Mae Hong Son

MAE HONG SON is a little town and also the capital of Mae Hong Son Province, a remote mountainous province in the northwest of Thailand, bordering Myanmar (Burma). Though sparsely populated, it's ethnically diverse and home to hill tribes such as the Shan, Hmong and others.
This sleepy town is located on the banks of the Pai River 900 km north of Bangkok, resp. 250 km to the west of Chiang Mai. The provincial town has a population of about 10000 people
It is a gateway to the region's hills and overlooked by Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu, a Burmese style monastery.
Mae Hong Son is often called "the city of three mists". It is hemmed in by some high mountain ranges of the Shan Hills (the most mountainous province in Thailand) and often covered with mist during all 3 seasons.
Every district in Mae Hong Son Province shares a common border, measuring approx.. 500 km in total length with Myanmar (Burma).

HISTORY. The town was originally established in the early 19th century as an elephant training camp ordered by the then king of Chiang Mai.
The territory of Mae Hong Son Province was formerly part of the Shan State in Myanmar. As a result of the Anglo-Siamese Boundary Commission of 1892–1893, Mae Hong Son was ceded to Siam, but the adjacent Moengmaeu and Mehsakun trans Salween Districts also claimed by Siam (territories on the eastern side of the Salween River) were kept as part of British Burma.
Shan people is the largest population group in the province. They migrated from Shan State in Myanmar. Further there are many other hill tribe groups (Karen, Lahu, Lisu, Lua, Kuomingtan and others), which consists 63% of the provincial population. The Karen is not a single group, but rather a mix of closely related tribes. Among the smallest of the Karen tribes in Thailand are Kayan. This group's women (also called Padaung) are recognized by the large brass rings they wear around their necks.

GETTING THERE. Unless you want to drive approx. 900 km from Bangkok, the fastest way to get here is by taking a flight to Chiang Mai and there connect for the short flight (approx. 25 min.) over the mountains to Mae Hong Son. From Chiang Mai you can also travel by bus, which takes 5-6 hours on this mountainous route.
As well Chiang Mai is the gateway for overland tours on scenic routes to Mae Hong Son, There are two major routes bringing you to Mae Hong Son. The southern route via Mae Sariang or Mae Chaem is approx. 350 km, resp. 300 km and takes 5,5 to 6 hours.
Slightly shorter is the northern route via Pai (250 km) which takes 4,5 to 5 hours. Both routes cut across high mountain wilderness on some steep and winding roads.

ATTRACTIONS. Mae Hong Son is a fascinating province of Burmese and Lanna style temples, hot springs, hill tribe villages and national parks. In addition to the charming provincial capital the town of Pai is also a traveler favorite. Many people come to Mae Hong Son and Pai to experience the natural beauty of northern Thailand or witness one of the many festivals that are celebrated in Mae Hong Son, especially the annual Poy Sang Long Festival in March/April (a novice ordination ceremony for young men declaring their intentions to become Buddhist monks). In November when Mexican sunflowers set to brighten the hills the Sunflower Festival in Khun Yuam District attracts also many Thai visitors from all over the country.
Most popular sights in the town of Mae Hong Son are some colorful Burmese style temples, Wat Doi Kong Mu on a hill top with great views and Wat Jong Klang at the city lake. Not to be missed should be a boat trip on the scenic Pai River, which can be combined with a visit to a village of Padaung (better known as longnecks).
A bit north of the provincial town is Ban Rak Thai, an idyllic Kuomintang village in the mountain wilderness close to the Myanmar Border. Very popular with Thai tourists.
In Pangmapa (Soppong) District beside Lahu and Lisu hilltribe villages the giant cave Thum Lot is the major sight, which can be crossed on a bamboo raft when the water level is appropriate.
Pai is a trendy town with a laid-back atmosphere and a good starting point for trekking tours. Take a bath at the hot springs or at one of the small waterfalls nearby is also very popular with visitors here. In the evening a stroll along Pai’s walking street has become a must for most tourists.