Home/Routes/The Long Way to Pai

The Long Way to Pai

EASY
247 km5991 mFull DayNovember - FebruaryVerified May 2026
Permit only

This route passes through 3 protected areas

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

  • 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.

  • Doi Inthanon 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.

  • 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.

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 full day route best done in the dry season as wet and slick trail conditions will make this route quite long. Nearly 250 km of road, concrete, and dirt, this is a full view of the 4x4 dirt roads between Chiang Mai, Samoeng, Wat Chan and Pai. A great route.

Ride safe

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

Trail details

Distance
247 km
Elevation gain
5991 m
Duration
Full Day
Best season
November - February
Fuel stops
In Small Villages
Water crossings
A Few
Difficulty
EASY
Country
Thailand

Video

Reviews

Ridden it?

Leave the first review.