Forget Pattaya or Bangkok when you are thinking about Thailand. The next time you want to visit Thailand, you should consider having a fantastic vacation in Mae Hong Son, a remote yet beautiful province situated in northern Thailand, in border with Myanmar. This northern Thai city is set amidst the mountains. To get the best of Mae Hong Son, here are the 10 best things every visitor should do:
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1. Experience a different world at Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu
When visiting the Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu, it’s like you are being taken to a completely different world. It’s as if you were not on Earth anymore, but maybe in heaven. The temple is famous for its two white chedis that look very impressive. Go to the back of the wat if you want to see a tall standing Buddha. The outstanding temple also offers the magnificent views of Mae Hong Son.
Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu
Address: Chong Kham, Mueang Mae Hong Son District, Mae Hong Son 58000, Thailand
2. Spend some pleasant time enjoying the Mae Hong Son Lake
Whether you visit the Mae Hong Son Lake during the day or at night, it will let you relax, and soon, you will feel refreshed. Spend some pleasant time having a stroll by the lake or just sit back and forget everything for a while. From the lake, you can also enjoy the view of the Wat Chong Klang Temple.
Mae Hong Son Lake
Address: Mae Hong Son, Thailand
3. Have a relaxed walk at the Sutongpe Bridge
The Sutongpe Bridge is a bamboo bridge that is a must-visit destination in Mae Hong Son for its simplicity and beauty. The bridge stretches across Mae Hong Son’s rice fields. Take a walk on the bridge and enjoy the relaxing view of the rice fields.
Sutongpe Bridge
Address: Ban Kungmaisak Moo. 2 | Pang Mu Subdistrict, Mae Hong Son, Thailand
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4. Enjoy Thailand's countryside through the Mae Hong Son Loop
The Mae Hong Son Loop is considered to be one of the best and most interesting routes to explore in Thailand. It takes a minimum of a few days to complete the whole route, as it passes the Chiang Mai, Mae Chaem, Mae Sariang, Khun Yuam, Mae Hong Son, Pai and Chiang Dao areas. You can do the trip either by a motorcycle or a car for your convenience. Along the way, you will enjoy the splendid views of the mountains and the rivers. Doing this trip will definitely give you a truly memorable vacation.
Mae Hong Son Loop
Address: Mae Hong Son Province, Thailand
5. Visit a must-visit temple in Mae Hong Son, the Wat Chong Kham
Another temple that is worth visiting is the Wat Chong Kham. Built in 1827 by the Thai Yai of Burma (the name of Myanmar at that time), you will be able to see a large Buddha image and gold temple house pillars in Wat Chong Kham; it’s really amazing.
Wat Chong Kham
Address: Chong Kham, Mueang Mae Hong Son District, Mae Hong Son 58000, Thailand
6. See exotic fish at the Fish Cave
The Fish Cave is the next great place to see in Mae Hong Son. At the Fish Cave, visitors can see a collection of blue fish that grow up to a meter long (4 ft). The fish are considered exotic for their color. You don’t have to spend much time at the Fish Cave as the only attraction is the fish. Drop by the Fish Cave to enjoy the cool environment.
Fish Cave
Address: Highway Nr. 1095 | Pai, Mae Hong Son, Thailand
7. Marvel at the beauty of the Huai Nam Dang National Park
Situated in Mae Hong Son and Chiang Mai provinces, the Huai Nam Dang National Park is a mountainous park that features truly incredible scenery of the mountains. The national park is also home to a number of different flower and wildlife species. The best time to visit the park is early morning as you will be presented with a spectacular view of the mist and the fog.
Huai Nam Dang National Park
Address: Kuet Chang, Mae Taeng District, Chiang Mai 50150, Thailand
Website: Huai Nam Dang National Park
8. Have a unique spa experience at the Phu Klon Mud Spa
Experience a different kind of spa, that is the mud spa at the Phu Klon Country Club. There are some muddy treatments that you can choose from, the two popular options are the full mud spa package and the mud face mask. You will feel energized and refreshed as soon as you are finished with the spa.
Phu Klon Mud Spa
Address: Mok Cham Pae, Mueang Mae Hong Son District, Mae Hong Son 58000, Thailand
Website: Phu Klon Mud Spa (in Thai)
9. Observe the Buat Luk Khaeo Festival
The Buat Luk Khaeo Festival, also known as the Poy Sang Long Festival, is a festival that is held once a year at the beginning of April. This festival is one of the most interesting and colorful festivals that can be found in Thailand. The purpose of this festival is to celebrate the young boys between the ages of 10 and 13 that are ordained as nakh or novice monks. Taking place in the Wat Chong Kham Temple, the festival lasts for three days.
Buat Luk Khaeo Festival
Address: in Wat Chong Kham Temple
10. Have fun at the Mae Hong Son Living Museum
The Mae Hong Son Living Museum may be small in size, but there are a lot of things you can see in this museum. Visiting this museum, you can enjoy a collection of photographs about the history, ethnic groups, culture and architecture of Mae Hong Son. You will gain more insight about everything Mae Hong Son by stopping by this museum, which is set in a two-story house.
Mae Hong Son Living Museum
Address: Pang Mu, Mueang Mae Hong Son District, Mae Hong Son 58000, Thailand
Have an unforgettable vacation in Mae Hong Son
The temples, the natural beauty and other attractions mentioned above will let you have an unforgettable vacation in Mae Hong Son. Enjoy the best of Thailand in the mountainous province of Mae Hong Son!
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