Home/Routes/Pai to Chiang Mai via Muang Khong and Mae Taeng

Pai to Chiang Mai via Muang Khong and Mae Taeng

EASY
123 km2964 mFull DayYear RoundVerified May 2026
Permit only

This route passes through 4 protected areas

Riding here needs written permission from DNP in advance. Without it, entry alone is an offence.

  • Mae Lao–Mae Sae Forest ParkForest Parkวนอุทยาน

    Remain on the road, dirt or otherwise. Section 27 applies the same rules here as in a national park.

    Remain on the road, dirt or otherwise. Section 27 applies the same rules here as in a national park. A forest park is usually unstaffed and ungated, which misleads riders into thinking it is open land. Legally it is not: s.27 applies the whole national-park prohibition list to forest parks, botanic gardens and arboreta, with identical penalties. Acts affecting the ecosystem — the clause that covers cutting or rutting trail: up to 5 years' imprisonment, a fine up to ฿500,000, or both (s.42). Blocking or obstructing a way, or entering to carry on an activity for profit: up to 2 years' imprisonment, a fine up to ฿200,000, or both (s.44). Failing to comply with an official's order: a fine up to ฿100,000 (s.47). Your bike can be confiscated under s.56 whether or not you own it and whether or not anyone is convicted.

  • Mae Sae Wildlife SantucaryWildlife Sanctuaryเขตรักษาพันธุ์สัตว์ป่า

    Riding here needs written permission from DNP in advance. Without it, entry alone is an offence.

    Riding here needs written permission from DNP in advance. Without it, entry alone is an offence. Entering a wildlife sanctuary at all is a criminal offence without written permission from the authorities. There is no public right of access and no ticket you can buy at a gate. Entering without permission: up to 3 months' imprisonment, a fine up to ฿30,000, or both (s.96). Acts affecting the ecosystem, soil or vegetation — which includes cutting trail: up to 5 years' imprisonment, a fine up to ฿500,000, or both (s.100). Failing to obey an official's order once inside: a fine up to ฿100,000 (s.97). Your bike can be confiscated under s.109 whether or not you own it and whether or not anyone is convicted.

  • Chiang Dao Wildlife SanctuaryWildlife Sanctuaryเขตรักษาพันธุ์สัตว์ป่า

    Riding here needs written permission from DNP in advance. Without it, entry alone is an offence.

    Riding here needs written permission from DNP in advance. Without it, entry alone is an offence. Entering a wildlife sanctuary at all is a criminal offence without written permission from the authorities. There is no public right of access and no ticket you can buy at a gate. Entering without permission: up to 3 months' imprisonment, a fine up to ฿30,000, or both (s.96). Acts affecting the ecosystem, soil or vegetation — which includes cutting trail: up to 5 years' imprisonment, a fine up to ฿500,000, or both (s.100). Failing to obey an official's order once inside: a fine up to ฿100,000 (s.97). Your bike can be confiscated under s.109 whether or not you own it and whether or not anyone is convicted.

  • Huai Nam Dang National ParkNational Parkอุทยานแห่งชาติ

    Remain on the road, dirt or otherwise, and do not venture off the road.

    Remain on the road, dirt or otherwise, and do not venture off the road. You may enter through a checkpoint and pay the entry fee, but you must stay on the roads the park designates. Riding trail inside a national park falls under s.19 (2), and the Department has separately banned large and off-road motorcycles from parks by Director-General's Rule. Acts affecting the ecosystem — the clause that covers cutting or rutting trail: up to 5 years' imprisonment, a fine up to ฿500,000, or both (s.42). Blocking or obstructing a way, or entering to carry on an activity for profit — which reaches guided and paid tours: up to 2 years' imprisonment, a fine up to ฿200,000, or both (s.44). Failing to comply with an official's order or the Director-General's Rule, including the motorcycle ban: a fine up to ฿100,000 (s.47). Your bike can be confiscated under s.56 whether or not you own it and whether or not anyone is convicted.

Quoted text is from the Office of the Council of State's unofficial English translations. Only the Thai originals have legal force, and enforcement varies by park and by season. This is not legal advice — if in doubt, ask at the park office. More on riding responsibly here.

About this route

A fun, easy route through the Huai Nam Daeng National park to the small town of Muang Khong before heading South to Mae Taeng and finally to Chiang Mai

Ride safe

Trail conditions change — always confirm locally before riding, and never ride alone.

Trail details

Distance
123 km
Elevation gain
2964 m
Duration
Full Day
Best season
Year Round
Fuel stops
In Muang Khong
Water crossings
A Few Small Ones
Difficulty
EASY
Country
Thailand

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