mae hong son loop

[paulsiamsj]

Is the Mae Hong Son loop safe during Songkran festival days? I know that I would avoid all main highways during that time, but wondering what the traffic (or drinking) at that time of year would be like??

Thanks
Paul

 

[Heineken]

I dont think any road in Thailand is safe over Songkran, drinking and driving is very common in Thailand and is a big part of the issue, plus you are going to get water thrown over you.......................only last year I was riding through a small village on my X-Max and got a full bucket of water thrown at me, when doing 70kmh it hit me with some force.


If you cannot reschedule the ride I would still go and be very careful, not sure how much riding you have done in Thailand ?............................just be aware oncoming vehicles cutting the corners, vehicles pulling out from side roads, dogs and cows etc and obviously getting water thrown over you.

Saying that Songkran is a fun time of year with most people very happy and you will find it very hard not to participate, so just join in the fun

 

[DavidFL]

I dont think any road in Thailand is safe over Songkran, drinking and driving is very common in Thailand and is a big part of the issue, plus you are going to get water thrown over you.......................only last year I was riding through a small village on my X-Max and got a full bucket of water thrown at me, when doing 70kmh it hit me with some force.


If you cannot reschedule the ride I would still go and be very careful, not sure how much riding you have done in Thailand ?............................just be aware oncoming vehicles cutting the corners, vehicles pulling out from side roads, dogs and cows etc and obviously getting water thrown over you.

Saying that Songkran is a fun time of year with most people very happy and you will find it very hard not to participate, so just join in the fun

200% agree with Heineken. Don't ride at Songkran, stay home, stay safe.
If you insist on going to MHS, then take the back roads.
Use Samoeng - Wat Chan - Pai,
Mae Wang - Doi Inthanon - Mae Chaem - Khun Yuam.
Try to avoid all the roads with lots of villages, as much as possible.

 

[paulsiamsj]

Thanks for the replies. Yes, I think I will stay put at home!

 

[DavidFL]

2023
From April 11 to 17 of 2023, 469 people were killed in road accidents in Thailand during the Songkran holidays which take place on April 13 to 15 each year. The highest number of deaths dated back to 2018 with 679 people killed.

Thailand: deaths by road accidents during Songkran 2023 | Statista

From April 11 to 17 of 2023, 469 people were killed in road accidents in Thailand during the Songkran holidays which take place on April 13 to 15 each year.

www.statista.com

Another source says this

Songkran toll: 2,203 accidents, 264 deaths, 2,208 injuries

There were 2,203 road accidents, causing 264 deaths and 2,208 injuries, during the Songkran Festival from April 11-17, according to official figures released on Tuesday.

www.bangkokpost.com