The attraction of the MHS loop is the drive, not the destinations. Great roads if you enjoy mountainous, twisty roads, great views & scenery. Car, motorbike or bicycle, takand she wille your pick. Waste of time if doing it on public transport.

Without doubt, the most beautiful and scenic part of Thailand. We bought a 4m. Avon white water inflatable and ran the Pai river numerous times, it takes about four days and runs through two gorges with plenty of campsites on the many riverside beaches. We would launch just North of Pang Mapha and enjoy fast water all the way to the Mae Hong Son bridge. The people are the friendliest in Thailand and I almost settled there where we still own two rai by the river. Besides exploring the Tan Lod caves already mentioned, take a trip about 5kms. South of MHS to the riverside village of Huay Dua where you can take a boat trip to a Karen village near the Burmese border and visit the Padung people, known for stretching their necks with brass hoops (female only). Huay Dua is so friendly, no one locks their house when they go to market. While here contact a young lady named Pajing who has a tour office on the one main street and she will arrange you a tour and a tasting through the many Chinese tea plantations set in scenic rolling hills. contact Pajing 0892624517. Also at Huay Dua is the very smart Riverside Hotel beside the Pai River where you have a grand view of the many elephants crossing the river to go to work. Not for nothing is the area known as "The Switzerland of Thailand".

I want to thank everyone for their suggestions and recommendations on places to see and explore, things to do, folks to contact and much more valuable info. It is truly a pleasure having a forum where folks are considerate and love sharing their knowledge and experiences. One of the pleasures of living in Thailand is knowing you can always count on folks on this forum who are willing to open up and talk about their experiences all the while giving you great input and ideas. Thanks again. It is much appreciated.

And ohhh, don't forget the long neck Karen village.

The attraction of the MHS loop is the drive, not the destinations. Great roads if you enjoy mountainous, twisty roads, great views & scenery. Car, motorbike or bicycle, take your pick. Waste of time if doing it on public transport.

Weii said and true,

Ban Rak Thai... Stunning

Would be even more stunning without that horrendous development though.

Ban Rak Thai... Stunning

Would be even more stunning without that horrendous development though.

I've called her lots of things in the past, a horrendous development has never been used though. I'll save that one in case she puts on too much weight

As you can see, countless options available on the loop with something for everyone. Get a GT-rider loop map (www.gt-rider.com) while in Chiang Mai and read the reviews on the website of countless hotels and eateries along the way. Use that website and The Google to plan an initial itinerary and then expect to make changes as you linger at a favored location. And if you are an experienced rider and don't mind dirt roads, then look at options to parts of the 1095.

One of the local Bike tour companies produced a rather nice map I think.

Whatever you do, don't go on a van. It's the drive, not the destination.

Make sure you both have medical insurance if doing it by bike. Good investment.