Spreadeagled along the Myanmar border across massive peaks, Mae
Hong Son is a wild and woolly province that was virtually
inaccessible from the outside world. New roads and a regular air
service have opened it up to tourism, which is burgeoning fast. Pai is
the adventurer's dream, the start of jungle treks and rafting down the
Pai River. Many people follow an exploration loop, starting form
Chiang Mai, which takes in Pai, Soppong and its great caves like Lot
and the Well of Souls, Mae Hong Son, Mae Sariang on the Salawin
River opposite Myanmar, and back to Chiang Mai.
Cool most of the year round, the province is populated by Thai Yai
tribes from Burma, and a strong Burmese influence can be seen in the
provincial capital's temples and buildings. Just look at Wat Chong
Kham and Wat Chong Klang at the edge of the lake in the town centre.
The cold weather often induces thick mist in the valleys. |
Location & Access
924 kms northwest of Bangkok,
on the border with Myanmar. The
most straightforward access is by
Highway 1095 from Chiang Mai
via Pai, but it is a long difficult
trip. Alternatively, there are a
number of flights daily from
Chiang Mai to Mae Hong Son.
Geography
Stretching along the border with
Myanmar, the province is almost
exclusively hills and mountains.
Villages and cultivation are found
in the few small valleys. Pai,
Yuam, Samart , Salawin and Merl
rivers flow across it.
Borders
North : Myanmar
South : Tak
East : Chiang Mai
West : Myanmar
Highlights
Attractions: Wat Phrathat Doi
Kong Mu, Wat Chong Kham &
Wat Chong Klang, Mae Surin
National Park, Lot Cave, rafting
along Pai River.
Souvenirs: Kaow soi tat, tang
pair lor, pair yi, hand-made
hilltribe textiles and jewelry
Festivals: Poi Sang Long
(March-April) |
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