There are still very few roads in the farthest corner of the north and until fairly recently, travel was only possible on horse or elephant back, or on foot. Today, isolated communities can be reached only by four-wheel drive vehicles. A drive through the rugged terrain, mostly along dirt tracks, is the ideal way to see the spectacular scenery of forests and hills and previously inaccessible hill-tribe settlements. At times this is also the only way to reach the rafting and biking trails found within the dense forests.

One of the best trails is from the northern capital, Chiang Mai to Pai District in Mae Hong Son, which winds through forests, elephant working camps, hill-tribe villages, and many natural wonders. Local operators offer tours combining 4WD tracks, rafting and elephant rides that lasts from one day to a week or more.