Mae Ngao National Park

Mae Ngao National Park is located in Mae Hong Son Province and is spread over an area of 412 square kilometers. The park is natural sightseeing spot and is also a source of many small rivers and streams that flow into the Salawin River.

The park has high mountains from where all the rivers flow westwards into Salawin River. Basically the waterway system of the park is similar to the pattern of tree; there is a large river and its branches. Some of the major rivers and gullies in Mae Ngao National Park are as follows:

• Mae Ngao River is longest and most important river of the park. It is 42 kilometers long and starts at Ban Sob-khong. The river is approximately 10 to 12 meters wide and the water is extremely clear and clean. Many gullies flow into the river and some of them include Huai Mae Loh-noi, Huai Mae-bang, Huai Mae Lela-kro, Huai Oloh-gro, and Huai Kong-oum.
• Mae-yuam River flows from Khun-yuam district and meets Mae Ngao River at Ban Sob-ngao. This river is approximately 215 kilometers long and its flows southwards and passes through the western part of the park for nearly 14 kilometers.
• Rid River is situated in the northern part of the park and flows westwards toward Kong-koi sub district.

The majority of park is evergreen forests which cover land at elevations higher than 1,000 meters. Along the banks of Mae Ngao River you will find mixed deciduous forest. Dry dipterocarps are found growing at the slopes. The park has a large number of mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians, including including Wild Boars, Asiatic Black Bears, Monkeys, Flying Squirrels, Foxes, Asiatic Wild Dogs, Wild Rabbits, Small Bamboo Rats, Red Jungle Fowls, Singing Myna, Turtle Doves, Blue Magpie, Cobras and Banded Krait.

You should also visit the Tham Pla cave or fish cave located at Ban Umlow village near Mae Ngao River. Inside the cave is a swamp where you can see a lot of fish. Another interesting place within the park is O Lo Gro Waterfall formed by a part of O Lo Gro stream. The waterfall is 150 meters high can be reached by a long walk on foot. Visitors love to visit Doi Pui viewpoint which is located on the slope of Doi Pui Luang at an elevation range of 1,600 meters to 1,700 meters. During the cool and dry season, you can view the beautiful misty surroundings.

Hotel Recommended:

Phu Klon, Mae Hongson

Enclosed by the luscious hills of Northern Thailand and abundant with natural resources is Mae Hong Son, an ecotourism destination that is rich with tradition and remains, to this day, as a source of many valuable natural resources, namely the hot spring and mineral water spring, both of which are emitted from an underground source that is rich with minerals, creating a mud and clay that is highly beneficial for human health and skin.

The discovery and history of Phu klon

• In 1995, a healthy mud source was discovered at Pong Dued Mae Sa Nga or the present name Phu klon by a group of French and Thai geological researchers who went sightseeing in Mae Hong Son, Thailand
• A stream of hot mineral water was found rising in the middle of rice field flowing into a small creek. Many people recovered from illness and pain when soaked in the warm water in the creek.
• In 1996, the mud from the hot spring was sampled and laboratory proved for minerals at Thermalium Luxeuil Laboratories in France. It took 4 years to find out the useful minerals and natural substances.
• In 1999, the results from the laboratory showed that the mineral contents of the mud are good for the skin and blood circulation. There are some minerals that are found in the Dead Sea mud and volcano lava mud. Being rare minerals, they can be found only at a few places on earth
• The survey renewed with satellite technology, heavy machinery and ground operation from Australia.
• In 2000, Phu klon was registered as Phu klon Country Club Limited Partnership with Baht 1,000,000 registered capital to develop the location to be one of the amazing tourist attractions of Mae Hong Son and Thailand.

PHU KLON COUNTRY CLUB:
132 M.2 Makjampae, Muang, Maehongson 58000
SALE OFFICE:
277 Tapae Rd. Changklan Muang Chiangmai 50100
Tel: 66 5328 2579 Fax: 665327 92600
Website : http://www.phuklon.co.th/
Email : info@phuklon.co.th

Hotel Recommended:

Wat Hua Wiang, Mae Hongson

Located amidst the misty mountain ranges, the beautiful city of Mae Hong Son is one of the most sparsely populated cities in Thailand that is located in the northern most part of the country.

This city is home some truly delightful religious temples that are worth a visit. Notable among these is the Wat Hua Wiang. Constructed in the year 1863, Wat Hua Wiang is the most visited tourist spot inside the city of Mae Hong Son. Also known as Wat Klang Mueang, this Buddhist temple is located on the Sihanatbamrung Road present adjacent to the morning market inside the city.

The most remarkable feature that is present inside the temple is the Phra Chao Pharalakhaeng, a beautiful image of Lord Buddha dressed in an elegant attire. This is a Burmese-styled bronze statue and is considered to be a true replica of the one present in Mandalay, Myanmar. The temple primarily contains a large compound comprising of a two-storey building with a multi-tiered tower. Due to improper maintenance, many parts of the temple are in a bit dilapidated state. Interestingly, this look adds to the beauty and elegance of the temple. Unlike other temples in Thailand, Wat Hua Wiang has a more lively appearance considering the fact that the temple houses quite a few monks. By paying a visit to this temple, one can have a complete understanding about the Buddhist customs, traditions and religious activities of Thailand.

Wat Hua Wiang is open to visitors throughout the day. Admission into the temple is free. Visitors can reach the temple either by taking the famous Thai Tuk-Tuk or by getting on top of a Songkaew. Apart from these, there are also local buses available from the airport.

Hotel Recommended:

Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu

The temple atop Kong Mu hill, Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu, affords a spectacular view of the entire valley in which Mae Hong Son is nestled. The temple itself is notable for its two large white chedis and its typical Shan architecture.

The temple dates from around the time of the village's upgrade to a city in 1874. One of the huge chedis contains the ashes of a revered monk that were bought from Burma by two devotees. The other houses the ashes of Mae Hong Son's first governor, Phaya Singhanat Racha.

A steep road leads further up to the crown of the hill where the ubosot is located. In front of the ubosot is a large slender standing Buddha image. A small chedi and several cenotaphs stand next to the ubosot. In front of the standing Buddha, a boat rowed by two monks and two lay people carries the Buddhist wheel.

Reaching the temple on foot means taking one of two paths. From Wat Phra Non, a stairway leads halfway up the hill and then joins the other path which starts at Wat Muo Taw. This second path is a little easier, as it consists mostly of a zig-zag of ramps with only short stairways at the switch-backs. There are also covered rest stops at each corner.

If you don't feel like a climb, you can rent motorcycles or a car to drive you to the top.

Hotel Recommended:

Tha Pai Hot Springs in Mae Hong Son

Tha Pai Hot Springs are one of the focal points of Huai Nam Dang National Park, in Mae Hong Son province, 8 kilometres south of Pai. The springs offer a number of bathtubs for visitors to bathe in, and it is also possible to bathe in the stream that runs through the site. The water from these springs is said to have strong therapeutic value.

How to get there:

Tha Pai Hot Spring are near Huai Nam Dang Waterfall in Haui Nam Dang National Park. The entrance to the park is kilometre 65 and 66 on highway 1095 (Chiang Mai - Pai - Mae Hong Son). A number of tours leave Mae Hong Son from the springs available at guesthouses and hotels.

Hotel Recommended:

Tham Lot Forest Park,Mae Hongson

Nestled in a deep valley and surrounded by lofty mountain ranges, Mae Hong Son province has remained unexposed to the outside world. Today, this province is a dream holiday destination for tourists around the world.

It is popular for its spectacular scenic beauty, comfortable weather and pristine surroundings. One such remarkable place to visit in this province is the Tham Lot Forest Park.

Tham Lot Forest Park is situated 77 kilometer from the town of Mae Hong Son in the district of Pang Mapha. The most interesting aspect of Tham Lot Forest Park is the way in which nature created an exotic subterranean aura of darkness and mystery.

Tham Lot Forest Park has derived its name from the Tham Lot Cave that is present inside the park. In fact, Tham Lot is a huge cave system that is almost 1 kilometer long. Archaeological excavations have revealed that there were people inhabiting this place some 2,000 years ago. To be precise, these caves are believed to have provided shelter to pre-historic man. In fact, archaeologists have found ancient artifacts of clay utensils and a number of carved wooden coffins that validate this claim. The roof of these caves is completely filled with several beautiful stalagmite and stalactite formations. Interestingly, a small brooks runs through the entire length of the cave from the cave’s mouth to the other side of the mountain. One can either hire a raft or travel on foot in order to explore these caves. In order to hire a raft, visitors have to pay 100 baht per group.

Located around these caves are lush evergreen forests that provide a wonderful experience of a lifetime. Also present in this forest park is the Tham Lot Nature Study Center in front of the Tham Lot cave mouth. Visitors can get accommodation at this center. Overnight camping facilities are also available inside the park.

Hotel Recommended:

Wild-Sunflower Field at Doi Mae U-Kho

Located near the Mae U-Kho Waterfall, the Wild-Sunflower Field (Thung Bua Thong) covers over 1,000 rai of land. This field is by far the most visited place at Doi Mae U-Kho, especially during November and December when wild-sunflowers bloom, blanketing the surrounding fields for as far as the eye can see.

It is believed that Christian missionaries who entered the area about 70 years ago, were the first to plant these magnificent flowers, as they are actually native to Central and South America, where they are known as the 'Mexican Sunflower'.

          

Search Amazon.com for Mae Hong Son

Mae Hong Son Province

MAE HONG SON is nestled in a deep valley hemmed in by high mountain ranges, Mae Hong Son has long been isolated from the outside world. Virtually covered with mist throughout the year, the name refers to the fact that is terrain is highly suitable for the training of elephants.

Former governors of Chiang Mai used to organise the rounding up of wild elephants which were then trained before being sent to the capital for work. Today, Mae Hong Son is one of the dream destinations for visitors. Daily flights into its small airport bring growing numbers of tourists, attracted by the spectacular scenery, numerous hilltribe communities and soft adventure opportunities.

THAI YAI CULTURE

The Thai Yai can be seen along the northern border with Myanmar. They may at one time have been the most numerous of the ethnic Thai tribes that stretch across Southeast Asia. A large group settled in Mae Hong Son.

The Thai Yai culture has had a strong influence on the province, as can be seen in its architecture. Although a part of the Lanna region, the indigenous Thai Yai people living in Mae Hong Son are faced with very cold weather during winter and extremely hot weather in the summer, with mist or fog practically throughout the whole year. Not surprisingly they have had to adapt to the environment.

As a result, their architectural style has developed into something different from other Lanna communities. Their living quarters are usually built with tall floors and low roofs, the sizes differing according to ones social status and position. Homes of the ordinary folks are usually with one single level of roof, while those of the local aristocrats have two or more levels forming a castle-like shape. The space thus provided is believed to help air circulation. An interesting feature of the Thai Yai style is the perforated designs along the eaves which are an architectural identity of the area.

How to get there from Bangkok

By Car

Mae Hong Son is located 924 kilometres from Bangkok. Drive from Bangkok to Chiang Mai and then choose the following routes to Mae Hong Son:

Chiang Mai Hot Mae Sariang Khun Yuam Mae Hong Son (Route 108) with 1864 curves, a distance of 349 kilometres.

Chiang Mai Mae Malai Pai Mae Hong Son (Route 1095), a distance of 245 kilometres.

By Bus

Muang Nuea Yan Yon Tour (Tel: (0 2936 3587-8) operates an air-conditioned bus which runs directly from Bangkok to Mae Hong Son every day. The bus departs from Chatuchak (Mochit 2) Bus Terminal at 6 p.m. The trip takes about 17 hours.

By Rail

One can travel from Bangkok to Chiang Mai by rail and then continue to Mae Hong Son by bus. For more information, call 1699, 0 2223 7010, 0 2223 7020 or visit www.railway.co.th

By Air

Thai Airways flies Bangkok-Chiang Mai-Mae Hong Son daily. Reservation should be made in advance at Tel: 0 2280 0060, 0 2628 2000 or call 1566 or visit www.thaiairways.com for current schedule.

SGA Airlines offers flights from Chiang Mai -Mae Hong Son and Chiang Mai - Pai For current schedule, please call 0 2664 6099 or visit www.sga.co.th

Hotels Recommended: