Mae Hong Son Map and Travel Guide
MAE HONG SON is 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 is 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, Mae Hong Son is one of the dream destinations
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.
THAI YAI CULTURE
The Thai Yai can be seen along the northern border with Myanmar.
They may at one time have been the most numerous of the ethnic Thai
tribes that stretch across Southeast Asia. A large group settled
in Mae Hong Son.
The Thai Yai culture has had a strong influence on the province,
as can be seen in its architecture. Although a part of the Lanna
region, the indigenous Thai Yai people living in Mae Hong Son are
faced with very cold weather during winter and extremely hot weather
in the summer, with mist or fog practically throughout the whole
year. Not surprisingly they have had to adapt to the environment.
As a result, their architectural style has developed into something
different from other Lanna communities. Their living quarters are
usually built with tall floors and low roofs, the sizes differing
according to ones social status and position. Homes of the ordinary
folks are usually with one single level of roof, while those of
the local aristocrats have two or more levels forming a castle-like
shape. The space thus provided is believed to help air circulation.
An interesting feature of the Thai Yai style is the perforated designs
along the eaves which are an architectural identity of the area.
How to get there
Travel from Bangkok
By Car
Mae Hong Son is located 924 kilometres from Bangkok. Drive from
Bangkok to Chiang Mai and then choose the following routes to Mae
Hong Son:
Chiang Mai Hot Mae Sariang Khun Yuam Mae Hong Son (Route 108) with
1864 curves, a distance of 349 kilometres.
Chiang Mai Mae Malai Pai Mae Hong Son (Route 1095), a distance
of 245 kilometres.
By Bus
Muang Nuea Yan Yon Tour (Tel: (0 2936 3587-8) operates an air-conditioned
bus which runs directly from Bangkok to Mae Hong Son every day.
The bus departs from Chatuchak (Mochit 2) Bus Terminal at 6 p.m.
The trip takes about 17 hours.
By Rail
One can travel from Bangkok to Chiang Mai by rail and then continue
to Mae Hong Son by bus. For more information, call 1699, 0 2223
7010, 0 2223 7020 or visit www.railway.co.th
By Air
Thai Airways flies Bangkok-Chiang Mai-Mae Hong Son daily. Reservation
should be made in advance at Tel: 0 2280 0060, 0 2628 2000 or call
1566 or visit www.thaiairways.com for current schedule.
Travel from Chiang Mai
By Car
Mae Hong Son can be reached from Chiang Mai either by Highway No.
108 via Hot, Mae Sariang, or Highway No. 1095 via Pai.
By Bus
Chiang Mai-Mae Hong Son buses operated by Prem Pracha Transport
(Tel: 0 5324 4737, 0 5324 2767) departing from Chiang Mai Arcade
Bus Terminal every day. The buses which run along Highway No.108
leave Chiang Mai frequently from 6.30 a.m. 9 p.m. The journey takes
8 hours. The buses which run along Highway No. 1095 leave Chiang
Mai from 7 a.m.-12.30 p.m. The journey takes 6 hours.
By Air
There are 4 daily flights from Chiang Mai to Mae Hong Son. Tourists
are advised to book tickets at least 2 days before departure. Contact
Thai Airways Tel: 0 5321 0043-5, 0 5321 1044-7 (Chiang Mai), or
0 5361 1297, 0 5361 1194 (Mae Hong Son).
Distances from Mae Hong Son town (Amphoe Mueang) to the other
districts:
Pang Mapha 64 km.
Khun Yuam 67 km.
Pai 111 km.
Mae La Noi 134 km.
Mae Sariang 164 km.
Sop Moei 192 km.
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