The Tail of the Elephant
This route passes through Mae Surin National Park
Remain on the road, dirt or otherwise, and do not venture off the road.
Remain on the road, dirt or otherwise, and do not venture off the road.
Remain on the road, dirt or otherwise, and do not venture off the road. You may enter through a checkpoint and pay the entry fee, but you must stay on the roads the park designates. Riding trail inside a national park falls under s.19 (2), and the Department has separately banned large and off-road motorcycles from parks by Director-General's Rule. Acts affecting the ecosystem — the clause that covers cutting or rutting trail: up to 5 years' imprisonment, a fine up to ฿500,000, or both (s.42). Blocking or obstructing a way, or entering to carry on an activity for profit — which reaches guided and paid tours: up to 2 years' imprisonment, a fine up to ฿200,000, or both (s.44). Failing to comply with an official's order or the Director-General's Rule, including the motorcycle ban: a fine up to ฿100,000 (s.47). Your bike can be confiscated under s.56 whether or not you own it and whether or not anyone is convicted.
Quoted text is from the Office of the Council of State's unofficial English translations. Only the Thai originals have legal force, and enforcement varies by park and by season. This is not legal advice — if in doubt, ask at the park office. More on riding responsibly here.
About this route
An excellent alternative to the Elephant Trail (which has become paved), this route leads from the Bua Tong Field road East to Ban Wat Chan. Retaining the same feel as the old Elephant Trail, the scenery, trail condition and villages along the route are top-notch.
Trail conditions change — always confirm locally before riding, and never ride alone.
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Maps with this route
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The Dirty Loop
An iconic loop around Mae Hong Son with as much scenic dirt as possible
The Tail of the Elephant
The Elephant Trail returns! From Wat Chan, you can relive the glory of the old Elephant Trail by taking this ridgeline dirt trail heading to Mae Hong Son.