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When mentioning Thailand, tourists often think of the bustling capital Bangkok or the peaceful and romantic Chiang Mai. However, few people know that at the far north of Thailand lies a place surrounded by hills and tea plantations, with closely packed wooden houses and a cool climate year-round.
Mae Hong Son is adorned with the lush green of nature; every corner of this land is filled with the fresh breath of the mountains and forests. Surrounded by high mountain ranges, 80% of Mae Hong Son's area consists of pristine forests that are covered in mist year-round. It is an ideal destination for nature lovers and those who appreciate the simple, rustic charm of peaceful rural life.
Surrounded by rolling hills, Mae Hong Son enjoys a cool climate year-round. It's often compared to Da Lat or Sa Pa in Vietnam. Therefore, visitors can visit Mae Hong Son at any time of year without worrying about the rainy season. However, the period from February to June is when many traditional festivals take place. In particular, the annual Songkran festival, celebrated from April 13th to 15th, is the traditional Thai New Year.
Mae Hong Son: Home of the Ethnic Minority
Mae Hong Son is located in the mountainous northern region of Thailand, not far from Chiang Mai. The province was part of the ancient Lannathai Kingdom as well as the Kingdom of Myanmar. The strong influence of Myanmar is evident in the architectural style of the buildings and temples. Currently, Mae Hong Son is home to the Padung people, a tribe known for wearing brass necklaces. In 1985-1986, due to the development of tourism, they relocated to the Thai-Myanmar border region, where they have lived to this day.
In addition, approximately 63% of the province's population consists of ethnic minorities from mountainous regions, including the Hmong, Dao, Lahu, Lisu, Akha, Karen, and San Chay. The province has the lowest population density among all Thai provinces and is also the least populated province in Thailand.
The Padung community in Mae Hong Son.
The view from Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu temple.
The natural scenery in Mae Hong Son is stunning.
In particular, in Mae Hong Son province of Thailand, you will encounter beautiful girls with necks that are four creases long and record-breakingly long necklaces. From a very young age, Padung ethnic girls must wear a necklace around their necks. Depending on their age, the number of necklaces increases. What's special is that no one feels uncomfortable wearing them; on the contrary, they are very proud of this unique cultural feature.
According to Padung custom, from the age of 5, a girl must wear a complete set of nine bracelets. Every four years, she must replace the nine bracelets, and so on for nine different occasions. The final replacement is when the woman turns 45. The number and weight of the bracelets depend on the girl's choice, with a maximum of 32 bracelets weighing a total of 13–15 kg.
Tourist attractions in Mae Hong Son
Upon arriving in Mae Hong Son, visitors feel as if they have stepped into another world—a world rich in ethnic identity. This place attracts tourists with its Burmese-style temples, hot springs, pristine villages, national parks, and exciting experiences, especially the vibrant annual festivals.
Located on a hill west of the city, Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu is a renowned sacred temple in Mae Hong Son, attracting a large number of tourists from around the world and serving as an iconic landmark of Mae Hong Son city in particular and the land of temples in general.
Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu was built in 1860 under the direction of Jong Dong Su and Shan Merchant, high-ranking officials of Mae Hong Son. Located about 3 km from the town center, after reaching the foot of the hill, visitors can walk to the top or climb a 300-step staircase. From an altitude of 1,300 meters, the temple offers visitors panoramic views of the city.
Night market in Mae Hong Son.
The houses are built on the hills of Mae Hong Son.
Tourists pose by Chong Kham Lake.
In Mae Hong Son, visitors are almost never far from nature. You can enjoy the fresh air and see lush green trees everywhere. And if you want to immerse yourself in rural life, you must visit Sutongpe Bridge and the fish cave at Ban Kungmaisak Moo.
Sutongpe is a bamboo bridge that stretches across the fields, located in the peaceful small village of Mae Hong Son. It is surrounded by lush green mountains and fertile rice paddies. Visitors can also explore the ancient town of Ban Rak Thai, the sacred Wat Chong Kham temple, Pang Ung Lake, or take hiking trails to observe the local people in Mae Hong Son town.
