Mae Hong Son (pop. 7000) is a small outpost town in Northern Thailand, near the border with Myanmar.

View over the Mae Hong Son lake

Get in

By plane

The most comfortable but also expensive option is a 30 minute flight from Chiang Mai with Thai Airways (about 25 US$ one-way). Nonstop jet service from Bangkok to Mae Hong Son is also available on PB Air.

By road

There are two road options from Chiang Mai. Route 1095 via Pai (280 km)is the more scenic drive while route 108 via Mae Sariang(350 km) is an easier drive. Both routes will take 6-7 hours by car.

By bus

Regular services connect Mae Hong Son with Chiang Mai (Arcade bus terminal) and the entire trip will take at least 7-8 hours. There are also several minibus services catering for tourists which are a little bit more expensive than the regular buses. Buses go via Pai or Mae Sariang so take the one you like. The bus sation is at the northern part of the main road (Thanon Khunlum Praphat).

There is also an overnight bus to Bangkok's Northern Bus Terminal (Moh Chit) which takes about 16-17 hours.

By train

There is no train service to Mae Hong Son.

Get around

This is a small town so walking is the way to get around. If your feet get cramped take one of the many tuk-tuks.

See

Walk around the picturesque lake and visit the surrounding wats. Wat Phra That Soi Kong Mu (aka Wat Phai Doi) overlooks the town from the west and offers superb views.

Do

One of the main reasons for tourist to go to Mae Hong Son is trekking in the surrounding mountains and visiting the so-called hill-tribes. Nearly every guest house offers tours. There are also many other tours on offer.

Buy

There is an interesting night market at the lake where you can buy art and handcrafts from the hill-tribes.

Eat & Drink

Many restaurants are along the main road and the night market where there are also many food-stalls.

Sleep

Mae Hong Son has a broad range of Guest houses mainly located around the lake. There are several hotels within the city. If you`ve got your own transport ther are several more resorts a little bit out of town. Take a look before checking-in because there are always changes ...

- Rooks Holiday Hotel & Resort, 114/5-7 Khunlumprapas Rd. is called one of the more upmarket places in Mae Hong Son and offers wooden cottages as well as standard hotel rooms (starting at B1400). It`s a little bit out of town but within walking distance to the night markte/ city centre (10-15 min.). Some of the cottages are in need of a little refurbishing so take a look before check-in.

Get out

Trekking is one of main reasons to go to Mae Hong Son. Alternatively take a one day tour to one of the following:

• Fish Cave (Thumpla): near the village of Huay Pha, about 17 kms from Mae Hong Son (Highway 1095) this is a beautiful spot to escape the heat.

• Pha Sua waterfall: 26 kms from Mae Hong Son on the road to Pai this waterfall consists of six levels and offers some fine walks.