Things to do in Mae Hong Son
-
A
Tour Merng Tai
This outfit mostly does city-based van tours and cycling tours, but can also arrange treks.
reviewed
-
Pooklon Country Club
This self-professed 'country club' is touted as Thailand's only mud treatment spa. Discovered by a team of geologists in 1995, the mud here is pasteurised and blended with herbs before being employed in various treatments (facial 60B). There's thermal mineral water for soaking (60B), and on weekends, massage (per hour 200B).
Pooklon is 16km north of Mae Hong Son in Mok Champae District. If you haven't got your own wheels, you can take the daily Mae Aw-bound sŏrng·tăa·ou, but this means you might have to find your own way back.
reviewed
-
Nature Walks
Although the treks here cost more than elsewhere, John, a native of Mae Hong Son, is the best guide in town. Treks range from day-long nature walks to multiday journeys across the province. John can also arrange custom nature-based tours, such as the orchid- viewing tours he conducts from March to May. John has no office; email and phone are the only ways to get in touch with him.
reviewed
-
B
Crossroads
This friendly bar-restaurant is a crossroads in every sense, from its location at one of Mae Hong Son's main intersections to its clientele that ranges from wet-behind-the-ears backpackers to hardened locals. Oh, and there's steak.
reviewed
-
C
Ban Phleng
This popular open-air restaurant does a handful of very tasty local dishes – you're safe going with anything that says 'Maehongson style' on the English-language menu. Ban Phleng is just south of town – look for the white banners at the side of the road.
reviewed
-
D
Salween River Restaurant
The menu here spans just about everything, ranging from excellent organic hill-tribe coffee to baked goods, local-style Shan specialities and imaginative Western dishes. The menu is also very strong on vegetarian options. The owners are very friendly and are a good source of information.
reviewed
-
Wat Jong Klang Museum
This Museum in Wat Jong Klang, houses 150-year-old wooden dolls from Mandalay that depict some of the more gruesome aspects of the wheel of life. Wat Jong Klang has several areas that women are forbidden to enter – not unusual for Burmese-Shan Buddhist temples.
reviewed
-
E
Mae Si Bua
Like the Shan grandma you never had, Auntie Bua prepares a huge variety of different Shan curries, soups and dips on a daily basis. Try her delicious gaang hang·lair, an incredibly rich curry of pork belly with a flavour not unlike American-style barbecue sauce.
reviewed
-
F
Fern Restaurant
The Fern is almost certainly Mae Hong Son's most upscale restaurant, but remember, this is Mae Hong Son. Nonetheless, service is professional and the food is decent. The expansive menu covers Thai, local and even European dishes. There is live lounge music some nights.
reviewed
-
G
Maneerat
Maneerat is one of the well-stocked souvenir shops here. It features an extensive array of Shan and Burmese clothing, as well as Burmese lacquerware boxes. It can be found near the southern end of Th Khunlum Praphat
reviewed
Advertisement
-
H
Fair Book
Although atmosphere is non-existent, this place has real coffee and the best selection of English-language newspapers, making it a favourite place to catch up with the outside world. They also do good Thai-style breakfasts.
reviewed
-
I
Kai Mook
This open-air restaurant just off the main street combines a lengthy menu with a fun atmosphere. Try dishes such as đôm yam made with fish from the Mae Nam Pai, or wild boar fried with curry paste.
reviewed
-
J
Wat Hua Wiang
This wát, east of Th Khunlum Praphat, is recognised for its bòht boasting an elaborate tiered wooden roof and a revered bronze Buddha statue from Mandalay.
reviewed
-
K
La Tasca
This cosy place has been serving homemade pasta, pizza and calzone for as long as we can remember and is one of the few places in town to serve relatively authentic Western food.
reviewed
-
L
Chilli Bar
Loud blues and a pool table dominate the scene at this friendly pub. The available food (30B to 80B), from bar snacks to sandwiches, is chalked up on boards.
reviewed
-
M
Sunflower Café
This open-air place combines draught beer, live lounge music and views of the lake. Sunflower also does meals (35B to 180B) and runs tours.
reviewed
-
N
Friend Tour
With nearly 20 years' experience, this recommended outfit offers trekking, elephant riding and rafting, as well as day tours. Located at PA Motorbike.
reviewed
-
Night Market
From October to February the walkway around the Jong Kham Lake becomes a lively night market.
reviewed
-
O
Pa Tim
Everyone loves this place for its extensive variety of well-priced Thai and Chinese options.
reviewed
-
P
Rosegarden Tours
Its English- and French-speaking guides focus on cultural and sightseeing tours.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
Wat Jong Kham & Wat Jong Klang
Wat Jong Kham was built nearly 200 years ago by Thai Yai (Shan) people, who make up about half of the population of Mae Hong Son Province. Wat Jong Klang houses 100-year-old glass jataka paintings and a museum with 150-year-old wooden dolls from Mandalay that depict some of the more gruesome aspects of the wheel of life. Wat Jong Klang has several areas that women are forbidden to enter – not unusual for Burmese-Shan Buddhist temples.
The temples are lit at night and reflected in Nong Jong Kham – a popular photo op for visitors.
reviewed
-
Other Temples
Other notable temples include Wat Kam Kor, known for its unique covered walkway, and Wat Phra Non home to the largest reclining Buddha in town.
reviewed
-
Q
No-Name Restaurant
There really is no name here (it's a tax thing), but this has no negative repercussions on the tasty, central Thai-style dishes. There's a limited English-language menu, or you can simply choose from the fresh veggies out front.
reviewed
-
Nam Rin Tour
Mr Dam advertises 'Bad sleep, bad jokes', but his treks get good reports.
reviewed
-
R
Long Time Tours
Another locally based outfit that can arrange a variety of tours.
reviewed
