I've driven to Mae Salong a couple of times but was thinking about going by bus tomorrow, New Year's Day. Is it better to go the Thaton or the Chiang Rai route? Is it likely to be a problem travelling on a holiday? Any tips?

Thanks.

I think the best way to Doi Mae Salong is through Chiang Rai, not Taton. The Taton route is longer and a lot more windy. Don't know about the buses though.

I just got back from Mae Salong... bring warm clothes!

If going via Tha-ton, be aware that you need to be on the 09.00 bus or earlier from ChangPuak, since later-buses won't connect with the last yellow-songthaew from there up to MaeSalong.

On the other hand, the blue-songthaew from Bosang to MaeSalong can also be a bit iffy IME, since they refuse to leave, until they have at least 8 passengers, and I've often spent 3-4 hours waiting for them to achieve a full-load !

Personally I prefer the Thaton-route, I think the scenery is prettier, and it's cheaper !

Apparently the place is heaving and there's barely a room to be had so may delay. Thanks to all anyway and a Happy New Year!