Trekking in Mae Hong Son, Thailand

Though Chang Mai is the best known hub for trekkers looking to explore Northern Thailand, Mae Hong Son is also worthy being called a great trekking spot. Located about 250 miles northwest of Chang Mai, this area, on the border with Myanmar, is surrounded by mountains, making it idea for trekking. The area has had a reputation as a wild, lawless border area. While this is not the case, staying on the beaten trail is recommended unless you have a trusted and reputable guide.

Jong Kham Lake is a picturesque spot and offers some great spots to take in the surrounding mountains. There are a couple of Wats (temples) that are worth looking in and also looking out of. Some of the best views of the lake and surrounding highlands are seen from the temple grounds. March is a festival time when young novice monks enter into temple life.

Guesthouses in Mae Hong Son offer guided treks up to visit some of the hill tribes. Though some of these trips are little more than tourist traps to villages which exist solely for tourism, most offer at least some chance to see hill tribes exists as they have for hundreds, if not thousands of years. Probably the only advice is to ask other travelers what kind of experiences they had visiting the hill tribes, then choose a tour operator based on their recommendations.

There are also several white-water rafting tours. The main reason to go on such an excursion is to take in the scenery, although adrenaline junkies night get a fix from the trip.

Pai, a town between Chang Mai and Mae Hong Son, offers elephant rides through the jungle. There is also a hot spring to soak in. Sore elephant jockeys can also get a traditional Thai massage in town before hitting the road to Mae Hong Son or Chang Mai.

Getting from Chang Mai to Mae Hong Son is not easy. Well, it is easy if you fly, but the road through the mountains means at least 8 hours of bumping, hairpin turns, and playing chicken with oncoming vehicles (and oncoming elephants, oxen, etc...). However, breaking up the trip in Pai (mentioned above) might make it seem a bit more doable.

Mae Hong Son is worth a visit. It is not as touristy as Chang Mai and the scenery is some of the most stunning in Thailand. Getting there can be a bit of a hassle, but once there, the mountains, the lake, and river offer excitement, beauty, and culture.