Lampang, Phrae & Nan Scenic Loop

Drive east from Chiang Mai through Lampang, Phrae, Nan, and Bo Kluea on a less-traveled mountain loop.

A quieter alternative to the Mae Hong Son Loop for exploring Northern Thailand. Pass through Lamphun, Lampang, and Phrae to enter Nan, stay overnight at Doi Samer Dao to stargaze, then cross the mountains to the ancient salt wells of Bo Kluea, and return to Chiang Mai via Phayao. The murals of Wat Phumin and the teakwood old streets are cultural highlights. The route is long with narrow mountain roads, making it ideal for repeat visitors to Northern Thailand who prefer quiet towns.

November to February is the best time for sea of clouds and stargazing; road conditions on the Doi Phu Kha section are poor during the rainy season.

Day by day

Day 1 · Lamphun to Lampang Old Street

Chiang Mai（Wat Phra That Hariphunchai） → Lampang（Baan Sao Nak、Kad Kong Ta Street）

Drive from Chiang Mai to Lamphun (approx. 40m), then continue to Lampang (approx. 1h, around 100 km in total).

Stay: Kad Kong Ta Old Street

Day 2 · Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat to Phrae

Lampang（Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat Phrachomklao Rachanusorn） → Phrae

Drive from Lampang to Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat (approx. 1h), transfer to the temple's shuttle up the mountain, and drive to Phrae (approx. 2h).

The mountain path to the cliffside pagodas is steep and requires physical effort; wear non-slip shoes.

Stay: Phrae

Day 3 · Phae Mueang Phi & Stargazing Peak

Nan（Sao Din Na Noi、Doi Samer Dao）

Drive from Phrae along Route 101 to Na Noi (approx. 2h), then follow Route 1083 to Doi Samer Dao.

Check campsite tent availability in advance; the mountaintop gets very cold at night.

Stay: Doi Samer Dao Campground

Day 4 · Down the Mountain to Nan Old City

Nan（Wat Phra That Chae Haeng、Wat Phumin、Nan National Museum）

Drive from Doi Samer Dao to Nan (approx. 1.5h), passing by Wat Phra That Chae Haeng, and explore the Old City on foot in the afternoon.

Stay: Nan Old Town

Day 5 · Cross Doi Phu Kha to the Salt Wells

Nan（Doi Phu Kha National Park、Bo Kluea Salt Wells、Sapan Village）

Drive from Nan through Pua up Doi Phu Kha (approx. 2h), and cross the mountain to Bo Kluea (approx. 1.5h).

Route 1256 has sharp curves and steep slopes; drive slowly in foggy conditions and avoid driving at night.

Stay: Bo Kluea

Day 6 · Via Pua to Phayao

Nan → Phayao

Drive down the mountain from Bo Kluea back to Pua, and continue through Chiang Kham to Phayao (approx. 4–5h, around 200 km).

Stay: Phayao

Day 7 · Phayao back to Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai（San Kamphaeng Hot Springs）

Take Route 118 from Phayao back to Chiang Mai (approx. 3h), with an optional stop at hot springs along the way, and return the car in the afternoon.