Mae Sariang to Nong Bua Lamphu: A Road Trip Guide

Mae Sariang, a quiet town in Mae Hong Son Province, sits on the Yuan River, while Nong Bua Lamphu, in Thailand’s northeastern Isan region, is known for its dinosaur museum and dramatic rock formations. The drive between them covers roughly 700 kilometres, traversing the country from the northwestern hills to the Khorat Plateau.

For years, this route was a slow, winding trek along Highway 108 and then east through Tak and Phitsanulok. But since the opening of the new Mittraphap Road extensions and improved Highway 12, the journey can now be completed in about 11 hours of pure driving time, though most travellers spread it over two days to enjoy the sights.

Leaving Mae Sariang, you'll climb through the Dawna Range, with mountain views and hill tribe villages. The famous 'Route of Love' near Mae Sot offers stunning viewpoints, though the area is often foggy in the morning. As you descend into the Mae Ping River valley, the landscape transitions to dry dipterocarp forest.

Crossing into Phitsanulok, the terrain flattens, and you'll pass through Thailand’s major rice-growing region. Here, local markets in small towns like Wang Thong sell fresh fruits and grilled chicken, perfect for a quick snack.

The Isan region, starting around Khon Kaen, is known for its silk weaving and sticky rice culture. A detour to the Phu Wiang National Park, just north of Khon Kaen, offers dinosaur fossil sites – a UNESCO Global Geopark that's a must-see for families.

If you're interested in how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities, check out this guide: how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

The mountain roads between Mae Sariang and Tak require attentiveness; use low gears on steep descents and beware of logging trucks. In contrast, the Mittraphap highway is straight and monotonous, leading to driver fatigue – plan to stop every two hours or so.

• Fatigue management: alternate drivers if possible, and take a 20-minute nap at rest areas if you feel drowsy.
• Rest zones: The road has large rest areas at Taksin Maharat National Park (for picnic and toilets) and at Wang Thong, near Phitsanulok.
• Child suitability: The trip is long for young kids; pack snacks and ideally stop at the Prasat Phu Wiang dinosaur museum for an educational break.
• Pet-friendly: Many PTT stations allow pets on leads, but national parks like Taksin Maharat do not – check before letting your dog out.

Road quality is good overall, but watch for livestock crossing on the secondary roads near Nong Bua Lamphu. At your destination, the town offers a relaxed atmosphere with resorts around Nong Bua Lamphu Lake, ideal for a restful end to the drive.

The journey primarily uses Highway 105 from Mae Sariang to Tak, then Highway 12 east through the mountains to Phitsanulok, and finally Highway 2 (Mittraphap) to Khon Kaen, with a short stretch on Highway 210 to Nong Bua Lamphu. This route mixes two-lane mountain roads with four-lane highways, so driving conditions vary significantly.

• Fuel stops are plentiful along Highway 12 and the Mittraphap, but sparse on the mountain section between Mae Sariang and Tak - fill up before leaving Mae Sariang.
• Diesel prices average around 30 baht per litre nationwide, making the total fuel cost for this trip roughly 1,500 baht for an average sedan.
• Tolls are only on the outer Bangkok ring road, which you can bypass entirely, so expect no toll fees.

The road surface is generally well-maintained, especially on Highway 12 which has been recently widened. However, the Mae Sariang-Tak stretch has many sharp curves and occasional potholes, so stick to daylight driving there.

Rest stops are frequent every 50-100 kilometres, many with basic amenities like toilets and small shops. For a more comfortable break, consider the PTT petrol stations which often have restaurants and minimarts.