By Kylian Dev
1
Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu
A hilltop temple above town, with valley views and a sea of mist at sunrise.
Destination guide · North
Mae Hong Son: the best things to do, where to stay and budget
A small mountain town near the Myanmar border, on a lake reflecting Burmese-style temples. It's the highlight of the famous Mae Hong Son Loop road trip, through forests, Shan villages and tea plantations.
- Best: November to February
- €22 - 45 / day
In short
Mae Hong Son (North) — Burmese temples on the lake and border mountains. Best time to go: November to February; average temperatures 22°C. Budget: about €22 - 45 / day. Weather: 22°C • Morning mist and cool nights in the dry season
RegionNorth
TypeCity & culture
Best seasonNovember to February
Avg. temperature22°C
Budget / day€22 - 45 / day
Suggested stay2 to 3 days (5 to 6 for the loop)
Thai nameแม่ฮ่องสอน
Must-sees
Things to do in Mae Hong Son
Burmese temples on the lake and border mountains
2
Chong Kham Lake & its temples
Wat Chong Kham and Wat Chong Klang reflected in the lake, with a lakeside night market.
3
Ban Rak Thai village
A village of Chinese origin on a lake, surrounded by tea plantations, about an hour's drive away.
More things to do in Mae Hong Son
- 4
The Mae Hong Son Loop
ActivityFull dayThe famous road loop from Chiang Mai via Pai and Mae Sariang, with hundreds of bends and viewpoints.
- 5
Pang Ung (Pang Oung)
NatureHalf dayA lake surrounded by pine trees, often in the morning mist, nicknamed "Thailand's Switzerland".
- 6
Su Tong Pae Bamboo Bridge
CultureAbout 1 hA long bamboo bridge over the rice fields, used by monks for alms.
- 7
Pha Sua waterfall
NatureAbout 1 hA multi-level waterfall on the way to Ban Rak Thai.
- 8
Tham Pla fish cave
NatureAbout 1 hA pool full of sacred carp at the foot of a cave, in a pleasant park.
- 9
The night market by Chong Kham lake
MarketEveningEvening market along the lake, with the temples lit up in the background.
- 10
Visiting villages of ethnic minorities
CultureHalf dayShan and hill-tribe villages around the town; choose a responsible guide.
Great forTemples & CultureJungle & Hiking
Weather
When to go to Mae Hong Son?
22°C • Morning mist and cool nights in the dry season. Month-by-month outlook:
- JanIdeal
- FebIdeal
- MarFair
- AprFair
- MayFair
- JunRain / monsoon
- JulRain / monsoon
- AugRain / monsoon
- SepRain / monsoon
- OctFair
- NovIdeal
- DecIdeal
IdealFairRain / monsoon
Budget
Budget in Mae Hong Son: how much per day?
Plan on roughly €22 - 45 / day per person, excluding international flights.
Budget
22–45 € / day
Indicative split of a typical day (estimate)
Accommodation
~13 €
Food
~8 €
Activities
~7 €
Local transport
~5 €
Transport
How to get to Mae Hong Son
Transport tip
Short flight from Chiang Mai, or minivan along the road of countless bends via Pai (about 8 h in total). A scooter is ideal for the loop.
From Bangkok → Mae Hong Son
Long haul: a domestic flight or night bus/train is usually easier
Flight
~875 km
Nearest destinations
Mae Hong Son → Pai
Road
~65 km · ~1 h by road
Mae Hong Son → Chiang Mai
Road
~157 km · ~2.5 h by road
Mae Hong Son → Chiang Rai & the Golden Triangle
Road
~270 km · ~4 h by road
Times and tickets Bangkok → Mae Hong SonPartner link
Where is Mae Hong Son?
Accommodation
Where to stay in Mae Hong Son
The best-known areas to base yourself:
Around Chong Kham Lake
Guesthouses within walking distance of the temples and night market.
Town centre
Simple hotels near the bus station.
Nearby (Ban Rak Thai, Pang Ung)
Lakeside homestays with chilly nights.
Food
What to eat in Mae Hong Son
Shan (Tai Yai) cuisine: hang le pork curry
Khao soi noodles
Oolong tea from Ban Rak Thai
Combine with
Similar destinations
Health and safety
Healthcare and useful numbers in Mae Hong Son
The numbers to call, the hospitals and clinics on site and, when the nearest hospital is elsewhere, how long the transfer takes. Save this before you go.
Hospitals and clinics
- Srisangwal HospitalPublic hospitalDirections
Private hospitals ask for a payment guarantee on admission: keep your insurance certificate and assistance number on your phone.
Choose your travel insuranceFAQ
Frequently asked questions about Mae Hong Son
What are the best things to do in Mae Hong Son?
The must-sees are Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu, Chong Kham Lake & its temples, Ban Rak Thai village. Also worth your time: The Mae Hong Son Loop, Pang Ung (Pang Oung), Su Tong Pae Bamboo Bridge, Pha Sua waterfall.
How many days should I spend in Mae Hong Son?
2 to 3 days (5 to 6 for the loop)
Build an itinerary with Mae Hong SonWhat is the best time to visit Mae Hong Son?
The best season is November to February. 22°C • Morning mist and cool nights in the dry season. Where possible, avoid the monsoon months shown in the calendar above.
Thailand weather month by monthWhat daily budget should I plan for Mae Hong Son?
Plan on roughly €22 - 45 / day per person (Budget), excluding international flights. Use the budget calculator to fine-tune it to your travel style.
Estimate my budget for Mae Hong SonHow do I get to Mae Hong Son?
Short flight from Chiang Mai, or minivan along the road of countless bends via Pai (about 8 h in total). A scooter is ideal for the loop. From Bangkok, Mae Hong Son is about 673 km away as the crow flies.
Getting around Thailand: buses, trains, ferriesWhich area should I stay in, in Mae Hong Son?
The most popular areas are Around Chong Kham Lake, Town centre, Nearby (Ban Rak Thai, Pang Ung). The choice mostly depends on the vibe you want: lively, family-friendly or quiet.
Full guide: where to stay in Mae Hong SonPlan your trip
Tools to plan your stay in Mae Hong Son
Compare with the other destinations
Mae Hong Son is one of the 28 destinations covered in detail on the site. The destinations hub sorts them by traveler profile, by month of travel and by daily budget, to help you decide where to go and how many days to stay.