Last Updated on 2025 年 12 月 4 日 by 総合編集組
Chiang Mai to Pai on Route 1095: The Ultimate 762-Curve Self-Drive Guide 2025 – All Must-Stop Spots & Pro Tips
The legendary Highway 1095 between Chiang Mai and Pai is only 135 km (84 miles) long, yet it packs exactly 762 hairpin turns and an elevation swing from 300 m to 1,200 m and back down to 600 m. Riders worldwide call it “Hairpin Heaven”; locals simply call it the road that makes grown men cry from motion sickness. Done right, this is one of the most spectacular mountain drives in Southeast Asia.
Why Route 1095 Is Both Loved and Feared Average one turn every 176 meters, continuous steep gradients, and aggressive minivan drivers trying to complete multiple daily runs make fatigue and carsickness the biggest enemies. Non-stop driving takes 3–3.5 hours, but the smart way is to treat it as a full-day scenic journey with strategic stops.
Pre-Departure Checklist Every Driver Swears By
- Fuel: Right before turning onto 1095 from Highway 107, go straight 700 m further to the big Shell/PTT station – fill up completely.
- Motion sickness: Take Dramamine 30–60 min before leaving. Grab the front seat if taking a minivan.
- Departure time: Leave Chiang Mai before 08:00 to avoid the crazy minivans.
- Best season: November–February (15–25 °C, clearest skies, highest sea-of-clouds chance). Avoid rainy season (Jun–Oct) landslides and burning season (late Feb–Apr) smoke.
Six Essential Stops in Perfect Order
- Mork Fa Waterfall – Early Refreshment The first major waterfall after entering the mountains, located before 32 Coffee Hill. Crystal-clear pools perfect for cooling off. Foreigner ticket 100–200 THB. Clean toilets and easy parking.
- 32 Coffee Hill – The Unofficial Midway Lifesaver Universally voted the #1 mandatory stop. Air-conditioned café, spotless western toilets, great food, and panoramic views. Most minivans stop 15 min; self-drivers stay 30–60 min to recover.
- Huai Nam Dang National Park – Sea of Clouds & Highest Viewpoint Entrance at approx. km 65. Doi Kiew Lom viewpoint delivers jaw-dropping sunrise and cloud seas in cool season. Foreigner ticket 300 THB – keep the ticket! It grants same-day free entry to Tha Pai Hot Springs later.
- Tha Pai Hot Springs – Muscle Recovery Station Turn off at km 87, then 2 km side road. Main spring reaches 80 °C (yes, you can boil eggs), while bathing pools are perfect 40 °C. Same 300 THB national park ticket applies.
- WWII Memorial Bridge – “I Survived” Photo Spot The historic iron bridge marks the end of the hardest section. Great photos, coffee stalls, and the psychological reward of having conquered the mountain.
- Coffee In Love – Pai’s Most Instagrammable Café Iconic yellow building right on the roadside just before Pai town. Huge terrace overlooking rice fields and mountains. Even the toilets have million-dollar views.
Vehicle Choice Reality Check
- Scooter: Most authentic but physically demanding – 3+ years mountain experience recommended.
- Car: Highest comfort, full control of stops, cold AC, lots of luggage space.
- Minivan: Cheapest (150–200 THB) but 95 % chance of severe motion sickness.
Secret Quiet Alternative Route (1349 → 1265) Add roughly 1 hour but almost zero traffic: strawberry farms, Elefin Farm & Café, Mae Dad Noi viewpoint, and Muang Paeng hot springs – perfect for travellers seeking solitude.
**Quick Reference Table (2025 prices)
| Stop | Type | Approx. Location | Foreigner Fee | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mork Fa Waterfall | Waterfall | Before 32 Coffee | 100–200 THB | Cool pools, early stop |
| 32 Coffee Hill | Café / Rest stop | Midway | Consumption only | Best toilets & AC on the route |
| Huai Nam Dang NP | Viewpoint & geyser | km 65 | 300 THB (adult) | Cloud sea + free entry to Tha Pai springs |
| Tha Pai Hot Springs | Natural hot springs | km 87 + 2 km detour | Free with HN ticket | Boil eggs & relax |
| WWII Memorial Bridge | Historic bridge | Near Pai | Free | Victory photo spot |
| Coffee In Love | Scenic café | Pai outskirts | Consumption only | Iconic rice-field terrace |
Final Pro Tips
- Start before 8 AM.
- Use the 300 THB Huai Nam Dang ticket twice (park + hot spring).
- Stop at 32 Coffee Hill no matter what.
- Drive defensively – minivans will pass on double yellow lines.
- If you want peace and quiet, take the 1349-1265 detour.
Drive slow, stop often, and turn one of the world’s most notorious roads into one of your best travel memories ever.
