Pai to Wiang Haeng

A really cool 53 kms stretch, though it feels like way more due to some of the brutal climbs, linking the airstrip in Pai (Mae Hong Son province) to a cool little guesthouse as u enter Wiang Heang (Chiang Mai province). Roads are a mixture of cement, gravel, rocks, and some sand, so gravel or mountain bike only. If it rains parts of it could be challenging on those not using thick off road tires, but doable. There is a little village called Meuang Noi (literally ‘little village’) roughly half way, so consider resting your legs here for what comes after. The village has water and some very basic food stuff, so best to bring plenty of food / fruit / nuts from Pai for this trip. I encountered very few traffic, though were some trucks as part of the road is being built. 3 climbs, the 1st one is short but challenging, the 2nd one is mild and short, but the 3rd one is brutal, even by the standards of Mae Hong Son. The good thing though is that after this steep-as-hell climb, the remainder (around 13 kms) is mercifully and beautifully downhill. Around half of the drivers gave me a thumbs up when passing me by, likely because they have seen few if any cyclists around here. At the beginning of the trip, you do enter a National Park, the Huy Nam Dang, which theroetically means you have to pay an entrance fee, get a ticket, etc. Perhaps the rangers were too shocked to ask me to pay, and never mentioned it, but they could do. Phone signal was mostly weak or outright non-existing throughout the trip though there was some connection. If anything happens along the way (bike has a mechanical problem you can’t fix, your legs can no longer take the climbs, etc) don’t be shy about asking for a ride with one of the pick up trucks that pass by, as someone should help you out :) Don’t be fooled by the relatively short distance to cover, it might not sound as much but with them steep climbs you will need to rest a few times, so think of it as a one full day endeavour. Nice views of the forested mountains around you, which is the norm in stunning Mae Hong Son. If you fancy some food and a fine and relatively cheap place to stay (THB599 for an air con room) do contact these awesome dudes at Khon Meuang Hang 089-998-7997. All in all, very challenging, but very quiet and beautiful. An alternative way to leave Pai back to Chiang Mai, avoiding 99% of the traffic. Do Enjoy :)