Mae Hong Son City Guide

Thailand > Mae Hong Son

Mae Hong Son, Thailand's second northernmost provincial city, is sheltered by several high mountains and enjoys a cool climate almost all year round. The province is bordered by Myanmar to the North and West, and a strong Myanma influence can be seen in the provincial capital's temples and buildings.

Don't miss the view on the special ethnic custom here, Long-necked Karen (or Pa Dong tribe) is a hill- tribe living deep inside Myanmar border with Thailand's Ban Nam Phiang Din. Women of this tribe wear brass rings on their necks and limbs. Amazing! So, can you imagine how long their necks are?

Come and shine by the Wild-Sunflower Field Doi Mae U-Kho which covers the area of 1,000 rais of Wild-Sunflowers, all are in full bloom between the month of November and December which make the hills and surrounding areas look like being plated with gold.

The city itself has exquisite Burmese style pagoda's which blend perfectly into the slow moving capital. Nearby settlement of various mixed tribal groups adorn the hill sand valley and the venerable cave where giant catfish swim freely with the blessing of the local spirits.

Getting There and Moving Around

By air

Thai Airways has one direct flight daily from Bangkok to Mae Hong Son. All direct Bangkok - Mae Hong Son flights have a stop-over in Chiang Mai and Bangkok. There are additional connections if one doesn't mind waiting and changing aircraft in Chiang Mai.

By road

Direct air and non-aircon buses to Mae Hong Son depart daily from Bangkok's Northern Bus Station on Phahonyothin Road.

An alternative way is to go via Chiang Mai. From Bangkok's Northern Bus Station on Phahonyothin Road. From Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Terminal, buses leave for Mae Hong Son via Mae Sariang.

Cars and Motorbikes can also be rented in Chiang Mai if you want to move around on your own.

Moving Around

The road transport system here is not as complex as other big towns but it is definitely fun to visit this spectacular tourism spot.