Trip Route Road Conditions? Northern Thailand

[chiang mai]

We're taking a road trip in a few days and I was wondering how drivable some of the roads are, the route starts in Chiang Mai and includes Pai, Mae Hong Son and Chiang Rai, we can do it in any order hence if anyone's got any pointers/tips/ we'll be grateful - driving a new Vigo 2 wheel drive auto.

It looks like the best route might be CM to Chiang Rai and then down to Mae Hong Son and then acrosss to Pai?

Thanks in advance

[villagefarang]

We live in Chiang Rai and recently did a counterclockwise route. The main points were Doi Angkhang, Pai, Mae Hong Son, Khun Yuam, Mae Chaem, Doi Inthanon, Chiang Mai and then the easy way home on the 118. The only bad bit of road was Khun Yuam to Mae Chaem. If you are not in a hurry it is great drive. I wrote about our little drive at the following link. It might give you some ideas.

[chiang mai]

Thanks loads for that VF, it's exactly what I was hoping for.

[masuk]

I went to Chiang Rai last week, from Chiang Mai.

The highway is in excellent condition, well marked.

The only big problem are the fools using it.

As usual, it seems that double yellow lines on blind corners on the mountain passes are there for decoration. Always someone in too big a hurry to wait for an overtaking lane. I fully expected a head-on collision as a pickup roared past me, crossed a double line with a car coming the other way. Luckily, the other driver had quick reflexes.

Apart from the fools, it's an interesting drive. Some nice coffee shops on the way, plus an interesting hot spring with a Cambodian-style temple next to it. Appears to be abandoned, no idea of the story.

[chiang mai]

I agree most of the roads up here tend to be overloaded with crazy drivers, I've driven the CM/CR route several times but I've not done the Mae Hong Son/Pai part hence my reason for asking, doubtless it will have it's fair share of crazies.

[jackr]

I'd do anti-clockwise:

CM

CR

Mae Salong

Doi Angkhang (via Fang)

Chiang Dao

Pai

Mae Hong Son

Khun Yuam

Mae Chaem

Doi Inthanon

Chom Thong

CM

Highlight: cutting across from Khun Yuam to Chom Thong, taking in Mae Chaem and Doi Inthanon. Khun Yuam-Mae Chaem is nice and quiet.

All roads good and best time of year to drive them (barring the traffic).

[villagefarang]

I agree most of the roads up here tend to be overloaded with crazy drivers, I've driven the CM/CR route several times but I've not done the Mae Hong Son/Pai part hence my reason for asking, doubtless it will have it's fair share of crazies.

That is why I suggest not being in a hurry. Just drive at a nice leisurely pace and leave a little space between you and the guy in front, just in case someone needs to pull in during a stupid passing maneuver. On some of the really tight turns it is not a bad idea to follow someone else, letting them run interference for you.

Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai is really easy compared to some of the other roads. If you have done the 118 several times, it is a nice change of pace to do the 107. It is a longer drive but you get to see more countryside and it takes you past places like Chiang Dao and Doi Angkhang. You can also enter Chiang Rai by way of Doi Mae Salong and/or Doi Tung.

[villagefarang]

I'd do anti-clockwise:

CM

CR

Mae Salong

Doi Angkhang (via Fang)

Chiang Dao

Pai

Mae Hong Son

Khun Yuam

Mae Chaem

Doi Inthanon

Chom Thong

CM

Highlight: cutting across from Khun Yuam to Chom Thong, taking in Mae Chaem and Doi Inthanon. Khun Yuam-Mae Chaem is nice and quiet.

All roads good and best time of year to drive them (barring the traffic).

I don’t know if I would call the road from Khun Yuam to Mae Chaem “good”. Lots of potholes on that road so you need to take it slow to avoid damaging your suspension. It is very remote and beautiful however, so worth the effort and time.

[kjhbigv]

Did Pai few weeks ago...fine. The road from Pai to Mae Hong Song is a fantastic road.... good condition and stunning scenery.

Basically, if you are sticking to roads detailed on a map they will be absolutely fine. The most you will encounter is possibly a few put holes or the road being repaired.

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