Complete guide to bus travel from Chiang Mai to Mae Hong Son — schedules, prices, operators and booking tips.
Mae Hong Son province, nestled in a valley surrounded by mountains on the Myanmar border, is one of Thailand's most remote and atmospheric destinations — a world away from the tourist trail.
Mae Hong Son is Thailand's most isolated provincial capital — surrounded by mountains, bordering Myanmar and home to a Shan-influenced culture quite distinct from mainstream Thai society. The journey there is an adventure in itself.
The road from Chiang Mai to Mae Hong Son is winding and mountainous, passing through forested hills, highland valleys and occasional hilltribe villages. The two routes — northern (via Pai) and southern (via Mae Sariang) — are both scenic, though the southern route is longer. Most buses take the shorter northern route via Pai.
The city itself is built around a beautiful lake, Nong Jong Kham, fringed with temples. The most photographed image of Mae Hong Son is the pair of Burmese-style white chedis reflected in the morning mist over the lake.
Day trips from Mae Hong Son include Tham Pla (Fish Cave), the Padaung (long-neck Karen) villages, and Doi Kong Mu temple overlooking the city. The surrounding hills are excellent for trekking to hilltribe villages.
A convenient option is to bus from Chiang Mai to Mae Hong Son, explore the province, then fly back to Chiang Mai — Mae Hong Son has a small airport with daily flights.
The following operators run regular services on the Chiang Mai–Mae Hong Son route:
Compare prices across all operators before booking — fares can vary significantly by class and season.
Departures: 06:00 / 08:00 / 21:00
From: Arcade Bus Terminal (Terminal 2), Chiang Mai
To: Mae Hong Son Bus Terminal
Schedules may vary by operator and season. Confirm departure times when booking, particularly during Thai public holidays.
✅ Sit on the right side of the bus for the best mountain views. Take motion sickness medication.
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Book 1–2 days ahead on weekdays. During Songkran (April), New Year and long weekends, book at least one week in advance — buses sell out fast on popular routes.