Wat Kam Ko in Mae Hong Son

Opposite Wat Phra Non, Wat Kam Ko is a Burmese-style temple built in 1890. A special architectural feature is the cover over the passageway from the entrance arch to the chapel. It also stores text in Thai Yai script chronicling the Thai Yai history.

Article from Tourism Authority of Thailand

Wat Phra Non in Mae Hong Son

This temple at the foot of Doi Kong Mu houses a 12-metre long reclining Buddha image in the Thai Yai style. The image was cast in 1875 by Phranang Miah, the wife of Phraya Singhanatracha.

Another main feature of the temple is the two large sculpted lions lying side by side, presumably providing the passage for those going up to pay homage to the Holy Relic on the hill.

Article from Tourism Authority of Thailand

Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu in Mae Hong Son

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.

Article from Tourism Authority of Thailand

Hilltribe Trekking in Mae Hong Son

Mae Hong Son has several tour operators that specialise in trekking. Treks are designed to expose visitors to splendor nature and a variety of hilltribes.

The adventure may combine jungle walks with elephant riding and river rafting. The cool winter months of November to February are the best time to travel.

Avoid the height of the rainy season in August and September. In the dry months between March and May, the temperature can soar uncomfortably high for strenuous mountain hikes.

Article from Tourism Authority of Thailand

Tha Pai Hot Spring in Mae Hong Son

This is another attraction in the area of Huai Nam Dang National Park. The hot spring is two kilometres off Route 1095 at Km. 87. It has an average temperature of 80 celcius. Steam from the spring permeates the site in the morning creating fascinating sights. The area is also rich in teakwoods and suitable for overnight camping.

Tham Mae Lana Cave in Mae Hong Son

Another cave in Pang Mapha where stalactites and stalagmites can be found is the Mae Lana Cave. The stream inside the cave is habitat to eyeless and colorless fish that live in dark environment.

This cave is suitable only for adventurous tourists. Travel along Route 1095, then branch off into Route 1226 to Ban Mae Lana where a local guide is available. Mae Lana Cave is 4 kilometers beyond the village.

Article from Tourism Authority of Thailand

City in the valley: Mae Hong Son

Mae Hong Son is nestled in a deep valley hemmed in by high mountain ranges, Mae Hong Son has long been isolated from the outside world.

Virtually covered with mist throughout the year, the name refers to the fact that is terrain is highly suitable for the training of elephants. Former governors of Chiang Mai used to organise the rounding up of wild elephants which were then trained before being sent to the capital for work.

Today, Mae Hong Son is one of the dream destinations for visitors. Daily flights into its small airport bring growing numbers of tourists, attracted by the spectacular scenery, numerous hilltribe communities and soft adventure opportunities.

Article from Tourism Authority of Thailand

Thai Yai Culture in Mae Hong Son

The Thai Yai can be seen along the northern border with Myanmar. They may at one time have been the most numerous of the ethnic Thai tribes that stretch across Southeast Asia. A large group settled in Mae Hong Son.

The Thai Yai culture has had a strong influence on the province, as can be seen in its architecture. Although a part of the Lanna region, the indigenous Thai Yai people living in Mae Hong Son are faced with very cold weather during winter and extremely hot weather in the summer, with mist or fog practically throughout the whole year. Not surprisingly they have had to adapt to the environment

Article from Tourism Authority of Thailand

Amphoe Pai (Pai District)

Pai (ปาย) is a small town (pop. 3000) in North Thailand, between Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son on Route 1095. The surrounding district is Amphoe Pai. Both are named after the Pai River.

Pai is a predominantly tourism-oriented town, offering a relaxed atmosphere with a broad traveller & backpacker scene. In early 2006 a sudden boom in guesthouse and bar construction has resulted in a great deal of spare capacity - capacity that is partially taken up by an increase in Thai people visiting after Pai was featured in a romantic Thai film.

There are now around 200 guesthouses and hotels in Pai, and the city center has transformed into containing western style restaurants, souvenir shops, and bars that cater largely to the now significant influx of tourists and package tours.

Ride up Motorbike to Pai

Route 1095 isn't as bad as people make it out to be. There isn't much traffic and you can hear the cars and trucks coming. If you're a little adventurous, rent a motorcycle in Chiang Mai and make the ride up to Pai.

You can stop at the waterfalls and small towns along the way, and you'll really enjoy the trip, as opposed to being motion sick in a bus for hours, and being forced to stop at the driver's friends restaurants. The scenery is absolutely gorgeous and being on a bike makes you feel like part of the mountains.

The locals will think you're crazy, and the construction crews get really excited when you come through. Make sure to take some warmer clothing on your bike, as it tends to get a bit chilly in the higher portions of the ride. As a novice rider, expect the trip to take around 5 or 6 hours, including stops at sites and restaurants along the way.

Backpacks to Pai by bus

Buses and minibuses go to Chiang Mai (Arcade terminal) and Mae Hong Son. Regular public buses take around 4 hours and charge about 80 baht; minibuses take around 3 hours and tickets (sold by travel agencies) cost about 160 baht.

One strategy is to get to Pai using the public bus so that you can get an idea as to how winding the road is and then you can decide if you want to splash out and get the mini bus back to Chiang Mai.

To feel less travel sick and save some money take the regular public bus. The scenery is lovely and the winding roads are much easier on one's stomach if you take things slowly.

Flights to Pai

The nearest domestic airport is in Pai. SGA Airlines (codeshared by Nok Air ) operate multiple daily flights between Chiang Mai and Pai.

Passengers can make reservations and purchase tickets through the airlines' websites, their call centres or with a travel agent.

Tham Lod cave

Visit Tham Lod cave, approximately 55km from town on the road towards Mae Hong Son, 9 km from Soppong ( Pangmapha ).

About an hour and a half on motor bike, or join a tour. Visit just before sunset (3pm-6pm) and see the thousands of birds descending into the cave for the night.