Driving the Mae Hong Son Loop
Driving along the Mae Hong Son Loop is definitely an experience that not many actually do! A lot of people take a day trip from Chiang Mai to Pai driving part of the route and not experiencing everything it has to offer.
Why the Mae Hong Son Loop:
- The winding roads and scenery are breath taking.
- If you want somewhere quiet, scenic, not touristy
- Discover villages like Mae Sariang which are full of locals
- Finding stops which feel like absolute hidden gems
You can read about the Mae Hong Son in more depth here: Ultimate Guide to the Mae Hong Son Loop: Tips, Itinerary, and Must-See Stops
Where Is Mae Sariang and Why Stop Here?
It’s on the southern part of the Mae Hong Son Loop. When driving the Mae Hong Son Loop there is no right or wrong way with what direction you take but most people tend to drive it anti clockwise.
It is much quieter than Pai or Mae Hong Son and is very typically Thai. You will not find people who speak English, or if they do – very little so it adds to the authenticity of your trip.
Perfect rest stop if doing the loop at a bit of a slower pace.
If you are heading to or from Pai from this stop then you can discover what to do here: Things to Do in Pai, Thailand: Is It Worth Staying or Just Passing Through
Riverhouse Teak House Overview
Riverhouse Teak House is a charming, traditional-style hotel set right on the banks of the Yuam River in the quiet town of Mae Sariang, in northern Thailand. Built in a classic teakwood style and surrounded by greenery, it feels much more like a peaceful riverside retreat than a standard stopover hotel which is exactly what makes it such a perfect place to stay when traveling the Mae Hong Son Loop.
The hotel is made up of low-rise wooden buildings spread out across beautifully kept gardens, with river views and plenty of quiet corners to sit and relax after a long day of driving. The whole place has a calm, laid-back atmosphere that suits slow travelers, families, and anyone who wants a break from the busier stops like Pai or Chiang Mai.
One of the biggest draws of Riverhouse Teak House is its location. Sitting right by the river, you get lovely views, cooler air in the evenings, and a real sense of being immersed in nature, while still being close enough to Mae Sariang town to easily walk or drive to local restaurants and shops.
If you’re looking for a comfortable, good-value, and peaceful hotel on the Mae Hong Son Loop especially one that doesn’t feel touristy or overcrowded Riverhouse Teak House is a fantastic choice and one of the nicest places to stay in Mae Sariang.
As a side note that, the whole place is made of Teak so the hotel are very strict on no noise in the evening because there certainly isn’t any sound proofing!
What We Loved About Staying Here
- Quiet & peaceful
- Beautiful setting
- Not touristy
- Good value
- Perfect break from driving
Downsides perhaps for some people:
- Town is quiet
- Limited nightlife
- Not for party travelers
- Very little english/western options
Is Riverhouse Teak House Worth It?
It’s perfect for:
- Mae Hong Son Loop travelers
- Slow travel families
- Anyone avoiding crowds
It was one of the most unique places we stayed in. Personally I wouldn’t stay for anymore than 2 nights due to the lack of sound proofing and being light sleepers, but the rooms were beautiful and clean. Also, in terms of things to do in the area it is limiting. It does work better as a stop over breaking up your journey on The Mae Hong Son Loop.
How to Save Money on Hotels in Thailand & Travel Essentials
- How we travel so often (and YOU can too!)
- Traveling as a family isn’t just about booking flights and accommodation.
Thailand is an amazing place with so much to offer so it can feel overwhelming planning your travels which is why I have also created a post weighing up the options on traveling the North or South. North vs South Thailand – How to decide and if you are staying in Chiang Mai before or after your trip around the Mae Hong Son Loop then here is a post about Chiang Mai including a review for one of our favourite hotels in the world – not just Thailand! Our Chiang Mai Family Adventure: Where to Stay, What to Do & Why We’ll Be Back
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