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challenging4 days๐ŸŒฟ November to February (cool, clear skies, no rain)

Chiang Mai to Pai & Mae Hong Son: Northern Thailand Mountain Loop

A 4-day adventure through 762 curves in the Thai highlands

One of Southeast Asia's most legendary road trips โ€” the winding mountain roads from Chiang Mai through Pai to Mae Hong Son. With 762 curves (yes, they're counted), this route offers stunning mountain scenery, hill tribe villages, caves, and hot springs. While EV charging is sparse in Mae Hong Son province, careful planning and portable charging make this an unforgettable electric adventure.

350
Total km
8h
Driving time
2+
Charging stops
4
Days
Route:Chiang Mai โ†’ Pai โ†’ Mae Hong Son

Route Map

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Highway Conditions

Route 1095 from Chiang Mai to Mae Hong Son is famously twisty โ€” 762 curves over 350km. Roads are well-paved but narrow in sections. Drive slowly, especially in rain (June-October). The Mae Hong Son loop is one of the world's great motorcycle/bicycle routes โ€” go slowly in an EV.

๐Ÿ“‹ Plan Your Trip

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Charging Tips for This Route

Charging infrastructure is sparse in Mae Hong Son province. Charge fully in Chiang Mai before departing. Bring a portable charger as backup. Hotels with wall outlets can be used for overnight charging with Type 2 cable โ€” contact hotels in advance. Pai has a couple of EA Anyonde chargers. Mae Hong Son town has very limited public charging.

๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ‘งโ€๐Ÿ‘ฆ Family Highlights

  • โœ“Pai Canyon โ€” easy walking trails with stunning valley views
  • โœ“Tham Lod Cave (between Pai and Mae Hong Son) โ€” 1.6km cave with bamboo rafting
  • โœ“Mae Hong Son Lake โ€” morning mist over the peaceful mountain lake
  • โœ“Long Neck Karen Villages โ€” cultural visit to the Padaung tribe
  • โœ“Pam Bok Waterfall (Pai) โ€” natural pool perfect for swimming

๐Ÿ‘‘ Luxury Highlights

  • โœฆPai Island Resort โ€” riverside luxury cottages with mountain views
  • โœฆVeranda High Resort Chiang Mai โ€” start/finish the trip in luxury
  • โœฆImperial Mae Hong Son Resort โ€” lakeside retreat in the mountain capital

๐Ÿ“… Day-by-Day Itinerary

1

Chiang Mai โ†’ Pai (130 km)

The famous Route 1095 from Chiang Mai to Pai is a rollercoaster of 762 curves through the mountains. Drive slowly and enjoy the scenery. Stop at the Pai Canyon for sunset.

130km~4kWh

Charging Stops

  • ๐Ÿ”ŒEA Anyonde Chiang Mai (departure full charge)
  • ๐Ÿ”ŒPai EA Anyonde charger (arrival top-up)

Family Fun Stops

  • ๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ‘งโ€๐Ÿ‘ฆPai Canyon (easy rim walk, incredible views)
  • ๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ‘งโ€๐Ÿ‘ฆPam Bok Waterfall (swimming hole)
  • ๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ‘งโ€๐Ÿ‘ฆPai Walking Street (evening market)
Dinner at the Pai Walking Street market โ€” try the Northern Thai sausages (sai ua) and sticky rice.
2

Explore Pai

A relaxed day in Pai. Visit the canyon, waterfalls, hot springs, and the Pai Memorial Bridge. Charge at your hotel overnight using a wall outlet.

0km~0kWh

Charging Stops

  • ๐Ÿ”ŒPai EA Anyonde charger (daytime top-up if available)
  • ๐Ÿ”ŒHotel wall outlet overnight charge

Family Fun Stops

  • ๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ‘งโ€๐Ÿ‘ฆPai Canyon (morning walk)
  • ๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ‘งโ€๐Ÿ‘ฆPai Hot Springs (natural hot pools)
  • ๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ‘งโ€๐Ÿ‘ฆPai Memorial Bridge (WWII history)
Try the Italian-inspired Pai cuisine at one of the riverside cafes โ€” Pai has a surprisingly good food scene.
3

Pai โ†’ Mae Hong Son (110 km)

Continue the mountain drive to Mae Hong Son. Stop at Tham Lod Cave โ€” a spectacular 1.6km cave system navigable by bamboo raft. The road continues twisting through the mountains.

110km~4kWh

Charging Stops

  • ๐Ÿ”ŒPai charger (departure)
  • ๐Ÿ”ŒTham Lod Cave area (long charging with portable charger)

Family Fun Stops

  • ๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ‘งโ€๐Ÿ‘ฆTham Lod Cave (bamboo raft through the cave)
  • ๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ‘งโ€๐Ÿ‘ฆFish Cave (Pla Bu Thong โ€” sacred fish pool)
Try Khao Soy Mae Hong Son โ€” the local version of Northern curry noodles, milder and more coconut-forward.
4

Explore Mae Hong Son & Return to Chiang Mai

Morning at Mae Hong Son Lake and visit a Long Neck Karen village. Afternoon return drive to Chiang Mai via the mountain road. Start with a full destination charge in Mae Hong Son.

130km~4kWh

Charging Stops

  • ๐Ÿ”ŒMae Hong Son charger (if available โ€” departure charge)
  • ๐Ÿ”ŒPai charger (mid-way top-up)
  • ๐Ÿ”ŒEA Anyonde Chiang Mai (arrival charge)

Family Fun Stops

  • ๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ‘งโ€๐Ÿ‘ฆMae Hong Son Lake (morning mist walk)
  • ๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ‘งโ€๐Ÿ‘ฆLong Neck Karen Village (cultural visit)
  • ๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ‘งโ€๐Ÿ‘ฆJong Kham Lake (peaceful stroll)
Final dinner at The House by Ginger (Chiang Mai) for contemporary Northern Thai cuisine.

๐Ÿ“‹ Plan Your Trip

Book through our trusted partners to lock in the best rates for your family EV road trip.

We earn a small commission at no extra cost to you when you book through these links.