Mae Hong Son - Thailand Travel Guide

This quiet town by the Burmese border makes a great base for nature treks and visits to hill tribes such as the long-necked Padaung people.

Temple Architecture
Although tourism is increasing in Mae Hong Son, the town remains reasonably serene. The townspeople are mostly Shan, and local temple architecture shows their influence: one exquisite example is the picture-perfect Wat Jong Kham, set beside a large pond. Another is Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu, which offers charming views from its hilltop location.

Hill Tribes
Various ethnic groups are scattered throughout the province, including Karen, Lisu and Lahu, and guided treks from Mae Hong Son pass through their villages. Some are near the town and easy enough to reach by yourself. Of all the hill tribes, the long-necked women of the Padaung from Myanmar are probably the most photographed: they wear brass coils that make their necks and limbs appear unusually long. Nai Soi, Hawy Sen Thao and Huay Ma Khen Som are well-frequented Padaung villages.

Festivals
In March, the colorful Poi Sang Long festival celebrates the ordination of Shan boys into the monkhood. The elaborately dressed boys are carried around the temple, usually Wat Jong Kham or nearby Wat Jong Klang. Folk dancing and drama are a major part of the Buddhist Jong Para festival in October, and local people release small decorated floats onto ponds and rivers during Loi Krathong in November.

Soft Adventure
A quaint place to visit in Mae Hong Son province is the small, endearing town of Pai. The surrounding area offers trekking, bamboo rafting and elephant riding. After a trek, you could try the services of Pai Traditional Massage, close to the Pai River.