Lookingfor a scenic Thai destination with lots of nature, outdoor activities, alaid-back vibe, and interesting local culture? Look no further than Mae HongSon.
MaeHong Son is a beautiful and remote province in Northern Thailand. Known for itsgorgeous nature and mountainous terrain, the province also has chilled-outresorts with a hippie vibe as well as bustling towns. Easily accessed fromChiang Mai, here’s why you should consider adding Mae Hong Son to your Thaitravel wish list. Get more details Things to do inPai
Spectacularscenery
MaeHong Son is Thailand’s most mountainous province. A fine mist often hangs inthe air over the soaring Shan Mountains and most of the mountains within theThai Highlands are covered with dense, wildlife-rich jungle. Stunning riversflow through lush valleys and there are plentiful waterfalls that areespecially beautiful when at their fullest during the rainy season. Caves,canyons, fields, and hills add to the visual splendour.
Outdooradventures
MaeHong Son is a terrific destination for travellers who enjoy getting back tonature and taking part in varied adventure and outdoor activities. Themountains offer many opportunities for excellent hiking and climbing, though doremember to wear sturdy shoes as the inclines are often very steep. Keenmountain bikers won’t be disappointed and there are also numerous caves toexplore. Kayaking, rafting, and tubing are among the province’s water-basedactivities, and you can also enjoy fishing in clear rivers.
Variedactivities
Inaddition to a plethora of outdoor activities, Mae Hong Son also provides awealth of other things to do. Brush up on your Thai cooking skills and learnhow to make local dishes at a cooking class, rejuvenate your body and spirit ata meditation or yoga retreat, and learn more about local life with visits toethnic hill tribe groups. There are Muay Thai gyms, language workshops, andeven a circus school to add even more diversity. Of course, you’ll also findmany temples and cultural attractions for fun days of sightseeing. Learningmore Elephant riding
Exhilaratingroad trip opportunities
MaeHong Son boasts one of Thailand’s most exciting motorbike routes: the Mae HongSon Loop. Covering some 600 kilometres (373 miles), the circuit winds throughgorgeous terrain, passing through places like Mai Sariang, Mae Hong Son Town,and Pai. There are plenty of side trips to take along the way and the loopconveniently begins and ends in the neighbouring province of Chiang Mai, whichis a popular tourist destination where you can easily rent bikes for your trip.Always remember to wear a helmet, protective clothing, and closed shoes, anddon’t even consider tackling the hilly and twisting roads without travelinsurance. Don’t worry if you’re not competent or confident on a motorbike; youcan still enjoy the loop with public transport or in a car.
Interestinghistory
Theland that now constitutes the Thai province of Mae Hong Son was once part ofneighbouring Myanmar. Despite being Burmese, the state of Mawkmai was createdby a member of Chiang Mai’s nobility. The territory was surrendered to Siam inthe late 1800s, with neighbouring states kept as part of what was then BritishBurma and is now Myanmar.
Ethnic hilltribes
WhileMae Hong Son has the lowest population density of all of Thailand’s provinces,the people you meet while exploring the province are likely to come from arange of backgrounds. As well as Thai and Burmese people, hill tribes make up asignificant part of the local population (more than 60%). Ethnic groups thatcall Mae Hong Son home include the Hmong, Akha, Kayan Lahwi, Shan, Paduang,Yao, and Lisu. The Shan group is the largest.
Diverse culturalinfluences
Eachof the ethnic groups that live in Mae Hong Son has their own distinct culture,with variations in things like food, dress, traditions, and daily lifestyle.You’ll notice that the architecture is different to many other parts ofThailand, too. The province’s history has also shaped the local culture, andMae Hong Son has more in common with neighbouring Burmese states than otherThai provinces. A visit to Mae Hong Son certainly offers glimpses into anotherside of the Land of Smiles.
Pai: hippie townvibes
Paiis one of the province’s most popular tourist destinations, attracting peoplewith diverse interests and backgrounds. Home to natural attractions like PaiCanyon and Huai Nam Dang National Park, and surrounded by stunning scenery,there are many chances to enjoy the great outdoors. There are waterfalls andviewpoints within easy reach and the Chinese Village is an interesting culturalsite. Pai has earned itself a reputation as something of a hippie hangout andthere are plentiful low-key accommodations, bars, and restaurants. TheWednesday morning market attracts locals and visitors. The atmosphere isrelaxed and it’s a top place to idly swing in a hammock as you admire the viewsand chill out. For more info white waterrafting
Mae Hong Son:local life
Theprovincial capital of Mae Hong Son sees relatively few visitors and it’s agreat destination for anybody looking to immerse themselves in the local way oflife. Nicknamed ‘The City of Three Mists’, Mae Hong Son Town sits in amountain-surrounded valley. The Jom Kham Lake adds to the beauty and there arehot springs just a short drive outside of the town centre. Watch people makingmerit and worshipping at striking temples like Wat Jong Kham, Wat Jong Klang,and Wat Hua Wiang, noting the striking Burmese influences in their designs. Themorning market is an ideal place to grab breakfast.
Unique souvenirs
Thereare many markets scattered throughout the province and you’ll find an unusualand attractive selection of hill tribe handicrafts. Traditional clothes, woodcarvings, dolls, musical instruments, artwork, and jewellery are among theitems that may catch your eye. Not only can you pick up unique gifts and keepsakesbut any purchases also help to support local families and boost the localeconomy. More info Pai River Cruise
Affordable costs
Ingeneral, Northern Thailand is known for being more affordable when comparedwith Central and Southern Thailand. Living costs in Mae Hong Son are some ofthe lowest in the region and your Thai baht will stretch much further there.From meals and transportation to accommodation and tours, exploring Mae HongSon is typically cheaper than spending time in other northern provinces, suchas Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai.
