB50, 0h45m

12:30pm

Lunch at Pai’s local kitchen — Na's Kitchen or Witching Well

Comforting northern plates and international options depending on the spot; open around 10:00am–9:00pm.
THB150, 1h

2:00pm

Hot Springs (Tha Pai Hot Springs or Sai Ngam Hot Spring)

Relax in natural mineral pools — great for relaxing muscles from driving and trekking; public springs usually open 8:00am–6:00pm with a small entrance fee.
THB200, 1h30m

4:30pm

Wat Phra That Mae Yen (Pai viewpoint)

Short hike to the viewpoint with panoramic views over Pai valley and sunset opportunities; temple area open generally 6:00am–6:00pm.
THB0, 0h45m

6:30pm

Dinner at Charlie & Lek's or Le Switch

Popular dinner venues for Thai and international cuisine with good atmosphere; evenings typically 6:00pm–10:30pm.
THB220, 1h30m

Day 3: Pai → Tham Lod → Mae Hong Son

Pang Mapha / Mae Hong Son, Thailand on December 7, 2025

7:00am

Early breakfast in Pai and depart

Simple breakfast and coffee; plan an early departure to reach Tham Lod with daylight and avoid afternoon heat. Cafes open around 7:00am–9:00am.
THB120, 0h30m

9:30am

Tham Lod Cave (Pang Mapha)

Spectacular river cave with boat rides led by local guides through massive caverns and bamboo rafts; cave tours typically run 9:00am–4:00pm — book a guide if possible.
THB250, 1h30m

11:30am

Lunch in Soppong (local café)

Casual lunch at a local café in Soppong/Pang Mapha serving Thai dishes; small village shops usually open mid-morning to early evening.
THB120, 1h

1:00pm

Drive Pang Mapha → Mae Hong Son

Scenic 1.5–2 hour drive along winding mountain roads; allow time for photo stops and short village visits on the way.
THB0, 2h

3:30pm

Check in at Mae Hong Son guesthouse and rest

Unpack and recharge — guesthouses often have later check-in windows but many are flexible; rest before evening exploration.
THB0, 0h45m

4:30pm

Wat Chong Kham & Chong Klang (Lakeside temples)

Picturesque twin lakeside temples with photo-friendly reflections at golden hour; open usually 6:00am–6:00pm.
THB0, 0h45m

6:30pm

Dinner at Mae Hong Son Night Market

Small evening market around the lake serving local grilled fish, khao soi and snacks; market hours typically 6:00pm–10:00pm.
THB180, 1h30m

Day 4: Mae Hong Son & Pang Oung

Mae Hong Son Province, Thailand on December 8, 2025

5:00am

Pre-dawn drive to Pang Oung (Swiss Lake)

Pang Oung is famous for misty lakes and wooden raft scenery at sunrise — go early for the best light and fewer crowds; access generally from ~5:00am–6:00pm, small vehicle fee may apply.
THB150, 2h

8:30am

Breakfast at Ban Rak Thai (tea village) or local café

Stop at Ban Rak Thai for Yunnan-style breakfast and tea paired with mountain views; shops often open from early morning to late afternoon.
THB200, 1h

10:30am

Doi Kong Mu (Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu) viewpoint

Hilltop temple with panoramic views over Mae Hong Son valley and temples below — great for photos and short walks; temple area open 6:00am–6:00pm.
THB20, 0h45m

12:00pm

Lunch in Mae Hong Son town (local Northern Thai restaurant)

Try local specialties and trout dishes that are popular in the region; many restaurants open 10:00am–8:00pm.
THB160, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Tham Pla (Fish Cave) or visit nearby hill-tribe villages

Short drive for a nature stop and cultural visits — Tham Pla and nearby viewpoints offer easy walks and local crafts; sites open typically 8:00am–5:00pm.
THB80, 1h30m

4:00pm

Relax at hotel or optional spa/massage

Enjoy a Thai massage or relax at the guesthouse before dinner; most spas operate mid-morning to late evening and offer 1–2 hour treatments.
THB400, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Parc Café & Restaurant or local bistro

Comfortable dinner options in town serving Thai and international dishes; open evenings around 6:00pm–10:00pm.
THB250, 1h30m

Day 5: Return to Chiang Mai

Mae Hong Son → Mae Sariang → Chiang Mai, Thailand on December 9, 2025

7:00am

Early breakfast and depart Mae Hong Son

Eat early and start the long return route back toward Chiang Mai; plan fuel and rest stops — departure around 7:00am to allow daylight driving.
THB120, 0h30m

9:30am

Stop in Mae Sariang for coffee and short stroll

Mae Sariang is a peaceful riverside town ideal for a break, a walk along the Salawin River and a coffee stop; local cafés open by 8:00am.
THB100, 0h45m

11:00am

Visit a local monastery or viewpoint in Mae Sariang

Quick cultural visit to stretch legs and see local life — monasteries usually welcome visitors during daytime hours (8:00am–5:00pm).
THB0, 0h30m

12:30pm

Lunch on route or at roadside restaurant

Simple Thai lunch at a recommended roadside kitchen; good for trying regional grilled fish or noodle soups before the long drive.
THB130, 1h

1:30pm

Drive Mae Sariang → Chiang Mai

Long scenic drive back to Chiang Mai (approximately 4–6 hours depending on stops and traffic); expect mountainous roads and plan short rests.
THB0, 5h

6:30pm

Arrive Chiang Mai and dinner at Khao Soi Khun Yai or local favorite

Celebrate the end of the loop with authentic northern khao soi; many famous stalls open 10:00am–8:00pm (check closing time).
THB100, 1h

8:00pm

Optional: Nightcap in Chiang Mai Old City

Finish with a relaxed drink in the Old City or head back to your hotel — many bars open late into the evening.
THB200, 1h30m
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