Riding West Out Of Pai To The Elephant Trail And Back.

Moto-Rex

0
Subscribed
Jan 5, 2008
961
337
63
Riding west out of Pai to the elephant trail and back.

This track is a great ride. It heads west out of Pai to the elephant trail, which runs between Samoeng and Mae Hong Son. So, you can ride to Mae Hong Song or even head back to Chiang Mai by using this track. Also you could ride to Pai from Chiang Mai on the elephant trail, and not have to ride the tar road out of Wat Chan.


Blue line is the Elephant Trail. (what I call the elephant trial anyway)
Yellow is the track from Pai.
Red is a great little loop through beautiful farm land.

Paiearth.jpg


One of the great things about riding in Thailand, is that there’s always an Amazon Cafe close by to get a caffeine fix before taking off on a ride.
Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%201.jpg


The start of this track is sensational. Just stunning through here, and a great little out and back ride for anyone on a road bike staying in Pai.
Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%202.jpg


It doesn’t get much better than this,…suns out, and the mountains are waiting.
Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%203.jpg


Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%204.jpg


Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%205.jpg



The tarmac disappears about 15 kms in, and then the dirt track follows this river for a while.

Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%206.jpg


Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%207.jpg


After a few more kilometres you start climbing into the mountains, and there’s a few really long steep climbs.
Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%208.jpg


Although it doesn’t look like it in this photo, it’s a long way down if you were to go over the edge.
Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%209.jpg


My little camera doesn’t show it, but the view here gives you the WOW factor.
Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%2010.jpg


Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%2011.jpg


My first attempt at panorama photography.
Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%2012.jpg


Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%2013.jpg


Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%2014.jpg


This is the spot where I meet the Elephant Trail, although I didn’t realize it till I plugged the gps to my computer back in Pai.
Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%2015.jpg


Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%2016.jpg


Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%2017.jpg


Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%2018.jpg


I rode a bit further and arrived at this little town where I top up on fuel.
Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%2019.jpg


I rode a little further and I thought this must be the elephant trail but at the time I wasn’t sure.
Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%2020.jpg


Yep. Your going to say, why didn’t you go left of the rut Rex. Well the rut was on the left when I started at the bottom of the hill. Bloody steep hill at that. lol. As I was riding up, the only line left tightened up. I was trying hold on to that edge. Fail LOL.
Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%2021.jpg


I probably should of keep going to Mae Hong Son, but I wanted to check out a little loop out of Pai on the way back.

This is the start of the loop that goes through farm land out of Pai.
Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%2022.jpg



Note the dark clouds forming in the distance.

Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%2023.jpg


Great riding through here.
Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%2024.jpg


Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%2025.jpg


Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%2026.jpg


I arrived back in Pai around 4 o’clock , and only just beat the rain. By the time I had unpacked the bike and walked in my room, the storm which was to last about an hour, had started. For about 5 minutes of that hour, the wind and rain was like nothing Ive ever seen. All the power went out, and when I walked to the main street of Pai a little later this is what it looked like.

The Main street of Pai around 7pm.
Thailand%20Pai%20%201.jpg


Main problem was that a big tree had blown over taking few power poles with it.
Thailand%20Pai%20%202.jpg


Looking at this pole which was opposite the one above. I thought how the hell are they going work all this out. But they must have some super stars working for the electricity company, because the power was back on at 9.30pm.
Thailand%20Pai%20%203.jpg


Another great day out in the north.


Moto-Rex

 
Last edited:
Mar 30, 2010
2,136
300
83
Another ripper Rex..

Some nice mountain shots and you did well with you panoramic images.

Cheers
Brian
 

ianyonok

0
Subscribed
Dec 9, 2008
1,082
862
113
Photos are good, but never like what the eye sees. This time of year is just the BEST for scenery. Great time for offroading, but need to be careful.... hahaha..
 
Oct 9, 2015
16
12
3
Riding west out of Pai to the elephant trail and back.

This track is a great ride. It heads west out of Pai to the elephant trail, which runs between Samoeng and Mae Hong Son. So, you can ride to Mae Hong Song or even head back to Chiang Mai by using this track. Also you could ride to Pai from Chiang Mai on the elephant trail, and not have to ride the tar road out of Wat Chan.


Blue line is the Elephant Trail. (what I call the elephant trial anyway)
Yellow is the track from Pai.
Red is a great little loop through beautiful farm land.

Paiearth.jpg


One of the great things about riding in Thailand, is that there’s always an Amazon Cafe close by to get a caffeine fix before taking off on a ride.
Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%201.jpg


The start of this track is sensational. Just stunning through here, and a great little out and back ride for anyone on a road bike staying in Pai.
Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%202.jpg


It doesn’t get much better than this,…suns out, and the mountains are waiting.
Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%203.jpg


Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%204.jpg


Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%205.jpg



The tarmac disappears about 15 kms in, and then the dirt track follows this river for a while.

Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%206.jpg


Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%207.jpg


After a few more kilometres you start climbing into the mountains, and there’s a few really long steep climbs.
Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%208.jpg


Although it doesn’t look like it in this photo, it’s a long way down if you were to go over the edge.
Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%209.jpg


My little camera doesn’t show it, but the view here gives you the WOW factor.
Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%2010.jpg


Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%2011.jpg


My first attempt at panorama photography.
Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%2012.jpg


Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%2013.jpg


Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%2014.jpg


This is the spot where I meet the Elephant Trail, although I didn’t realize it till I plugged the gps to my computer back in Pai.
Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%2015.jpg


Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%2016.jpg


Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%2017.jpg


Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%2018.jpg


I rode a bit further and arrived at this little town where I top up on fuel.
Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%2019.jpg


I rode a little further and I thought this must be the elephant trail but at the time I wasn’t sure.
Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%2020.jpg


Yep. Your going to say, why didn’t you go left of the rut Rex. Well the rut was on the left when I started at the bottom of the hill. Bloody steep hill at that. lol. As I was riding up, the only line left tightened up. I was trying hold on to that edge. Fail LOL.
Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%2021.jpg


I probably should of keep going to Mae Hong Son, but I wanted to check out a little loop out of Pai on the way back.

This is the start of the loop that goes through farm land out of Pai.
Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%2022.jpg



Note the dark clouds forming in the distance.

Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%2023.jpg


Great riding through here.
Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%2024.jpg


Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%2025.jpg


Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%2026.jpg


I arrived back in Pai around 4 o’clock , and only just beat the rain. By the time I had unpacked the bike and walked in my room, the storm which was to last about an hour, had started. For about 5 minutes of that hour, the wind and rain was like nothing Ive ever seen. All the power went out, and when I walked to the main street of Pai a little later this is what it looked like.

The Main street of Pai around 7pm.
Thailand%20Pai%20%201.jpg


Main problem was that a big tree had blown over taking few power poles with it.
Thailand%20Pai%20%202.jpg


Looking at this pole which was opposite the one above. I thought how the hell are they going work all this out. But they must have some super stars working for the electricity company, because the power was back on at 9.30pm.
Thailand%20Pai%20%203.jpg


Another great day out in the north.


Moto-Rex
Looks great. Amazing landscapes and views!
 

Attachments

  • Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%203.jpg
    Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%203.jpg
    83.2 KB · Views: 168
  • Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%202.jpg
    Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%202.jpg
    142.8 KB · Views: 160
  • Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%201.jpg
    Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%201.jpg
    91 KB · Views: 206
  • Paiearth.jpg
    Paiearth.jpg
    98.8 KB · Views: 186
  • Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%204.jpg
    Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%204.jpg
    123.6 KB · Views: 213
  • Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%205.jpg
    Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%205.jpg
    62.5 KB · Views: 161
  • Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%206.jpg
    Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%206.jpg
    120 KB · Views: 217
  • Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%207.jpg
    Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%207.jpg
    119 KB · Views: 166
  • Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%2010.jpg
    Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%2010.jpg
    127.2 KB · Views: 161
  • Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%209.jpg
    Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%209.jpg
    188.9 KB · Views: 154
  • Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%208.jpg
    Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%208.jpg
    144.9 KB · Views: 194
  • Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%2011.jpg
    Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%2011.jpg
    135.3 KB · Views: 169
  • Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%2012.jpg
    Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%2012.jpg
    61.2 KB · Views: 150
  • Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%2013.jpg
    Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%2013.jpg
    119 KB · Views: 203
  • Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%2017.jpg
    Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%2017.jpg
    130.3 KB · Views: 165
  • Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%2016.jpg
    Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%2016.jpg
    136.5 KB · Views: 153
  • Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%2015.jpg
    Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%2015.jpg
    86.5 KB · Views: 210
  • Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%2014.jpg
    Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%2014.jpg
    124.9 KB · Views: 158
  • Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%2021.jpg
    Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%2021.jpg
    136.8 KB · Views: 189
  • Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%2020.jpg
    Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%2020.jpg
    161.6 KB · Views: 168
  • Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%2019.jpg
    Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%2019.jpg
    101.2 KB · Views: 212
  • Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%2018.jpg
    Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%2018.jpg
    53.4 KB · Views: 165
  • Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%2024.jpg
    Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%2024.jpg
    150.1 KB · Views: 207
  • Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%2023.jpg
    Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%2023.jpg
    110.8 KB · Views: 215
  • Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%2022.jpg
    Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%2022.jpg
    90.5 KB · Views: 159
  • Thailand%20Pai%20%203.jpg
    Thailand%20Pai%20%203.jpg
    62.6 KB · Views: 186
  • Thailand%20Pai%20%202.jpg
    Thailand%20Pai%20%202.jpg
    56.5 KB · Views: 151
  • Thailand%20Pai%20%201.jpg
    Thailand%20Pai%20%201.jpg
    16.6 KB · Views: 201
  • Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%2026.jpg
    Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%2026.jpg
    146.3 KB · Views: 177
  • Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%2025.jpg
    Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%2025.jpg
    152.7 KB · Views: 155

DavidFL

0
Staff member
Subscribed
Jan 16, 2003
14,428
5,260
113
70
Chiang Khong
www.thegtrider.com
Great little find that Pai - elephant trail link up.
I'm sure a lot of guys will want to do that one now as an alternative route to / from MHS - Pai now.

This panorama shot is a beauty
Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%2012.jpg

wide open, mountains, fresh air & a dirt trail to ride.

But this takes the cake (of course)
Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%2021.jpg

glad you didn't hurt yourself.

Thanks for the report 'n hot tip of.
 

Attachments

  • Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%2012.jpg
    Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%2012.jpg
    61.2 KB · Views: 160
  • Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%2021.jpg
    Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%2021.jpg
    136.8 KB · Views: 212

Jacko141

New Member
Sep 17, 2016
1
0
1
58
Perth australia
Great little find that Pai - elephant trail link up.
I'm sure a lot of guys will want to do that one now as an alternative route to / from MHS - Pai now.

This panorama shot is a beauty
Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%2012.jpg

wide open, mountains, fresh air & a dirt trail to ride.

But this takes the cake (of course)
Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%2021.jpg

glad you didn't hurt yourself.

Thanks for the report 'n hot tip of.
Great report mate I'll be there 9/10/2016 want to do the same , is it easy to find
Have you got gps coordinates. Cheers Jacko
 

Attachments

  • Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%2012.jpg
    Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%2012.jpg
    61.2 KB · Views: 143
  • Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%2021.jpg
    Thailand%20Motorcycle%20Pai%2021.jpg
    136.8 KB · Views: 179
Sep 19, 2006
2,393
374
83
62
www.chiangmai-xcentre.com
Great Report,
If I go to Pai I quite often take the Wat Chan Road and do that little Back Loop. Last Time I was there they were still doing that Concrete Section. I also did that Farm Loop once. Really Nice Country side!
 

Moto-Rex

0
Subscribed
Jan 5, 2008
961
337
63
Great Report,
If I go to Pai I quite often take the Wat Chan Road and do that little Back Loop. Last Time I was there they were still doing that Concrete Section. I also did that Farm Loop once. Really Nice Country side!

Yes, its nice country side all around that area. I've got a heap of tracks to check out next trip.
Moto-Rex
 

Ablaze

Member
Mar 10, 2017
11
4
3
41
Chiang Mai
Thanks a lot for the info on this trail Moto-Rex! Spent a few days riding this area as well as some other small tracks.
Yes, its nice country side all around that area. I've got a heap of tracks to check out next trip.
Moto-Rex
Big thanks for the info on this area. Spent a few days trying different tracks, lots to explore for sure!
 

DavidFL

0
Staff member
Subscribed
Jan 16, 2003
14,428
5,260
113
70
Chiang Khong
www.thegtrider.com
Thanks a lot for the info on this trail Moto-Rex! Spent a few days riding this area as well as some other small tracks.

Big thanks for the info on this area. Spent a few days trying different tracks, lots to explore for sure!

Thanks for the feedback.
Pleased to see it all worked out ok for you.

Where were you camping out?
full.jpg
 

Attachments

  • full.jpg
    full.jpg
    73 KB · Views: 167

Moto-Rex

0
Subscribed
Jan 5, 2008
961
337
63
Good to get some feedback, thanks for that Ablaze.
Glad you enjoyed yourself out there.

Moto-Rex
 

blackb15

0
Subscribed
Oct 11, 2009
316
104
43
Good to get some feedback, thanks for that Ablaze.
Glad you enjoyed yourself out there.

Moto-Rex
Rex
Enjoyed the write up well done sounds great and nice photos
?I hope to catch up when I'm back in October- November.
Safe riding
Paul
 
  • Like
Reactions: Moto-Rex

NELSKA

Active Member
Aug 8, 2017
37
27
18
61
Chiang Mai
Wow thank you Moto Rex ! Amazing landscapes and views ! Do you think all these tracks are doable with a V-Strom in dry season ?
Your GPX file work well with my android smartphone, i use a free app "GPX viewer"...
 
Last edited:

Moto-Rex

0
Subscribed
Jan 5, 2008
961
337
63
Hi Nelska.
I would ride as far as you feel comfortable and then turn around.
Its a good ride out and back from Pai, and you could certainly ride most of the way to the elephant trail.
I rode this section of track, and then on to Mae Hong Son about 7 months ago, and I think going all the way to Mae Hong Son on a Vstrom would be a little challenging to say the least.

Moto-Rex
 

canthai

0
Subscribed
Apr 8, 2015
449
232
43
Thanks Rex. Want to do that trail.
What time from Wat Chan to MHS ?
FYI I will be on my CRF with 17's - not knobbys. So Dry season only !
 

Moto-Rex

0
Subscribed
Jan 5, 2008
961
337
63
Pai to MHS via elephant trail I would allow 5-6 hours
Wat Chan to MHS I would allow 4 hours
That's taking it easy and stopping for photos.
 

canthai

0
Subscribed
Apr 8, 2015
449
232
43
Cool ! Thanks !
Rode the new asphalt Samoeng - Wat Chan - Pai route last week. Cough Cough.
Total from Doi Saket was about 7 hours - going slow too.
So easy one day MHS
 

NELSKA

Active Member
Aug 8, 2017
37
27
18
61
Chiang Mai
Hi Moto-Rex
Thank you for your answer.
I will try to do the Elephant Trail as soon as I have changed my road tires for two Mitas E07 which I think is a good compromise. I will make a trip report and we will know if it is possible with heavy V-Strom and two up ... If it gets too complicated, we will turn around ... Mai Pen Rai lol
Thanks again !