About
Mae Hong Son is a remote provincial capital in northern Thailand, set among mountains close to the Myanmar border. It is known as the "City of Three Mists", a name it earns from the fog that often settles over the hills in the early morning.
What to see in town
The town is small and easy to explore on foot. Its traditional wooden temples give it a quieter character than the larger cities of the north. Two of the best-known are Wat Jong Klang and Wat Jong Kham, the latter reflected in the still waters of Jong Kham Lake, which makes it a calm place to pause, especially in the softer light of morning or evening.
Hill tribe culture and the surrounding hills
Mae Hong Son offers a glimpse of the hill tribe communities of the region. The mountains around the town are the main draw for many visitors, with trekking routes leading out to villages of the Karen and other hill peoples. Whether you go on foot or with a local guide, the landscape and the villages are the heart of a visit here.
- Early mornings, when the mist lies over the valleys
- Temple walks around the town and the lake
- Trekking into the hills to visit village communities
Because the town is remote, it suits travellers who are willing to set aside time to reach it and who prefer a slower pace to a busy city itinerary. Plan for a few days, so that you can take in the mist, the temples and at least one trek without rushing.
