Mae Hong Son
Mae Hong Son is nestled in Thailand’s northern regions, once difficult to reach, it has natural beauty unseen by many visitors to the country. Nowadays this land of mist shrouded hills, remote valleys and ethnic hill-tribe villages is much easier to access and yet it’s mystical attraction of being a rugged and intriguing destination is as strong as ever.
Some 900 km from Bangkok, Mae Hong Son is bordered by Myanmar to the north and west and – while a strong Burmese influence is evident in the province’s beautiful temples and buildings – it is a region of ethnic diversity. The population is an enchanting mix of Thai, Shan and different hill-tribes such as the Karen, Hmong, Lahu, Lisu and Padong.
It’s from the Padong hilltribe this exotic spot draws one of its most intriguing attractions – the women of the group are famed for their elongated ringed necks. Enjoying a cooler climate than most of Thailand almost year round, Mae Hong Son offers a wealth of nature based activities. There’s rafting, hiking through lush jungle countryside, visits to the hill-tribe villages, exciting elephant rides and much, much more…
Walk around the picturesque lake and visit the surrounding wats. Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu (aka Wat Phai Doi) overlooks the town from the west and offers superb views.
View over Mae Hong Son valley from Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu Ban Rak Thai Mae A Kuomintang (KMT) village near the Myanmar border.
Pang Ung, often referred to as Ruam Thai on some signs and maps, is a Shan Minority Village near Mae Hong Son. It should be combined with a trip to Ban Rak Thai. It is a picturesque village of bamboo houses. Bamboo grows everywhere, including one stand at least 80 feet tall. There are one or two restaurants. Shopkeepers and restaurant owners speak some English, but communication will be limited if you don’t speak Thai.
Fish Cave, near the village of Huay Pha, about 17 km from Mae Hong Son via Hwy 1095. This is a beautiful spot to escape the heat. A water channel that wends its way out of a small submerged cave. What is inside the cave is still unknown, but it astoundingly draws thousands of the “Pluang-Hin” fish into the cave, with only a small number of them coming back out.
Pha Sua Waterfall 26 km from Mae Hong Son on the road to Pai. This waterfall consists of six levels and offers some fine walks. This waterfall is about 20 m high and 30 m wide. It is said to be the most beautiful waterfall in Mae Hong Son Province. In rainy season, the cascading water makes the waterfall look like a rolling mat.
Thampla-Phasua Waterfall National Park. This national park covers more than 488 km of the “Thanon Thongchai” range that separates Thailand from Burma. “Doi Larn” is the highest peak in the area, with an elevation of about 1,918 m.
