  Maehongson, Thailand's northern border city, hiding itself in between the towering mountains with densely forested slopes, stretching to the Burmese border.The little town of Maehongson gives you something different from other cities in the North.Most habitants are Shan race, so they have their own cultural characteristics. Shans who live in the city and the hilltribe people who live in remote villages on mountain tops where elements of lifestyle have changed little in hundreds of years. The Shans' ancestors came from Shans region in Burma. The hilltribe people consist of Karen, Lisu, Mhong, Lahu, and Lua. Both the Shans and the hilltribemen have their own distinctive cultures. They have their own lilting dialect, their own architectural lifestyles, their own customs and traditions, and their own delicious cuisine.
Phrathat Doi Gongmoo Temple
  The hilltop temple affords a wonderful view of the city and surrounding mountains and valley, constructed by Phaya Singhanatrach, the first king fo Mea Hong Son, built high up on the mountainside on the west side of the town.There are some interesting examples of religious architecture, such as the two Mon style cement chedis that stand out dramatically.
All around the temple are magnificent views that offer a panoramic perspective of the town and surrounding countryside. There is a 1.6 kms long asphalt road from the town up to the temple.
Jong Kham and Jong Klang Temples
 Jong Kham and Jong Klang temples are situated on Jong Kham Lake and are oldest temples in Maehongson. There are interesting examples of ancient art inside, such as the collection of Burmese style wooden carved dolls, the Burmese style glass paintings and the Mon style cement chedis. Many visitors take photographs of the temple and the lake.
Poi Sang long Procression
This is in fact the celebartiion of novice ordination ceremony of Thai Yai people regarded as a highly meritoues occasion. Traditionally, the candi-date-novice, his head is cleanly and wrapped with head-cloth in the Burmese style,will don a prince-like garement and put on valuable ornaments, and ride a horse or be carried over the shouldr of a man to the shirne. Then he will visit abbots of various Wat to beg for forgiveness. On the ordination eve, a proces-sion of offerings will be paraded through the where the ordination takes place the following day. It is usually held during March-April. Today this colourful procession has become a major tourist attaction in Mae Hong Song.
 Fish cave forest park or Thumpla
The Fish Cave is located near the village of Huay Pha, about 17 kms from Maehongson (Highway 1095), at the foot of the mountains. At the mouth of the cave natural springs from beneath the mountain create a pool in which many large fish live. There are many different kinds of trees and plants around the cave in the area of the national park and a small river with such clear water that you can see the sand at the bottom.
The cool air and natural setting make it a perfect place to discover the wonders of nature, such as the tiny snails and the wide variety of ferns.
Kaew Komol Cave
  Kaew Komol Cave in Mae Hong Son has reopened after a three-month closure. The cave has spectacular natural calcite crystals. The formations come in all shapes imaginable ranging from snow flakes and mushrooms to vegetables.
The cave is fitted with lighting. It has a walkway leading to five chambers that visitors can explore.
The cave is part of Khao Doi Tham, five kilometres off Highway 108 that connects Mae La Noi district.
Lod Cave
Lod Forest Park or Lod Cave some 60 kilometers from Mae Hong Son town, a road to the left runs further 8 kilometers. It is place where antiques and prehistoric remains were foung. This huge cave is beauitflly decorated with colourful stalagmites and stalactites.The tourist visiting hours is from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily .It took about 1-2 hours to cover the cave.
Pha sua waterfall
  Pha Sua waterfall is located in Jum Bae district, 26 kms from Maehongson, along the road to Pai. This waterfall flows from the Mae Sa-nga River in Burma. There are six levels, called Mae Sa-nga waterfall, Pha Yao waterfall, Pha Lad waterfall, Pha Sua waterfall, Pha Dang waterfall and Pha Hom waterfall. Pha Sua waterfall has interesting rock formations, and water flows all year round making it a perfect place to visit.
Ban Nam Phiang Din
Ban Nam Phiang Din is in Tambon Pha Bong of 1 hour long motorboat trip along Pai River Ban Huai Dua, a scenic route with marvellous terraced cataracts. |
