Mae Hong Son lies in the very remote and beautiful northwest of Thailand. It can be reached from Chiang Mai either from a northern route via Pai or a southern route via Mae Sariang. Both routes provide breath-taking scenery and the opportunity to see parts of Burma, Shan tows, hill people, many natural features such as waterfalls, hot springs, caves and regional faming. Often called the Mae Hong Son loop, the route provides an excellent way to see some of Thailand’s local cultures amidst the dramatic northern landscape.
Southern Route
The southern route is approximately 360 km long and passes Doi Inthanon Thailand’s highest mountain. There are three very scenic waterfalls in the national park at Mae Klang, Vachiratarn and Mae Yai falls. Traveling further west through Hot the route takes on a more adventurous rugged feel with twisting bends magnificent scenery and waterfalls as it passes through Bo Luang, Kong Loi, Mae Ho and on to Mae Sariang. From here the route heads north to Mae La Noi and passes through narrow valleys with steep hill sides eventually reaching Mae Hong Son.
Mae Hong Son
The town is well surrounded by mountains and has a cool climate. It was originally founded in 1831 as elephant trainning camp for royal elephants caught in the neighbouring forests. For most of its history the town was difficult to access and isolated from the other northern Thai towns. Situated on the western border between Thailand and Burma it has always experienced the cultures of both countries. Much of the towns architecture has a heavy Burmese influence especially Wat Chong Kham. There is a small memorial to Phraya Sihonatracta the first governor of Mae Hong Son to the south of the town. Most pictures of the town however depict the chedis and lake at Wat Chong Kham and Chong Klang. The lake was originally used in the 19th century as a bathing pool for royal elephants. On the mountain overlooking the town is Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu built in the 19th century. There are excellent views from here over the surrounding valley. Other temples in the region are Wat Kam Ko, Wat Hua Wieng which houses a very large Burmese style Buddha image, and Wat Phra Non which has a 12m long reclining Buddha image.
Around Mae Hong Son
Approximately 10 km. south of the town is the Pha Bong hot spring with mineral water baths. Twenty kilometers to the north is the Thom Pla forest park with caves and pools. Further north near Pang Mapha is the Tham Lot forest Park where a small stream runs through a cave beneath the mountain and can be explored by raft. The best rafting however is along the Mae Pai river during October to March.
Narthern Route
Leaving Mae Hong Son the northern route rises very steeply and passes by the Mae Surin National Park and beautiful 100m high Mae Surin Waterfall. From here the road heads through winding river valleys and steep gorges on to Pai and back to Chiang Mai.
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