Starting Point To begin the loop counter-clockwise, head south out of Chiang Mai city center on Route 108 toward Hang Dong. Drive for approximately 10-12 kilometers until you reach the major Samoeng Intersection. Turn right onto Route 1269. The mountain ascent begins almost immediately after this turn.

Key Route Facts

• Total Distance: Approximately 100 kilometers (62 miles) for the full circuit returning to Chiang Mai.
• Duration: Plan for 2.5 to 4 hours of driving time, depending on your pace and stops.
• Road Composition: The route utilizes Route 1269 for the initial ascent and southern leg, connecting to Route 1096 for the northern return leg via Mae Rim.
• Driving Character (Southward Start): This orientation offers an immediate engagement with technical driving. You face a steep, twisting climb right away on Route 1269, tackling the sharpest hairpins while going uphill. The second half of the drive (Route 1096) becomes a more gradual, sweeping descent back toward the valley.

As you drive the loop in this direction, the scenery unfolds in the following sequence:

• Immediate Ascent & The "Seven Bends": Shortly after turning onto Route 1269, you enter dense forest and begin climbing rapidly. You will soon encounter the famous "Seven Bends"—a dramatic section of stacked, steep switchbacks that you will climb up through the jungle.
• Rural Agriculture & Samoeng Town: As the road flattens near the midpoint, the dense canopy opens up to reveal terraced farms, strawberry plantations, and the small town of Samoeng itself.
• Samoeng Forest Viewpoint: On the return leg (Route 1096), you will reach this prominent pull-off on your left. It offers sweeping panoramic views of the forested mountains you just traversed.
• Sweeping Descent: The final stretch toward Mae Rim features wider, faster, sweeping curves shaded by an impressive "tunnel of green" overhanging canopy before returning to the valley floor.