This travelogue is filled with images, as I prefer to let the pictures tell the story.

This trip was inspired by the desire to attend the Poi Sang Long festival in Mae Hong Son. It was a journey that began in Chiang Mai, where we had been working for two months. Let's start our journey from Chiang Mai.

April 2, 2016

We will board the Prem Pracha van at A-Khet. Our van leaves at 10:30 AM. When it is close to departure time, we will wait nearby so that we can board van number 12.

As soon as the car started moving, we fell asleep due to extreme fatigue. Upon waking, the driver suggested we fasten our seatbelts for a more comfortable sleep. We dozed on and off until we arrived at Sergeant Bo's house, where we began to playfully take pictures of the scenery.

We finally arrived at Mae Hong Son Bus Terminal. We decided to walk to Nong Chong Kham to rent a motorbike at P.A. shop, which we frequently use when visiting the area. The motorbike's condition is consistent with its price. Since we weren't planning on traveling far this time, we opted for an automatic model, which cost 180 baht to rent and required a 1,000 baht deposit along with our ID card.

We continued riding until we reached Coffee Morning guesthouse. We got a room on the upper floor for 300 baht per night. It was a wooden house opposite the Mae Hong Son Municipality.

We packed our bags and changed into clothes with sleeves, as today we planned to visit Doi Kong Mu Temple and Su Tong Pae. Our first stop was to pay respects at Doi Kong Mu Temple. The climb was a bit challenging, and our motorbike wasn't in the best condition, which made us a little nervous. But we made it to the top in the end.

Let's take a look at the view of the city and Mae Hong Son Airport.

After leaving here, we intended to watch the sunset at Sutongpae. We then rode out of town and returned to the road to Pai for another 9 kilometers to Ban Kung Mai Sak. We continued along the road for about 2 kilometers and arrived. The scenery here is different in each season.

We arrived at the spot where the bridge collapsed during our last visit for alms offering. They have built a new one that looks much sturdier.

We then ascended to pay respects at the temple on the Phusamae Dharma Garden. We particularly enjoyed the tranquility and fresh air there.

The provided text is empty. Please provide the text you want me to translate.

The light is starting to get beautiful. This is another great viewpoint. If you come to watch the sunset, please refrain from making loud noises. This is because it is the time when the monks are performing their evening prayers.

We inquired with the monk if there were any oil lamps lit and if there would be morning alms offerings. He replied that all activities were suspended until April 5, 2559, due to the Poy Sang Long festival taking place in the city. Therefore, we decided to return to the city. Before leaving, we took a few more photographs.

As we were riding along leisurely, a cobra snake slithered across our path. Fortunately, we were only traveling at 20 kilometers per hour, and the cobra was faster. We quickly accelerated, fearing that the snake might change its mind and decide to rear up in the middle of the road, which could have been disastrous.

Upon arriving in the city, we rode to Wat Muen to get a feel for the atmosphere before the Poi Sang Long procession the next day.

Then go to the Phraya Singhanat Racha Monument.

We then sat by the edge of Nong Chong Kham. The cool breeze was so relaxing that I almost fell asleep. If I had fallen asleep, I would have definitely fallen into the water, as we were sitting right at the edge with no barrier.

Returning to our accommodation, Coffee Morning, even in the darkness, it has a different kind of beauty. I really like this kind of wooden house.

April 3, 2016

I woke up today wrapped in a blanket, not expecting the cool 22-degree weather in April.

After waking up, I washed my face and brushed my teeth, then rode my motorcycle to see the parade. The police were very friendly. I asked where I could park to watch the parade, and they suggested I park behind a police car.

Rode back to Coffee Morning to sip coffee and eat a croissant, just in time to watch the procession pass by the accommodation.

The procession has arrived in front of the city hall. We are sitting on the balcony of Coffee Morning and using an action camera to capture the moving images.

After setting up the camera and capturing some high-angle shots, we decided to get closer to the action and descended from the balcony. We were thoroughly enjoying the vibrant Poi Sang Long procession, and everyone seemed to be having a wonderful time. Despite the increasing sunshine, we continued to revel in the festivities.

After the parade passed, we went back to collect our cameras. Feeling that our photos were not good enough, we walked to Nong Chong Kham to wait for the parade to pass again. This time, we had a lot of fun. All the cameras were cute, and we shared photos with each other.

This is a blank paragraph.

We followed the procession until we arrived at Wat Muai, where we waited to take photos before entering. This temple is the main organizer of this year's ordination ceremony.

After the funeral, we talked to the villagers and learned that there would be a soul-calling ceremony that evening, followed by an ordination ceremony the next day. On our way back, we came across a 10 baht noodle shop that served delicious food.

We walked back to our accommodation to shower. I requested to use the same bathroom at the back as before. Showering in the middle of the day was nice. After packing our bags, we went downstairs to return the key. We then left our bags at the bus station and went for one last motorbike ride.

Starting at Wat Hua Wiang, pay respects to Phra Chao Para La Khaeng. This time, there is a glass barrier.

Returning to Wat Phra Non, the temple museum houses the Phra Bua Khem statue, brought from Inle Lake in Myanmar. However, it was closed today due to fatigue from the Poi Sang Long festival.

Next to Wat Kam Ko, which is located opposite.

Fill up the tank before returning the car for 40 baht. After returning the car, I talked to the owner. He said that if I need any work, I can call him anytime. I don't need to be shy. This is why I love Mae Hong Son. Everyone is always kind. After returning the car, I walked to Wat Chong Kham to take some photos. It is currently under renovation.

The provided text is empty. There is nothing to translate.

The Mae Hong Son bus station offers free restrooms, a convenience that is becoming increasingly common at bus stations throughout the country. While cleanliness may vary, the restrooms at this particular station are notably well-maintained.

The car started and we fell asleep immediately. We were extremely tired and exhausted from the sun. We woke up just in time for the checkpoint. This time, we were even photographed. The car arrived at the Pang Ma Pha viewpoint. This coffee shop looks very inviting. I will have to find an opportunity to come and sip coffee while enjoying the view.

Impressions of this trip

- The warm hospitality received from everyone in Mae Hong Son makes it another city that deserves a place on the list of kind-hearted cities.

- The joy of the merit-making event brought happiness to the local people and visitors alike.

- The food is affordable and delicious.

- An incredibly safe city where you can leave your car parked with the keys in the ignition and come back to find it still there (I was so shocked I thought I'd lost my keys).

Follow other travel trips at

Page: Solo Backpack Travel

Instagram: prapat / Solo backpacking travel