Samoeng Loop Day Trip

Experience the thrill of the Samoeng Loop, a captivating motorbike route from Chiang Mai. This adventure offers breathtaking mountain views, lush valleys, charming villages, and local cuisine along the way. Here’s your guide to making the most out of this scenic journey.

Why Choose the Samoeng Loop?

The Samoeng Loop offers a great experience that allows you to connect with the natural beauty of Northern Thailand. It’s a fantastic trip to explore the surroundings of Chiang Mai City in a single day! Whether you’re an experienced rider or a first-timer, this loop has something for everyone.

Starting Your Adventure

Departure Point: Begin your journey from Chiang Mai. You can start from either the city center or near the Buakjun Fire Observation Tower.

Vehicle: For this adventure, motorbikes are highly recommended as they can provide more flexibility and an more immersive experience than by car. Rentals are available in from our partner Mai Phare in Old Town Chiang Mai near the North Gate, with options from scooters to more robust automatic motorcycles depending on your comfort level. Consider

The Route

Length and Terrain: This loop is approximately 100 kilometers, comprising mostly paved roads with some challenging climbs and exhilarating descents.

Direction: You can travel either clockwise or counterclockwise, though going counterclockwise is often suggested for its scenic beauty and attractions.

Key Stops and Attractions

Below you find a list of all sorts of spots and activities you can find on this trip. They are too many to do in a single day, as they are meant to give you some inspiration. Scroll further down if you’d like to make a trip like this with us.

• Ton Phayom Fresh Market: At local market for finding breakfast before starting the journey or to take with you.
• Baan Kang Wat: Artistic local market with food and lot of handcraft shops to stroll around early in your trip. Just don’t stick around too long.
• Wat Phrathat Doi Kham: At the start of the trip, visit this beautiful temple located on a hill with great viewpoint over Chiang Mai.
• Elefin Farm & Cafe: Great spot where you can feed elephants basically for free! Buy a 100THB basket of fruit and spoil the elephants.
• Buakjun Fire Obvserve Tower: Explore this high tower after a 20 minute hike up to the highest point of the mountain.
• Samoeng Village: Experience a very local village where almost no English is spoken. It gives you a glimpse into rural Thai life.
• Samoeng Forest Viewpoint: Park near the Buakjun Fire Observation Tower, then climb up to immerse yourself in the surrounding landscape. This stop offers panoramic views that are not to be missed.
• Nong Hoi Royal Project Vegetable Development Center: If you’re interested in sustainable farming, this project showcases pesticide-free vegetable cultivation, set up by the King of Thailand to combat opium production. The food here is incredibly delicious too!
• Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden: A must-visit for nature lovers. Here, you can enjoy the vast array of flora, a canopy walkway, and peaceful gardens.
• Mae Sa Waterfall: One of the most beautiful waterfalls in the area, with ten cascades, perfect for a relaxing break or a picnic.
• Mae Sa Elephant Camp: If you travel counter clockwise, in your journey, you could visit the Mae Sa Elephant Camp to witness the majestic creatures in a more ethical setting than traditional shows.

Tips for a Smooth Ride

• Safety First: Always wear a helmet and consider bringing a light jacket for the cooler mountain air.
• Navigation: Use a good map or a GPS-enabled device that you can place on your motorbike.
• Fuel: Ensure you have enough fuel; there are fewer gas stations once you leave the main routes.
• Weather: Check the weather forecast; the loop can be quite different in the rainy season.

Conclusion

The Samoeng Loop is not just a ride; it’s an experience that blends adventure with cultural immersion. Whether you’re looking to escape the city’s hustle or to explore the natural beauty of Northern Thailand, this loop delivers an unforgettable day trip.