The town can easily be reached by Thai’s daily direct flight from Bangkok, or in a short hop from Chiang Mai. By road Mae Hong Son is 370 km (230 miles) from Chiang Mai and the drive (about 8-9hr) is a thrilling rollercoaster ride as the road winds its way up, down and around the mountains. The small town of Mae Sarian serves as halfway halt.
On Arrival, the immediate attraction of Mae Hong Son is a feeling of tranquility. A distinc character is preserved not only by old wooden house and ageing Burmese-style temples, but also by the people, mainly Shans and a scattering of Kare, Meo, Lisu and Lahu tribes people. To see the town at its liveliest, a visit to the morning market is a must. Here, between 06:00 and 08:00, hill tribe people mix with townsfolk and there is an untypical buzz of activity around colorful stalls loaded with fruit, vegetables, spices, meats, clothes and household goods.
Dominating the western edge of town is Doi Kong Mu, a 424m peak topped by Wat Phrathat Doi Kong Mu. The two chedis, erected in 1860 and 1874 respectively, and the several surrounding images are fascinating, but the real rewards is the magnificent bird’s eye view of the narrow fertile valley and encircling mountains. At the foot of Doi Kong Mu, Wat Phra Non houses a 12m long Burmese-style reclining Buddha image.
Bordering the town’s small but extremely picturesque lake are Wat Chong Kam and Wat Chong Klang. Both temples display typical Burmese-style architecture, and Wat Chong Klang is notable for its collection of Burmese wooden dolls, the tallest about 1m high, representing figures from one of the traditional stories about the Buddha’s previous lives.
Wat Hua Wieng, near the market, looks even more dilapidated than usual for the typically tottering woo-and-corrugated-iron architecture of Mae Hong Son’s Burmese-style temples, but it does enshrine a fine brass seated Buddha, a copy of a statue in Mandalay.
Attractions beyond Mae Hong Son are numerous. Besides the overall spectacular mountain scenery, natural sights within easy distance of town include Tham Pla (Fish Cave), Pha Sua waterfall and Tham Lod cave, a splendid cavern with a stream running through it. There are also numerous hill tribe villages. Trekking and excursions by jeep, elephant and river transport are organized by tour agents (concentrated on Khunlum Praphat Road) and resort hotels.
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I don’t think that there are two opinions about that, Mae is one of the most beautiful places in North Thailand. Very picturesque area, great festivals and good people.
One of the most beautiful and authentic towns in Thailand. Highly recommended if you go Chiang Mai.
Chiang Mai is promoted in brochures as “Pearl of the North”, but definitely Mae Hong Son is the real authentic place to visit in North Thailand. Highly recommended if you like relaxing vacation.