Major Highways & Driving Tips in Chiang Mai, Thailand
1. Chiang Mai-Lamphun Highway (Highway 108)
A major route connecting Chiang Mai to Lamphun, offering scenic views and quick access to historical sites like Wat Phra That Hariphunchai.
- Scenic Beauty: Offers picturesque landscapes and rural charm.
- Easy Access to Historical Sites: Provides quick access to historical attractions along the route.
- Less Traffic: Typically less congested compared to other major highways.
2. Chiang Mai-Fang Highway (Highway 118)
This highway connects Chiang Mai to Fang, providing a gateway to Pai and the Mae Hong Son Loop.
- Gateway to Pai and Mae Hong Son: Offers easy access to popular tourist destinations.
- Scenic Mountain Passes: Features stunning mountain passes and lush valleys.
- Longer Travel Time: Travel time can be longer due to winding roads and stops for scenic views.
3. Chiang Mai-Phrao Highway (Highway 1001)
This highway connects Chiang Mai to Phrao, offering easy access to attractions like Doi Ang Ka National Park.
- Easy Access to Attractions: Provides quick access to various tourist destinations.
- Scenic Mountain Views: Features stunning mountain views and lush landscapes.
- Rapidly Developing Area: The area around this highway is rapidly developing with new accommodations and restaurants.
4. Chiang Mai-Den Chai Highway (Highway 11)
A major route connecting Chiang Mai to Den Chai, providing access to the Lampang province.
- Access to Lampang Province: Offers easy access to Lampang for tourists.
- Scenic Rice Fields: Passes through beautiful rice fields and rural landscapes.
- Busy Commercial Route: Is a busy commercial route with trucks and heavy traffic.
5. Chiang Mai-Sankampaeng Highway (Highway 1006)
This highway connects Chiang Mai to Sankampaeng Industrial Estate, home to numerous factories and craft villages.
- Industrial Hub: Home to various factories, showrooms, and craft villages.
- Busy Traffic: Can be busy with local traffic, especially during work hours.
- Close Proximity to City: Located close to Chiang Mai city center.
6. Superhighway Route 1 (Chiang Mai Bypass)
A modern bypass highway designed to reduce congestion in Chiang Mai city.
- Reduced Congestion: Reduces traffic congestion within the city.
- Faster Travel Time: Offers faster travel times between cities.
- Scenic Views: Features scenic views of the mountains and countryside.
7. Chiang Mai-Mae Rim Highway (Highway 1009)
Connects Chiang Mai to Mae Rim, offering easy access to attractions like the Elephant Nature Park.
- Easy Access to Attractions: Provides quick access to various tourist destinations.
- Scenic Mountain Views: Features stunning mountain views and lush landscapes.
- Less Traffic: Typically less congested compared to other major highways.
8. Chiang Mai-Hang Dong Highway (Highway 107)
A route connecting Chiang Mai to Hang Dong, offering easy access to attractions like Baan Tawai.
- Easy Access to Attractions: Provides quick access to various tourist destinations.
- Scenic Rural Landscapes: Passes through beautiful rural landscapes and agricultural areas.
- Less Congested: Typically less congested compared to other major highways.
9. Chiang Mai-Mae Taeng Highway (Highway 1008)
This highway connects Chiang Mai to Mae Taeng, offering access to attractions like the Mon Cham National Park.
- Easy Access to Attractions: Provides quick access to various tourist destinations.
- Scenic Mountain Views: Features stunning mountain views and lush landscapes.
- Less Developed Area: The area around this highway is less developed compared to other routes.
10. Chiang Mai-Mae Rim-Samoeng (Route 1086)
A scenic route connecting Chiang Mai to Samoeng via Mae Rim, offering access to attractions like the Mae Sa Elephant Camp.
- Scenic Beauty: Offers picturesque landscapes and rural charm.
- Easy Access to Attractions: Provides quick access to various tourist destinations.
- Longer Travel Time: Travel time can be longer due to winding roads and stops for scenic views.
11. Chiang Mai-Samoeng Loop (Route 1095)
A loop route connecting Chiang Mai to Samoeng and back, offering a scenic drive through the mountains.
- Scenic Beauty: Offers picturesque landscapes and mountain views.
- Less Traveled Route: A less traveled route that provides a more relaxed driving experience.
- Longer Travel Time: Travel time can be longer due to the winding nature of the road.
12. Chiang Mai-Mae Jo Highway (Highway 1016)
A route connecting Chiang Mai to Mae Jo and the Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden.
- Access to Attractions: Offers quick access to attractions like the Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden.
- Scenic Rural Landscapes: Passes through beautiful rural landscapes and agricultural areas.
- Less Congested: Typically less congested compared to other major highways.
13. Chiang Mai-San Sai Highway (Highway 1029)
A route connecting Chiang Mai to San Sai, offering access to attractions like the Baan Tawai Art Village.
- Easy Access to Attractions: Provides quick access to various tourist destinations.
- Scenic Rural Landscapes: Passes through beautiful rural landscapes and agricultural areas.
- Less Congested: Typically less congested compared to other major highways.
14. Chiang Mai Ring Road (Route 121)
A circular highway surrounding Chiang Mai city, designed for local traffic and bypassing the city center.
- Local Traffic: Designed for local traffic to bypass the city center.
- Reduced Congestion: Reduces traffic congestion within the city.
- Scenic Views: Features scenic views of the mountains and countryside.
15. Chiang Mai-Phrao-Fang (Route 1001-118)
A combination of Highways 1001 and 118, connecting Chiang Mai to Fang via Phrao, offering a scenic route to Pai and the Mae Hong Son Loop.
- Gateway to Pai and Mae Hong Son: Offers easy access to popular tourist destinations.
- Scenic Mountain Passes: Features stunning mountain passes and lush valleys.
- Longer Travel Time: Travel time can be longer due to winding roads and stops for scenic views.