A serene small town called 'Mae La Noi'

Mae Hong Son: A Journey Through Enchanting Landscapes and Rich Culture

Mae Hong Son, a province in northern Thailand, has captivated our hearts with its stunning landscapes, rich history, and diverse cultural experiences. This was our fourth visit to this enchanting destination, and our first exploration of the Mae La Noi district. The lush greenery, cascading waterfalls, and serene atmosphere of Mae La Noi left us mesmerized.

Our journey began with a cup of aromatic coffee at Baan Huai Hom, a charming cafe nestled amidst the rolling hills. We then embarked on a visit to the Mae La Noi Royal Project, where we witnessed sustainable agricultural practices and learned about the project's positive impact on local communities.

For accommodation, we chose the serene Heen Trai Resort, where we were greeted with breathtaking views and impeccable hospitality. Immersing ourselves in history, we explored the World War II Museum, a poignant reminder of the region's past.

A visit to Wat Tor Pa, an ancient temple perched on the banks of the Yuam River, offered a glimpse into the region's spiritual heritage. We were captivated by the intricate carvings and serene ambiance of the temple.

Venturing further, we encountered the fascinating Long-Neck Karen people at Ban Huai Suea Tao. Their unique traditions and vibrant attire left a lasting impression on us. Our journey culminated with a visit to Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu, a revered temple offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

This two-day adventure through Mae Hong Son was a tapestry of natural beauty, cultural immersion, and historical exploration. We invite you to follow our journey through the captivating photographs shared on our social media platforms:

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Day 1:

Our journey commenced from Chiang Mai, traversing the scenic Highway 108.

The journey through Ban Bo Kluea Pine Forest in Hod District and into Mae Sariang District, Mae Hong Son Province, offered breathtaking views. The lush greenery was enhanced by the refreshing rain, creating a vibrant and picturesque landscape.

Our first stop is the **Mae La Noi Royal Project**. Before reaching the project, we will drive through **Dong Village**, which in the Lahu language is called "Yuaeng Nong", meaning a village located in a dense forest or rainforest. Here, you can see the beautiful terraced rice fields.

Houses are scattered along the hillside, and we had the opportunity to stop and take some photos.

After driving for about 5 kilometers from Ban Dong, we arrived at the Mae Lan Noi Royal Project. As we arrived, the rain stopped, revealing the mist surrounding the mountains. In total, it took us about 3 and a half hours to reach this destination.

In 1971, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Her Majesty Queen Sirikit visited the people of Ban Huai Hom. This marked the beginning of the Royal Project at this location.

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Sitting amidst the mountains and lush green rice terraces, breathing in the fresh air, is an incredibly blissful experience.

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A short distance from the Royal Project, you'll find the Hmong village of Huai Hom. Here, you can experience the traditional way of life of the Karen people and savor the aroma of coffee from one of Thailand's finest coffee-growing regions.

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We stopped by Baan Coffee Shop, Huai Hom, Sheep Wool Weaving, Homestay for some local food. We ordered a variety of dishes, including pork and pumpkin soup, fried red tilapia, stir-fried pumpkin shoots, and a delicious hot latte.

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In addition to their primary occupations, the villagers here also engage in supplementary income-generating activities, such as hand-weaving wool. Visitors can purchase these soft, hand-woven wool fabrics as souvenirs.

We followed a local villager to see the lambs.

This area offers a variety of homestays to choose from, each with its own unique location. Every homestay boasts stunning views of the picturesque mountain range, and the area enjoys a pleasant, cool climate year-round.

This homestay is called 'Pokemon'. Inside, you can see beautiful views like this. However, we didn't stay there. We just happened to be walking by when the owner, an old man, called us in to take some pictures because no one was staying there yet.^^

After taking a photo, walk behind the homestay to enjoy the stunning view of the mountains and rice terraces.

A local resident came to greet us.

After a short break, it was time to continue our journey to **Huen Trai Resort**. The journey took about 50 minutes, and we arrived around 5 pm. The weather was pleasantly cool.

This is our lovely room. It has two floors and is called "Hentub High". The price is 1,200 baht per night for two people. It has a private bathroom.

With our bags packed, it was time to explore the resort. Thankfully, the rain had stopped, giving us the chance to relax and listen to music by the rice fields.

We had dinner at Baan Huay Hom earlier today, but we couldn't resist trying the food here. We asked the staff for recommendations and ordered two dishes: Hang Lay Curry and Winged Bean Salad. We were already full, but we have to say, it was delicious!

Day 2

We woke up at 6:00 AM today to watch the sunrise and breathe in the fresh air. However, we were disappointed because it was raining and the sky was overcast. But that didn't stop us, we just opened our umbrellas and started taking pictures.

After taking a stroll and snapping photos around the resort, we headed to breakfast. The breakfast spread was a buffet, with a tempting array of delicious-looking dishes.

In addition to the delicious food, there is also a 'mackerel' to welcome you.

The Warmth of Hospitality and the Power of Nature

The staff's exceptional service, characterized by genuine warmth and friendliness, left a lasting impression. As we bid farewell to the restaurant, our journey continued towards Wat To Pa, an ancient temple nestled along the banks of the Yom River. Upon arrival, we encountered a group of villagers captivated by the surging waters of the river, swollen by days of relentless rain. The sight of the cascading current served as a powerful reminder of nature's untamed beauty and its capacity to reshape the landscape.

The serene and lush atmosphere of Wat Tong Pae, an ancient temple in Khun Yuam district, is a testament to its long history. Originally a deserted temple, it is believed to have been built by the Lua or Lahu people centuries ago.

The temple's highlights include the Burmese-Tai Yai style pavilion, the most beautiful of its kind in Khun Yuam district; antique curtains over 150 years old; and ancient monks' toilets.

The Thai-Japanese War Memorial Museum, also known as the World War II Museum, is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Admission is 40 baht per person.

This museum serves as a burial ground for thousands of Japanese soldiers who perished during World War II. It also showcases various wartime artifacts. Before entering the main exhibition, visitors are required to watch a video presentation that provides an overview of World War II and the involvement of the Khun Yuam community in the conflict.

After watching the video, we learned a lot about the history of the Khun Yuam people. The museum also displays various artifacts, including car wreckage, chests, weapons, and tools.

After learning about history, we continued our journey to the Long Neck Karen Village of Huay Suea Tao. We traveled on Route 108 and Route 1250, covering a distance of approximately 72 kilometers in about 1.30 hours. Along the way to the village, we passed several weirs and lush forests. The road was paved with concrete throughout the journey.

Upon arrival at the village, visitors can park their vehicles in front and walk across a small wooden bridge to enter. There is no entrance fee, and visitors are welcome to take photos with the Long Neck Karen people at no cost.

The long-necked Karen people here are very friendly. They are happy to talk to you and smile, and they will not pressure you to buy anything. They are very welcoming to tourists. There are many souvenirs to choose from here, such as long-necked Karen dolls, hand-woven fabrics, silver and jade bracelets, necklaces, and various tribal jewelry.

The Karen Long Neck, also known as Kayan and Padaung, are an indigenous hill tribe originally from Burma who migrated to Mae Hong Son, Thailand, as refugees from war.

After exploring the local way of life and purchasing souvenirs, we continued our journey to the city center of Mae Hong Son to pay our respects at Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu, a temple that is considered a symbol of Mae Hong Son.

The interior architecture of the temple reflects the "Shan-Burmese" artistic style, as seen in the Buddha statues and murals depicting the life of the Buddha.

This temple not only boasts stunning architecture, but also offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Mae Hong Son city.

Our journey concludes at Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu. We then made our way back to Chiang Mai.

Thank you to everyone who followed our journey and photographs. We look forward to seeing you again on our next trip. ◡̈