On Road Cycling West Of Samoeng

[mikejphuket]

I am planning a ride in late Nov, starting in Samoeng heading west to Ban Chan and continuing on to Mae Hong Son or somewhere on highway 108. There seem to be a fair number of villages up to Ban Chan but from there on my map doesn't show much. Any info or tips much appreciated. Wondering if a sleeping bag and/or mossi net are necessary, among other things.

Thank you

[el jefe]

I haven't done that exact trip yet myself but I plan on doing it sometime in the next few months and have done similar trips in the area. From my research there appear to be few villages on the road from Wat Chan to Mae Hong Son, but there are 2 or 3. I've heard that the govt is improving the road, but that doesn't always make for better cycling while the work is being done. It's 100kms from Wat Chan to MHS (85 kms on dirt trails) and might be do-able in one day by strong cyclists. There are definitely no formal lodgings between the two towns but a homestay should be available in the villages in between. A sleeping bag and a pad would definitely make for a more comfortable night.

Wat Chan has a couple of dumpy guest houses in town. The nicest place to stay is a two-cabin guest house outside of town. It's one km down the road on the way to Pai. And it's a long, very hard day from Samoeng to Wat Chan.

Good luck.

[mikejphuket]

I haven't done that exact trip yet myself but I plan on doing it sometime in the next few months and have done similar trips in the area. From my research there appear to be few villages on the road from Wat Chan to Mae Hong Son, but there are 2 or 3. I've heard that the govt is improving the road, but that doesn't always make for better cycling while the work is being done. It's 100kms from Wat Chan to MHS (85 kms on dirt trails) and might be do-able in one day by strong cyclists. There are definitely no formal lodgings between the two towns but a homestay should be available in the villages in between. A sleeping bag and a pad would definitely make for a more comfortable night.

Wat Chan has a couple of dumpy guest houses in town. The nicest place to stay is a two-cabin guest house outside of town. It's one km down the road on the way to Pai. And it's a long, very hard day from Samoeng to Wat Chan.

Good luck.

Thank You! We are in no hurry, but do like a cold beer(s) and a place to sleep!

[BBbUn]

Hey Mike and Jeff,

The Rider's Cafe on the corner of the moat has a couple of maps (have them on my desk right now!) that document this area really well, especially if looking at the off road routes.

There is the GT-Rider.com "Mae Hong Son - The Loop" map, and there is also the RideAsia.net "North Thailand road and off-road". The latter looks especially good!

I haven't ridden any of these personally yet, but there's a few of us looking to do it as soon as the weather gets cooler too.

Paul

[el jefe]

Hey Mike and Jeff,

The Rider's Cafe on the corner of the moat has a couple of maps (have them on my desk right now!) that document this area really well, especially if looking at the off road routes.

There is the GT-Rider.com "Mae Hong Son - The Loop" map, and there is also the RideAsia.net "North Thailand road and off-road". The latter looks especially good!

I haven't ridden any of these personally yet, but there's a few of us looking to do it as soon as the weather gets cooler too.

Paul

Paul,

I've never used the Rider's Corner maps but I did use their GPS tracks for my last 5 day adventure off road. It was indispensable. If you're staying on-road, either GT-Rider or riders Corner are fine. I find GT-Rider easier to read and carry on the road.

I don't know what made me re-read the subject line of this thread but it says "On road ..". I'd like to change and confirm my first answer to the OP. There is NO way to get from Samoeng to MHS on road. The last section from Samoeng to Wat Chan has about 30 kms of steep, rutted, dirt roads. From there you can take a nicely paved road out to the main road to Pai. Any other route to MHS involves much more dirt.

[mikejphuket]

Hey Mike and Jeff,

The Rider's Cafe on the corner of the moat has a couple of maps (have them on my desk right now!) that document this area really well, especially if looking at the off road routes.

There is the GT-Rider.com "Mae Hong Son - The Loop" map, and there is also the RideAsia.net "North Thailand road and off-road". The latter looks especially good!

I haven't ridden any of these personally yet, but there's a few of us looking to do it as soon as the weather gets cooler too.

Wow- that is an eye-opener! Looks like a decision to be made at Wat Chan.

Paul

Paul,

I've never used the Rider's Corner maps but I did use their GPS tracks for my last 5 day adventure off road. It was indispensable. If you're staying on-road, either GT-Rider or riders Corner are fine. I find GT-Rider easier to read and carry on the road.

I don't know what made me re-read the subject line of this thread but it says "On road ..". I'd like to change and confirm my first answer to the OP. There is NO way to get from Samoeng to MHS on road. The last section from Samoeng to Wat Chan has about 30 kms of steep, rutted, dirt roads. From there you can take a nicely paved road out to the main road to Pai. Any other route to MHS involves much more dirt.

[mikejphuket]

Hey Mike and Jeff,

The Rider's Cafe on the corner of the moat has a couple of maps (have them on my desk right now!) that document this area really well, especially if looking at the off road routes.

There is the GT-Rider.com "Mae Hong Son - The Loop" map, and there is also the RideAsia.net "North Thailand road and off-road". The latter looks especially good!

I haven't ridden any of these personally yet, but there's a few of us looking to do it as soon as the weather gets cooler too.

Wow- that is an eye-opener! Looks like a decision to be made at Wat Chan.

Paul

Paul,

I've never used the Rider's Corner maps but I did use their GPS tracks for my last 5 day adventure off road. It was indispensable. If you're staying on-road, either GT-Rider or riders Corner are fine. I find GT-Rider easier to read and carry on the road.

I don't know what made me re-read the subject line of this thread but it says "On road ..". I'd like to change and confirm my first answer to the OP. There is NO way to get from Samoeng to MHS on road. The last section from Samoeng to Wat Chan has about 30 kms of steep, rutted, dirt roads. From there you can take a nicely paved road out to the main road to Pai. Any other route to MHS involves much more dirt.

Wow- that is an eye-opener! Looks like a decision to be made at Wat Chan.

[T_Dog]

Have done that route a few times on the motorcycle, and it is certainly doable on a mountain or cross bike. Certainly not a road bike. Have to warn you though that it is rutted and if it is dry, the dust is a real killer. Much more traffic than you would expect and we regretted it last year during the middle of the dry season.