Quiet Roads of Mae Rim: A Beginner’s Motorbike Route from Chiang Mai

Mae Rim is the easiest place to discover riding in Northern Thailand. Just 20–30 minutes north of Chiang Mai, the Mae Sa Valley swaps city traffic for quiet two-lane roads, green hills, waterfalls and coffee shops with a view. This guide shows you a beginner-friendly half-day route, where the roads get harder, and which bike to take.

Why Mae Rim is ideal for new riders

• Light traffic: once you leave the main road north, the valley road is far calmer than the city.
• Gentle roads: the first part of the Mae Rim–Samoeng road (Route 1096) runs along the valley floor with easy bends and good asphalt.
• Close to town: you can turn back at any point and ride home the same way; from the waterfall it is usually 30–40 minutes, more in traffic.
• Plenty of stops: waterfalls, gardens, cafés and fuel stations along the way, so you never ride far without a break.

A beginner route: Chiang Mai → Mae Sa Valley → back

1. Leave the city early. Head north out of the Old City towards Mae Rim on Route 107. This is the busiest part of the trip: keep left, stay in the slow lane and let cars overtake.
2. Turn left onto Route 1096 in Mae Rim, signposted to Mae Sa and Samoeng. The traffic drops almost immediately.
3. Mae Sa Waterfall is the first big stop, a short walk from the road through the forest. It is part of Doi Suthep–Pui National Park, so there is an entrance fee.
4. Continue to the Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden, with glasshouses and a canopy walkway above the forest. Great for a long break in the shade.
5. Coffee and lunch: the valley has many cafés and garden restaurants, from simple noodle shops to places with a view over the hills.
6. Ride back the same way while it is still light. The valley road is just as nice in the other direction.

Where the roads get harder

Past the Botanic Garden, Route 1096 starts to climb, and the bends get tighter. Two popular trips go higher:

• Mon Cham (Mon Jam): a hilltop park with flower fields, cool air and wide views. The side road up is short but steep, with tight turns. Take it slowly, use a bike with enough power, and avoid it in the rain.
• The Samoeng Loop: roughly 100 km through the mountains and back to Chiang Mai, with many hairpin bends and long descents. It is one of the most beautiful rides around the city, but it is not a beginner route. Ride Mae Rim first, and come back for the loop when you feel at home on the bike.
• An easy next step: the Sticky Waterfall (Bua Tong), about 60 km north on a main road, where you walk up the waterfall itself. Before longer rides, read our guide to riding a scooter in Chiang Mai.

Which bike to take

• Valley only: a light 125 cc automatic like the Yamaha Fino, Fazzio or Grand Filano is perfect and easy to handle.
• Mon Cham or the Samoeng Loop: choose more power and better brakes, such as the Honda Click 160, Yamaha NMax 155 or Aerox 155. For two people on the loop, the Honda ADV350 is the comfortable choice.

Safety tips for the ride

• Carry your license and IDP. There are checkpoints on the way out of the city (see our guide to riding legally in Thailand).
• Wear your helmet, and make sure your passenger does too. Two helmets come with every Fleet rental.
• Fill up before the climbs, and carry water and a rain jacket. Showers come quickly, especially from May to October.
• Be back before dark: the valley roads have little lighting.
• Want to see elephants? Choose a sanctuary that does not offer riding or shows.

Frequently asked questions

How far is Mae Rim from Chiang Mai?

Mae Rim town is about 20 minutes north of the Old City, and the Mae Sa Waterfall about 30–40 minutes (22 km from our office), depending on traffic.

Is the Mae Rim ride OK for a first-time rider?

The valley road to the waterfall and the Botanic Garden is one of the gentlest rides around Chiang Mai. You should already be comfortable riding in traffic, as the first part out of the city is busy.

Can I combine Mae Rim with the Samoeng Loop?

Yes, Mae Rim is the start of the loop. Plan a full day, and only do it if you are an experienced rider.

Last reviewed: September 2026. Road conditions, opening hours and entrance fees change; check before you go.