Mae Hong Son is a province in Northern Thailand that borders Myanmar and is home to various ethnic groups, such as the Shan, the Karen, and the Lisu. The province is known for its mountainous terrain, lush forests, scenic lakes, and distinctive temples. Mae Hong Son is also one of the least visited and most unspoiled regions in Thailand, making it a perfect destination for travelers who seek adventure, nature, and culture.
In this article, we will explore the best things to do, see, and eat in Mae Hong Son, as well as how to get there and when to visit. Whether you want to hike, bike, kayak, or relax, Mae Hong Son has something for everyone. Read on to find out why Mae Hong Son is Thailand’s hidden gem and how to plan your trip.
How to Get to Mae Hong Son
There are several ways to reach Mae Hong Son from Bangkok and Chiang Mai, depending on your budget, time, and preference. Here are the main options:

By plane:
The fastest and most convenient way to get to Mae Hong Son is by flying from Bangkok or Chiang Mai. There are daily flights operated by Bangkok Airways and Nok Air, which take about an hour and a half from Bangkok and 25 minutes from Chiang Mai. The flights can be quite expensive, especially during peak season, so book in advance to get the best deals. The Mae Hong Son airport is located in the city center, so you can easily walk or take a taxi to your accommodation.
By bus:
The cheapest and most popular way to get to Mae Hong Son is by bus from Bangkok or Chiang Mai. There are several bus companies that offer daily services, such as Sombat Tour, Prem Pracha, and Green Bus. The buses are comfortable and air-conditioned, and some have toilets and snacks on board. The bus journey takes about 15 hours from Bangkok and 7 hours from Chiang Mai, with stops along the way. The buses arrive at the Mae Hong Son bus terminal, which is about 2 km from the city center. You can take a songthaew (a shared pick-up truck) or a tuk-tuk (a three-wheeled motorized taxi) to your accommodation.
By car:
The most flexible and adventurous way to get to Mae Hong Son is by car from Bangkok or Chiang Mai. You can rent a car from various agencies, such as Avis, Budget, or Hertz, and drive along the scenic routes that pass through the mountains, valleys, and villages. The drive takes about 12 hours from Bangkok and 6 hours from Chiang Mai, depending on the traffic and the weather. You will need an international driving license and a good map or GPS to navigate the roads, which can be winding, steep, and narrow. You will also need to pay tolls and gas along the way. The advantage of driving is that you can stop and explore the attractions at your own pace and convenience.
By motorbike:
The most thrilling and challenging way to get to Mae Hong Son is by motorbike from Chiang Mai. You can rent a motorbike from various shops in Chiang Mai, such as Pop Car Rent, Tony’s Big Bikes, or Mr. Mechanic, and follow the famous Mae Hong Son Loop, which is a 600 km circular route that covers some of the most beautiful and diverse landscapes in Northern Thailand. The loop takes about 4 to 5 days to complete, depending on how much time you spend at each stop. You will need a valid driving license, a helmet, and a good sense of direction to ride the loop, which can be rough, steep, and curvy. You will also need to find accommodation and food along the way, which can be cheap and easy in the towns and villages. The reward of riding the loop is that you will experience the ultimate adventure and freedom of exploring Mae Hong Son and beyond.
Where to Stay in Mae Hong Son
Mae Hong Son offers a range of accommodation options for different budgets and preferences, from hotels and guesthouses to homestays and camping. Here are some of the best places to stay in Mae Hong Son:

Fern Resort:
A cozy and eco-friendly resort that is surrounded by rice fields and mountains. The resort features wooden bungalows with balconies, a swimming pool, a restaurant, and a spa. The resort also offers activities such as trekking, biking, and cooking classes. The resort is located about 7 km from the city center, and you can use the free shuttle service or rent a motorbike to get around. The price ranges from 1,500 to 2,500 baht per night, depending on the season and the room type.
You can book your stay at Fern Resort here.
Sang Tong Huts:
A charming and rustic resort that is nestled in a tropical garden. The resort features bamboo huts with fans, mosquito nets, and hammocks, a communal kitchen, a library, and a fire pit. The resort also offers activities such as yoga, meditation, and massage. The resort is located about 2 km from the city center, and you can walk or take a songthaew to get around. The price ranges from 300 to 800 baht per night, depending on the season and the hut type.
You can book your stay at Sang Tong Huts.
Ban Phu Lae Homestay:
A friendly and authentic homestay that is run by a local Karen family. The homestay features traditional wooden houses with shared bathrooms, a dining area, and a terrace. The homestay also offers activities such as fishing, farming, and weaving. The homestay is located about 40 km from the city center, in a remote and peaceful village. You can arrange a pick-up service or rent a car or a motorbike to get there. The price is 500 baht per person per night, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
You can book your stay at Ban Phu Lae Homestay here.
Pang Oung Campsite:
A scenic and adventurous campsite that is situated by a lake in the Pang Oung National Park. The campsite features tents with mattresses, blankets, and pillows, a toilet and shower block, and a picnic area. The campsite also offers activities such as kayaking, hiking, and birdwatching. The campsite is located about 50 km from the city center, in a secluded and serene area. You can drive or take a tour to get there. The price is 300 baht per tent per night, for up to 4 people.
You can book your stay at Pang Oung Campsite here.
What to Do in Mae Hong Son
Mae Hong Son has a lot to offer for travelers who want to enjoy nature, culture, and adventure. Here are some of the best things to do in Mae Hong Son:

Visit Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu:
A stunning temple that is perched on a hill overlooking the city. The temple features two white chedis (stupas) that are decorated with golden umbrellas, a viharn (assembly hall) that houses a Buddha image, and a viewpoint that offers panoramic views of the valley and the mountains. The temple is open from 6 am to 6 pm, and the admission is free. You can walk, drive, or take a songthaew to get there. The best time to visit is in the early morning or the late afternoon, when the sun casts a golden glow on the temple and the surroundings.
Explore Tham Pla - Namtok Pha Suea National Park:
A beautiful national park that is home to a cave, a waterfall, and a fish sanctuary. The cave, known as Tham Pla (Fish Cave), is a natural pool that is filled with hundreds of large carp fish that are considered sacred by the locals. You can feed the fish with bread or bananas, but you are not allowed to touch or harm them. The waterfall, known as Namtok Pha Suea (Butterfly Waterfall), is a cascading stream that flows over several tiers of rocks and pools. You can swim, picnic, or relax by the waterfall, but be careful of the slippery rocks and the strong currents. The national park is open from 8 am to 5 pm, and the admission is 200 baht for foreigners and 40 baht for locals. You can drive or take a tour to get there. The best time to visit is in the rainy season, from June to October, when the water level is high and the waterfall is more impressive.
Experience Ban Rak Thai:
A charming village that was founded by former Kuomintang soldiers who fled from China after the civil war. The village is also known as Mae Aw or Lee Wine Village, as it is famous for its tea and wine production. You can visit the tea plantations, the tea factories, the tea shops, and the tea museum, where you can learn about the history and culture of tea in the village. You can also taste and buy various types of tea, such as oolong, green, and black, as well as tea products, such as tea soap, tea candy, and tea oil.
You can also sample and buy various types of wine, such as plum, lychee, and grape, as well as wine products, such as wine vinegar, wine jelly, and wine cake. The village also has a lake, a market, and a museum, where you can enjoy the scenery, the food, and the history of the village. You can stay overnight in one of the guesthouses or homestays, where you can experience the hospitality and the lifestyle of the villagers. You can drive or take a tour to get there. The best time to visit is in the winter, from November to February, when the weather is cool and the tea leaves are harvested.
Kayak on Pang Oung Lake:
A serene and picturesque lake that is surrounded by pine trees and mountains. The lake, also known as Ban Ruam Thai Lake, is part of the Pang Oung National Park, and is a popular spot for kayaking, fishing, and birdwatching. You can rent a kayak from the campsite or the village, and paddle along the calm and clear water, while admiring the views and the wildlife. You can also explore the nearby trails, waterfalls, and villages, where you can learn more about the local culture and nature. You can drive or take a tour to get there. The best time to visit is in the morning or the evening, when the lake is more peaceful and the light is more beautiful.
Visit Long-Neck Karen Villages:
A unique and fascinating experience that will introduce you to one of the most distinctive ethnic groups in Thailand. The Long-Neck Karen, also known as the Padaung, are a subgroup of the Karen people who are known for their tradition of wearing brass rings around their necks, arms, and legs. The rings are believed to enhance their beauty and protect them from evil spirits.
You can visit several villages in Mae Hong Son, such as Ban Nai Soi, Ban Huai Seua Tao, and Ban Huai Pueng, where you can see the Long-Neck Karen women and girls wearing their rings, as well as their colorful clothes and accessories. You can also buy their handicrafts, such as scarves, bags, and jewelry, as well as support their education and health care. You can drive or take a tour to get there. The admission is 250 baht per person, which goes to the village fund. The best time to visit is in the afternoon, when the villagers are more active and friendly.
Mae Hong Son is a province in Northern Thailand that offers stunning natural beauty, rich cultural diversity, and authentic local experiences. It is a destination that will appeal to travelers who seek adventure, nature, and culture. In this article, we have explored the best things to do, see, and eat in Mae Hong Son, as well as how to get there and when to visit. We hope that this guide has inspired you to plan your trip to Mae Hong Son and discover its hidden gems.
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