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.
每日安排
第 1 天 · Lamphun to Lampang Old Street
清邁（南奔哈里奔猜寺） → 南邦（班紹納柚木屋、嘎空塔老街）
Drive from Chiang Mai to Lamphun (approx. 40m), then continue to Lampang (approx. 1h, around 100 km in total).
住宿：嘎空塔老街
第 2 天 · Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat to 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.
住宿：Phrae
第 3 天 · Phae Mueang Phi & Stargazing Peak
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.
住宿：Doi Samer Dao Campground
第 4 天 · Down the Mountain to Nan Old City
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.
住宿：難府老城
第 5 天 · Cross Doi Phu Kha to the Salt Wells
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.
住宿：Bo Kluea
第 6 天 · Via Pua to Phayao
難府 → Phayao
Drive down the mountain from Bo Kluea back to Pua, and continue through Chiang Kham to Phayao (approx. 4–5h, around 200 km).
住宿：Phayao
第 7 天 · Phayao back to Chiang Mai
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.