The city of Mae Hong Son, also known as the City of Three Mists, is the capital of the province of the same name. It is located in the northwest of Thailand near the Burmese border and currently welcomes more than 8,000 inhabitants. Given its geographical location, tourists often visit it after Chiang Mai and Pai.

It is a small, authentic and peaceful town with little traffic. It remained isolated for a long time and its charm lies in its mountainous and forested landscape. Moreover, it belongs to the most heavily forested province in the country. Thanks to its well-preserved culture and traditions, the town is the starting point for treks to discover the way of life of hill tribes such as the Karen, Mhong, Lisu, Lahu, Lua, and others.

Mae Hong Son is strongly influenced by Burmese culture. This is reflected in the cultural mix of its population, as well as in its cuisine and traditions.

History

In the 19th century, the Mae Hong Son region was overrun with elephants and the city was created to house an elephant training camp. Notably for labour work and fights during the rise of the Siamese kingdom. At that time, the Shans were hired by the supreme family of Chiang Mai to catch wild elephants.

In the mid-19th and 20th centuries, the elephant trade was in full development. It experienced the same growth as logging operations.

The city of Mae Hong Son was annexed to Thailand only after the 1900s. Often shrouded in clouds, it was nicknamed the "city of three mists".

In 1960, the city welcomed several road infrastructure projects that connected it with other cities.

Mae Hong Son Today

Currently, elephant training is no longer practised except to showcase tradition to tourists or to attract good fortune during forestry operations.

Mae Hong Son is known as a city of Buddhist temples. Indeed, it currently houses 5 major temples for only 8,500 inhabitants.

Visiting the City of Mae Hong Son

Although not very touristy, the city of Mae Hong Son is home to interesting monuments and landscapes to discover.

The city will offer you a feeling of serenity and it is very pleasant to stroll through. However, take advantage of your walk to visit the temples that have made the city famous. The Wat Jong Kham and Wat Jong Klan located on the banks of the Pai River are the two best-known temples. You can also climb Doi Kong Mu Mountain to the west of the city to discover the Wat Phra That.

To discover the beauty of Mae Hong Son and its surroundings, visit the Mae Lana caves. You can also see the Mae Surin waterfall and its flower fields.

Don't hesitate to meet the hill tribes to understand their traditions and culture. Of course, during your time in the area, you can take the opportunity to walk across the Su Thong Pae bamboo bridge.

Climate

A tropical climate dominates Mae Hong Son. The temperature is high during the rainy season while it decreases along with rainfall during the dry season. Due to the mountainous location of the region, mornings and evenings are particularly cool and misty. Over the year, the average temperature is 23.7°C and precipitation is 1,716.2 mm.

To ensure your holiday is spared from rain, the ideal period to visit Mae Hong Son is the dry season, from November to April. During these months, the sun is present without burning too much and rain is generally absent. January is the coldest month with an average temperature of 19°C and in April, which is the hottest month, heat climbs to 28.3°C. To reassure you, the heaviest rainfall occurs in July with an average of 343 mm. In February, which is the driest month, they average only 2.7 mm.

How to Get to Mae Hong Son?

Mae Hong Son is on the same route as Pai, Mae Sariang and Chiang Mai, but this cultural capital of northern Thailand is the ideal starting point. Besides, if you come from Bangkok, you will have to stop in Chiang Mai by bus before arriving at your destination.

From Chiang Mai

There are several means of transport from Chiang Mai. You can take a plane, bus, minivan, or rent a scooter to get to Mae Hong Son.

From Pai

The scooter is the most convenient way but you can also come by bus or minivan from the Pai bus station.

From Mae Sariang

If you come from Mae Sariang, simply take a local bus or minivan to get to Mae Hong Son.

How to Get Around the City?

Tuk-tuks and motorcycle taxis are the most common ways to get around the city. However, sightseeing can be done on foot if you want to visit the temples. To reach attractions such as waterfalls and hot springs, you can rely on songthaews and local buses.

If you need freedom during your exploration, don't hesitate to rent a bicycle or scooter.