Yashas' Travelogue #12- Mae Hong Son Loop, Thailand ride Day 1 : Chiang Mai to Mae Chaem Through the Mountains of Northern Thailand

Away from sub continent conditions, I had to prove myself soo many things. This was an introduction to what I intend to achieve from now on. It was March 2015, I started the very famous Mae Hong Son loop. The idea behind the ride was not only to explore the beautiful country of Thailand but also explore it on a motorbike to feel the essence of Thai tradition and culture.

Breaking the stereotype of Thailand being a shopping destination restricted to just Bangkok, Pattaya or Phuket, I wanted to bring out something really worth appreciating as far as Thailand is concerned. I headed towards the north and after spending 2 eventful days in Chiang Mai I started riding the Mae Hong Son Loop in continuation with Golden Triangle Loop.

Mae Hong Son Loop Ride Begins – Chiang Mai to Mae Chaem !!!

I don’t like records, I ride to explore, experience and share. The same thought process continued. I hired a Honda CB500X for my ride in Thailand. The bike hiring process is pretty straight forward which I will explain in a separate article. An amazing tourer with you to explore an even amazing country was the best feeling in the world.

I started from Imperial Mae Ping Hotel early morning, as always I had my luggage all rigged up for the journey. Through the streets of busy Chiang Mai city I made my way to enter the highway. With GPS always on I could navigate with not much difficulty. People in Thailand are not much educated in English but each and everyone are very civilized. If you think you can navigate by asking people for direction then you will end up spending all your time in that itself.

Mae Hong Son Loop ride: Roads of Northern Thailand Joined the party

I had heard soo much about Thai roads, I got to ride on them only now. It lived up to its expectations with people on it riding with extreme care and traffic sense. Leaving behind the Chiang Mai airport I found myself on a irresistibly straight road, in no time I was cruising at 165Kmph. My CB500X joined the party and we had a gala time on smooth roads.

Mae Hong Son loop starts opening up and roads started curling up. The fun and excitement multiplied and I was on one of the best roads in the world. Every turn gave me a new feel and the nature only got better. Cool breeze keep the mood going on, in no time I was entering the Doi Inthanon range. Pineapple and watermelon sold on road side served as lunch to fill my stomach and give me that much required energy.

Mae Hong Son Loop Ride: Doi Inthanon range, Waterfalls and Camping

I could feel the countryside of Thailand literally, amazingly warm people all busy with their own lives. Semi automatic and automatic moto bikes are an integral part of their daily chores. Just as the ride went a few stops at 7 Eleven for quick bites energized me. I found a waterfall, Mae Ya waterfall. Yes the same waterfall which is shown on travel shows and movies. One of the many many waterfalls of Thailand, this was one of best waterfalls I have been to.

It was a 2 lane perfectly smooth road, and few road side functions on one side with amazingly designed temples on the other made it more eventful. It was humid and I had to take breaks every now and then. I stopped by every temple to just admire its beauty. Last few Kms of the day as I approached Doi Inthanon national Park I was asked to pay a fee of 250 Baht as fee for Doi Inthanon range national park. This fee is valid to eter the national park. I took an off beat path to explore another waterfall.

It was a day of splendid ride and amazing experience to start off my ride across northern Thailand. Finally I reached a small town of Mae Chaem. I didn have any accommodation booked here, but I knew for sure I can find some help with Police here. I went to police station seeking a safe place to camp, I got the right place and right people who helped me put up my tent for the night.

I spent the night here in my night just behind the police station of Mae Chaem talking to the Police of Mae Chaem. Went out for dinner with them and had the traditional Thai Sticky rice with chicken. Is this how Thailand tour is gonna be? No It will be exciting every day and better with every passing post. Stay Tuned!!

All the images used are of my own and are watermarked. You may also feel free to visit my blog Yashas Travelogue

Do watch out the space as I write my stories of ride across the mesmerizing Northern Thailand

If you like my blog do not forget to

upvote, resteem and follow (@rideofpassion)

---

Suggested Read :

Yashas Travelogue #11 : 6 things to remember about Singapore MRT(Metro) usage as a visitor

Join the amazing adsactly community

Discord Server Link : AdSactly