Mae Hong Son, the pearl of the North
The most northwestern place is located about 925 kilometers north of Bangkok Mae Hong Son. For years an undeveloped area, the vast majority of which consists of mountains and forests.
A true Eldorado for peace seekers and nature lovers. The place is the capital of the province of the same name, which forms the border with Burma for no less than 483 kilometers.
It is therefore no coincidence that the small capital of the province of the same name breathes a Burmese atmosphere, as evidenced by the temples and many buildings. With a population of about 240, the province is not exactly densely populated and has retained much of its own identity. The pleasant temperature and humidity have a pleasant effect on the holidaymaker. The best time to visit Mae Hong Son is from October to the end of March, a period that is almost all Thailand applies.
The mountain people
Over the years, many residents have settled in this province who originate from neighboring Burma, Laos and southern China. The villages of these so-called 'Hill tribes' are mainly located in the higher parts of the province. The different ethnic groups that have settled in this part of Thailand are Karen, Lahu, Lisu, Lua, the Chinese Chin Ho and Hmong or Meo. (pronounced meow) The Karen form the largest group and make up about half of the total number of Hilltribes.
They settled in Thailand in the 18th century and were in fact the first mountain people of Thailand. The various tribes all have their own language and they are mutually recognizable by the colorful clothing. A certain group belonging to the Karen is formed by the so-called Padong, more commonly known as the 'Longnecks'. The women of this group wear copper rings around their necks, arms and feet. The heavy neck rings press down on the cervical vertebrae and shoulder blade, making the neck appear longer. It makes them a tourist attraction, which everyone must decide for themselves whether it is fun to go and see it.
Have it
The origin of this group is in Yunnan (China) from where they moved to eastern Burma and northern Laos and from there moved on to northern Thailand. The Lahu are known for their handicraft products such as baskets, crossbows, musical instruments and many other items made of bamboo and wood.
lisu
This group originally comes from eastern Tibet and a number of them now live in Mae Hong Son. For a long time they were the growers of rice and especially of opium. Meanwhile, poppy cultivation has made way for more healthy crops such as lettuce, carrots, potatoes and various other vegetables.
Hmong (Meo)
Coming from western China, this group has also settled in northern Thailand for many years. The Hmong were also dependent on opium cultivation and sale for many years. They are known for their embroidery and the rise of tourism has created a new source of income.
Trekking
Mae Hong Son is an excellent base for trekking to the Hilltribe villages. Under the guidance of a guide you go on a hike of several days through the impressive nature, you sleep with one of the mentioned Hilltribe tribes and you can observe the daily life in such a village. But above all, the beautiful surroundings and silence around you will make an indelible impression. In short, an experience you will not soon forget. Make sure you have a pair of sturdy walking shoes and start this adventure rested.
Guide George to his restaurantGuides are available in sufficient numbers in Mae Hong Son and you can book an unforgettable tour in a number of places. Wallop Chayakarm is an experienced guide who knows everything and everything and also has a good command of the English language. Everyone in Mae Hong Son knows him and George - his nickname - is also an amiable guy. You can make agreements with him about your personal wishes and determine the duration of the trip yourself. George knows everything about the region and the inhabitants of the Hilltribe villages to be visited.
You can find it very easily in Mae Hong Son. Just go to the famous temple Wat Chong Klang at the beautiful pond. On that pond is the Sunflower Café and restaurant, which George has recently become the owner of. If he is not 'on tour' you can find him there and make your wishes known. Not to deny that other guides are good too, but according to insiders in Mae Hong Son, George is what they call the Number One.
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Joseph, your story more than worth and absolute truth about Mae Hong Son.
Been there myself 3 years ago, also visited the Padong (longnecks). About 40 minutes of sailing via a boat were the absolute pinnacle for me, pieces of unspoilt nature, beautiful birds that you see, a special experience. Also how the Padong live, in the middle of the mountains far from civilization, but TV is there, they have provided a dish and electricity anyway.
I myself drove first to Chiang Mai, stayed there for a few days, later via the mountains to Pai, spent the night there and the next day to Mae Hong Son, very nice trip. From Mae Hong Son to BKK drove along the border with Myamar, beautiful fairly large mountain village seen, houses all the same wood and color, I think teak because it was so gray. I don't remember the place but will definitely go back.
So highly recommended.
Beautiful route and that village a few hours (car) south of Mae Hong Son, could be the refugee camp. The camp is known as Refugee Mae Sot, named after the border town that lies just south between Thailand (Mae Sot) and Myanmar (Myawaddy).
It would be a beautiful village if it were Thai. Unfortunately the reality is different! With almost 50000 refugees, this city is a thorn in the side of the Thai government and people live in appalling conditions ... no rights, zero freedom of movement, basic necessities of life such as electricity, water, sanitation are hard to find!
Mae Sot is one of five priority areas identified by the new government for additional investment. Recently my girlfriend saw a new sign on which Mae Sot is called “The Gateway to the Andaman” in Thai. Unfortunately, there is no sign or directions to the camp anywhere. On google earth and google maps you can still see traces by following the border to the north from Mae Sot. Access to the village is prohibited unless with special escort and a day pass from the authorities. There are several videos on Youtube that sometimes give a cruel but realistic picture of life there.
Again a beautiful route from NW Thailand but also one with an aftertaste for the emotional people.
Nice article. The region has been on my wish list for a long time. I think the name Meo is a swear word and I would not use it. The Thai can pronounce it very disdainfully!
Last week I was in Petchabun with a group of Thais and also here Hmong where pictures were taken with the children. After the photos, one of the women in my party pushed the children away with the words you stink.
Stayed at Fern Resort Mae Hong Son in February 2008.
Great in nature but with every possible comfort.
Very friendly people, the food Super tasty so Thai.
small airport 5 km away, but we were by car.
The trip from Chiang Mai to the top is fun to do.
There is even a Catholic church RCM. Huay Pu Keng.
Wat chong klang temple is beautiful.
The long necks yes what do you have to do with them?
but the boat trip to the caves was again magnificent.
Please buy something here and there, the people are poor,
but you can't see that with their smile.
have fun and happy holidays.
I made a trip through this area with my wife through 333 Travel. It is very quiet, but very interesting because of the smells, views, villages and peoples that you can visit there.
If anyone wants to see pictures I can send them.
We had a jeep with driver and guide. Amazing experience. In 2010 Chiang Mai was way too hot, so we went back to Hua Hin.
Joseph, I can tell you that January 2009 to Mae Hong and Pai has been one of my most enjoyable and impressive holidays in Thailand so far.
What a beautiful area that is there and what a versatility, it impressed me the most and then made the view from the temple Son Wat Doi Kong Mu, and the temple itself was also very beautiful.
I also remember the morning market in Mae Hong Son well, I've never strolled through a market as early as there, I don't remember the exact time, but I think it was around five o'clock in the morning, and you there also had an evening market at the end was a lake where a beautifully lit temple loomed along the shore, I forgot the name of that temple.
And traveled from Mea Hong Son to Pai, this is also an incredibly nice village, because of the many backpackers you meet there, it is also called the Koa san road of the north, the atmosphere is very pleasant, a bit like in the hippie era love peace and music.
From Pai you can also go in all directions and there is so much to do and see there too much to mention, but it is definitely recommended. After a week in Pai we traveled by mini bus over the famous winding roads through the mountains to Chiang Mai, I will do this trip again, I will definitely go back.
I see that I have read over it again, because after reading the piece again I now see that the same temple on the lake (pond) is spoken of, so the name is Wat Chong Klang.
This video on YouTube gives a nice overview of the beautiful North of Thailand:
http://youtu.be/3Mrep1PEvyU
Did the Mae Hong Song loup for the first time in 1991, at that time it was just paved dirt roads
In MHS with a longboat through the jungle to the Burmese border in search of Long Necks. Then not found. We did return under the escort of border troops. From then on it was done with taking pictures and filming.
2nd time in 2008, did the trip Chiang Mai, Pai, Mae Hong Song, Sop Moe, Mae Sariang, Mae Sod, Tak, Bkk along the border. Overwhelming nature.