We were really excited about a day on our own zipping around Chiang Mai in a scooter. We used to enjoy motorcycle rides when we were dating, until Chris sold his motorcycle to buy something dumb like couches for our house when we got married.
We rented ours from POP Big Bike Rental on Kotchasarn Road, and they were easy to work with, honest, and even arranged delivery through our hotel. Before we knew it, we were heading out for a full-day ride around the famous Samoeng Loop—one of the most scenic routes in northern Thailand.
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Mae Sa Waterfall
Our first stop was Mae Sa Waterfall, and it was the perfect way to start the day.
The waterfall has multiple tiers, totaling ten different levels. We parked at the third level before walking upward. The trail wasn’t difficult, and it was beautifully shaded with mossy stone steps and jungle greenery all around.
We spent about 1.5–2 hours here exploring different levels. While not the most dramatic waterfall in Thailand, what makes it special is how interactive it is—you don’t just see one waterfall, you experience many small cascades as you move up.
Most of the water areas are off-limits for swimming due to currents, but there are a few designated spots where you can cool off. We didn’t swim, but we did pause at the parking area for smoothies, a common theme you may have noticed while dealing with the Chiang Mai heat.
You’ll notice in most of the pictures from this day, I am wearing a green cooling towel. These worked surprisingly well! I mean, it was definitely still hot, but it made me a bit more comfortable in the humid heat!
Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden
We also passed through the Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden, which is a popular stop in this region. It’s known for its elevated canopy walkway and expansive plant collections, but we kept this visit short since we were focused on riding the loop. It did look nice enough to dedicate more time on a future visit.
Hoo Coffee & a Hidden Trail
Around noon, we stopped at Hoo Coffee, a quirky jungle café perfectly situated along the Samoeung Loop.
We grabbed fruit drinks and explored a small path behind the café that led down stairs and across a bridge into the greenery. It wasn’t a major hike, more of a hidden surprise trail accessible only through the café. It’s definitely worth a stop!
Chris was more interested in cooling off, so I walked down the short trail on my own.
Nearby, there was an amusement park called Pongyang Jungle Coaster & Zipline that Hoo Coffee suggested we stop at, but we had a lot on our agenda already and couldn’t spare the time. We were also tempted to visit Mon Jam garden, a Hmong village with flower gardens and seasonal strawberry picking.
Riding Through the Samoeng Forest
After leaving Hoo Coffee, we continued through the Samoeng Forest. The vibrant green stretches in every direction—completely different from the drier climate we were used to back home in Utah.
The roads wind tightly through mountains, and in some sections we had to slow down constantly due to blind curves and local traffic – and at one point, we slowed down for passing elephants! Not something we’re used to seeing on our normal daily commute!
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
By late afternoon, we arrived at one of Chiang Mai’s most iconic temples: Wat Phra That Doi Suthep.
The approach alone is unforgettable—over 300 steps lined with ornate naga serpent railings leading up to a golden temple that overlooks the entire city.
At the top, visitors remove their shoes before entering the sacred area. The temple itself is stunning, with golden structures that shimmer in the sunlight and the sound of a large ceremonial gong echoing through the courtyard.
It’s both physically and visually striking—absolutely worth the climb. And really, the stairs are not bad. At least they were mostly evenly spaced!
Mountain Roads & Hmong Village
Before moving on from the Doi Suthep area, we walked around some local shops. I desperately wanted one of the dresses that the beautiful women of Singapore Airlines were wearing, but instead I found a nice Thai dress. I ended up getting one for my baby girl at home too.
After the temple, we continued higher into the mountains along a narrow, winding road. We were advised to beep our horns consistently because it’s a narrow winding road with a lot of blind corners and frequent oncoming traffic – and especially since the sun was starting to set. It was beautiful scenery and a fun adventure.
At the top, there were some vendors from a local Hmong village selling handmade crafts. We picked up embroidered baby shoes for our babies back at home.
And the view! It was amazing, definitely worth the drive!
Chiang Mai Night Market
At this point, we headed back to our hotel in Old City Chiang Mai and got ready to head to the night market for dinner.
We wandered through food stalls very close to Wat Chedi Luang and settled on a street vendor meal. After not being daring enough to try crickets at the Warorot Market, I wanted to be a little more adventurous.
I thought it would be fun and daring to try the noodles just sitting on the counter. It was common to see just huge piles of noodles out in the open. I assumed they’d get some tongs and plop the noodles onto a plate and hand it to me.
But instead they took my portion and cooked it in a pan and added fresh ingredients. So it didn’t end up being that daring after all.
Chris’s biggest concern was getting an ice cold drink – he made sure to get a slushy Coke.
Since we like to get painting from local artists, at the street market we found the most beautiful painting. We asked the vendor what it was a painting of, and she went and grabbed her mom who actually painted it. There was definitely a language barrier – rather than giving us a specific place that she painted, she said it was “olden time Thailand.”
When we asked the price, I don’t remember exactly the THB, but it would have been about $5 USD – and it was hand painted and incredibly beautiful. I have the feeling that we could have talked her down in the price, but instead we gave her double – or about $10 USD. She was completely overjoyed and couldn’t believe it – she threw in a beautiful toy elephant as a thank you.
Chris framed it himself when we got home using a small amount of teak – native to Thailand.
We also picked up a carved teak elephant family and a garuda bird figure. The garudas we saw throughout the Grand Palace in Bangkok had been one of our favorite design elements, so it felt fitting to bring one home.
Wat Chedi Luang at Night
Before ending the day, we made one last quiet stop at Wat Chedi Luang.
At night, the massive ancient brick chedi feels completely different—calmer, softer, and almost glowing under the lights. It was the perfect way to close out a full day of motion, noise, and discovery.
Up Next
This day spent on our own riding through the Samoeng Loop was probably our favorite day in Chiang Mai. Every day in Chiang Mai was amazing in its own way, and we loved our time with Dome and the elephants. But there’s just something about exploring on your own at your own pace that can’t be beat. If you ever get the chance to rent a scooter in Chiang Mai, DO IT!
We were sorry to say goodbye to Chiang Mai, but our next stop in Khao Sok National Park staying at Anurak Community Lodge was its own out-of-this-world experience.
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