The Mae Hong Son Loop

If you're driving to Mae Hong Son, the best way to get there is along a mountainous stretch of road known to travelers as "the Loop." The route runs from Chiang Mai to Mae Hong Son via Pai if you take the northern route, and via Mae Sariang if you take the southern one. Which route offers the best views is the subject of much heated debate. The entire Loop is 615 km (382 mi) long. Allow at least four days to cover it—longer if you want to leave the road occasionally and visit the hot springs, waterfalls, and grottos found along the way.