R1194 Mae Sariang <-> Mae Sam Laep: dirt bikes only or also for road bikes?

[matchner1]

Dear all,

I'm interested in a trip from Mae Sariang to Mae Sam Laep and/or Sop Moei for a boat trip on Salween River (Gmaps) via R105->R1194 (not the dirt road through the Salween National Park) during a northern Thailand trip this year in february/march. The trip reports I found are about 9-10 years old, seems that the beginning for R1194 was paved and the rest not/work in progress. Does anybody know about the current situation in 2025? Is the R1194 paved? I will be there on a road bike (Honda CB500 X), so if the road only works for 100%-dirt bikes, it may be a bad idea.

Best,
Matthias

 

[Dodraugen]

It will be just fine. I was there last week, its a nice paved winding road through beautiful countryside from Mae Sariang to Ban Sam Leap. Only the last 1-2 kms is broken concrete and sand…but taking it easy on any road bike will be just fine.

Salween river

Welcome to Kawthoolei sign on the Myanmar side of the river.

Fat ugly farang… with Salween river behind

The last area the sun sets in Siam
Road riverside Salween river.
(My poor translation from thai to english - I am not fluent in any of those languages)

 

[Dodraugen]

Remember to take the right turn here, and you are almost there. Just 1-2 kms on broken concrete and a bit of sand road…..

 

[ADV]

Dear all,

I'm interested in a trip from Mae Sariang to Mae Sam Laep and/or Sop Moei for a boat trip on Salween River (Gmaps) via R105->R1194 (not the dirt road through the Salween National Park) during a northern Thailand trip this year in february/march. The trip reports I found are about 9-10 years old, seems that the beginning for R1194 was paved and the rest not/work in progress. Does anybody know about the current situation in 2025? Is the R1194 paved? I will be there on a road bike (Honda CB500 X), so if the road only works for 100%-dirt bikes, it may be a bad idea.

Best,
Matthias

Hey Matthais, I think you will be perfectly okay on this trip. Just all the usual approach as on all Thai roads.

I rode the R1194 to Ban Mae Sam Laep Port ท่าเรือบ้านแม่สามแลบ and along Rural Road 3004 to within 200m or so of Phra That Mae Sam Laep (final section of mud track to temple was too slippery) two years ago on a Honda ADV350, two up light touring gear from Maha Sarakham to MHSLoop and on to the border here

I gave up R1194 and on to Old Tha Ta Fang Police Station โรงพักเก่า สถานีตำรวจท่าตาฝั่ง but would give it a go in the dry season, perhaps

R1194 was an incredibly enjoyable experience with stunning blue sky and forest views appearing and disappearing into swirl mist, clouds and at times heavy rain.

(edited links and added photos)

 

[ADV]

It will be just fine. I was there last week, its a nice paved winding road through beautiful countryside from Mae Sariang to Ban Sam Leap. Only the last 1-2 kms is broken concrete and sand…but taking it easy on any road bike will be just fine.

Hi @Dodraugen , did you get any accommodation in Ban Sam Laep area? I rode in and out in a day, but would love to stay longer next time.

 

[Dodraugen]

Hi @Dodraugen , did you get any accommodation in Ban Sam Laep area? I rode in and out in a day, but would love to stay longer next time.

I didnt plan to spend a night there but on Google maps there is a small guesthouse there and I actually saw that guesthouse as we walked by…

Salaween Guesthouse สาละวิภà¹à¸à¸ªà¸à¹à¹à¸®à¹à¸²à¸ªà¹ · Sop Moei District, Mae Hong Son

maps.app.goo.gl

 

[matchner1]

Many thanks for all the hints, perfect! Last questions:

1. Was there any kind of food/restaurant available? In Google Maps I find a Thai named restaurant with no info, not sure if it still exists and a small café.

2. Did anyone the boat trips? You can go up north to Ban Than Ta Fang or down south to Ban Sob Moei. Since I will be on a day trip from Mae Sariang, only one trip would be possible. The trip to the sotuhern part of the river seems to to be have a bit more beautiful nature, on the northern trip the Karen village seems to be the higlight? Any recommendations?

Best,
Matthias

 

[Dodraugen]

There were signs in Ban Sam Leap that said boat-trips were available. I think it said 2000 baht for a boat that seated up to 10-14 persons.
For an extra 500-1000 baht you could be taken to another village and spend the night there - if I understood it correctly…

There were several small eateries and coffeeshops in Ban Sam Leap. Dont expect argentinian beef steak though….