Where to stay in Mae Hong Son – Pai, Mae Hong Son town and the loop
Pai, Mae Hong Son town, Soppong and Mae Sariang compared. Where to stay on the famous mountain loop in north-western Thailand.
Mae Hong Son is a mountainous, forested province on the Myanmar border, and one of the least populated in Thailand. Its winding roads form the Mae Hong Son Loop, a classic road trip from Chiang Mai that passes through misty valleys, Shan-style temples and small towns.
Choosing a base
- Pai is the most visited town, set in a broad valley about three hours from Chiang Mai. It has a walking street, cafés, hot springs and Pai Canyon, and accommodation from riverside bungalows to boutique resorts.
- Mae Hong Son town is quiet and atmospheric, built around Jong Kham Lake and its Burmese-style temples, with Doi Kong Mu temple on the hill above.
- Soppong (Pang Mapha) is a small stop between Pai and Mae Hong Son, known for Tham Lod cave.
- Mae Sariang in the south is a peaceful riverside town on the return route to Chiang Mai.
When to go
The cool, dry months of November to February are the most popular, with cold mornings and sea-of-mist views from the hills. Smoke from burning often affects air quality from about February to April. The rainy season (around June to October) is green and quiet, but landslides can occasionally disrupt the mountain roads.
Getting there
The road from Chiang Mai to Pai is famous for its hundreds of bends; minivans run several times a day, and many travellers rent a car or motorbike. Mae Hong Son’s small airport has had a limited schedule of flights from Chiang Mai. The full loop through Pai, Mae Hong Son and Mae Sariang is roughly 600 km and is best taken over four days or more.
Where to stay
PaiA mountain valley town with hot springs, a canyon and a walking street. Where to stay in Pai, getting there from Chiang Mai and the best season.
