Mae Hong Son is some 920 kilometres north of Bangkok. The province covers  13,232 Square kilometres. Bordered to the west and north by Myanmar (Burma) exhibiting considerable Burmese influence in its religious architecture and rural lifestyles.

Thailand's northern border city, hides itself between the towering mountains with densely forested slopes stretching to the Burmese border. Mae Hong Son is known for its charm of scenery and culture. The people of Mae Hong Son consists of the Shans who live in the city, plus many hilltribes.

The most famous hilltribe being the long-necked women of the Karen (Pa Dong) tribe. Even today these people still attach brass rings to the some of the women to give the appearance of them having extended necks.

The Hilltop Temple Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu. Dominates Mae Hong Son the temple offers an exhilarating views of the its verdant valley and mountain surrounds. It was constructed by the first Mae Hong Son ruler, during the mid 1800 hundreds.

Other Burmese style temples include the lakeside Wat Chong Klang and Wat Chong Kham in the town centre which houses glass paintings and Burmese puppets. Wat Hua Wiang and Wat Phra Non which contains a 12 metre Burmese style reclining Buddha image.

The best ways of exploring Mae Hong Son province with its country roads that perpetually twist and turn around the mountainside are with four wheel drive vehicles or track motorcycles.

Namtok Mae Surin National Park is located east of the provincial capital Mae Hong Son. The park contains some of the more dominant peaks of the Thanon Tongchai mountain range.

The elevations vary between 300 and 1700 meters above sea level. These highlands  are birth to numerous streams and small rivers which are important tributaries of the Pai river. The main river of this region.

Mae Ngao National Park consists of high mountains, which are the sources of many rivers flowing westwards into the Salawin River of Myanmar.

The waterway system of Mae Ngao National Park is a similar to a tree pattern, consisting of a large river and its branches.

Tham Pla - Namtok Pha Suea National Park consists of high mountains extending northwards, which are the sources of streams and rivers.

Natural sightseeing spots at the Tham Pla - Namtok National Park is the Tham Pla-Pha Sua Waterfall, which is vary beautiful and popular for recreational activities.

Salawin National Park is the water source of Yuam, Salaween, Kong Ka, Mae Ngae and Han Rivers and has many different kinds of trees and plants.

The park is abundant with wild life antelopes, deer, barking deer, tigers, boars, bears, squirrel, chipmunks, gibbons, palm civets and many birds.

National Parks Thailand

The Petite and Sleepy Provincial Capital, is most conveniently visited from Bangkok by air, Thai Airways along with several budget airlines, operate daily flights from Chiang Mai.

Buses are available from Bangkok and Chiang Mai, the bus trip from Bangkok takes 17 hours. The marjority of travelers visit Chiang Mai first stay a few days in the city before moving on to Mae Hong Song by air, bus, minibus or car.

Traveling by road from Chiang Mai, particularly from Chom Thong and Hot. The journey entails negotiating many hairpin bends through forested mountains, passing through the most enduringly and spectacular scenery in northern Thailand.

Air Rail and Bus Time Tables

The capital is the major provincial shopping centre for souvenirs, morning markets are especially interesting. You can buy, apart from the usual household items and foodstuffs, an array of insect food such as crickets, worms and ant eggs.

Khunlumprapas street, which runs north south through the center of town, is where you will find many restaurants and shops, in the evening, the street is also lined with additional vendors selling mostly hilltribe products.

Mae Hong Son high in the mountains, offers opportunities for jungle tours, boat and trekking tours with stunningly waterfalls to visit as well as numerous mountain caves abundant with fish and hot springs. Mae Hong Son province has spawned the title of The City of Three Mists.

The Pai River is 180 kilometres in length, an average of 30 metres wide and 7 metres in depth. Pai river offers opportunities for the adventurous such as white water rafting and canoeing.

Accommodation varys from airconditioned resort hotels to bungalow complexes, guesthouses and spartan native style hotels to suit all tastes and budgets.