Located in Thailand’s extreme northwest, close to the border with Myanmar, Mae Hong Son is a small market town with a few Burmese-style temples and a laid-back vibe. The ‘three mists’ refer to the low-lying mist of the cool season, haze in the hot season and rainclouds in the rainy season.

Main sights

It’s worth checking out the morning market in the centre of town which displays all sorts of unusual produce from the forests around and attracts hill tribe people from nearby villages. There’s a picturesque lake that’s bordered by two attractive temples, Wat Chong Kham and Wat Chong Klang and another temple, Wat Doi Kong Mu, on top of a steep hill that offers great views over the town and surrounding area.

Trekking and road trips

Because of the rugged terrain and presence of hill tribe villages, this is a popular destination for trekking, though it’s also a main feature of the ‘Mae Hong Son Loop’ a 600km, circular road trip from Chiang Mai that passes through Hot, Mae Sariang and Pai as well as Mae Hong Son, taking in many magnificent views along the way.

Festival

If you happen to be here in early April, you can enjoy the spectacle of Poy Sang Long, an ordination ceremony for young Shan boys, who are paraded round town on the shoulders of their relatives and dressed in colourful attire for three days before entering the monkhood.

Practical Info

There’s a small airport with flights from Chiang Mai. Buses from Chiang Mai take 6-8 hrs, though many visitors choose to rent a car and travel at their own pace.