Mae Hong Son, City of The Three Mist, Northern Thailand ~ Trip Advisor Pro

Monday, May 16, 2011

Mae Hong Son, City of The Three Mist, Northern Thailand

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Mae Hong Son (Thai แม่ฮ่องสอน) (also Maehongson, Mae Hong Sorn or Maehongsorn) is one of the northern provinces (changwat) of Thailand, and at the same time the westernmost. Neighboring provinces are (from north clockwise) Shan State of Myanmar, Chiang Mai and Tak. To the west it borders Kayin State and Kayah State of Myanmar again. It was formerly called Mae Rong Son (also Maerongson, Mae Rong Sorn or Maerongsorn).
Mae Hong Son (The City of Three Mists) จังหวัดแม่ฮ่องสอน เมืองสามหมอก is nestled in a deep valley hemmed in by high mountain ranges, Mae Hong Son has long been isolated from the outside world.

It is the most mountainous province in Thailand and composed of a total of 13, 814 square kilometers. It is virtually covered with mist throughout the year, the name refers to the fact that this terrain is highly suitable for the training of elephants. Former governors of Chiang Mai used to organize the rounding up of wild elephants which were then trained before being sent to the capital for work. Today, Mae Hong Son is a "dream destination" for visitors. Daily flights into its small airport bring growing numbers of tourists, attracted by the natural scenery, numerous hill-tribe communities and soft adventure opportunities...information from en.wikipedia.org

Mae Hong Son Province is situated in northern and northwestern Thailand at 17° 38′ - 19° 48′ N and 97° 20′ - 98° 39′ E and furthest from Bangkok in the north at a distance of approximately 924 km. It boasts an area of approximately 12,681.259 km² or around 7,925,812.5 rai, which is third largest in Northern Thailand and seventh largest in the country. It is approximately 250 km from north to south and approximately 95 km from east to west.
To the north and west it connects to a total of three states in the Union of Burma, namely the southern portion of Shan State; Kayah State and Kawthoolei State via the West Thanon Thongchai Mountains and the rivers Salween and Moei which serve as natural boundaries between the countries. To the south it connects to the district of Tha Song Yang, Tak via the rivers Yuam and Ngao which serve as a provincial boundary. To the east it connects to the districts of Wiang Haeng, Chiang Dao, Mae Taeng, Mae Chaem, Hot and Omkoi in Chiang Mai Province via the Central and East Thanon Thongchai mountain ranges that serve as a boundary line between the two provinces.
Every district in Mae Hong Son Province shares a common border with the Union of Burma approximately 483 kilometres in total length. Of this, approximately 326 kilometres is land and 157 kilometres are rivers (not counting the Salween, 127 km, and Moei, 30 km).

Transportation

Air
Both Mae Hong Son Town and Pai District and are connected with flights to and from neighbouring Chiang Mai...2 Flight a day - Booking Call Center 081 498 0613 Clarence (Oversea +ุ66 81 498 0613)

Chiangmai - Mae Hong Son - Chiangmai

Chiangmai - Mae Hong Son - Chiangmai 2 Flights a day, every day
KND721 ETD 08:45 ETA 09:20
KND723 ETD 08:45 ETA 09:20

Mae Hong Son - Chiangmai 2 Flights a day, every day
KND722 ETD 09:35 ETA 10:10
KND720 ETD 07:40 ETA 08:15

Chiangmai - Pai - Chiangmai

Chiangmai - Pai KND741 One Flight a day ETD 10:40 ETA 11:05
Pai - Chiangmai KND 742 One Flight a day ETD 11:20 ETA 11:45

Motorbikes
Due to the lack of public transportation in the province the preferred mode of travels with local is motorbike. Mae Hong Son's roads however, are not in the best of condition.

Bicycles
These are popular with both locals and tourists and are the preferred mode of transportation in the own districts.

Car
Four-wheeled drive is the very much recommended form of transportation for travel into the mountains. The roads though, are known to be extremely dangerous.
Foot
For travel into the remote areas to visit hill-tribes, the only way to go is may be on foot.

Hitch-hike
This mode of travel in Thailand is only advised for routes which have no kind of public travel whatsoever. Army and police are always happy to pick up foreigners, but it is Thai-style when hitching for hikers to help pay the cost of the petrol.

Highly recommended Hotels in Mae Hong Son

Sights / Attractions

Wat Chong Kham
Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu (วัดพระธาตุดอยกองมู) erected by the first governor of Mae Hong Son, this temple reflects the strong influence of the Burmese. The highlights of this attraction are the two lavishly decorated pagodas. Also, this hilltop temple affords an exceptional aerial view of the city and surrounding mountains and valleys.

Tham Pla – Pha Suea National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติถ้ำปลา-ผาเสื่อ) This comprises the following attractions:
Tham Pla (ถ้ำปลา) about 17 kilometres from town, is a popular attraction in Mae Hong Son. The surrounding areas are brooks and cool hilly forests. A special feature is the hollow cave filled with numerous freshwater fish known as Pla Mung or Pla Khang, which is of the same family as the carp. The fish are quite safe from being caught as they are believed to belong to the gods.
Namtok Pha Suea (น้ำตกผาเสื่อ), this waterfall is in Tambon Mokchampae about 26 kilometres from the provincial seat. It is a large fall with its water source in Burma and runs full during the late rainy season.

Ban Rak Thai (บ้านรักไทย), this village is situated 44 kilometres from Mae Hong Son via
Namtok Pha Suea near the Thai-Myanmar border. Founded by Kuomintang Chinese soldiers, the village is famous for its views and tea cultivation. An annual Tea Tasting Festival is held at Ban Rak Thai in February.

Wat Nam Hoo (วัดน้ำฮู) at Tambon Wiang Tai, located 3 km. from Pai hospital. This temple housed Phra Un Mueang, sacred Buddha image in Lanna style, 500 years of age, in the attitude of Subduing Mara (victory over Mara). The head of the image could opened and always appears water seepage inside.

Huai Nam Dang National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติห้วยน้ำดัง) 65km from the district town has excellent views of the sunset, sunrise and misty mountains. Cherry blossom during January adds charms to the attraction.

Bua Tong Fields at Doi Mae U-Kho (ทุ่งดอกบัวตองดอยแม่อูคอ) The Dok Bua Tong (may be classified as wild sunflowers) blooms during November painting the entire hilly area of Doi Mae U-kho in colorful yellow draws flocks of visitors to Khun Yuam district.

Namtok Mae Surin National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติน้ำตกแม่สุรินทร์), given national park status in 1981, this natural wonder, which straddles Mueang and Khun Yuam districts, encompasses a wildlife and botanical reserve, a huge waterfall and a terraced mountain.

Wat Chong Kham (วัดจองคำ) is located on the bank of the swamp Nong Chong Kham and was built in 1827 by Thai Yai artisans. The pillars are gilded with gold flakes. The temple houses a large Buddha statue with a lap width of 4.85 metres cast by Burmese craftsmen.

Phu Klon Country Club uses natural black mud which has skin care and therapeutic benefits. The area has now been developed into a spa resort.

Activities
Rafting along the Pai River is a popular recreation. There is a lot of rafting pass rapids and natural scenery including waterfalls.
Mountain Biking is a suitable mode of travel for those wanting to experience the forest and some of the tracks are very narrow.
Treks are popular with visitors who wish to enjoy the nature and view the variety of hill-tribes. The trek is often combined with jungle walks with elephant riding and river rafting.
Elephant Trekking is known all over Thailand for its sturdy and strong elephants and many tourists take the opportunity in Mae Hong Son to ride an elephant.
Spa Mae Hong Son is not well-known for its spas but spa service is given at a few of the top places-to-stay in the provincial town and Pai district.

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Chiangmai, Chiang rai, Mae Hong Son, Pai , Nan, Sukhothai - Thailand:
Taxi, Tour services and Trip Advisor
Contact Person: Patrick 081 617 2116 (oversea call +66 81 617 2116)
เพ็ญนภา (แก้ว) 081 498 0613(จากต่างประเทศ +66 81 498 0613)
E-mail: neomart@gmail.com