The Sob Guay Loop

This scenic loop takes you north to Mae Taeng District, offering a variety of attractions that showcase the charm of rural northern Thailand. You’ll encounter rice paddies, lesser-known but beautiful temples, lush green mountain roads, coffee plantations nestled in the jungle, wild rivers with rafting opportunities, and professional elephant camps. Along the way, enjoy interacting with friendly locals at small roadside shops and cafes.

Tags:

• Mountain Road
• River
• Elephant Camps
• Forest/Nature
• Rice Paddies
• Shorter Full-Day Tour

Tour Data:

• Route Numbers (per Google Maps): 107 – 3009 – 1095 – 3052 – 107 – 1414 – 1001
• Road Condition: Good asphalt roads; some stretches of concrete roads, slightly bumpy in places
• Distance: Approximately 140 km
• Driving Time (without stops): 4 hours
• Tour Map: Google Map Link

Directions and Highlights

Starting Point:

Begin at the R107 junction outside the moat at Chang Puak (North Gate).

Rice Paddy Road (R3009)

1. Take R107 Chang Puak Road north for 15 km to Mae Rim. At the market, turn left onto R3009, known as the “Rice Paddy Road.”
2. This road runs parallel to the main R107 highway and takes you through charming villages and picturesque rice paddies.

Highlights:

• Erotic Garden (6 km): A quirky and signposted attraction worth a quick stop.
• The Saloon: A whimsical structure in the middle of the rice paddies on the left.
• Wat Prakat Tham (15 km): A peaceful temple with a giant banyan tree and a small market across the road (more vibrant in the evening).

Optional Detour:
For the adventurous, take a side trip to Wat Phutthabat Si Roi (18 km one way), a stunning hilltop temple. Add at least one hour to your tour time.

3. Continue for 10 km on R3009 to reach the R1095 Mae Malai-Pai Road junction.

Into the Mountains (R3052)

1. Turn left onto R1095 and stop at the last 7-Eleven (2 km) if needed. Then, turn right onto R3052, which takes you into lush green mountains.

Highlights:

• Mountain Roads: The first 15 km are perfect asphalt with twisty roads and minimal traffic, making it a dream for smaller motorbikes. Larger bikes may find the tight turns challenging.
• Coffee Plantations: Hidden among the jungle, these plantations produce coffee served at nearby cafes. Stop at one of the fancy coffee shops for a treat and enjoy the views.

2. Near the top, the road transitions to bumpy concrete. After descending steeply, you’ll arrive at Sob Guay, where you’ll cross the Mae Taeng River on a surprisingly large bridge.

Sob Guay and the Mae Taeng River

1. To the left of the bridge is a bamboo raft resort offering river rafting adventures. While most visitors book in advance, you might get lucky by asking at the resort.
2. After crossing the bridge, turn right to follow the Mae Taeng River for 25 km.

Highlights:

• Elephant Camps: Some of the best camps around Chiang Mai are located along this road.
• River Rafting Camps: Enjoy the natural beauty and adventure opportunities.
• Coffee in Wild: A standout coffee shop, ideal for a relaxing break.

3. The road eventually reconnects with R107, just north of Mae Taeng.

Strange Stops on the Way Back

1. Turn right onto R107 (or left with a U-turn shortly after) and drive 9 km to Air Diamond Coffee and Hotel.

Highlights:

• A decommissioned Airbus is parked here, converted into a café with upmarket prices and a 100 Baht admission fee. It’s a unique, albeit touristy, experience.

Return to Chiang Mai

From Air Diamond Coffee, choose one of three routes back to Chiang Mai:

1. R107: The most direct route but very busy with traffic.
2. R1414 to R1001: Turn left onto R1414, then right onto R1001 for a faster and easier ride.
3. R1095 to R3009: Retrace your steps along the scenic Rice Paddy Road. This is the slowest but most enjoyable option.

Summary

The Sob Guay Loop offers a condensed experience of northern Thailand’s countryside, with a mix of natural beauty, cultural landmarks, and unique stops. Whether you’re sipping coffee in the jungle or rafting along the Mae Taeng River, this loop is an ideal full-day escape from Chiang Mai. For the adventurous, the twisty mountain roads and occasional bumpy sections add a touch of excitement.

Enjoy the ride!