Climb the hill west of town, Doi Kong Mu (1500m), to visit this temple compound, also known as Wat Plai Doi. Two Shan chedi, erected in 1860 and 1874,…
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
- WWat Phra That Doi Kong Mu
Climb the hill west of town, Doi Kong Mu (1500m), to visit this temple compound, also known as Wat Plai Doi. Two Shan chedi, erected in 1860 and 1874,…
- WWat Jong Klang
Wat Jong Klang houses century-old glass Jataka paintings and a museum with 150-year-old wooden dolls from Myanmar that depict some of the agonies of the…
- WWat Hua Wiang
This wát, just west of Mae Hong Son’s morning market, is recognised for its bòht (chapel), boasting an elaborate tiered wooden roof and a revered bronze…
- TTham Pla National Park
The most touted attraction of this national park is Tham Pla (Fish Cave), a water-filled cavern where hundreds of soro brook carp thrive. A 450m path…
- WWat Jong Klang Museum
This museum in Wat Jong Klang houses 150-year-old wooden dolls from Mandalay, some of which depict the more gruesome aspects of the wheel of life.
- WWat Jong Kham
Next door to Wat Jong Klang, this temple was built nearly 200 years ago by Thai Yai (Shan) people, who make up about half of the population of Mae Hong…
- WWat Kam Kor
This Burmese-style temple is known for its unique covered walkway.
- WWat Phra Non
Wat Phra Non is home to the largest reclining Buddha in town.
Top attractions
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Mae Hong Son.
- See
Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu
Climb the hill west of town, Doi Kong Mu (1500m), to visit this temple compound, also known as Wat Plai Doi. Two Shan chedi, erected in 1860 and 1874,…
- See
Wat Jong Klang
Wat Jong Klang houses century-old glass Jataka paintings and a museum with 150-year-old wooden dolls from Myanmar that depict some of the agonies of the…
- See
Wat Hua Wiang
This wát, just west of Mae Hong Son’s morning market, is recognised for its bòht (chapel), boasting an elaborate tiered wooden roof and a revered bronze…
- See
Tham Pla National Park
The most touted attraction of this national park is Tham Pla (Fish Cave), a water-filled cavern where hundreds of soro brook carp thrive. A 450m path…
- See
Wat Jong Klang Museum
This museum in Wat Jong Klang houses 150-year-old wooden dolls from Mandalay, some of which depict the more gruesome aspects of the wheel of life.
- See
Wat Jong Kham
Next door to Wat Jong Klang, this temple was built nearly 200 years ago by Thai Yai (Shan) people, who make up about half of the population of Mae Hong…
Guidebooks
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