Talk:Mae Hong Son/Listings

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Amphoe Mueang Mae Hong Son

• Phraya Singhanatracha Memorial (อนุสาวรีย์พระยาสิงหนาทราชา) situated at the foot of Doi Kong Mu, this monument commemorates the first governor of Mae Hong Son. Phraya Singhanatracha is a Thai Yai native from Burma (Myanmar). He was regarded by the people as the governor of Khun Yuam Town, which was to the south of Mae Hong Son. Later, he was officially installed as the governor of Mae Hong Son by the King of Lanna in 1874.

• Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu (วัดพระธาตุดอยกองมู) erected by the first governor of Mae Hong Son, this temple reflects the strong influence of the Burmese. The highlights of this attraction are the two lavishly decorated pagodas. Also, this hilltop temple affords an exceptional aerial view of the city and surrounding mountains and valleys.

• Wat Phra Non (วัดพระนอน) This temple at the foot of Doi Kong Mu houses a 12-metre long reclining Buddha image in the Thai Yai style. The image was cast in 1875 by Phranang Miah, the wife of Phraya Singhanatracha. Another main feature of the temple is the two large sculpted lions lying side by side, presumably providing the passage for those going up to pay homage to the Holy Relic on the hill.

• Wat Kam Ko (วัดก้ำก่อ) is opposite to Wat Phra Non, Wat Kam Ko is a Burmese-style temple built in 1890. A special architectural feature is the cover over the passageway from the entrance arch to the chapel. It also stores text in Thai Yai script chronicling the Thai Yai history.

• Wat Hua Wiang (วัดหัวเวียง), another name is Wat Klang Mueang. This temple is on Sihanatbamrung Road next to the morning market. Built in 1863, the temple houses the Phra Chao Pharalakhaeng, a Buddha statue dressed in beautiful attire. It is a replica of a major statue in Mandalay, Burma.

• Morning Market (ตลาดเช้า) is near Wat Hua Wiang on Sihanatbamrung Road, this lively market is crowded from early morning till 9 am. It is where visitors can see people lifestyle and buy various local food and produces.

• Wat Chong Kham (วัดจองคำ) This is an old temple on the bank of the swamp Nong Chong Kham. It was built in 1827 by Thai Yai artisans. The pillars are gilded in golden flakes. The temple houses a large Buddha statue with a lap width of 4.85 metres cast by Burmese craftsmen. Another staue is a replica of the Buddha image in Wat Suthat in Bangkok.

• Wat Chong Klang (วัดจองกลาง), next to Wat Chong Kham, is a temple where a replica of the Phra Phuttha Sihing is installed on an altar. There are several interesting items such as wooden figurines of human and animals depicted in the Phra Vejsandon Jakata (pronounced Cha-dok which means one of odd stories of former incarnations of the Buddha) created by Burmese craftsmen and brought over in 1857, painting on glass about the Jakata and on Prince Siddhartha, as well as on the ways of life of the time. The captions are in Burmese. There are also notations that the paintings were by Thai Yai artisans from Mandalay.

• Mae Hong Son Royal Folk Art Center (ศูนย์ศิลปาชีพจังหวัดแม่ฮ่องสอน) at 128/2 Khunlumpraphat Rd., is a training center for craftspeople from local and hill-tribe under the auspices of Queen Sirikit’s Promotion of Supplement Occupations & Related Techniques (SUPPORT) foundation. While demonstrated techniques at work, handicraft products also available such as silk, cotton, weaving works, silver works. Open: Monday-Saturday from 8.00 a.m.-4.30 p.m., Tel: 0 5361 1244 for additional information.

• Pha Bong Hot Spring (บ่อน้ำร้อนผาบ่อง) cover an area of 3 acres, Pha Bong Hot Spring is located about 10 kilometres from town on Highway No.108. There are mineral water bathrooms served.

• Pha Bong Waterfall (น้ำตกผาบ่อง) located on Highway No.108 about 12 kilometres from town. It is just a bit further from Pha Bong Hot Spring.

• Tham Pla – Pha Suea National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติถ้ำปลา-ผาเสื่อ) This comprises the following attractions:

Tham Pla (ถ้ำปลา) about 17 kilometres from town on Highway No. 1095 (Mae Hong Son-Pai), Tham Pla is a popular attraction of Mae Hong Son. The surrounding areas are brooks and cool hilly forests suitable for relaxation. A special feature is the hollow cave filled with numerous freshwater fish known as Pla Mung or Pla Khang, which is of the same family as the carp. The fish are quite safe from being caught as they are believed to belong to the gods. Namtok Pha Suea (น้ำตกผาเสื่อ), this waterfall is in Tambon Mokchampae about 26 kilometres from the provincial seat on Route 1095 to Pai district with a left turn at Km. 191. It is a large fall with its water source in Burma and runs full during the late rainy season (August-September).

Accommodation is available in the national park. Please contact Tel: 0 5369 2055 or 0 2562 0760 or www.dnp.go.th Pang Tong Royal Pavilion (พระตำหนักปางตอง), this is a hilltop pavilion at Ban Mokchampae, some 5 kilometres beyond Namtok Pha Suea. It is open everyday from 8.30 a.m.-4.30 p.m.

Ban Nam Pieng Din (บ้านน้ำเพียงดิน) in Tambon Pa Bong is a place to set off Pai river trip by long-tailed boat. The natural scenery along both sides of the river passed Ban Huay Deua is very interesting. Sometimes, tourists may see the Padaung (long-necked people) who fled to Mae Hong Son. Women wear the brass ornaments around their neck like big rings are actually detachable coils that depress the collarbone, making it look as though unnaturally-stretched neck. Ban Rak Thai (บ้านรักไทย), this village is situated 44 kilometres from Mae Hong Son via Namtok Pha Suea near the Thai-Myanmar border. Founded by Kuomintang Chinese soldiers, the village is famous for its breathtaking views and tea cultivation. Visitors can see how the tea is grown and harvested and taste some delicious U-long tea. An annual Tea Tasting Festival is held at Ban Rak Thai in February.

Phu Khlon Country Club (ภูโคลนคันทรีคลับ) at Mu 2 Ban Mae Sa-Nga, 10 km from downtown. Take Highway No.1089 Mae Hong Son-Pai route for 6 km. Then, turn left to Ban Kung Mai Sak-Ban Huai Khan Rd., for 4 km. Phu Khlon is on your right. This place is a spa resort where a natural black mud essential to skin care and therapeutic benefits and serve facial mask, body mask, mineral bathe. Open daily from 8AM-5PM. For additional information, call 08 1473 8013, 08 6198 0722

Amphoe Pang Mapha

Tham Lot (ถ้ำลอด) is a huge cave system once a dwelling place of pre-historic man. Archaeologists have discovered ancient clay pottery and a number of carved wooden coffins inside the “rooms” of the cave. Tham Lot is located some 77 kilometres from town. Between Km.138 and Km.139 of Route 1095, a small roads lead to the cave after a 9-kilometre drive. Here nature has created an exotic subterranean wonder of darkness and mystery. A brook runs from the cave mouth through to the other side of the mountain. It is a route where visitors may travel by raft or by foot to explore the 1-kilometre-long cave full of stalactites and stalagmites. There are services provided by villagers to guide visitors in their exploration at 150 baht per group. Accommodation as well as camping site is available near the Tham Lot Nature Study Centre in front of the cave mouth.

Tham Mae Lana (ถ้ำแม่ละนา), in Mae Lana village where tourist can see Thai Yai’s way of life. The cave is about 4 km from this village. The longest stream, about 12 km, flows through the cave. Travelling here, tourists have to walk all the way without stopping to the other side of it where you can see wonderful waterfall, magnificent pearl and stalactite and stalagmite. This cave is suitable only for adventurous tourists. Mae Lana Cave is 4 kilometers beyond the village, 73 km from Mae Hong Son on Highway No.1095, and turn left into Route 1226 go along the way about 6 km to get to Ban Mae Lana where a local guide and home-stay is available call 0 5361 9208.

Amphoe Pai

Enclosed in a lofty mountain range, Pai district is endowed with many forms of natural wonders such as waterfalls, gorges, caves and hot springs. The famous destination for adventurous travellers is Pai River, the longest river in Mae Hong Son which welcomes its visitors with a series of rapids dancing along its scenic gorges.

Maenam Pai (แม่น้ำปาย) is the longest river in Mae Hong Son, originated at Thanon Tongchai and Danlao mountain ranges through Pai which flows to the south passes by Mueang Mae Hong Son and eventually joins the Salawin river in Kaya, Myanmar, a total distance of 180 kilometres. Its depth is one meter in Summer. In rainy season the tide is very strong so tourist should have a professional guide for rafting. Rafting trip is very popular during July to December either bamboo rafts or rubber rafts. Many travel agents provide such a trip, for more information, please contact TAT Mae Hong Son at 0 5361 2982-3.

Wat Klang (วัดกลาง) in Tambon Wiang Tai. The Chedi is in Thai Yai style, housed Buddha images of the days. Others small Chedi are in Mon style.

Wat Nam Hoo (วัดน้ำฮู) at Mu 5 Tambon Wiang Tai, located 3 km from Pai hospital. This temple housed Phra Un Mueang, sacred Buddha image in Lanna style, 500 years of age, in the attitude of Subduing Mara (victory over Mara). The head of the image could opened and always appears water seepage inside.

Wat Phra That Mae Ten (วัดพระธาตุแม่เย็น) at Ban Mae Yen, Tambon Mae Hee en route Pai-Mae Hong Son. The Chedi located on a hill with a good panoramic view of Amphoe pai.

Namtok Mor Paeng (น้ำตกหมอแปง) at Mu 4 Ban Mor Paeng Tambon Mae Na Toeng, is about 6 km from Pai’s town. The fall is 5 metre height with good atmosphere and suitable for swimming.

Mueang Paeng Hot Spring (โป่งน้ำร้อนเมืองแปง) is 28 km from Pai’s town. Take Highway No.1095 Pai-Mae Malai route, then, turn right at km 85-86 to take Highway No. 1065. This is a big hot spring with average temperature of 95 celcius.

Huai Nam Dang National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติห้วยน้ำดัง) At km 65 on the Pai-Mae Malai route (No.1095), there is a turning leading to the headquarters of the Huai Nam Dang National Park. Visitors can spend the night in tents to wait for the spectacular views of sunrise and mist-shrouded mountain views in the morning. Cherry blossom during January adds charms to the attraction.

Pong Dueat Hot Spring (โป่งเดือด) This is a geyser type hot spring which rises up 2 metres high. At Km. 42 of Route 1095, there is a six-kilometre road leading to the hot spring.

Accommodation in the national park is available, please call 0 5322 9754 or 0 2562 0760 or

Tha Pai Hot Spring (โป่งน้ำร้อนท่าปาย), this is another attraction in the area of Huai Nam Dang National Park. The hot spring is two kilometres off Route 1095 at Km. 87. It has an average temperature of 80 celcius. Steam from the spring permeates the site in the morning creating fascinating sights. The area is also rich in teakwoods and suitable for overnight camping.

Pai Notes

• Positive: The popularity of Pai over the past years has phenomenal and is now growing into a bustling foreign-orientated town. Economically speaking, this is excellent.

• Negative: Pai town has turned into a bit like the ‘wild-west’ attracting a lot of foreign tourists who are there only for the wrong reasons like taking narcotics and getting drunk every night. There has been a soar in the amount of crime which has taken place and the local prison cells are full of reckless foreign tourists every night.

There are plenty of other pretty places in the vicinity of Pai, so if you want to escape to a quiet place it is advised to stay elsewhere.

Amphoe Khun Yuam

Wat Muai Tor (วัดม่วยต่อ) is on Highway No.108 from Mae Hong Son province, on the left side. The Chedi is fully decorated in Mon style. There is an upright of infirmary where injured soldiers were cured during World War II. Ashes of the Japanese soldiers who died during that time were kept along the temple’s fence.

Khun Yuam Indigenous Cultural Center (ศูนย์วัฒนธรรมท้องถิ่นอำเภอขุนยวม) Located at Km. 200 on Highway No. 108, the centre has a considerable collection of Thai Yai and other hill-tribes handicrafted products. It also displays military accessories and equipment of the Japanese army which entered Khun Yuam district during World War II. The World War II Museum (พิ��ิธภัณฑ์สงครามโลก) located next to the cultural center. The museum displays military equipments, accessories, weapons, clothes, photos etc. of Japanese Army which entered Amphoe Khun Yuam during World War II.

Wat To Phae (วัดต่อแพ) This temple is located 7 kilometres from Khun Yuam having a large beautiful Burmese style Viharn. According to the legend, it is said that raft assembling people used to gather up in this area prior to making a teak trees raft trip to the marketing places.

Bua Tong Fields at Doi Mae U-Kho (ทุ่งดอกบัวตองดอยแม่อูคอ) The Dok Bua Tong (may be classified as wild sunflowers) blooms during November painting the entire hilly area of Doi Mae U-kho in brilliant yellow draw flocks of visitors to Khun Yuam district. Camping sites arranged during the Bua Tong Bloom Festival is 26 kilometers from the district on Highway No. 1263.

Namtok Mae U-Kho (น้ำตกแม่อูคอ), this is a 30-metre-high waterfall situated 3 kilometres off the route to Doi Mae U-kho.

Namtok Mae Surin National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติน้ำตกแม่สุรินทร์), given national park status in 1981, this natural wonder, which straddles Mueang and Khun Yuam districts, encompasses a wildlife and botanical reserve, a huge waterfall and a spectacular terraced mountain.

Namtok Mae Surin, its main attraction, is 37 kilometres from Khun Yuam district. It is a huge waterfall cascading eighty meters down below. Accommodation in the national park is available, please call 0 5361 2996, 08 1724 7274, 0 2562 0760 or

Amphoe Mae Sariang

Wat Kittiwong (วัดกิตติวงศ์), this temple enshrines Lord Buddha’s relics brought from Chiang Mai. The door and window of the chapel are decorated with beautiful stucco designs.

Wat Phra That Chomthong (วัดพระธาตุจอมทอง) 1 kilometre up to a hill near Mae Sariang district, this temple enshrines a huge Buddha image and overlooks the beautiful scenery of Mae Sariang.

Pha Ma Lo Karen Village (หมู่บ้านกะเหรี่ยงพะมะลอ) is a large Karen village, located 3 km. from the market place where hand woven fabric is produced for sale at a reasonable price.

The Tribal Development & Assistance Center (ศูนย์พัฒนาและสงเคราะห์ชาวเขา), at km.84 on Doi Mae Ho is administrated by the Public Welfare Department. Most of the hill-tribe people in this center are of Karen ancestry. The scenic area is noted for colourful flower plantation. Bua Tong or wild sunflowers bloom covering the entire valley during November annually.

Amphoe Sop Moei

Salawin National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติสาละวิน) covers a forested area of 721 square kilometers. The Salawin National Park is on the bank of Salawin River on the Thai-Myanmar border, about 164 kilometres south of Mae Hong Son. The Salawin River originates from Tibet before winding through China, Thailand and Myanmar for a total distance of more than 3,000 kilometres. The river is regarded as the borderline between Myanmar and Thailand for a distance of 120 kilometres.

Mae Sam Laep (บ้านแม่สามแลบ) is a village on Salawin River, 62 km. from Amphoe Sop Moei on Highway No.1085. The renowned attraction among visitors is the point where Salawin River and Moei River meet. The village is situated within a deep valley facing Myanmar with white sandy beach on some part of the back.

Visitors who want to take a boat along the river have to contact the park headquarters for their safety during the journey. The headquarters also provide accommodation and other facilities. To get to the headquarters, one can take Route 1194 from Mae Sariang district for about 4 kilometres, then turn right and continue along a dirt road for 4 kilometres. The best time for boat trip is from March to April when the water level is low and sandy beaches appear. Sceneries along the riverbanks are captivating with forest and mountains and dotted with small hamlets. For more information, contact Salawin National Park: P.O. Box 8, Mae Sariang, Mae Hong Son 58110 Tel: 08 1366 7356 or 0 2562 0760 or visit http://www.dnp.go.th

Do

• Rafting along the Pai River This is an exciting and delightful recreation. The best time for rafting is from July to December. There are several eminently part suitable for rafting pass rapids and natural scenery including beautiful waterfalls. Contact a tour agent at Pai like Thai Adventure Rafting Tel: 0 5369 9111, Northern Green Tour Tel: 0 5369 8128 Mae Hong Son Adventure Tel. 08 1884 5025, Pai in The Sky Tel.0 5369 8145, Back Trax Tour-Trekking Tel.0 5369 7939 or in Muaeng district who operate the trip, some also provide elephant rides. Or call TAT Mae Hong Son at 0 5361 2982-3.

• Mountain Biking The centre for mountain biking adventure is Pai district, where several bike shops rent out bikes and gear to tourists. Bike tours explore nearby and remote hilltribe villages, waterfalls and hot springs. The best time is November-May. Experienced guides are ready to lead biking parties through breathtaking back-country trails for up to a week. There are natural cycle paths through the forest, first trod by animals then beaten by man. They range from as narrow as a single person’s stride or as wide as an elephant or ox cart.

• Hilltribe Trekking Mae Hong Son has several tour operators that specialise in trekking. Treks are designed to expose visitors to splendor nature and a variety of hilltribes. The adventure may combine jungle walks with elephant riding and river rafting. The cool winter months of November to February are the best time to travel. Avoid the height of the rainy season in August and September. In the dry months between March and May, the temperature can soar uncomfortably high for strenuous mountain hikes.

• Elephant Trekking Mae Hong Son is known all over Thailand for its sturdy and strong elephants, so what better way to have a fun day out than sitting atop one of these great beasts and be in the safe hands of a knowledgeable mahout.

• Spas
  • • Phu Khlon Country Club (ภูโคลนคันทรีคลับ) Mu 2 Ban Mae Sa-Nga, Amphoe Mueang Mae Hong Son, 10 km. from town Tel: 08 1473 8013, 08 6198 0722
    • Pai Hot Spring Spa Resort (ปปายฮอทสปริงสปารีสอร์ท) 84-84/1 Mu 2 Tambon Mae Hee, Amphoe Pai Tel: 0 5369 3267
    • Aroma Pai Spa (อโมราปายสปา) 110 Mu 2 Tambon Mae Hee, Amphoe Pai Tel: 0 53065 745
  • Day Spas
    • Sawan-nga Health Clinic (คลีนิคสวันงาส่งเสริมสุขภาพแผนไทย) Khumlumpraphat Road (at Mae Hong Son Provincial Health Office) Tel. +66 5361 1549, +66 5361 1281, +66 5361 1324
  • Spas in Hotels/Resorts
    • Imperial Spa at Imperial Tara Mae Hong Son.
    • Spa at Pai Hotspring Spa Resort
    • Health Mud Spa at Phu Klon Country Club (www.pooklon.com)

Events and Festivals

• Poi Sang Long Procession (งานประเพณีปอยส่างลอง) This is in fact the celebration of novice ordination which the Thai Yai tribe people hold to be a highly meritorious occasion. Traditionally, the candidate-novice, his head cleanly shaven and wrapped with head-cloth in the Burmese style, will don a prince-like garment and put on valuable jewels and gems, and ride a horse or be carried over the shoulders of a man to the city shrine. On the ordination eve, a procession of offerings and other necessary personal belongings will be paraded through the town streets and then placed at the monastery where the ordination will take place the next day. It is usually held during March-May before the Buddhist Rain Retreat period.

• Chong Phara Procession (งานประเพณีจองพารา) The Chong Phara in the Thai Yai dialect means a castle made of wood, covered with colourful perforated papers and decorated with fruits, flags and lamps. It is placed in the courtyard of a house or a monastery as a gesture to welcome the Lord Buddha on his return from giving sermons to his mother in heaven, according to traditional belief. Other activities to celebrate the occasion include dances where performers are dressed in animal costumes. The rite is held during the post rain retreat season from the full-moon day of the 11th Lunar month (around October) to the waxing moon night of the same month.

• Bua Tong Blossom Festival (งานวันดอกบัวตองบาน) Each year in November, the hillsides of Khun Yuam and Mae Sariang districts are filled with a host of golden Bua Tong Blooms. As gay as a daisy and almost as large as a sunflower, the Bua Tong only blossoms for a month.

• At Doi Mae U-Kho, the blossoms appear profusely. Finally, the golden blooms become part of the scene. Some specialists have classified these Bua Tong as weeds and because of this, they may be cleared to make way for cash crops. Fortunately a group of researchers have discovered the flower’s insect-repellent properties. And perhaps that is why the Bua Tong, a symbol of Mae Hong Son, is still preserved on the hillsides.

• Loi Krathong Festival (ประเพณีลอยกระทง หรือ งานเหลินสิบสอง) Loi Krathong Festival is held on the full moon night in the month of November every year. Villagers make “krathongs” to float in rivers. At Nong Chong Kham, various entertainments and a contest of large krathongs are held near the central pond. Lamps and candles are lit all around the area. Moreover, at Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu, there is a ceremony of releasing candle-lit krathongs bound with balloons to the sky (known as “Loi Krathong Sawan”).

Itineraries

Suggested Tour Program (On the route: Chiang Mai-Pai-Mae Hong Son-Mae Sariang-Chiang Mai)

Day 1

• 07.00 hrs. - Leave Chiang Mai For Amphoe Pai, Visit Pong Dueat Hot Spring 500 m. walk on the route to see hot spring)
• 10.00 hrs.- Depart to Huai Nam Dang National Park
• 11.30 hrs. - Depart to Pai, Lunch in Pai, Visit Wat Nam Hoo, Wat Prathat Mae Yen, Santichon Chinese Yunnan village, Stay Overnight in Pai

Day 2

• 07.00 hrs. -Breakfast, Depart to Tham Lot at Pang Mapha, Visit Tham Pla or fish cave in Muaeng District before reaching Mae

• Hong Son town Overnight in Amphoe Mueang Mae Hong Son
• Leave for Ban Nam Pieng Din
• Sightseeing Pai river by long-tailed boat
• Visit Tribal village
• Lunch, back to the pier
• Visit Phu Khlon Country Club (spa)
• Back to downtown
• Visit Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu
• Pay homage to Phra Chao Pharalakhaeng at Wat Hua Wiang and Wat Chong Kham
• Overnight

Day 3

• 06.00 hrs. -Visit Morning market and breakfast
• Leave Mae Hong Son for Chiang Mai on Mae Sariang route
• -Visit World War II Museum at Amphoe Khun Yuam
• Lunch
• (During Nov.-Dec. visit Doi Mae U-Kho to see Golden Bua Tong Bloom)
• Back to Chiang Mai or stay overnight in Mae Sariang.

Learn

While in Mae Hong Son, do take the splendid opportunity to live with the hill-tribes and learn about their unique culture and way of life. To arrange this talk a reliable guide and ask him for advice on which hill-tribe village is hospitable and open to foreigners. Your guide will be able to take you and arrange accommodation via the village headman. Otherwise, just find out the knowledge yourself and go alone. A couple of the hill-tribe villages (one especially near the waterfall) a few kilometers from Pai town are infamous for working in the narcotics trade, so they should be completely avoided.

Buy

Being in a cool valley, Mae Hong Son is suitable for tea-growing. The main area of tea plantations is at Ban Rak Thai, a village near the border between Thailand and Burma.

• The traditional headgear called “Kup” worn by the Thai Yai is wide-brimmed with taper top. Together with bamboo blinds and Karen woven fabrics, they are quite popular items to buy among visitors.

• The Mae Hong Son Royal Folk Art Centre (ศูนย์ศิลปาชีพจังหวัดแม่ฮ่องสอน) on Khunlumpraphat Road offers a variety of hand-made products from woven fabric to wickerware and visitors can have an opportunity to see how the handicrafts are made.

• OTOP Product in Amphoe Mae Sariang Tel: 0 5368 1296, 0 5368 2041

Shops

• The Mae Hong Son Royal Folk Art Centre in the provincial town sells a variety of hand-made woven-fabric and wicker ware.

Eat

Typical northern food consists of:

• Nam Prik Ong is a type of chili paste which is made of minced pork and tomatoes. It is usally eaten with soft-boiled vegetables, pork crackling or deep-fried crunchy rice cakes.

• Nam Prik Noom meaning in English Chili Paste Young Man, is another kind of paste that is extremely popular in the north and eaten also by Thais of all regions. It is often eaten with pork crackling

• Sai Ua is a local sausage that is very aromatic and spicy and usually is eaten with sticky rice.

Kaeng meaning curries are not made of coconut milk in the north.

• Kaeng Hang-Le is northern-style pork curry
• Kaeng Om is a spicy curry consisting of intestines
• Kaeng Khae is a spicy curry consisting of vegetables.
• Khanom Chin Nam Ngiao is a traditional noodle dish with chicken of the North.
• Khao Soi is another popular noodle dish which can be made from chicken, pork or beef. What makes it unique is that it contains coconut milk and it is garnished with garlic.

Thai Yai Specialities

• Kaow Som is cooked rice mixed with turmeric. It is then mixed with tomato into a small ball and eaten with fried chilies and green peas.

• Kaow Lhueng is cooked rice mixed with turmeric. It is then made into a small ball and sprinkled with fried onion. It is usually eaten with pork balls.

• Kaow Kan Jeen is cooked rice mixed with the blood of fowls and steamed with fried onion. It is eaten with fried chilies.

• Tua Pae Yee & Tua Pae Lau looks like normal bean .Tua Pae Yee is a dipped fried soybean and Tau Pae Lau is a fried soybean with salt.

• Souy Tamin is a dessert, made of sticky rice, coconut milk and sugarcane sugar.

Thai Yai cuisine can be tried at the following locations:

• Morning market in A.Muang : Between Singha Nart Bumrung road and Laeng Panit road.
• Morning market in A.Pai : Rung Siyanon road
• Morning market in A.Khun Youm :Highway No.105
• Morning market in A.Mae Sariang : Sarid Phon road.

Amphoe Mueang Mae Hong Son

• Bai Fern (ใบเฟิร์น) 87 Khunlumpraphat Rd., Tel: 0 5361 1374
• Chalet Pub (ชาเลต์ ผับ) in Baiyok Chalet Hotel, 90 Khunlumprapat Rd., Tel: 0 5361 1486, 0 5361 1536, 0 5361 3132-9
• Joke Sawoei (โจ๊กเสวย) 11/10 Niwetphaisan Rd., (in the municipal market), Tel: 0 5361 2020
• Khai Muk (ไข่มุก) 23 Udomchaonithet Rd., Tel: 0 5361 2092, 0 5361 2385
• Khao Soi Panun (ข้าวซอยป้านูญ) 9 Phadungmuaitor Rd., Tel: 0 5361 2384
• Krua Thip (ครัวทิพย์) 23/1 Praditchongkham Rd., Tel: 0 5362 0553, 0 5361 3313
• Oam Khao (อ้อมเขา) 5/1 Pracha Uthit Rd., Tel: 0 5361 1457
• Phai Ngern (ไผ่เงิน) 70 Singhanatbamrung Rd., Tel: 0 5361 1013

Amphoe Pai

• Choeng Doi (เชิงดอย) 116 Pai-Chiang Mai Rd., Tel: 0 5368 1778
• Green (กรีน) 28 Mu 3 Chaisongkram Rd., Tel: 0 5369 9385
• Nong Beer (น้องเบียร์) 39/1 Mu 1 Chaisongkram Rd., Tambon Wiang Tai, Tel: 0 5369 9103
• Phrikwan (พริกหวาน) 24 Mu 1 Tambon Wiang Tai, Tel: 0 5369 9519
• Sirinya (ศิรินญา) 55 Mu 8 Pai-Chiang Mai Rd., Tel: 0 5369 9178

Amphoe Pang Mapha

• Lemon Hill (เลมอน ฮิลล์) 123 Mu 8 Pai-Mae Hong Son Rd., Tel: 0 5361 7039, 0 5361 7213

Amphoe Khun Yuam

• Baan Farang Guesthouse (บ้านฝรั่ง เกส���์เฮาส์) 499 Mu 1 Ratburana Rd., Tambon Khun Yuam Tel: 0 5362 2085-6
• Pinyo (ภิญโญ) in Mitr Khun Yuam Hotel 63 Mu 1 Ratburana 1 Rd., Tambon Khun Yuam Tel: 0 5369 1057, 0 5362 2181, 0 5369 1455

Amphoe Mae Sariang

• Inthira (อินทิรา) 107/1 Wiang Mai Rd., Tambon Mae Sariang Tel: 0 5368 1529, 0 5368 1441
• Renu (เรณู) 174/2 Wiang Mai Rd., Tambon Mae Sariang, Tel: 0 5368 1171 Fax: 0 5368 1144
• Rimnam (ริมน้ำ) in the River House Resort 6/1 Mu 2 Laeng Phanit Rd., Tambon Mae Sariang Tel: 0 5368 3066 Fax: 0 5368 3067 Open: 06.30 a.m.-10.30 p.m. (Thai, Western Food)

Other

• Chez Ton Phaditchongkam Road (Thai and foreign food)
• Fern Restaurant On the road to Mae Sariang (Thai and Western Food)
• Gai Mook
• Ji Ji (Vegetarian Food)
• La Tasca Khunlumparaphat Road (Italian Food) Lucky Restaurant (delicious Thai standards)
• Lung Hom Udomchatnithet Road (Thai Food)
• Salween River (Burmese and Shan Food)
• Sunflower Cafe 7 Singhana Thoumrung Road (Fresh bread, Light Foreign and Vegetarian Food)
• Teng Na (Northern Food)

Drink

In regards to nightlife, Mae Hong Son has very little besides the odd karaoke joint and open air restaurants selling alcohol and playing music. Pai District on the other hand is a mini Costa-del-sol with a countless amount of bars and live music venues – they can get very rowdy though. Joe Cumming’s (editor of Lonely Planet Thailand) and his well-known band the Tonic Rays often play at the best and most famous live music venue in Pai the Be-Bop Bar, contact the bar in advance for information on when Joe will be playing.

• Bebop Bar Pai (Rock, blues, and live music bar)
• Chilli Bar beside Friend Guest House, 29 Phaditchongkam Road
• Crossroads Singhang Bamrung Road (Burgers, Spaghetti and A Few Standard Thai Dishes)
• Edible Jazz's Pai (Open-air bar and café)
• Khrua Biman Mae Sariang (Folk music bar)
• Lakeside Bar Phaditchongkam Road (Buffet Barbecue)
• Mellow Yellow Pai (Reggae bar)
• Sabaay Corner on the main road to Mae Sariang (Live music Bar)
• Ting Tong Loungegarden Pai (Cocktail Bar)

Sleep

Amphoe Mueang Mae Hong Son

Hotels

• Baiyok Chalet (ใบหยกชาเล่ต์) 90 Khunlumpraphat Rd., (Tel: 0 5361 1486, 0 5361 1536, 0 5361 3132-9 Fax: 0 5361 1533), 37 rooms: 900-1,900 baht
• Imperial Tara Mae Hong Son (อิมพีเรียลธาราแม่ฮ่องสอน) 149 Mu 8 Khunlumpraphat Rd., Tambon Pang Mu (Tel: 0 5361 1021-4, 0 5368 4444-9 Fax: 0 5361 1252 Bangkok Tel: 0 2261 9000, 0 2261 9530-4), 104 rooms: 1,500-5,000 baht
• Mae Hong Son Mountain Inn Hotel & Resort (แม่ฮ่องสอนเมาน์เท่น อินน์ โฮเต็ล แอนด์ รีสอร์ท) 112 Khunlumpraphat Rd., (Tel: 0 5361 1802-3, 0 5361 2285, 0 5368 4143, 0 5368 4145 Fax: 0 5361 2284) www.mhsmountaininn.com, 69 rooms: 500-800 baht
• Mae Hong Son Riverside (แม่ฮ่องสอนริเวอร์ไซด์) 165 Mu 3 Ban Huay Dua Tambon Pha Bong (Tel: 0 5361 1504, 0 5361 1406 Fax: 0 5361 3146), 40 rooms: 1,150-1,500 baht
• Methee (เมธี) 55 Khunlumpraphat Rd., (Tel: 0 5361 2141, 0 5361 2121), 38 rooms: 150-450 baht
• Panorama (บ้านพักนานาชาติพานอรามา แม่ฮ่องสอน) 54/1 Khunlumpraphat Rd., (Tel: 0 5361 1757-62 Fax: 0 5361 1790 Bangkok Tel: 0 2628 7413-5), www.panorama.8m.com, www.panhostel.com E-mail: panorama@tyha.org, panorama@panhostel.com, 44 rooms: 300-800 baht

Resorts

• Ban Kaew Resort (บ้านแก้ว รีสอร์ท) 14/1 Pang Lo Nikhom Rd., Soi 4 Tambon Chong Kham (Tel & Fax: 0 5361 3007 Bangkok Tel: 0 2212 4840) www.maehongsontravel.com/bkresort E-mail: ban_kaew@yahoo.com, 15 rooms: 500-1,200 baht, 5 houses: 800-2,400 baht
• Ban Suan Klang Mueang Resort (บ้านสวนกลางเมือง รีสอร์ท) 105/2 Tambon Chong Kham (Tel: 0 5361 2477), 4 rooms: 350-500 baht
• Ban Suan Rimtarn (บ้านสวนริมธาร) 18/4 Namakpin-Thung Kong Mu Rd., Ban Namakpin (Tel: 0 5361 3069, 0 5361 3404) www.maehongsontravel.com/rimtarn, 20 rooms: 300-1,500 baht
• Fern Rimtarn Resort (เฟิร์นริมธาร รีสอร์ท) 64 Mu 10 Khunlumpraphat Rd., (Tel: 0 5368 6110-1, 0 5361 3585 Fax: 0 5361 2363), 30 rooms: 950-2,000 baht
• Golden Hut Resort (โกลเดนฮัท รีสอร์ท) 253 Mu 11 Maksanti Rd., (Tel: 0 5361 1544, 0 5361 2306, Fax: 0 5361 3747), 32 rooms: 400-1,500 baht

Guesthouses

• Cho (โจ) 3 Chamnansathit Rd., Soi 7 (Tel: 0 5361 2417), 7 rooms: 100-300 baht
• Chong Kham (จองคำ) 7 Udomchaonithet Rd., Soi 4 Tambon Chong Kham (Tel & Fax: 0 5361 1420, 08 1950 9702), 10 rooms: 100-200 baht
• Friend House (เฟรนด์เฮาส์) 20 Praditchongkham (Tel: 0 5362 0119, 08 6920 3312), 10 rooms: 150-300 baht
• Holiday (ฮอลิเดย์) 23 Praditchongkham Rd., 5 rooms: 80 baht
• Jean (จีน) 6/1 Pracha Uthit Rd., (Tel: 0 5361 1662 Fax: 0 5361 2906), 10 rooms: 80-150 baht
• Johnny House (จอห์นนี่ เฮาส์) 5/2 Udomchaonithet Rd., (Tel: 0 5361 1667), 8 rooms: 100-300 baht

Amphoe Pai

• Baan Krating Pai Resorts (บ้านกระทิง ปาย รีสอร์ท) 119 Mu 2 Tambon Wiang Nuea (Tel: 0 5369 8255-6 Fax: 0 5369 8256 Bangkok Tel: 0 2718 0854, 0 2718 0858) www.baankrating.com/pai/, 32 rooms: 3,000-6,000 baht
• Ban Nam Pai Retreat (บ้านน้ำปาย รีทรีต) 47 Mu 3 Ban Tan Chet Ton (Tel: 08 1830 1161, 08 1807 8014), 6 houses: 1,500-1,800 baht
• Baan Pai Village (บ้านปาย วิลเลจ) 88 Mu 2 Tambon Wiang Tai (Tel: 0 5369 8152 Fax: 0 5369 9057) www.baanpaivillage.com, 22 rooms: 500-1,200 baht
• Ban Pho Kan Nan (บ้านพ่อกำนัน) 52 Mu 3 Tambon Wiang Tai (Tel: 0 5369 9382), 12 rooms: 120 baht
• Banana House (บานานา เฮาส์) 212/2 Tambon Wiang Tai (Tel: 0 5369 9327, 0 5369 9149, 08 9635 7793), 7 rooms: 200 baht

Amphoe Pang Mapha

• Ban Kafae Resort (บ้านกาแฟ รีสอร์ท) 277 Mu 1 Pai-Mae Hong Son Rd., Tambon Sop Pong (Tel: 0 5361 7081), 4 houses: 400-1,200 baht
• Cave Lodge (เคฟ ลอดจ์) 15 Mu 1 Tambon Thamlot (Tel: 0 5361 7203), 13 rooms: 100-500 baht
• Jungle Guesthouse (จังเกิ้ล เกสต์เฮาส์) 200 Mu 1 Pai-Mae Hong Son Rd., Tambon Sop Pong (Tel: 0 5361 7099), 6 rooms: 200-1,000 baht
• Lang River Guesthouse (ลางริเวอร์ เกสต์เฮาส์) 39/2 Mu 1 Tambon Thamlot, 9 rooms: 200-300 baht
• Lemon Hill (เลม่อน ฮิลล์) 123 Mu 1 Pai-Mae Hong Son Rd., Tambon Sop Pong (Tel: 0 5361 7039, 0 5361 7213 Fax: 0 5361 7039, 0 5361 7213), 10 rooms: 200-500 baht
• Soppong River Inn (สบป่อง ริเวอร์อินน์ ) 358 Mu 1 Tambon Sop Pong, (Tel: 0 5361 7107) 7 rooms or cottages: 700-1200 baht Soppong River Inn Website

Amphoe Khun Yuam

• Baan Farang Guesthouse (บ้านฝรั่ง เกสต์เฮาส์) 499 Mu 1 Ratburana Rd., Tambon Khun Yuam (Tel: 0 5362 2086), 19 rooms: 250 baht
• Bua Tong Vision House (บัวตองวิชั่น เฮาส์) 92 Mu 2 Burana 1 Rd., Tambon Khun Yuam, (Tel: 0 5362 2037), 14 rooms: 400-600 baht
• Khun Yuam Resort (ขุนยวม รีสอร์ท) 139 Mu 1 Ban Tor Phae (Tel: 0 5321 2393, 08 1882 7130, 08 9434 4862), 8 rooms: 500 baht
• Mitr Khun Yuam Hotel (มิตรขุนยวม) 63 Mu 1 Ratburana 1 Rd., Tambon Khun Yuam (Tel: 0 5369 1057, 0 5362 2181 Fax: 0 5369 1057), 26 rooms: 200-500 baht
• Peekmai Guesthouse (ปีกไม้ เกสต์เฮาส์) 256 Mu 2 Ratburana Rd., Tambon Khun Yuam (Tel: 0 5369 1061), 5 rooms: 250 baht

Amphoe Mae Sariang

• Ekaluk Hotel (เอกลักษณ์) 77/2 Tambon Mae Sariang, (Tel: 0 5368 1426, 0 5368 1052), 7 rooms: 200-450 baht
• Kamolsorn Hotel (กมลสร โฮเต็ล) 283 Mu 2 Mae Sariang Rd., (Tel: 0 5368 1524 Fax: 0 5368 1204), 24 rooms: 450-600 baht
• Mae Sariang Guesthouse (แม่สะเรียง เกสต์เฮาส์) 1 Mu 2 Laeng Phanit Rd., (Tel: 0 5368 1203 Fax: 0 5368 1204), 16 rooms: 80-150 baht
• Mae Sariang Resort (แม่สะเรียง รีสอร์ท) 183 Mu 1 Tambon Mae Sariang (Tel: 0 5368 2344-5), 10 rooms: 250 baht
• Mit Aree (มิตรอารีย์) 158 Mae Sariang Rd., (Tel: 0 5368 1110, 0 5368 1279), 50 rooms: 250-500 baht

Stay healthy

Medical Facilities

There is a hospital in the provincial town, Mae Sariang district and Pai district. For something serious it may be best to fly to Chiang Mai.

• Mae Hong Son Hospital (โรงพยาบาลศรีสังวาล) Tel: 0 5361 1378, 0 5361 1488
• Pai Hospita (โรงพยาบาล อ.ปาย) Tel: 0 5369 9211
• Pang Ma Pha Hospita (โรงพยาบาล อ.ปางมะผ้า) Tel: 0 5361 7152 - 6
• Khun Yuam Hospita (โรงพยาบาล อ.ขุนยวม) Tel: 0 5369 1017, 0 5369 1128
• Mae La Noi Hospita (โรงพยาบาล อ.แม่ลาน้อย) Tel: 0 5368 9060
• Mae Sa Riang Hospita (โรงพยาบาล อ.แม่สะเรียง) Tel: 0 5368 1027, 0 5368 1394
• Sob Moei Hospita (โรงพยาบาล อ.สบเมย) Tel: 0 5361 8080 - 2, 0 5361 8098 - 9

Unfortunately, many foreigners when they first get sick in Thailand, automatically blame the local food/drink or ice they had taken before the illness. Usually however, it is our own bodies which have caused the illness – simply meaning we’ve consumed something that our bodies are not used to. The heat is also a significant factor. It is advised that new-arrivers limit their consumption of local food and certainly in regards to chillies and other hot spices. The same also applies to alcohol (alcohol and hot humidity do not mix well at first). There is no need to be paranoid about food cleanliness, there’s as much chance of getting food poisoning from a 4-star hotel as you have a small street restaurant. In fact, the latter of which buys all its produce on a fresh daily basis. But remember to wash your fruit in bottled water before eating. Contrary to myth, cubed ice in Thailand is perfectly safe. The only ice you may wish to steer clear of is the shaved ice (as it is not made to proper standards unlike the cubed version). Most of the iced-fruit juices in Thailand are made from shaved ice, so you may wish to avoid them.

Vaccinations against tetanus, hepatitis, and salmonella infections are also advisable.

Contact

Local television, satellite TV channels are available. English language newspapers and magazines are available in some bookstores.

Landline telephone, satellite phone and all mobile phone systems are available at Mae Hong Son downtown and village areas. Internet can be had in hotels, resorts and internet cafés. There are Post Offices in every district.

• Provincial Public Relation Tel: 0 5362 0692, 0 5361 1808, 0 5361 2952
• Provincial Hall Tel: 0 5361 2156, 0 5361 2176
• Sri Sangwan Hospital Tel: 0 5361 1378, 0 5361 1398, 0 5361 1488
• Mueang Police Station Tel: 0 5361 1239
• Highway Police Tel: 1193
• Tourist Police Tel: 0 5361 1952, 0 5361 1812, 1155
• Immigration Office Tel: 0 5361 2106
• Telephone Enquiry Tel: 1133
• Tourist Information at TAT Mae Hong Son Office Tel: 0 5361 2982-3

--(WT-en) globe-trotter 10:51, 4 February 2010 (EST)