South East Asian Trips

Known to some as Thailand's 'Switzerland' because of its excellent scenery, Mae Hong Son is a frontier province bordered by Myanmar and almost entirely surrounded by mountains - it was for a long time almost entirely cut off from the rest of the world. The area is famed for mists and fog that lie in its mountains and valleys throughout most of the year (but particularly in winter). It is also home to waterfalls, forests and national parks. The area has a strong connection with elephants and there are many places where elephants are trained for a variety of tasks. Alongside its beauty and nature, another draw for the tourist is the region's culture. Home to the 'Long Neck Women' Karen tribes, visits to tribal villages make up a key tourist activity in the area. The province also has a good range of temples, many in splendid mountainside locations.

Attractions in Mae Hong Son

Long Neck Karen Villages

To some it can be a strange experience visiting a group of people as a tourist attraction. There are numerous debates about the rights and wrongs of this type of tourism, but the fact is that countless people visit these (often Burmese) tribes who see tourism as their key source of income. The villages are actually refugee camps and people visit to see woman wearing heavy brass rings which make their necks appear very long. The reason for this behaviour is lost in history, but some believe the rings saved women from attacks by tiger. Whatever the reason, lots of people venture out to the villages to see the women for themselves. Some of the villages you can visit include Hoy Sen Thao (which is a short distance by boat from Ban Huay Deua pier) and Nai Soi.

How to Reach - Many people approach trips to Long Neck Karen Villages as a tour, and in many respects this certainly is the most convenient way to deal with it. Tours pick up from most major hotels, and in fact are likely to pick you up from many guesthouses as well.

Pai River in Mae Hong Son

The Pai River originates in the Thanon Thongchai and Daen Lao mountains and is 180 Km in length. The river runs through a number of provinces in Mae Hong Son and because of swift flowing waters during Thailand's rainy season, it has become a destination of choice for white water rafters. Rafting takes place throughout the length of the river, and most tours are half- or full day. As it is the only route into Mae Hong Son's main wildlife sanctuary, rafting the river offers a pretty unique experience. The full length of the river offers around fifteen sets of rapids passing waterfalls (the Suza Waterfall is of particular interest) and hot springs. Tours can be organized from guesthouses and hotels in and around Mae Hong Son, but they can also be booked in advance through agencies. Typical tours start at Pai River Pier. Some tours stop at Kairang Padawang Kekongdu - a village inhabited by long-neck women on the Thai-Burmese border. Trips to the Thai- Myanmar often leave from Ban Huai Dua or Tambon Pha Bong. Trips are often combined with elephant riding.

Details - The rainy season (mid-May to mid-October) is probably the best time of year to go rafting on the Pai. Trips to the Burmese border are often not possible because of fighting between the Burmese government and Shan armies.

Wat Pha That Doi Kong Moo in Mae Hong Son

Burmese-style Wat Pha That Doi Kong Moo is located around 1,500 meters up Doi Kong Moo hill. The temple is famous for its view of the valley it overlooks. In the morning visitors can look out over mists and fog that accumulate in the valley below. This is one of the 'iconic' views of Thailand you often see on postcards and it is a genuine spectacle. If you visit the temple later in the day you will have a clear view of Mae Hong Son town, which does not quite have the same impact. The temple itself is quite impressive, its two 'chedis' containing the remains of monks from Myanmar. Behind the two chedis is a large 'wiharn' and further up the hill you can see a large standing Buddha attached to the temple. A trip to this temple is usually combined with trips to two other temples - Wat Phra Non and Wat Muo Taw - both in relatively close proximity. This is definitely somewhere to visit in the morning if you can.

Details - Admission to the temple is free but donations are suggested. In late October see a local festival where people in the area visit the temple in order to make merit by bringing food for monks who are in retreat.

How to Reach - The journey to Wat Pha That Doi Kong Moo takes about 4 hours from Mae Hong Son and back. The tours available from the town are probably the best way to approach this hill trip. Otherwise Sangtaew will take you to the hill from the town and you have to walk up to the temple. You can rent motorcycles and cars to drive you to the top of the hill if you don't want to walk.

Wat Hua Wiang

Located next to Mae Hong Son market, Wat Hua Wiang is a temple with a large compound featuring a large Burmese-style bronze Buddha image as its focal point. The compound also features a two-storey building with a multi-tiered tower and although the temple's buildings are a bit dilapidated, this adds to its appeal. In addition, the temple is quite lively as it houses quite a few monks. This is a nice temple to visit.

Details - The temple is open daily and admission is free (although donations are suggested).

How to Reach - Wat Hua Wiang is near the airport and is accessible by Tuk-Tuk and Songtaew and is available by bus from Mae Hong Son.

Wat Pho Chai in Mae Hong Son

Wat Pho Chai is located in the south-east of Nong Khai. The temple is famed for a large bronze-Buddha with a solid gold head decorated with precious stones (rubies). The temple building houses a number of wooden carvings and murals. The murals depict the history of the image - originally from Laos. The Buddha image was shipped across the Mekong and fell into the water during a storm where it sat for 25 years. It was salvaged and spent some years in another Thai temple before being moved to Wat Pho Chai. The image is the focal point of a procession around Nong Khai during the annual Songkran Festival.

Details - The temple is open daily and admission is free (although a donation is suggested).

How to Reach -Wat Pho Chai Temple is easily accessible on foot - it is next to the main bus terminal on Praeserm Road in Mae Hong Son.