Umphang Death Highway — 1,219 Curves to Thi LoSu.
Distance
255 km
Duration
2 days
Climb
4,800 m
Umphang Death Highway — 1,219 Curves to Thi Lo Su.
Route 1090 from Mae Sot to Umphang is one of Southeast Asia's legendary rides: 165km and a counted 1,219 curves along the Thai-Myanmar border ridge, through jungle and Karen hill country. The road earned its grim name during its violent 1970s construction. The payoff is Thi Lo Su, Thailand's largest waterfall — 250m high and 450m wide — reached by a rough dirt track from Umphang. Best ridden November–February when the dirt is dry and the air is cool.
Quick facts
SurfaceMixed
Distance255 km
Days2
Total climb4,800 m
DifficultyChallenging
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2 days, 2 moods.
A suggested split across 2 days with 4 waypoints to discover along the way.
Mae SotStart · Start in Mae Sot on the Myanmar border. Fuel up and carry water — the next reliable pumps are in Umphang, 165km and 1,219 curves away, with almost no services en route.
UmphangOvernight · Overnight in Umphang after one of Southeast Asia's great riding days. Simple guesthouses and riverside camps; arrange the Thi Lo Su track permit and conditions report here the evening before.
Thi Lo Su WaterfallScenic Point · Thailand's largest waterfall — 250m high, 450m wide on the Mae Klong River. The 25km access track is rough dirt; in the wet season (Jun–Nov) it closes and access is by raft only. Go early for mist and empty viewpoints.
UmphangEnd · Return to Umphang. Ride the 1,219 curves back to Mae Sot the next day, or stay for rafting on the Mae Klong. Khao soi at the morning market is the local reward.
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