Children’s Activities
Families with active kids will have no trouble finding something to do with them as Mae Hong Son is surrounded by hills and natty places to visit. Elephant riding, trekking and biking are the most popular pastimes here, and there are several independent companies that offer anything from hour-long rides to five-day long adventures in the mountains. Most guesthouses can arrange activity days suitable for children.
 Elephant Riding Mae Hong Son is one of the best places in Thailand to go elephant trekking, with a fantastic landscape and a distinct lack of tourist hordes found in other popular parts of the country. Treks last from a few hours right up to five days and generally take in mountainous terrain and river routes. Feeding bamboo shoots to the elephants and getting wet along the way is obligatory.
 Mountain Biking Older kids can take advantage of Mae Hong Son’s spectacular terrain by bike, and there are several companies in town that organise mountain biking adventures. Alternatively, many biking trips can be done independently with hotels typically renting out bikes. A nice easy ride for kids could take in the lake and the hilltop temple.
Trekking and Rafting Another popular activity for kids in Mae Hong Son is trekking and rafting. There are many good treks to be had in the area as well as rafting on the Pai River. Many companies incorporate trekking and rafting with an elephant ride, with visitors getting taken into the jungle on elephant back and then rafting back.
Cultural Activities
There are numerous temples in town to offer visitors a look at the cultural prowess of the region. In addition, there are many interesting cultural attractions around the province including national parks and some impressive caves. The historical significance of some of these sites is outstanding and recent efforts to make these sites more accessible to tourists have been made.
 Nam Tok Mae Surin National Park
Situated near the village of Doi Mae U-Kho, Nam Tok Mae Surin National Park is a popular outdoor attraction near Mae Hong Son where visitors can go trekking and camping between November and April. Mae Surin Waterfall is the main sight near the park, stretching for around 250ft.
Tam Lod
Tam Lod cave is one of the biggest attractions in the province. The cave is located just outside the town of Soppong, just off the Pai to Mae Hong Son road (45 miles on the 1095). The cave feature stunning forms including an array of colourful stalagmites and stalactites. Numerous antiques and pre-historic remains have also been discovered here. To visit the caves, visitors must use a guide and take a short boat journey through the entrance. Other caves in the region include Ban Mae Lana, Ban Pha Phuek, and Ban Pang Kham.
Temples
Impressive temples in and around Mae Hong Son include Wat Kam Ko (Wat Dok Bun Nak), with its ancient scriptures on the Thai Yai people and shady setting; the 40-foot long Myanmar-style Buddha image in Wat Phra Non; Wat Kitti Wong with its Buddha relics and manuscripts from Chiang Mai; and the wood carving dolls of Wat Chong Klang and Wat Chong Khum.
 Thung Bua Tong
Meaning ‘wild sunflower field’, this lovely part of the province, about 15 miles from Mae Hong Son and in the area known as Doi Mae U-Kho, is beautiful in the month of November with a golden hue of wild sunflowers filling the hillsides. Very picturesque, this sight is not to be missed.
Tribal Development Centre
For those interested in Karen tribesman, Doi Mae Ho, about 50 miles from Mae Hong Son, has the popular Tribal Development and Assistance Centre displaying the history of these intriguing hill tribe folk. The area around the centre is also particularly beautiful.
 Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu
This hilltop temple overlooks the city and is the town’s most famous cultural asset. There are several separate Burmese-style temples here as well as the obligatory set of bells and lofty Buddha statues. Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu was built by the first king of Mae Hong Son, Phraya Singhanat, and the fabulous views take in the entire town and surrounding mountains. Aim to get up here early in the morning or late in the afternoon for the sunrise or sunset respectively. Those into plane-spotting can also get a good look at arriving and departing flights from up here.
Dining & Shopping
Mae Hong Son is not exactly the centre of Thailand for food although it does have an impressive food market and some quality guesthouse restaurants. The main street in town and around the lake harbours several eateries where many bars cater to foreigners with a modicum of dishes.
The Fern Restaurant, located along the main road, is one of the best eateries in town and is associated with the eco-friendly resort of the same name to the southeast of town. Although prices are a little on the expensive side for Mae Hong Son, the portions are large and the quality of food is excellent. Another popular place to eat is Kai Muk, a Swiss-style restaurant near the town centre which has a good menu and prices to match.
 The Morning Market offers a good range of northern Thai cuisine at standard prices. A dish worth trying at the Morning Market is geang hang lae, which is generally made from pork, while large flat cakes made from fermented soya bean are a Shan staple. Vegetarians will find options at the Thai vegetarian food restaurant, which is located near the Tourist Police offices in the town centre and at the Fern Restaurant.
Most of the shopping in Mae Hong Son consists of handicrafts and art produced by local hill tribes and there is a night market near the lake every night. Bargaining, as with everywhere in Thailand when shopping, is a must.
 Souvenir shopping is best done along Singhanatbumrung road, Khunloombraphat road and near Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu. Some of the best bargains that can be had in Mae Hong Son are woodcarvings, gems and hill tribe handicrafts and antiques. Silverware and Burmese puppets are particularly good buys.
Silver is widely sold in Mae Hong Son where prices and availability for jewellery and handicrafts are excellent. Souvenir shops and the Night Market have lots of silverware. Know what you are buying if spending serious money, however, and bargain hard with a smile on your face. Suun Silapaachiip and the surrounding tribal villages also have good selections.
For some local culture, take a walk through the Morning Market on Phanitwattana road at dawn where a massive choice of fruits and vegetables are available and lots of colourful characters selling them.
Outdoor Activities
Many people come to Mae Hong Son specifically to get active and try out the trekking, rafting and elephant riding. There is also some excellent cycling to be had in and around the town. If you want to get outdoors but aren’t keen on doing anything too challenging, hot springs are close at hand for relaxation.
 Cycling
The lake in the centre of town and the hilltop temple make for interesting cycling around the city, while real bikers can take to the mountain trails and absorb the surroundings. Most hotels and guesthouses have bikes for hire by the day.
 Elephant Trekking
There are several operations in and around Mae Hong Son that can take tourists elephant riding. The beautiful landscapes and remote nature of the province make Mae Hong Son on of the best spots to go elephant trekking in the country. Prices are very reasonable to boot.
 Pong Dueat Hot Springs
Located out of town on highway 1095, Pong Dueat Hot Springs are set within a forested area and come with four geysers and several smaller springs. Visitors can drive themselves here are visit on a guided tour. Lockers and towels are available for rent.
Walking
Mae Hong Son is easy to get about on foot; you can even walk from the airport to most guesthouses within the city limits. Many visitors enjoy the walk up to Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu on the hill overlooking the town - getting here for a sunrise or sunset is a must. Treks of Mae Hong Son province from half-day to five-day treks can be organised with small or large groups and include a guide. Longer treks often incorporate elephant trekking and rafting.
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