Mae Hong Son

Mae Hong Son is a remote,  town in north-west Thailand, capital of Mae Hong Son Province, mountainous province in northern Thailand, bordering Myanmar (Burma). Mae Hong Son is 883 kilometres (549 mi) north of Bangkok and 251 kilometres (156 mi) northwest of Chiang Mai. Though sparsely populated, it’s ethnically diverse and home to hill tribes such as the Shan and Hmong. The capital, also called Mae Hong Son, is a gateway to the region’s hills. It’s overlooked by Wat Phrathat Doi Kongmu, a Burmese-style monastery with 2 ornate white chedis (stupas) built in the 19th century.  “The city of three mists” is another name of Mae Hong Son, because it is surrounded by high mountains  with cold temperature and covered with mist all 3 seasons. The city is rich in natural resources,  forests, flowers, leading the city to one of the must-see cities in Thailand.

Mae Hong Son has a tropical climate. Winters are dry and warm. Temperatures rise until April, which is very hot with the average daily maximum at 38.7 °C (101.7 °F). The monsoon season runs from May through October, with heavy rain and somewhat cooler temperatures during the day, although nights remain warm. Mae Hong Son holds the highest temperature ever recorded in Thailand when 44.6 °C (112.3 °F) was observed on 28 April 2016.

Mae Hong Son is a fascinating province of Burmese and Lanna style temples, hot springs, hill tribe villages,Trekking, Rafting, national parks, and even an annual reggae festival. In addition to a charming capital in Mae Hong Son town, the town of  Pai is also a traveler favorite; many people come to Mae Hong Son and Pai to experience the natural beauty  of northern Thailalnd or witness one of the many festivals that are celebrated in Mae Hong Son, especially the annual novice ordination ceremony for young men declaring their intentions to become Buddhist monks.