Mae Hong Son Travel Tips

The main safety risks in Mae Hong Son are the roads, sunburn and becoming ill or having and accident while out trekking. Although pick-pocketing exists just about everywhere, Mae Hong Son is not big on crime in general and the risk of theft here is small.

If you plan on hiring a scooter or are driving to Mae Hong Son, special care needs to be taken on the winding mountain roads and while driving around the town. Local drivers can be reckless and drinking and driving is quite common here, so always remain extra vigilant, even as a pedestrian.

Those who plan on going on an extended trek should ensure their travel insurance is up to date and take special care while out in the jungle. While guides provide a modicum of security, falling and injuring oneself is easy done and there are no hospitals off the beaten track.

Mae Hong Son gets very hot in March and April and the risk of sunburn is all too real, especially for those trekking. Applying liberal amounts of high-factor, brand-name sun block is a must when walking, as is drinking lots of bottled water.

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There are few health concerns for visitors to worry about in Mae Hong Song however extra caution should be exercised when it come to eating and drinking. Mosquitoes can also present a danger, as can trekking, therefore it’s best to come well-prepared.

Vaccinations are not required to enter Thailand for the majority of visitors, with the exception of those arriving from sub-Saharan African countries, who are required to show proof of yellow fever vaccination.

Although not prevalent in Mae Hong Son, malaria is a problem in certain parts of Thailand and you may want to consider taking precautions by taking appropriate medication or using a strong insect repellent. Trekkers especially should use a repellent at dawn and dusk.

Diarrhoea is also common for first-time visitors and those who over-indulge on spicy food and strong Thai beer. Packing some imodium is therefore a good idea if you have a weak stomach, although Mae Hong Son pharmacies stock medication for diarrhoea. Taking electrolyte drinks to keep yourself hydrated is also recommended when visiting Mae Hong Son.

Thai language is a significant Asian language with four recognised dialects: southern, central, northern, and northeast. There are recognisable differences between the official central tongue and what you might hear being spoken in Mae Hong Son, with many locals speaking northern or hill tribe dialects.

English is spoken by owners and operators of guesthouses and hotels in Mae Hong Son although learning a few basic Thai phrases and greetings will make things easier when shopping at the Morning Market.

Most currencies can be exchanged at banks or moneychangers in Mae Hong Son. It is best to change the bulk of your travel money within Thailand as the onshore rates always beat the offshore rates.

The best way to obtain local currency is to use your home debit or credit card at an ATM. MasterCard, Cirrus, Visa and PLUS affiliated cards are generally accepted at Bangkok Bank, Siam Commercial Bank, Bank of Ayudhya, and Thai Farmer Bank (Kasikorn) ATMs. You will likely be charged a fee for each withdrawal by your local bank. Major hotels and shops accept credit cards and traveller’s cheques, but for smaller purchases it is best to use cash.

Duty-free limits for Thailand per person are: one litre of alcohol and 200 cigarettes (or 250g of cigars/tobacco). There are also restrictions on the amount of still and motion-picture film people can bring in, but the rule is not strictly enforced and digital has largely overtaken film in any case. Gold can be taken out of Thailand without duty while gems, teak, antiques and old Buddha amulets need certification for export.

Regards money, there are no restrictions on the import of foreign currencies but tourists cannot export more than 50,000 baht worth of any currency, including Thai baht. Thai authorities are tough on illegal drugs violators and any violation of drug law will be considered a serious offence. Pornographic materials are also forbidden.

Thais are modest and polite people who do their best to be respectful to each other and not to offend anyone. Following these ideals is recommended while out and about in Mae Hong Son. Do not point your feet, considered to be dirty, at anyone or touch anyone’s head, the most sacred part of the body. Women should avoid touching monks. Tourists are expected to dress modestly when visiting temples in Mae Hong Son. This includes covering your shoulders and thighs.

The wai is the traditional Thai greeting and involves placing the hands together in a prayer position at the chest, chin or forehead depending on the social standing/age of the person you are greeting. It is polite to return a wai if you are greeted in this manner.

Dining Etiquette
Thais typically eat with chopsticks, a spoon and fork, and sometimes with hands depending on the meal. Rice dishes are generally eaten with a spoon and fork, with the spoon being held in the right hand and the fork in the left hand being used to load food onto the spoon.

There are no five-star restaurants in Mae Hong Son that require diners to wear jackets and ties. Casual dress is fine wherever you eat. Some restaurants have low level tables so that diners can eat sitting on the floor, traditional Thai style.

Nationals of most countries don’t need a visa in advance to enter Thailand if visiting for less than 30 days. Thirty-day tourist visas are granted on arrival; a return or onward travel ticket may need to be shown. If you are travelling to Thailand for more than 30 days, it is best to obtain a tourist visa (valid for 60 days) from a Thai embassy or consulate in your home country. Tourists may be refused entry to Thailand if their passport is valid for less than six months beyond the end of their stay.

The Tourist Authority of Thailand, the official tourist body in Thailand and commonly known as the TAT, have an office in Mae Hong Son at Khunlum Paraphat road at the foot of Doi Kung Mu. The Tourist Police can also provide 24-hour help and speak English. They have an office on Ratchathampitak road. Phone: +66 53 611 812