Mae Hong Son Things to Do

Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu
Information coming soon


Information
Name: Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu
Attraction Type: Temple
Province: Mae Hong Son
Pictures in the web: Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu


My Photos
First Photo: Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu

Visit the traditional Shan Village of 'Ban Phang Mu' just a few minutes drive out of Mae Hong Son town. Walking around this village you will really get a feel for what a traditional village is like, there is a certain 'timelessness' to it. This is also an OTOP (one tambon one product) village, OTOP is scheme by the Thai government to help local villages produce and sell their products. Ban Phang Mu is famous for producing sesame, you can visit a family run sesame factory here where they still use old techniques to process sesame. They still use a buffalo to grind the sesame!

If you can brave waking up at 5am then a visit to the early morning market is highly recommended. This is a great insight into how the locals live, its a colourful and vibrant affair where you can try all kinds of local produce and pick up a local breakfast. Also, at this time you will see the brightly coloured oranged robed monks walking the streets on ther daily alms, and observe locals making offerings to them.

As with many hilltop temples in Thailand, I think the best time to visit Wat Doi Gong Mu is at sunset. At Wat Doi Gong Mu there is a great view next to the little coffee shop with a terrace there where you can look out over the mountain range landscape and see thesunset behind the mountains. The temperature is also much cooler than the heat of the afternoon, and there are always less tourists/Thais about at this time of day, so is a perfect setting for a peaceful sunset.

4 more images

A 10 minute drive from Ban Ruam Thai takes you to the Chinese villlage of Mae Aw where historically the Kuomintang fled from Communist rule in China in the 1950s. Most of Mae Aw's inhabitants are descendents of Kuomintang soldiers and until today you can see the remnants of the Chinese occupation here. Most of the village is made of earth houses, resembling the style of old villages in Southern China. Here is the place to try traditional Chinese Yunnanese food, browse the numerous Chinese teas and wares for sale and take a mule ride around the village which lies just 2km from the Thailand/Myanmar border.

1 more image

30km from Mae Hong Son town is the picturesque village of 'Ban Ruam Thai' sometimes called the 'Switzerland of Thailand' because of its charming panoramic views of the lakes and mountains. Here you can stay at Ban Ruam Thai Guesthouse run by Mr Pala a former Karen army officer. The guesthouse has a cute and cosy feel to it, stay in your own bamboo hut and visit Mr Pala's garden where he grows and produces his own coffee. It is in a very rural location so there is no running electricity but plenty of candlelight, delicious home cooked Thai and Shan food and beautiful views. The winter months provide a romantic feel when the lake is smothered in an early morning fog and mist a surprising discovery which visitors do not expect to find in tropical Thailand. During warmer months you can also camp by the lake.

Pha Bong Hot Spring

Information coming soon


Information
Name: Pha Bong
Attraction Type: Hot Spring
Province: Mae Hong Son


My Photos
First Photo: Pha Bong Hot Spring

1 more image

Pai Canyon

Information coming soon


Information
Name: Pai Canyon
Attraction Type: Canyon
Province: Mae Hong Son
Pictures in the web: Pai Canyon


My Photos
First Photo: Pai Canyon
Second Photo: Pai Canyon