Things to Do in Mae Hong Son

When it comes to tourist activities to get involved in on your visit to Mae Hong Son, there are a few local tour agencies offering various packages, as well as a number of activities that it’s possible to enjoy independently.

Be sure to only book if you’re completely happy with what’s included with your itinerary, the price and ideally, especially if you’re going trekking, try to get the opportunity to meet your tour guide before you set off. This will be a big help should there be any language barriers or if you have any concerns about the terrain etc.

Trekking tours

Trekking tours are the main activity on offer and packages are sold at nearly every hostel as well as the tour agencies. Prices will vary depending on several factors as it’s very easy to customise tours to ensure they include exactly what you’re looking for. The main things that will make a difference to the cost are how long you want to trek for (a day or longer), how many people will be in your trekking group, and what activities you wish to include - for example, do you want to visit hill tribe villages along the way. They will usually be between THB100 and THB1500 per day.

If you are embarking on a longer trek you may even get to stay in a local village as part of your expedition, sometimes with a local guide, which can be a great experience to enjoy. Food is prepared freshly along the way and is simple and tasty - although do be sure to notify well in advance if you have any dietary requirements.

Visiting tribal villages

There are three main villages to visit if you are looking to incorporate activities that involve meeting Karen tribes on your visit to Mae Hong Son. Huay Sua Tao is the most popular, and is located around 20 minutes by boat away from the town or a 30 minute drive, and there are also Huay Phu Kaeng and Baan Sob Soi villages that are a similar distance. There will typically be many handicraft stalls to take in, where you can buy locally made goods, and you can meet and talk with local villagers to find out more about their lifestyles. The people are friendly and happy to chat or pose for pictures, although always remember to ask before you start snapping!

Mae Hong Son living museum

Another popular activity is to pay a visit to the Mae Hong Son living museum, which looks unassuming but is very interesting. There are many displays that highlight focal points in the town, as well as explaining more about the local culture, traditions and architecture. It’s a great introduction to the town and gives a helpful insight for any visitor to the area.

Phu Klong mud bath

On the outskirts of town is the local mud bath which is a popular spot with tourists, who enjoy spending a few hours here getting some rest and enjoying a mud bath or mud wrap. Do not expect anything plush: it is a low-key and very authentic local experience. Phu Klong is well signposted and easy to reach by bike, although you can also get a tuk-tuk. There’s also a gift shop where you can buy various products made with the mud, which is said to have various rejuvenating properties.

Boat trips

Finally, many people enjoy taking boat trips along the river on a trip to Mae Hong Son, either as well as trekking or in place of it if you’re looking for a more relaxing experience. The boatmen are happy to travel as far as you’d like them to, although most will incorporate a trip to one of the local villages along the riverside. It tends to cost around THB600 to THB1100 to the most popular locations, although obviously you can negotiate to a degree to get to where you want to go.