Mae Hong Son

Introducing Mae Hong Son

Surrounded by mountains and punctuated by small but picturesque Nong Jong Kham (Jong Kham Lake), this provincial capital is still relatively peaceful despite the intrusion of daily flights from Chiang Mai. Mae Hong Son has become part of northern Thailand’s standard tourist circuit, with plenty of guesthouses, hotels and resorts in the area, many of them catering to Thais. However, much of the capital’s prosperity is due to its supply of rice and consumer goods to the drug lords across the border. The town’s population is predominantly Shan. Several Karen and Shan villages in the vicinity can be visited as day trips, and further afield are Lisu, Lahu and Musoe villages.

Mae Hong Son is best visited between November and March when the town is at its most beautiful. During the rainy season (June to October) travel in the province can be difficult because there are few paved roads. During the hot season, the Mae Pai valley fills with smoke from slash-and-burn agriculture. The only problem with going in the cool season is that the nights are downright cold – you’ll need at least one thick sweater and a good pair of socks for mornings and evenings, and a sleeping bag or several blankets.

Last updated: Mar 24, 2009