THAILAND
Mae Hong Son Loop
NEXT TRIPS (15 DAYS):
FROM 05.12.2026 - 19.12.2026
FROM 23.01.2027 - 06.02.2027
FROM 06.02.2027 - 20.02.2027
FROM 03.04.2027 - 17.04.2027
FROM 17.04.2027 - 01.05.2027
MAXIMUM 6 PEOPLE
MAE HONG SON LOOP
GUIDE IN ITALIAN & ENGLISH
OVERVIEW
Mountains, valleys and hill villages, along the roads of Northern Thailand
15 days / 14 nights · Pai and Mae Hong Son
The Mae Hong Son Loop is one of the finest road trips in Northern Thailand: a circuit through mountains, valleys and small villages, at a slow pace. We gather in Bangkok, then fly to Chiang Mai, and from there the road climbs through forests and scenic bends up to Pai, where time slows down, and on to Soppong, where the landscape turns rural and authentic.
We continue to Ban Rak Thai, a Chinese mountain village on the border with Myanmar, and then to Mae Hong Son, a provincial capital set in a valley among the mountains, far from mass tourism. The final stretch crosses Khun Yuam and the Doi Inthanon before returning to Chiang Mai for a few days of rest and discovery. The overnight train back to Bangkok closes a journey of ever-changing landscapes and authentic experiences immersed in nature.
O O O O O
O O O O O
O O O O O
O O O O O
O O O O O
O O O O O
ITINERARY
-
Flight from Italy to Bangkok. Overnight on board.
With flight included: departure from Italy on 5 December 2026, 23 January 2027, 6 February 2027, 3 April 2027 or 17 April 2027, depending on the departure.
Own flight: you must arrive in Bangkok on 6 December 2026, 24 January 2027, 7 February 2027, 4 April 2027 or 18 April 2027 respectively.
-
Once we land in Bangkok, we head to the hotel to officially form the group, then go out for dinner in the Thai capital — a trip briefing and a chance to get to know our travel companions before setting off on the Mae Hong Son Loop. (Night in Bangkok)
-
We fly to Chiang Mai for our first taste of Northern Thailand. There's time for a massage — Chiang Mai is the world capital of massage — before wandering its distinctive night markets, sampling the local food and watching a Muay Thai match. (Night in Chiang Mai)
-
We pick up our van — which will stay with us until we return to Chiang Mai — and head for the town of Pai, stopping along the way at waterfalls, hot springs and canyons. At sunset we pause for a drink among the rice paddies, before diving into the lively Pai Walking Street. (Night in Pai)
-
After breakfast we visit Pai's main temple, then continue to the Tham Lod Cave — one of the largest and most spectacular cave systems in the world — taking in the scenery and the everyday life of this rural area. (Night in Soppong)
-
We travel on to Ban Rak Thai, a village with a strong Chinese heritage and a beautiful lake. Along the way we stop at waterfalls, temples, endless rice paddies and the Pang Tong Palace. (Night in Ban Rak Thai)
-
Waking in Ban Rak Thai, we visit the border with Myanmar, passing tea and strawberry plantations and the Pang Oung park, then move south to end the day in Mae Hong Son — the heart of the province, an enchanting town in the middle of the Thai mountains. (Night in Mae Hong Son)
-
A day to slow down: we visit a typical market and the town's quiet corners, then in the afternoon head to a very special place for a meditation session and a conversation about Buddhism. (Night in Mae Hong Son)
-
Before dawn we climb to the hilltop temple of Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu for a simply magnificent breakfast. Moving on towards Khun Yuam, we step deeper into northern Thai life and into ever more intense nature — viewpoints, farmland, waterfalls and temples. (Night in Khun Yuam)
-
Taking road 1263, we drive through breathtaking scenery towards Doi Inthanon National Park for a guided visit, before continuing to Chiang Mai. On arrival there's time to relax and recharge for the days ahead in this city. (Night in Chiang Mai)
-
We spend the day in the company of these wonderful elephants in a 100% ethical setting, and explore the area around Chiang Mai. (Night in Chiang Mai)
-
A free day to do as you please: explore the heart of the street-art scene, go trekking, visit the Doi Suthep temple, take a Muay Thai lesson — whatever Chiang Mai has to offer you. (Night in Chiang Mai)
-
We spend the day in the city with a cooking class and a massage during the hottest hours, before boarding one of Thailand's classic long-distance options: an overnight train that will wake us in Bangkok. (Night on the overnight train)
-
Arriving in Bangkok, we visit the city's finest temples and the Grand Palace, or hunt for souvenirs to remember this wonderful trip, before a final dinner all together ahead of the journey home. (Night in Bangkok)
-
A day for goodbyes, then off to the airport to fly home and bring this unforgettable journey to a close.
How much it costs?
3’799 CHF
2’999 CHF
Everything you need to know
-
This is a slow-paced road trip through Northern Thailand, travelling by domestic flight, private van and an overnight train, with easy walks and cultural stops
Physical effort is low (2/5).
You need a passport valid at least 6 months beyond entry.
No tourist visa is required for EU, Swiss and UK citizens for short stays. However, all travellers must complete the free Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online, within 72 hours before arrival (official site: tdac.immigration.go.th).
Immigration may also ask for proof of funds — around 20,000 THB per person (or 40,000 THB per family).
Travel insurance with cancellation and assistance cover, valid for the whole trip, is compulsory and not included in the price.
-
Light, breathable clothing plus a few warm layers — mountain evenings and early mornings in the north can be cool.
Comfortable walking shoes, a light rain jacket, hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for temples and villages.
Insect repellent, a reusable water bottle, a power bank and a universal adapter (Thailand: 230 V, plug types A/B/C/O).
A small daypack for day trips, and cash in Thai baht for markets, meals and small purchases.
-
Thailand is welcoming, but respect matters:
Respect for the monarchy:
Thailand has very strict laws protecting the royal family (lèse-majesté, Article 112), which apply to foreigners too.Never criticise, joke about or share negative content about the monarchy — in person or online.
Treat images of the King with respect: they appear on banknotes and coins, so never step on money or damage any royal image.
When the royal anthem plays before a cinema screening, stand up.
These are matters of both custom and law, and are taken very seriously.
Dress modestly at temples (shoulders and knees covered) and remove your shoes where required.
Never touch anyone's head, and don't point your feet at people or Buddha images.
Always show respect towards images of the King and the Buddha.
Ask before photographing people. A small bow (the "wai") is a warm way to greet.
Keep your temper and voice calm — losing composure in public is frowned upon.
-
Duration — 15 days / 14 nights
Where — Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pai, Soppong, Ban Rak Thai, Mae Hong Son, Khun Yuam
Pace — road trip, slow and relaxed; low physical effort (2/5)
Getting around — domestic flight, private van, overnight train
Nights — hotels/guesthouses along the loop + one night on the overnight train
Guide — in Italian or English
Experiences — Mae Hong Son Loop, ethical elephants, Buddhist meditation, cooking class, Muay Thai
Character — Nature 5/5 · Culture 4/5 · Adventure 3/5
Cash (baht) for tips, drinks, and small purchases at markets
-
Domestic flight Bangkok–Chiang Mai
Overnight train Chiang Mai–Bangkok
All airport/station transfers and a private van for the entire Mae Hong Son Loop
13 nights of accommodation along the route, including the overnight train
All breakfasts
Welcome group dinner (Bangkok) and farewell group dinner (Bangkok)
Lunch at the elephant sanctuary
A Muay Thai match in Chiang Mai
Pai Canyon, hot springs and waterfalls, with a welcome drink
Pai's temple and a visit to the Tham Lod Cave
A meditation session in Mae Hong Son
Guided visit to Doi Inthanon National Park
A day at the ethical elephant sanctuary (lunch included)
Massage and cooking class in Chiang Mai
Group coordinator throughout the trip
-
Travel insurance with cancellation and assistance cover (compulsory)
Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) — free, to be completed online before arrival
Lunches (except at the elephant sanctuary) and any dinners not listed as included
Drinks with meals
Entrance fees and optional activities not listed under "What's included"
Tips
Personal expenses and purchases
Anything not expressly listed under "What's included"
-
Per person:
Without flight: 2’999 CHF
With flight: 3’799 CHF
Meet your guide:
Nice to meet you!
For me travelling means discovering the world through the eyes of those who live it every day. I believe there's a deep difference between travelling and taking a holiday: travelling means being moved, sharing, and connecting with a smile even when there's no common language.
I've explored Europe, North and Central America, Asia and North Africa, always in my favourite way: on the road, living each place to the full. But the journey that changed my life was leaving everything behind for nine months in Southeast Asia — Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia — an experience that made me grow as a traveller and as a person.
Andrea Arnoldi
