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 this 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, Maehongson is one of the “dream destination” 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.

Mae Hong Son is one of Thailand’s most remote provinces and thus retains its own separate identity. At the same time, the provincial capital is readily accessible by air and road. Nestled in its own lovely valley and surrounded by hills that are often shrouded in early morning mist, this small town is one of the most enchanting places in the entire North. Burmese-style temples, a picturesque lake, a hilltop vantage point and a bustling morning market afford scope for leisurely sights-seeing, while a choice of hotels makes it an excellent base for excursions into the surrounding countryside.

Mae Hong Son Attractions by District

Mae Hong Son Province has many attractions spread across different districts. Click each district below to see more details and attraction pages.

Muang Mae Hong Son

Phraya Singhanatracha Memorial, Wat Phrathat Doi Kong Mu, Wat Phra Non, Wat Kam Ko, Wat Hua Wiang, Wat Chong Kham, Wat Chong Klang, Namtok Pha Bong, Ban Ruam Thai or Pang Ung, Ban Rak Thai, Tham Pla, Namtok Pha Suea, Ban Nam Phiang Din, Ban Huay Pu Keng, Ban Huay Sua Tao, Pha Bong Hot Spring, Mhong Microwave Village, Ban Huay Hee, Ban Huay Kaew Bon, Ban Huai Kung

Pang Mapha or Soppong

Tham Lot Cave, Mae Lana Cave,  Ban Mae Lana, Ban Ja Boe, Ban Pha Mon, Ban Muang Pam

Pai

Maenam Pai, Wat Klang, Wat Nam Hu, Wat Phrathat Mae Yen, Namtok Mo Paeng, Mueang Paeng Hot Spring, Huai Nam Dang National Park, Pong Dueat Hot Spring, Tha Pai Hot Spring, Pai Canyon, World War II Memorial Bridge, Santichon Village, Mae Yen Waterfall, Pai Walking Street, Kho Kuu So Bridge, Land split, Pam Bok waterfall, Wat Sri Don Chai, Thom’s Pai Elephant Camp

Khun Yuam

Wat Muai To, The World War II Museum, Wat To Phae, Bua Tong Fields at Doi Mae U-Kho, Namtok Mae Surin National Park, Phu Chi Per, Ban Muang Pon

Mae La Noi

Hill tribe villages (Lawa and Karen), Kaew Komol Cave, Ban La-Up

Mae Sariang

Wat Kittiwong, Phra That Jom Kit Ti Temple, Wat Phrathat Chomthong, Wat Phrathat Chommon, Pha Ma Lo Karen Village, The Tribal Development & Assistance Center, Salawin National Park

Sop Moei

Mae Ngao National park, Mae Sam Laep Village

Mae Hong Son FAQ

What is Mae Hong Son known for?

Mae Hong Son is known for misty mountains, peaceful valleys, Shan and Burmese-style temples, hill tribe villages, caves, waterfalls, hot springs, trekking and scenic road trips from Chiang Mai.

How many days do you need for Mae Hong Son?

Most travelers need at least 2 to 4 days for a Mae Hong Son tour from Chiang Mai. A longer trip gives more time for Pai, Pang Mapha, Mae Hong Son town, local villages and scenic viewpoints.

What are the main districts to visit in Mae Hong Son?

Popular districts include Muang Mae Hong Son, Pai, Pang Mapha, Khun Yuam, Mae La Noi, Mae Sariang and Sop Moei. Each district has different attractions, temples, villages and natural scenery.

Can I book a Mae Hong Son tour from Chiang Mai?

Yes, Mae Hong Son can be visited from Chiang Mai as a private 2–4 day tour package or as a trekking program depending on your travel style.

Mae Hong Son Map

INTERESTING ACTIVITIES

• Rafting : along the Pai River This is an exciting and delightful recreation. The best time for rafting is from July to December. There are several eminently part suitable for rafting pass rapids and natural scenery including beautiful waterfalls.
• Mountain Biking : The centre for mountain biking adventure is Pai district, where several bike shops rent out bikes and gear to tourists. Bike tours explore nearby and remote hilltribe villages, waterfalls and hot springs. The best time is November-May. Experienced guides are ready to lead biking parties through breathtaking back-country trails for up to a week. There are natural cycle paths through the forest,first trod by animals then beaten by man. They range from as narrow as a single person’s stride or as wide as an elephant or ox cart.
• Hilltribe Trekking : Maehongson 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.
• Riding ATV from Pai town to Ban Pang Tong : The start of the activity is at Ban Pam Bok, which is located 4 kilometers away from pai town along Pai-Mae Malai Road. Through-out the journey, you will pass through many kinds of settings: alonf the well-paved concrete road and mixed dirt-sandy road, over streams and mounds, and through farms and forests.