Top Things to See
 The main attraction of Mae Hong Son is its lazy feel and remoteness. The picturesque lake and hilltop temple are highlights, while the surrounding area is packed full of interesting natural and cultural attractions. The hill tribes that inhabit the region add colour to any trip to Mae Hong Son.
Doi Mae Ho
The Tribal Development and Assistance Centre features hill tribe people mostly of Karen ancestry. The big attraction of the area is the colourful flower plantations of bua tong (wild sunflowers) seen during November every year.
 Jong Kham Lake
Situated close to the centre of town, not far from the airport and the Morning Market, Jong Kham Lake is one of the main focal points of the town and the setting for many of Mae Hong Son’s budget accommodations. The western edge of the lake has a couple of restaurants near the edge, a nightly market and a road and footpath that goes all the way around the lake. The lake is best viewed from Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu at night.
 Nam Tok Mae Surin National Park
Nam Tok Mae Surin National Park is one of the most popular national parks of Mae Hong Son province and is best visited in the cool season between November and April. The park is fairly close to Doi Mae U-Kho and features the lofty Mae Surin Waterfall, which stretches over 250ft high and can be seen from the national park office viewpoint. Tourists are permitted to camp in the park, but must sign in at the office beforehand.
Pha Bong Dam
Pha Bong Dam is around seven miles from Mae Hong Son and spans the Mae Ra Mat River, not far from Pha Bong Hot Spring. The dam is easy to get to by car or by bicycle and makes for a nice day out with family.
Thung Bua Tong
Thung Bua Tong, meaning ‘wild sunflower field,’ is within the area of Nam Tok Mae Surin National Park and covers a hilly, picturesque area in Doi Mae U-Kho. The main attraction is the bua tong (wild sunflowers) which reach full bloom for a couple of weeks in November (just after the wet season), filling the surroundings with a gold hue.
 Wat Chong Klang and Wat Chong Khum
Lying in the same compound in Mae Hong Son, these two monasteries feature glass paintings depicting the life of the Buddha and dozens of carved wooden dolls from Myanmar.
 Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu
Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu is the main attraction in Mae Hong Son, lying sentinel-like over the town. The temple is a bit of a struggle to get to on foot or by bicycle owing to its steep paths, but the Burmese-style temples, Buddha statues and fantastic views make it well worth the effort. The best time to get here is at sunrise between November and February when the surrounding mountain peaks poke up through the mist.
Wat Kam Ko
Also known as Wat Dok Bun Nak, this temple lies in a delightful, shady setting and features scriptures written in the ancient local dialect which tells of the Thai Yai people and their inroads into the region.
Wat Kitti Wong
Kitti Wong is a must-see for those into Buddhism and Mae Hong Son culture. The temple includes important manuscripts that were found in Tham Phra Deaeng which tell of the history between Burma (now Myanmar) and the Lanna Kingdom of Thailand, as well as interesting relics from Chiang Mai province.
 Wat Phra Non
Wat Phra Non is most popular for its huge 40-foot long Burmese-style reclining Buddha while also housing the ashes of some of Mae Hong Son’s deceased kings.
Top Things to Do
 Check out the golden blooms of Thung Bua Tong in November near Mae Hong Son where the bua tong wild sunflowers take on a golden hue during blossoming and fill the countryside.
 Explore Tam Lod near Soppong, in between Mae Hong Son and Pai. Visitors are punted along the river before being taken through the caves to discern the colourful stalagmites and stalactites.
Get here for the Poi Sang Long Festival in March and see Shan (Thai Yai) boys being ordained as novice monks in their beautiful dress and make up.
Go elephant trekking along a river or mountain trail, or combine an elephant trek with a walking and rafting experience. These gentle creatures are the perfect vehicle for exploring the nature areas around Mae Hong Son.
 Marvel at the Padaungwomen and their neck rings at their village just outside Mae Hong Son. The long-necked women have been in Mae Hong Son for years and trips to their village are often combined with a boat ride and time spent checking out their handmade wares.
See Pha Bong Dam, located a few miles outside Mae Hong Son across the Mae Ra Mat River and near the popular Pha Bong Hot Spring. Pha Bong Dam was built to generate electrical power and provides an interesting viewpoint.
 Stay at Fern Resort, the eco-friendly habitat to the south of town which is situated in a stunning part of the countryside featuring interesting thatched huts and an excellent restaurant.
Take in the Morning Market on Phanitwattana road in the centre of town for some immersion into local daily life in Mae Hong Son and pick up some fresh fruit and vegetables.
 Trek and raft the Pai River, Mae Hong Son’s longest river. Tours leave from either Mae Hong Son or Pai and take in hill tribe villages and stunning vistas. Treks vary and visitors should choose one appropriate to their walking and rafting ability.
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