26.11.24 – Day 26 North of Thailand
Motorbike Adventure: Ban Mae Surin to Mae Sariang
We woke up to a not so chilly morning after spending the night in the small mountain village of Ban Mae Surin. Our accommodations were incredibly basic—no electricity from 11 PM until we departed, and the temperature dropped to a bone-chilling 5°C. The mattress was hard, our backs ached, and the cold made it one of the most uncomfortable nights I’ve ever experienced in Thailand. Despite that, we were ready to hit the road again.
Coffee and Community: A Morning Discovery
After a short ride out of the village, we stumbled upon a cozy little coffee shop run by the local school children. These young entrepreneurs were involved in every step of the process—from harvesting the coffee beans to roasting and serving a delicious cup of Arabica coffee. The shop was warm, inviting, and the perfect place to thaw out from the cold morning air. With coffee in hand and the morning sun shining down on us, the views from this spot felt even more rewarding.
We took our time enjoying the coffee, the views, and the crisp air before continuing our descent down the mountain. The ride itself was beautiful—filled with winding roads, challenging descents, and steep twists—but the views that came with the effort were worth every moment.
Scenic Roads: The Journey to Mae Sariang
We made our way onto Route 118, a well-known part of the famous Mae Hong Son loop. This 100 km stretch of road was smooth, curvy, and absolutely breathtaking. The tarmac was in great condition, the twists and turns offered thrilling riding, and the surrounding forests added to the serene beauty of the route. It was a fantastic contrast to the smaller, more technical mountain paths from the morning, allowing for a relaxed and enjoyable ride.
The combination of good roads, stunning nature, and an easy pace made for one of the most enjoyable rides we’ve had so far. With the sun shining and temperatures warming up, the ride felt effortless and peaceful.
Arrival in Mae Sariang
We rolled into Mae Sariang, our destination for the next two days, and checked into our favorite resort. At just 500 Baht per night, it’s a perfect budget-friendly spot tucked away in a quiet, natural location. Mae Sariang offers the perfect blend of comfort, affordability, and scenery, allowing for some much-needed relaxation after a day on the road.
It was remarkable how quickly the temperature shifted after arriving. While the mountain was cold and misty this morning, Mae Sariang had transformed into a warm, sunny escape. It felt strange to think how cold we were just a few hours ago!
Route 4009: A Hidden Gem
The ride today totaled 170 km—a combination of mountain roads, twisting descents, and smooth forest paths. One route worth noting for skilled riders is Route 4009, which offers an adventurous, scenic ride through the lush landscapes of Northern Thailand. This route has its challenges but rewards experienced riders with unforgettable views and twists.
Final Thoughts
Today’s ride was another incredible mix of challenges, beauty, and serenity. From the cold, quiet village of Ban Mae Surin to the smooth, winding roads leading into Mae Sariang, this day had it all. A mix of cold mornings, community coffee breaks, epic curves, and warm afternoons—this is the magic of exploring Northern Thailand by motorbike.
Stay tuned and enjoy yourself!
#dustysocks
It’s really relax coffee time in the morning