Mae Hong Son
Thailand's most remote province, on the Burmese border. Misty valleys, Shan temples, tea villages and the 1,864 curves of the road from Chiang Mai.
Mae Hong Son is Thailand's north-westernmost province, bordering Myanmar, reached by 1,864 curves from Chiang Mai or a 30-minute flight. Three to four nights covers the town, Ban Rak Thai, Tham Lod cave and the Pang Ung lake.
The loop
The Mae Hong Son loop — Chiang Mai, Pai, Mae Hong Son, Mae Sariang — is 600km of mountain road and one of the best drives in Southeast Asia. Allow four days minimum.
What to see
Wat Jong Kham and Jong Klang on the lake, Ban Rak Thai's tea terraces, the Tham Lod cave with its bamboo raft, and morning mist over the valleys that gives the province its nickname.
Getting there
There are daily one-hour flights from Bangkok to Mae Hong Son airport, or a four to five hour drive from Chiang Mai via Pai. The direct route 108 takes three hours and is far less winding than the Pai road.
Who it suits
Repeat visitors to Thailand, photographers, and anyone who wants the north without tour buses. It is not a first-trip destination and not for anyone who needs a beach — the nearest coast is a day's drive.
Where to stay in Mae Hong Son
Mae Hong Son town is small and sits around a lake; the interesting places are within an hour's drive. Most travellers base in town and make day trips rather than moving hotels.
- Around Nong Jong Kham lake$$
Best for: One to three nights, walkability
The temples, the night market and the best restaurants are all within 10 minutes on foot.
- Outside town (Pang Moo / Ban Rak Thai road)$$–$$$
Best for: Mist, quiet, photographers
Guesthouses with valley views; you need a car, and mornings are the whole point.
Price bands are for a double room per night in high season: $ under THB 1,800 · $$ 1,800–4,500 · $$$ 4,500–10,000 · $$$$ above 10,000. We book hotels in every band and inspect them in person.
Mistakes worth avoiding
- Driving the Chiang Mai loop in one day — it is 250km of mountain road
- Coming in March and April when the burning season hides the mountains
- Skipping Ban Rak Thai, which is the most interesting village in the province
Is it worth it?
Worth three or four nights if you like mountains and do not mind the drive. It is the quietest and most culturally distinct province in the north — Shan, Karen and Yunnanese Chinese communities, and almost no mass tourism.
Things to see in Mae Hong Son
Village
Ban Rak Thai
A Yunnanese Chinese village on a reservoir near the Myanmar border, surrounded by tea terraces.…
Cave
Tham Lod Cave
A river cave with three chambers, bamboo rafts and swifts that stream out at dusk.…
Temple
Wat Jong Kham & Jong Klang
Two Shan-style temples on the lake in the middle of Mae Hong Son town, white stupas reflected in the water.…
Tours that include Mae Hong Son
Experiences here
Common questions
Fly from Chiang Mai (30 minutes), or drive the 250km loop via Pai (4 hours with stops). The road has 1,864 curves.
Three to four nights. One for the town and temples, one for Ban Rak Thai, one for Tham Lod and Pang Ung.
November to February, when it is cool and the morning mist is at its best. Avoid March and April for the burning season.
Yes if you have a car and three days. It is one of the best drives in Thailand, but the curves are relentless — do not attempt it if you get car sick.
Last updated: October 2026 · JoyoTour editorial team
Add Mae Hong Son to a longer trip
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