Mae Hong Son: Embrace of the Mountains

Mae Hong Son: Embrace of the Mountains

The rain prompted us to embark on another journey, this time to Mae Hong Son. "Hey! Why this province?" was the question that came out of my friend's mouth. Mae Hong Son is a small, remote province. The long distance and the countless curves, over a thousand, are the charm that drew me here.

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Chapter 1: The Road Trip... We opted to drive from Bangkok in the morning, arriving in Chiang Mai in the evening, and spending the night to recharge before continuing our journey the next day. The primary reason for our decision to drive was the flexibility it provided, allowing us to stop, explore, and take pictures as we pleased. Our initial plan was to take the train and rent a car in Chiang Mai. However, after calculating the costs, we discovered that driving from Bangkok to Mae Hong Son was more cost-effective.

Chapter 2: Seeking Blessings... Early in the morning, we drove up Doi Suthep to pray for a safe journey to our destination. We chose Highway 1095 Chiang Mai - Pai, which will be our stopover point before heading up to Pang Ma Pha District.

Chapter 3: Along the Way…

Our journey was punctuated by photo stops, the first being the ethereal Namtok Mok Fa waterfall. Choosing the rainy season for this trip was a deliberate decision, as the lush greenery was a welcome sight after a particularly dry year that left many waterfalls parched and lifeless. Upon arriving at the waterfall, we were pleasantly surprised by its stunning beauty and near-complete absence of crowds. This confirmed our second assumption: tourists tend to avoid the rainy season. With the stage set, we eagerly captured the moment with our cameras. Our next stop was Pai district, where we planned to indulge in some local delicacies before heading to the first official destination of our trip.

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Chapter 4: Sergeant Bo's House... We arrived here at almost nine in the evening. We were late because we were so engrossed in taking pictures that we forgot to check the time. We arrived at dusk. Oh no, why is this village pitch dark? Fortunately, we had planned ahead and called the homestay accommodation. We survived another day. Let's sleep and wake up early to see the sea of mist.

Chapter 5: The Sea of Mist - Our First Destination

Why did we choose this as our first destination? Ban Ja Bo is a relatively new location, still unknown to many. Its main attraction is the opportunity to photograph the sea of mist in the early morning. The weather here is pleasant and cool, with the sea of mist appearing almost year-round, depending on the weather conditions. We were fortunate enough to witness the mist covering the mountains, a sight that will forever be etched in our memories.

Ban Ja Bo is located in Pang Mapha District and is home to the Lahu (Muser Dam) community, who migrated from Huai Yao under the leadership of Ja Bo. They established the "Ja Bo Community" in 1978, named after the village leader. The community members are all related and still maintain their traditional Lahu language and attire. Currently, Ban Ja Bo has 53 households with a total population of only 226 people, making it a small and peaceful village ideal for those seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

We have finally arrived.

Taking photos is never boring.

This restaurant is a must-visit. It serves delicious food and boasts the most beautiful view of any noodle shop.

Chapter 6: Rak Thai Village… in the Tranquility

Our first priority was finding accommodation, and this time, we stumbled upon a stroke of luck. The owner of the hostel, Valley House, was incredibly kind. Not only was the price reasonable, but the rooms were also surprisingly spacious. The highlight, however, was the opportunity to savor authentic Yunnan cuisine prepared by the owner's mother. The flavors were simply divine!

Rak Thai Village is a must-visit destination, boasting year-round cool weather.

Valley House's owner, Uncle.

Chapter 7: In the City… Night Four

We spent the night in the city of Mae Hong Son to capture images of Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu and Wat Chong Kham at night.

Mae Hong Son province is a renowned natural tourist destination characterized by its intricate mountainous terrain and near-perpetual mist, earning it the nickname "City of Three Mists." The province experiences mist throughout the year, offering a refreshing escape, especially during the winter season. Its diverse cultural heritage, influenced by ethnic minorities and northern indigenous communities, makes it a dream destination for both domestic and international tourists, despite the winding roads and mountainous terrain.

In Mae Hong Son, you can take beautiful photos from morning till night.

Chapter 8: Conclusion…

My visit to Mae Hong Son during the rainy season was a journey filled with diverse experiences. I encountered breathtaking natural landscapes, forged new friendships, and navigated challenging mountain roads. Throughout my travels, I discovered the abundance of beauty and wonder that Mae Hong Son has to offer. This captivating province holds more treasures than one might imagine. Open your mind, pack your bags, and embark on a journey of discovery to Mae Hong Son.

Our trip was filled with unforgettable memories. After visiting the breathtaking rice terraces, we decided to explore another hidden gem: Pa Pong Pieng in Mae Chaem, Chiang Mai. This charming village is located on the way back to Bangkok and is known for its stunning rice terraces, especially during the early rainy season. Despite having little information about the place, we ventured into the unknown. As we approached the village around 6 pm, our car was unable to navigate the rugged terrain. Determined to reach our destination, we embarked on a nearly kilometer-long walk to the homestay. With hunger pangs gnawing at our stomachs and no guarantee of finding accommodation, we stumbled upon a stroke of luck. A friendly group of bikers not only found us a place to stay but also invited us to share a meal with them. It's important to note that Pa Pong Pieng lacks restaurants and electricity at night, so it's crucial to bring necessary supplies. Our lack of preparation could have been disastrous, but thanks to the kindness of these bikers, our experience was nothing short of extraordinary.