Pang Ung is one of Mae Hong Son’s hidden treasures
Pang Ung is the best place for viewing and camping, catch the magnificent view of sun light and mystical beauty of the lake.
Discover the Beauty of Pang Ung
Tucked between Phang Ma Pa and Muang Mae Hong Son, Pang Ung is a serene mountain retreat near the Myanmar border. This small yet breathtaking destination is home to a large reservoir, lush pine forests, and cool mountain air, making it an ideal escape for nature lovers and peace seekers. Visitors can stay in cozy homestays or opt for camping by the lake, where the night sky reveals thousands of stars.
A large reservoir in Pang Ung attracts more and more visitors each year. Its lake view, pine leaves, mountain scenery, and morning mist create a magical atmosphere. Surrounded by a verdant pine forest, the lake is breathtaking in every season. Visitors can enjoy walking or jogging along the lakeside, making it a peaceful activity to soak in the surroundings. During winter, temperatures occasionally drop to zero degrees Celsius, forming a thin layer of frost over flowers and plants, adding to its charm. This stunning scenery has earned Pang Ung the nickname “Switzerland of Thailand.”
A Royal Project for Sustainable Tourism
Previously, Pang Ung was a degraded forest area where opium cultivation was prevalent. In 1979, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej visited the region and initiated a Royal Development Project, encouraging locals to replace opium cultivation with sustainable agriculture. Today, Pang Ung thrives as an eco-tourism site where villagers grow winter flowers, fruits, and herbs instead of illicit crops. The project also introduced aquaculture ponds, helping conserve endemic frog species and maintaining the area’s rich biodiversity. Additionally, the project fostered the growth of avocados, persimmons, pears, plums, and various winter flowers such as roses, hydrangeas, and Pyrostegia Venusta, which harmonize beautifully with the landscape.
Things to do in Pang Ung
- Camping by the Lake: Set up a tent beside the reservoir for a unique experience in nature. Campers can bring their own gear or rent a tent for 225 THB per night, with a 30 THB per person camping fee. Facilities include restrooms, showers, and designated cooking areas, ensuring a comfortable stay for campers.
- Bamboo Rafting: Drift across the misty lake on a bamboo raft, surrounded by towering pines. Spot the black and white swans, a gift from Her Majesty Queen Sirikit. These elegant birds have become a signature attraction of Pang Ung, adding to its charm. Often referred to as the “Swan Queen’s Gift”, these swans glide gracefully across the lake, enhancing its serene atmosphere.
- Exploring Tribal Life: Meet the Shan and Thai Yai communities, who have lived in the area for generations. Visitors can experience their traditions, taste Shan-style cuisine, and stay in family-run homestays, which range from 500–1,500 THB per night.
- Coffee and Local Products: Enjoy a warm cup of locally grown Ban Rak Thai tea or freshly brewed mountain coffee from nearby plantations. Visitors can also purchase locally made handicrafts, herbal medicines, and organic products as souvenirs.
- Pine Forest Walking Trails: Hike through trails lined with three-needled pine trees while enjoying scenic views of the reservoir and surrounding mountains. The Phan Nam Yot Trail offers a moderate trekking experience with rewarding panoramic views.
- Pha Suea Waterfall & Royal Agricultural Project: Visit the Pha Suea Waterfall, a stunning natural cascade, and explore the Royal Flower Garden, where exotic winter plants, orchids, and medicinal herbs are cultivated by local farmers.
If you’re looking for pure beauty and tranquility, we highly recommend stopping here. Whether you stay in a lakeside homestay or camp under the stars, Pang Ung offers an immersive experience in nature. As a bonus, the scenic drive to Pang Ung is just as breathtaking, with plenty of viewpoints and cultural stops along the way.
Best Time to Visit Pang Ung
While Pang Ung is a year-round destination, the most picturesque time to visit is during the winter months (November to February), when the cool climate enhances the misty landscape. Visitors who come in December can experience the Shan New Year Festival, where vibrant performances and cultural displays take place. During this season, travelers should bring warm clothing as nighttime temperatures can drop significantly.
How to get to Pang Ung
Pang Ung is located 44 kilometers from Mae Hong Son’s city. It takes about 2.5 hours if you drive from the city. Traveling to Pang Ung, recently Mae Hong Son province has revised its regulations for Pang Ung visitors. Since the visitors have increased every year, in order to prevent accidents from unfamiliar local road drivers and to lessen traffic disturbing the environment, the province will provide trucks to transport visitors for 50 Baht each for the round-trip. We are travel agency in Chiang Mai, we can provide the private tor from Chiang Mai to Mae Hong Son for your group.
Opening hours : Opens daily from 5.30 am until 6 pm.
Admission fee :
– Thai people; 20 THB for Adult and 10 THB for child.
– Foreigner; 100 THB for Adult and 50 THB for child.
Note : Wheelchair user is accessible.
Our services :
Pang Ung Map
Leave A Comment