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COVID-19 : a lot of information, especially about transport in Thailande are temporarily not accurate due to the suspension or reduction of the frequency in domestic flights, bus lines, trains, boat services ... to limit the progression of the coronavirus in Thailand or to face the impressive fall in the number of passengers.

Mae Hong Son

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Mae Hong Son

แม่ฮ่องสอน
Northern Thailand
924 km from Bangkok
Province of Mae Hong Son
Population : 8 500

Budget

Recomm. stay

Visits

General Information about Mae Hong Son

In northwest of Thailand, only a few kilometers from the border with Myanmar (formerly Burma), Mae Hong Son has become a tourist destination that often follows the steps to Chiang Mai and Pai. It is mostly its mountains, forests and countryside that make the charm of this destination. It is also the starting point for treks in the mountains to meet the tribes Karen, Lisu, Mhong, Lahu, and Lua and their villages. Mae Hong Son is often in a layer of fog that gives it a little mystery. The nights are cool even during the dry season. It is also an opportunity to discover temples in Burmese style. The city organizes numerous festivals honoring the hill tribes and their culture. A place for those looking for authenticity.
Also note that air quality in Upper Thailand is very often very bad from end of February to mid-April. Wearing a N95 mask can be recommended (use website or applications to know the AQI level).

Accommodations in Mae Hong Son

In Mae Hong Son, we advise you to sleep in a hotel or guesthouse near Chong Kham Lake. The two most iconic temples in the city are on the bank of this lake. This is also where the night market is held. All around you will find many very cheap guest houses and bungalows. For instance, there are many in Udom Chao Ni-Thet and Chamnana Sathit Road. In Mae Hong Son, air conditioning is not necessary. We are in the mountains and the night temperature is lower than in most other regions in Thailand.

Find accommodation in Mae Hong Son

My recommandations

People often ask me what accommodations I recommaend in Thailand, here are my recommandations in Mae Hong Son.

Jongkham Place

Hotel in Mae Hong Son

Coffee Morning Guesthouse

Guesthouse in Mae Hong Son

See all accommodations in Mae Hong Son

Practical information about Mae Hong Son

Nights are cool in Mae Hong Son so take some warm clothes. It is also better to go there during the hot season (November-March).

How to get around in Mae Hong Son ?

Tuk-tuks and motorcycle taxis are the two options to get around in Mae Hong Son. But the most interesting temples, are in a fairly small area and can be visited by a small walking circuit. The most challenging part will be the climb to access Wat Doi Kong Mu. At the very quiet bus terminal a sign indicates the tuk-tuk or motorbike rates but to avoid this race, you can try to get off the bus a little before the bus terminal. To explore the countryside and points of interest around Mae Hong Son, rent a scooter or a bike(with speeds) at Titan for example. Local buses or songthaews go to major attractions (waterfalls, hot springs ...) but be careful if you choose this option because after 4 pm, it might be hard to find a bus to go back in the city. Check with your hotel or guesthouse to find out which local bus to take and where.

Festivals in Mae Hong Son ?

Here is a list of the main festivals taking place every year in Mae Hong Son. I mention their dates as soon as they are official on Thai Festivals page.