This sleepy capital in the far north of Thailand epitomizes the friendly Thai culture. Although Mae Hong Son can hardly be described as a city, this valley town is indeed the provincial capital and shares a border with three Myanmar states. The small
Maehongson Airport is close to town and convenient to all hotels in Mae Hong Son. However, many more travelers choose to arrive by bus from Chiang Mai. Considering that the winding road alongside the mountains is one of the country’s most beautiful drives, this is by far the better way to travel even if it’s a lot longer than a flight.
Activities in Mae Hong Song include temple-hopping and elephant treks, and the hilly mountain terrain provides plenty for adventure enthusiasts. This small city is home to two national parks, one of them being
Numtok Pa Suae National Park where adventurists can take their pick of activities such as swimming near waterfalls, exploring caves, mountain-biking, and river rafting. The area is home to several hill tribes, which can be visited via mountain trek. The Karen people from Burma also live in the Mae Hon Song area, the women instantly identifiable by their gold neck rings and elongated necks.
Life in Mae Hong Son is very relaxed and travelers here can retreat into isolation or immerse themselves in the local custom. The architectural style of Thai Yai is unique to Mae Hong Son and offers insight into local traditions and beliefs. Markets in the town center provide entertainment on many evenings, providing visitors with bargain-priced handicrafts like traditional woven hats and locally-grown tea.
Dining in Mae Hong Son is a simple affair with a handful of quality restaurants offering a standard menu of classic Thai dishes and regional specialties. Here, Northern Thai cuisine, commonly known as Isaan food, is a fresh and authentic and one of the most popular cuisines in Thailand.
There’s a lot more to see and do in Mae Hong Son, and the best way to discover what else this city has to offer in terms of attractions, landmarks, and hotels is by exploring the interactive map on this page.
