Thailand is one of the most visited countries in the world and as such it attracts tens of millions of visitors every year. These come mostly to the capital city of Bangkok או to the islands located in the south of the country while other places remain relatively anonymous.
The beautiful city Mae Hong Son (Mae Hong Son) It is one of these places and although it offers various activities alongside the most beautiful views in the Kingdom of Siam, it remains relatively untouristed and thus managed to maintain its authentic character so that those who come to travel there can get to know the real Thailand but at the same time enjoy the cultural abundance that characterizes the place thanks to its proximity to the golden triangle - The meeting place of Thailand with Myanmar and Laos.
Another thing you should know about the special city is that its name (in free translation) is the "City of Mists" and it was given to it due to its location in the Ashkar Valley, which is often shrouded in a mysterious blanket of fog that gives the area a completely different atmosphere than anything you have known about Thailand to date.
Another nickname associated with the city is the "Switzerland of Thailand" and it was given to it because it lies next to green hills, tall mountains, extensive forest areas and in the center of the city is a picturesque lake (Nong Jong Kham) that looks like it was taken from a postcard. At the peak of the tourist season you will find stalls by the women of the Karen tribe (the long-necked tribe) next to the lake.
It is a great place to travel, from which to go on day trips in the northern region of Thailand or to cross the border into neighboring countries.
How to get there?
There are several ways to get to the area so you can choose your preferred way depending on the time you have available and the budget you want to devote to the subject The movement during the trip. Either way, whichever way you choose, it is recommended to order the tickets in advance (and check the issue of purchasing online) in order to enjoy attractive prices, various discounts and to reserve your place and not compromise on less convenient times.
roads and access roads
Most travelers come to the area from the big city Chiang Mai. The "main" roads to reach Ma Hong Son include a journey of at least 5 hours via road number 1095 that passes through the picturesque town pie (definitely a place to stop for a few days if you are already coming to the area), or via road 108.
flight
A more convenient way to get around, although not the cheapest, is flying. This departs from the Chiang Mai airport and takes about half an hour (of course, to this time you have to add the time at the airports themselves and public transportation or a taxi from the airport to the place of accommodation). if you don't come from the north of Thailand But travelers in the Bangkok area, too from the airport in the capital city Domestic flights depart and land at Ma Hong Son.
bus
There are five bus lines that depart daily and arrive at various destinations in the area, including Ma Hong Son, and it is recommended to update yourself before purchasing the ticket on the frequency of the trip, the stops and the duration of the trip, which is usually about seven hours at least.
What to do? Must-see attractions and sites
It is not a big town, so the number of attractions in it is accordingly, however, you can easily fill your time with activities that will be enjoyed by both the big and the small in the group.
Walking Street
The main street of the town that runs through the heart of things and near it are the popular points of interest of the area. It is actually not one street but a complex of several adjacent streets surrounding the Jom Kham lake so that even if you don't find what you are looking for you can at least enjoy a beautiful view of the lake and its surroundings (temples, mountains and some great observation points).
From October to February, vehicles are prohibited from entering the area and there is a colorful market where you can buy handmade souvenirs, mini pizza bags and enjoy various food stalls.
Wat Jong Kham and Wat Jong Klamg
A pair of Burmese style temples that are located near the lake and bring to light the art drawn from the Myanmar region with beautiful wood carvings and special sculptures that tell the story of Buddha's life. These attract curious visitors as well as religious and spiritual people. In addition, the lights illuminating the temples are reflected at night in the water of the lake and create a unique sight that attracts loving couples, amateur photographers and anyone with a little romance in their soul.
Doi Kong Mu
The highest mountain in the area offers a breathtaking view and a beautiful temple is built on it (Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu) which attracts many visitors. This is an excellent place to visit and combine a trip in the great outdoors, a pleasant walking trail, an observation of the entire valley area and the picturesque town and a visit to one of the most beautiful and special temples in the area.
Pha Bong Hot Springs
Although the hot springs are not within the town itself, but at a driving distance of about ten kilometers from it, it is undoubtedly a destination worth visiting if you want to enjoy hot water that will give you body peace in addition to peace of mind. The hot ones are also from massages and various spa treatments.
The Long Neck Tribe (Karen Tribe)
This tribe is famous for the custom of the women of the tribe to put many hoops on their necks when they were only young girls in order to make it longer. During the visit there you can get an impression of the lifestyle of the women of the tribe, visit the traditional huts, purchase handmade products and take pictures with them. All of these are of course paid for and are a tourist attraction that attracts crowds of visitors every day.
Accommodation and hospitality
This is a small town that has not yet experienced the real estate boom and development that has reached many provinces in Thailand, and perhaps it is a good thing. Accordingly, the places to stay in Maha Hong Son are considered relatively simple and include mainly simple hostels and mid-range hotels. If you want to enjoy a more pampering vacation, you can stay The only resort in the area, although it is not considered particularly luxurious either... but hey - this is not the place to visit in the first place if you wanted a luxurious vacation, so in fact there are plenty of places that will do the job and provide you with comfortable and pleasant accommodation at fair prices.
Food
Along the main street (Walking Street) there are many places where you can enjoy an excellent meal at affordable prices. Among these you will find quite a few restaurants serving traditional Thai dishes, restaurants offering international food such as Italian and Chinese cuisine and quite a few street stalls where you can enjoy fast, affordable and delicious food.
If you are traveling in the area during the months of October to February, it is of course recommended to go to the night market area of Ma Hong Son, where in addition to the various souvenir stalls, you will find great food stalls alongside restaurants that open at this time of the year.
Recommended season for a trip to the area
If you take into account the average amount of precipitation and the temperatures, then the most recommended time to visit the town is from October to February, when the town comes alive, the night market opens and many tourists visit the area.
However, it is important to take into account that even though it is the peak of the tourist season, the nights may be colder than you would expect during a trip to the Kingdom of Siam (how cold? At the peak of the season, temperatures can even drop to 2 degrees!!) so it is recommended to have long clothing for these hours, especially For those of you who travel with children.
