Mae Rim Backcountry Trail Loop

Distance: 19 kilometers

Elevation: 486m

Difficulty: Medium

What to expect on this trail?

This Mae Rim backcountry trail route starts at a beautiful temple and then jumps into the forest along old single-trail walking routes between villages. Because of the relatively low elevation gain, it allows for gentle up- and downhills throughout the run. Towards the end, the run has some beautiful sections through orchards and ricefields to complete the loop.

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Mae Rim Backcountry Trail Loop in detail

The trail begins just down the street from Wat Mae Aen temple. Therefore it is best to park your vehicle there and run the first 700m to the trailhead which is tucked away on your left-hand side. You’ll notice an abandoned wooden house which indicates the start of this trail. There are a few trails that veer off left and right and thus it is very important that you keep an eye on your GPS in order to not get lost. Eventually, you will get into a rhythm and can simply enjoy the trails by following along the single track.

As you run along this route you will encounter two steep climbs which are broken up with nice flat sections. you will recognize the first climb by the deep rut created by the multitude of motorbikes that use the trail sometimes. During the climbs make sure to enjoy views as you make your way towards Baan Pang village. Then at around kilometer 6.5, you will arrive at a major crossroad.

Going left takes you to the village, going right takes you back to Mae Aan temple and cuts your run significantly shorter (don’t do this without a GPX file). But we recommend you to continue straight on where you will complete the remainder of your total ascent. Immediately after reaching the highest point of the trail (±770m), the descent begins. The next 4kms is pure downhill pleasure before you will hit the road and start making your way back towards Wat Mae Aen temple.

IMPORTANT: Keep an eye on your GPS every time you come to an intersection as it can be very easy to pick the wrong trail.

Once you notice a banana tree plantation you have hit the end of the longest trail section. Enjoy the scenic views as you make your way towards the road. Take a right and you’ll quickly notice a dirt path. You can choose to add a lovely section of Bamboo forest or to carry on along the road. The bamboo forest continues parallel to the road and ends in the back of a garden. Run through the garden and you’ll come back onto the road.

Then finally, after about 500m there will be a trail on your left-hand side. It is a flat trail that takes you out onto a huge rice paddy field. Turn right and follow the path all the way back to Mae Aen temple. The final stretch is beautiful and very panoramic, make sure to stop and look around and take in the view. The trail will eventually meet the road where you take a right and find your way towards your vehicle.

Tips for this trail

The trail is not particularly difficult, but there is quite a bit of loose soil. In the rainy season that can result in quite a bit of mud, so you will need shoes with good grip.
You absolutely need a GPS device for runs in this area. There is a whole network of trails in the area, and parts are not even mapped on popular apps like Komoot, Alltrails, Maps.me, etc. So finding your way is not as easy as you may think.
For a post-run coffee or snack, there are some local shops on the road towards the city. Definitely check out Paw’s Cafe if you run with your dog. Or to enjoy more views and good coffee Le Lisu Farm & Cafe is very nice.

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