Mae Hong Son and Pai: A glimpse into Shan culture

Ban Rak Thai with tea plantations

Mae Hong Son and Pai in the north of Thailand not only offers natural beauty but also houses different ethnic groups and is therefore more than worth a visit.

Whether you visit the valleys at Mae Hong Son in summer or winter, it remains a unique experience. Take it easy for three days because time flies by.

Nong Jong Kham Reservoir mirrors the colorful pavilions and pagoda tops of Wat Jong Kham and Wat Jong Klang. Located in the heart of the city, the ancient teak structures of the two temples mark the significant influence of Shan culture. Wat Phathat Doi Kong Mu mountain offers an impressive panoramic view of the idyllic town.

Poi sang Long festival (Nattawut Jaroenchai / Shutterstock.com)

If you go in the summer you will be lucky if you can experience the colorful celebration of Poy Sang Long, a ceremony for the boys of the Shan.

Nature lovers should definitely spend the night in the border village of Ban Rak Thai, home to the Yunnan ethnic group. Enjoy the peaceful surroundings, far away from the hustle and bustle. Stroll through the tea plantation, look and feel the tea buds, try the Yunnan cuisine and spend your days with beautiful views and intense tranquility.

Father

Of course you also go to Pai, the famous hippie village. Located on the Pai River, Pai (ปาย) was once a quiet village inhabited by the ethnic Shan whose culture is influenced by Myanmar. You go to Pai for the hot springs and the great views. It is popular among backpackers for its relaxed atmosphere. Further outside the city there are several waterfalls and a number of natural hot springs. Since Pai is located at the foot of the mountains, many tourists use it as a base for trekking and visiting the hill tribes such as Karen, Hmong, Lisu and Lahu.

Lee wine Rak Thai,Ban Rak Thai a Chinese settlement, Mae Hong Son, Thailand

Also visit the nice Wednesday market in the town, the large and colorful crowds of local villagers and tribes from all over the Pai Valley make for a special sight. Touristic but also nice is the Shandicun village (Chinese village) located on the outskirts of the town.

If you opt for rest, it is advisable to spend the night in an accommodation outside the city. Summer is a popular time for great photos when there is a blanket of mist in Mae Hong Son.

Mae Hong Son is located 157 miles northwest of Chiang Mai and can be reached via highway 1095. There are regular flights between Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son.