Mae Hong Son

Surrounded by forested mountains and with a remote and pretty setting by a tranquil lake, Mae Hong Son (แม่ฮ่องสอน) fits many travelers’ preconceived notions of how a Northern Thai town should look. A palpable influence from Myanmar and a frontier-settlement feel don’t clash with this image and, best of all, there’s hardly a túk-túk or tout to be seen. This doesn’t mean Mae Hong Son is uncharted territory – tour groups have been coming here for years – but the city is far more laid-back than Pai, while its potential as a base for activities, from boat trips to trekking, ensures that your visit can be quite unlike anyone else’s.

Explore Mae Hong Son

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Mae Hong Son.

Guidebooks

Purchase our award-winning guidebooks

Get to the heart of Mae Hong Son with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.