How to Get to
Mae Hong Son

For those with little time or who get carsick easily, flying Chiang Mai-Mae Hong Son is the fastest and most comfortable option. The flight takes about 30 minutes in the air, compared to 6-8 hours on mountain roads. It's a small propeller plane that crosses over the mountain range and lands at Mae Hong Son Airport, which sits right in the middle of town. Once you land, you can be at your accommodation almost immediately. This is ideal for short weekend trips, people who can't handle winding roads, or families with young children and elderly members who struggle with long car rides.

The limitation to understand is that flights and seats on this route are limited, with only a few flights per day in some periods, so book ahead, especially during the cool season when Mae Hong Son sees more visitors. Ticket prices per trip are also considerably higher than overland travel. And because this is a mountain-valley airport, flights can be delayed or cancelled if weather conditions or visibility are poor, so keep a backup plan. Importantly, once you arrive in Mae Hong Son you still need to think about getting around the province, since the sights are far apart and public transport is limited. Those who fly in often book a tour or a car with a driver in advance to reach the various spots.

If you want to drive yourself but tend to get carsick, Highway 108 via Mae Sariang is the route to choose. This route loops through the southern part of the province, passing Hot, Mae Sariang, Mae La Noi, and Khun Yuam before entering Mae Hong Son town. It's longer in distance than the Pai route and takes about 7-8 hours from Chiang Mai, but the point many people choose it for is that it has fewer curves and the winding sections aren't as continuous as Route 1095, making it easier for those who get dizzy after long stretches of mountain driving. Renting a car and driving yourself also gives you full freedom to stop at rest areas, viewpoints, or small towns along the way as you please, and it becomes better value when traveling with a group since fuel and rental costs split more cheaply per person.

What you need to prepare for is that the long distance can tire out the driver, so take turns driving if possible, rest periodically, and never push through when drowsy. Even though it has fewer curves than Route 1095, it's still a mountain road that demands concentration. Gas stations and shops along some stretches are spaced far apart, so fill the tank before climbing and bring drinking water and snacks in the car. If renting, get full insurance coverage, check the tires and brakes carefully since you'll be braking often on the descents, and photograph the car all around before taking it, keeping the photos as evidence. Many people drive Route 108 on the way there and loop back via Route 1095 through Pai on the return, to see the scenery of both routes in one trip.

Highway 1095 is Mae Hong Son's most famous route, with a sign marking 1,864 curves along the way from Chiang Mai through Pai and Pang Mapha into Mae Hong Son town. It's shorter in distance than the Mae Sariang route and takes about 6-7 hours. Its selling point is the chance to stop in Pai, a popular town, and pass through Pang Mapha, which has Tham Lod Cave and the Ban Jabo viewpoint along the way. Drivers who are skilled on mountain roads and don't get carsick will enjoy this route, since the scenery on both sides is beautiful and there are plenty of stops. Many people break the trip up by staying overnight in Pai before continuing, which keeps things from being too exhausting while also getting to enjoy Pai along the way.

To be blunt, Route 1095 really is winding and continuous, especially on the climb before reaching Pai and around Pang Mapha. Passengers prone to motion sickness often struggle badly on this route. If you're a passenger, take motion sickness medication before setting off, sit in the front seat, look ahead into the distance rather than down at your phone, and stop to rest periodically. Drivers need to be skilled at taking curves and use low gear to help brake on descents, rather than riding the brakes until they overheat. In the rainy season the road gets slippery and thick fog can reduce visibility, requiring extra caution. If renting, choose a car in good condition with solid brakes and tires, get full insurance, and photograph the car all around before taking it. If you know you truly can't handle the curves, flying or taking Route 108, which has fewer curves, is a much more comfortable option.

Vans and buses are the cheapest way to get to Mae Hong Son and don't require driving yourself. They depart from the bus station in Chiang Mai to the Mae Hong Son bus station, with some runs taking the Mae Sariang route and others the Pai route depending on the operator. The fare per seat is much cheaper than a plane ticket or car rental, making it ideal for solo travelers, those on a limited budget, or anyone unsure about driving mountain roads themselves. The advantage is having an experienced driver who knows the route take you there, so you don't have to stress about the curves and descents yourself, and you get to enjoy the scenery on both sides the whole way.

The limitation to know is that van seating is fairly cramped and close together, and the 6-8 hours on mountain roads with lots of curves can be tough for those prone to motion sickness. Take medication before setting off, choose a front seat if possible, and avoid looking down at your phone along the way. The van usually makes rest stops for bathroom breaks and stretching periodically. Book ahead, especially during the cool season and long holidays when travel is busy. Another point is that once you arrive in Mae Hong Son you still need to think about getting around the province, since the sights are far apart and public transport in town is limited. Those who arrive by van often continue on by renting a motorbike, booking a tour, or hiring a car with a driver to reach the various spots.

Once you arrive in Mae Hong Son, the next challenge is getting around the province, since the sights are spread far apart and public transport is limited. Songthaews and hired local rides in town are scarce, and Grab-style ride-hailing is virtually nonexistent. Renting a motorbike is therefore an affordable and flexible option for confident riders. Scooters can be rented for a few hundred baht a day from shops in Mae Hong Son town or Pai, and are handy for riding around town, up to Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu, over to Su Tong Pae Bridge, or to nearby viewpoints — easy to park, and cheaper per day than renting a car or hiring a driver. This suits solo travelers or couples who want independence.

But to be blunt, many roads in Mae Hong Son are steep, winding mountain roads, and some stretches are narrow. Riding a motorbike on roads like this is risky for anyone unfamiliar with mountain driving, especially when morning fog rolls in and reduces visibility, and in the rainy season when the road gets slippery. By law you need a motorcycle license paired with an International Driving Permit (IDP), and you must wear a helmet at all times. Many attractions such as Pang Ung, the Khun Yuam Mexican sunflower fields, or Tham Lod Cave are far from town and involve long mountain stretches — riding there yourself may be exhausting and too risky. For destinations that far, many people book a tour or a car with a driver instead, and use the motorbike only for spots close to town. Choose a shop that doesn't hold your passport as collateral, check the brakes and tires before taking the bike, and photograph any scratches on the bike beforehand as evidence. If you're not confident in your skills on mountain roads, hiring a car with a driver is far safer.