The province of Mae Hong Son is in the very north of Thailand, just adjacent to the international boundary with Myanmar. Its topography is mountainous, and it has lovely forests that are densely packed. On many of the highways leading to the north of the country, people make a diversion to more well-known provinces such as Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai; nonetheless, Mae Hong Son has enough attractions, calm, and beauty to spend several days there. These are some of the most compelling arguments in favour of making a trip to one of Thailand’s most popular tourist locations in the current year.
Wat Jong Klang and Wat Jong Kham
Wat Jong Klang and Wat Jong Kham are two beautiful temples that are located on the shore of Jong Kham Lake and are located adjacent to one another. They were constructed at the turn of the 19th century in Burma’s Shan architectural style, which was popular at the time. The wooden throne at Wat Jong Kham gives this temple, which is a little bit older, its name. The dazzling white and gold chedi of Wat Jong Klang is one of the temple’s most recognizable features. Inside, there are paintings done on glass as well as figures made of teak that are originally from Burma. The reflection of the temples in the water is one of the most popular types of photographs to purchase.
Pang Ung
One of the Thai highland development projects that Queen Sirikit was particularly interested in was called Pang Ung. Approximately forty kilometers separate it from the city of Mae Hong Song, which is located relatively near Myanmar’s border. There is a camping place in the lake that appears to be alpine in appearance. Because of the incredible beauty of the first rays of the sun penetrating the trees and the mist and reflecting on the surface of the lake, people come from all over the world to witness the sunrises in this region.
Ban Rak Thai
In the province of Mae Hong Son, which is located in the Thai Highlands, one of the most picturesque towns is called Bank Rak Thai. The migration of the first settlers from Yunnan, China, had a significant impact on the architectural style of this region. The villa is encircled by terraces that are planted with high-quality tea, which can be sampled in the hospitable cafes and restaurants that are situated along the lakeshore.
Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu
The Burmese-style temple of Phra That Doi Kong Mu is perched on top of a hill in the city of Mae Hong Son, which is located in a region with vast mountain ranges and numerous untouched forests. The temple can be seen from many points in the city. The temple’s most recognizable feature is its pair of enormous chedis, also known as stupas, which are topped with golden spires. The four corners of the largest chedi are each adorned with their own Chinthe, which are half-lion and half-dragon animals that stand vigil accompanied by Nagas, which are mythological serpents.
Su Tong Pe Bridge
Bamboo was used in the construction of the Su Tong Pe Bridge, which is located close to the city of Mae Hong Son and was made possible by the donation of land from local farmers. The goal was to assist the monks so they could make it through the flooded rice paddies on their daily journey that begins very early in the morning as they go from temple to temple in quest of offerings from the faithful. “Successful Prayer” is one of the possible translations of the name of the bridge.
Night Market
A bazaar for street food aficionados. There is no shortage of Pad Thai, papaya salad, or minced pork wrapped in banana leaves among the options offered by the food trucks that line the streets of the city of Mae Hong Son beginning at five o’clock in the afternoon every day of the week. These food trucks offer a wide variety of traditional dishes, both from the region and from the rest of Thailand. At dusk, visitors can enjoy views of the illuminated Jong Klang and Jong Kham temples from the market, which is located right next to Jong Kham Lake.
Tham Pla National Park
A well-known cavern that is partially submerged in water and home to several carp can be found within Tham Pla National Park. It is reported that a statue of a Hindu rishi named Nara, who guards sacred fish, may be found next to the cave. People from the surrounding area typically go there to feed the animals, and they encourage park visitors to do the same by purchasing fresh fruits and vegetables at the park’s gate.
Thermal Sources
The Tha Pai hot spring is one of the attractions of the Huai Nam Dang National Park. The water in the spring has an average temperature of 80 degrees Celsius, which makes it possible to boil eggs by submerging them in small baskets. The views of the location are particularly picturesque in the early morning, when the sun’s rays make their way through the steam that is produced by the several thermal pools, each of which has a distinct temperature and can be used for bathing in a different way.
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