MAE HONG SON

MAE HONG SON is nestled in a deep valley hemmed in by high mountain ranges, Mae Hong Son has long been isolated from the outside world. Virtually covered with mist throughout the year, the name refers to the fact that is terrain is highly suitable for the training of elephants. Former governors of Chiang Mai used to organise the rounding up of wild elephants which were then trained before being sent to the capital for work. Today, Mae Hong Son is one of the dream destinations for visitors. Daily flights into its small airport bring growing numbers of tourists, attracted by the spectacular scenery, numerous hilltribe communities and soft adventure opportunities.

RECOMMENDED ATTRACTION

Tham Lot

Tham Lot is a huge cave system once a dwelling place of pre-historic man. Archaeologists have discovered ancient clay pottery and a number of carved wooden coffins inside the rooms of the cave. Tham Lot is located some 77 kilometres from town. Between Km.138 and Km.139 of Route 1095, a small roads lead to the cave after a 9-kilometre drive. Here nature has created an exotic subterranean wonder of darkness and mystery.
A brook runs from the cave mouth through to the other side of the mountain. It is a route where visitors may travel by raft or by foot to explore the 1-kilometre-long cave full of stalactites and stalagmites. There are services provided by villagers to guide visitors in their exploration at 100 baht per group. Accommodation as well as camping site is available near the Tham Lot Nature Study Centre in front of the cave mouth.

Tha Pai Hot Spring

This is another attraction in the area of Huai Nam Dang National Park. The hot spring is two kilometres off Route 1095 at Km. 87. It has an average temperature of 80 celcius. Steam from the spring permeates the site in the morning creating fascinating sights. The area is also rich in teakwoods and suitable for overnight camping.

Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu

Erected by the first governor of Mae Hong Son, this temple reflects the strong influence of the Burmese. The highlights of this attraction are the two lavishly decorated pagodas. Also, this hilltop temple affords an exceptional aerial view of the city and surrounding mountains and valleys.

Tham Pla Pha Suea National Park

Tham Pla - About 17 kilometres from town on Highway No. 1095 (Mae Hong Son-Pai), Tham Pla is a popular attraction of Mae Hong Son. The surrounding areas are brooks and cool hilly forests suitable for relaxation. A special feature is the hollow cave filled with numerous freshwater fish known as Pla Mung or Pla Khang, which is of the same family as the carp. The fish are quite safe from being caught as they are believed to belong to the gods.

Namtok Pha Suea - This waterfall is in Tambon Mokchampae about 26 kilometres from the provincial seat on Route 1095 to Pai district with a left turn at Km. 191. It is a large fall with its water source in Myanmar and runs full during the late rainy season (August-September).

Pang Tong Royal Pavilion - This is a hilltop pavilion at Ban Mokchampae, some 5 kilometres beyond Pha Suea Waterfall. It is open every day from 8.30 a.m.-4.30 p.m.

Phu Khlon Health Treatment

At Phu Klon Country Club (Tel: 0 1473 8013 ), natural black mud which has skin care and therapeutic benefits has been discovered. Now the area is developed to be a spa resort. To get there, you can travel 6 kilometres from town on Route 1095 (Mae Hong Son-Pai), then turn left into Ban Kong Mai Sak Ban Huai Khan Road and continue for 4 kilometres.
Bua Tong Fields at Doi Mae U-kho
The Dok Bua Tong (may be classified as wild sunflowers) blooms during November painting the entire hilly area of Doi Mae U-kho in brilliant yellow draw flocks of visitors to Khun Yuam district. Camping sites arranged during the Bua Tong Bloom Festival is 26 kilometers from the district on Highway No. 1263.
Mae Ngao RiverMae Ngao River is a good water route for shooting the rapids. Adventure travel tourists can enjoy the unspoiled scenery along the river banks. Services available from tour operators in Mae Hong Son.

Rafting along the Pai River This is an exciting and delightful recreation. The Pai itself is the longest river of Mae Hong Son originating from mountain ranges in Laos which flows through Pai district and eventually joins the Salawin river in Myanmar, a total distance of 180 kilometres. With an average depth of some 7 metres, the riverbed is mainly pebbled. There are several sectors eminently suitable for rafting past rapids and natural scenery including beautiful waterfalls.
Tour operators in Mae Hong Son town or in Pai district can provide the necessary service, some also able to provide elephant rides. The best time for rafting is from October to March.

How to get there

Travel from Bangkok

By Car
Mae Hong Son is located 924 kilometres from Bangkok. Drive from Bangkok to Chiang Mai and then choose the following routes to Mae Hong Son:
Chiang Mai Hot Mae Sariang Khun Yuam Mae Hong Son (Route 108) with 1864 curves, a distance of 349 kilometres.
Chiang Mai Mae Malai Pai Mae Hong Son (Route 1095), a distance of 245 kilometres

By Bus
Muang Nuea Yan Yon Tour (Tel: (0 2936 3587-8) operates an air-conditioned bus which runs directly from Bangkok to Mae Hong Son every day. The bus departs from Chatuchak (Mochit 2) Bus Terminal at 6 p.m. The trip takes about 17 hours

By Rail
One can travel from Bangkok to Chiang Mai by rail and then continue to Mae Hong Son by bus. For more information, call 1699, 0 2223 7010, 0 2223 7020 or visit http://www.railway.co.th/

By Air
Thai Airways flies Bangkok-Chiang Mai-Mae Hong Son daily. Reservation should be made in advance at Tel: 0 2280 0060 , 0 2628 2000 or call 1566 or visit http://www.thaiairways.com/ for current schedule.
SGA Airlines offers flights from Chiang Mai -Mae Hong Son and Chiang Mai - Pai For current schedule, please call 0 2664 6099 or visit http://www.sga.co.th/

Travel from Chiang Mai
By Car
Mae Hong Son can be reached from Chiang Mai either by Highway No. 108 via Hot, Mae Sariang, or Highway No. 1095 via Pai.

By Bus
Chiang Mai-Mae Hong Son buses operated by Prem Pracha Transport (Tel: 0 5324 4737 , 0 5324 2767 ) departing from Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Terminal every day. The buses which run along Highway No.108 leave Chiang Mai frequently from 6.30 a.m. 9 p.m. The journey takes 8 hours. The buses which run along Highway No. 1095 leave Chiang Mai from 7 a.m.-12.30 p.m. The journey takes 6 hours.

By Air
Thai Airways fly Bangkok-Chiang Mai-Mae Hong Son daily. Reservation should be made in advance at Tel: 0 2280 0060 , 0 2628 2000 or call 1566 or visit http://www.thaiairways.com/ for current schedule.
SGA Airlines offers flights from Chiang Mai -Mae Hong Son and Chiang Mai - Pai For current schedule, please call 0 2664 6099 or visit http://www.sga.co.th/

Mae Hong Son Map

Accommodation in Mae Hong Son