Mae Hong Son is one of those places in Northern Thailand that feels completely different from anywhere else we’ve visited. Tucked away near the border with Myanmar, it’s quiet, surrounded by mountains, and has this laid-back charm that makes you want to slow down and stay longer than planned.
We first came here while riding the Mae Hong Son Loop, and it quickly became one of our favorite stops on the route.
Between misty mornings by the lake, hilltop temples with sweeping views, and evenings spent at the night market eating local dishes, it showed us a side of Thailand that’s calm, authentic, and unforgettable.
In this guide, we’re sharing the best things to do in Mae Hong Son—from peaceful sunrise spots and local markets to day trips, scenic lakes, and cultural experiences that made our visit so special.
Top Things to do in Mae Hong Son
Map of all the attractions
1. Sunrise or sunset at Wat Phra Tat Doi Kong Mu
Entrance Fee: free
If there’s one place you can’t miss in Mae Hong Son, it’s Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu. Perched on a hill above town, this beautiful temple offers one of the best views in the area.
We went up for sunset, and it was absolutely magical. As the sun dipped behind the mountains, the valley below turned golden, and the two white chedis glowed softly.
A few other travelers had gathered at the viewpoint, but it still felt peaceful and quiet. What made the moment even more special was seeing several monks gathering for evening prayers—it added a spiritual vibe to the experience.
It’s an easy ride or drive from the center of town, and there’s a nice viewpoint where you can sit, relax, and just take in the scenery. If you’re an early riser, sunrise is said to be even more stunning, with soft mist hanging over the valley.
2. Get breakfast at Morning Market
One of our favorite experiences in Mae Hong Son was grabbing breakfast at the local morning market. It’s not a touristy spot—in fact, when we went, we didn’t see a single other traveler there, which made it feel even more authentic.
The market is small but full of life early in the morning, with locals shopping for fresh produce, meats, and ready-to-eat breakfast dishes. We grabbed hot coffee, fresh fruit, and a bowl of steaming noodle soup for just a few baht.
Sitting there, surrounded by locals going about their morning routine, felt like a real glimpse into daily life in North Thailand.
TIP: Visit around 7:00 when the market is at its busiest.
3. Su Tong Pae Bridge
Entrance Fee: fee
Just outside Mae Hong Son, Su Tong Pae Bridge is one of the most peaceful and photogenic spots we visited. This long bamboo bridge stretches across lush rice fields, connecting the village to a quiet temple on the hill.
We visited in the late afternoon, and the walk across the bridge was calm and quiet, with hardly anyone else around. The green rice fields stretched out on both sides, and the soft light made the whole scene feel extra peaceful.
We recommend walking all the way to the temple at the end of the bridge. You might be able to see monks going about their daily routines.
If you visit during planting or harvest season, the scenery is especially stunning, with vibrant green paddies or golden fields stretching out in every direction.
4. Nong Jong Kham Lake
Right in the center of Mae Hong Son, Nong Jong Kham Lake is the heart of the town and the perfect spot for a relaxing walk. We loved strolling along the lakeside in the late afternoon.
It’s a simple place, but that’s what makes it so special—just a peaceful spot to sit, people-watch, or take in the view after a day of exploring.
In the evening, the area gets livelier, with locals out for a walk and food stalls starting to set up around the lake.
5. Wat Chong Klang & Wat Chong Kham
Right by the lake are Wat Chong Klang and Wat Chong Kham, two small but beautiful temples that are iconic to Mae Hong Son.
What stood out to us was how quiet and welcoming they felt—completely different from the busy temples like Blue Temple or Wat Huay Pla Kang in Chiang Rai.
TIP: If you’re heading to Pai next, check out our guide to the best things to do in Pai.
6. Enjoy street food at Night Market
Mae Hong Son may be a small town, but its night market was one of our favorite surprises.
Every evening, stalls pop up around the lake, serving everything from hot noodle soup and grilled skewers to sweet Thai desserts and fruit smoothies.
We went more than once because the food was that good—and cheap! For less than 200 THB, we had a full dinner of noodle soup, fried spring rolls, and mango sticky rice. The market has a relaxed, friendly vibe, and it’s a great way to mingle with locals and try a little bit of everything.
7. Day trip to Ban Rak Thai
A visit to Ban Rak Thai, a former Chinese settlement near the Myanmar border, is one of the most unique things to do in Mae Hong Son. The village is small and peaceful, with a serene lake surrounded by tea plantations and tall green hills.
We stayed nearby at Pang Ung Lake and visited Ban Rak Thai for sunset. Because the hills are so tall around the village, the light wasn’t great for photos, but it was still a lovely stop.
We really enjoyed strolling along the lakeside path and just soaking in the quiet atmosphere. You can also rent a boat to paddle around the lake for a different perspective of the village.
One place worth checking out is Lee Wine Rak Thai Resort. Even if you’re not staying there, you can pay 20 THB to walk through its tea plantations and take in the views from the hillside—it’s the spot you often see in photos.
It’s open from 10:00 to 19:00 and you can rent the straw hat for free.
8. Explore Pang Ung Lake
If you’re looking for peace and quiet, Pang Ung Lake is the place to find it. Surrounded by pine forests and hills, this lake is often called the “Switzerland of Thailand,” and honestly, we could see why. It felt like we were teleported to a forest in Europe!
We stayed nearby for a night and came here around sunset.
Early in the morning, the lake is covered in a light mist, and you’ll see locals paddling small bamboo rafts across the still water.
There are plenty of spots to walk along the shoreline, and you can even rent a bamboo raft if you want to float out into the middle of the lake.
TIP: There’s also a campsite right on the lakeshore, where you can rent a tent for a budget-friendly price. It’s basic, but waking up to the mist over the lake makes it worth it.
9. Visit Huay Pu Keng – Long Neck Village
Visiting the Long Neck Karen villages around Mae Hong Son can be controversial. Some travelers avoid them completely, calling them “human zoos,” while others see them as an opportunity to support local communities.
We decided to visit Huay Pu Keng, the most accessible village, and ended up spending the night at a local family’s home. It wasn’t a quick tourist stop—we had time to talk, share meals, and learn about their traditions and daily life.
Staying overnight made it feel much more authentic, and we left with a better understanding of their culture and history.
Whether you go or not is a personal decision, but if you do, we recommend staying longer than just a quick visit. It helps support the community and gives you a chance to experience the village beyond the souvenir stalls.
If you decide to visit, read our complete travel guide about visiting Huay Pu Keng to learn how to get there, where to stay, and other practical tips.
Best hotels in Mae Hong Son
Check availability
Where to Eat and Drink
- Little Good Things – Cozy vegetarian café with fresh salads, curries, and smoothie bowls.
- Salween River Restaurant – Popular riverside spot serving Thai and Burmese dishes.
- SAKi Curry – Great Japanese-style curry with generous portions.
- Mae Rong Son Restaurant – Local eatery for authentic Northern Thai food at budget-friendly prices.
How to get here
By minivan
The easiest way to get to Mae Hong Son from Chiang Mai is by minivan. The journey takes around 6 hours and departs from the Arcade 2 several times a day, with the first departure at 8:30 AM.
Tickets cost about 340 THB if you book online via 12Go, or a bit cheaper if you buy directly at the station. The ride is scenic but with many curves, so motion-sickness tablets are a good idea if you’re sensitive to mountain roads.
By motorbike
Riding to Mae Hong Son by motorbike is an adventure we’d recommend to anyone comfortable on two wheels.
It’s easy to rent a scooter in Chiang Mai. Daily rental prices start at around 250–350 THB for a semi-automatic scooter and 400–600 THB for a more powerful bike, depending on the model.
The ride itself is unforgettable. The road winds through mountains, rice fields, and tiny villages, giving you a glimpse of Northern Thailand that most travelers never see.
We stopped for a day at Doi Inthanon National Park before continuing on to Mae Hong Son, which made the trip even more special.
TIP: We visited Mae Hong Son as part of a larger Mae Hong Son Loop – a 600 km round trip across mountains, small villages, and towns in Northern Thailand.
Best time to visit Mae Hong Son
The best time to visit Mae Hong Son is from November to February, during the cool, dry season when the weather is perfect for exploring and riding the loop.
March to May can get very hot, while June to October is the rainy season—roads can be slippery, but the landscapes are lush and green.
Quick Tips & Local Insights
- Plan for early evenings – Most restaurants and cafés close by 8 PM.
- Cash is king – ATMs are available, but smaller shops and food stalls usually don’t take cards.
- English isn’t widely spoken – A translation app or learning a few basic Thai phrases will make things much easier.
- Slow travel is best – The town is quiet and laid-back, so take your time to soak in the atmosphere.
- Weather changes fast – Bring a light jacket if you’re visiting during the cool season or riding the loop in the mountains.
- Fuel up often – If you’re on a motorbike, refill whenever you see a gas station—distances between stations can be long.
- Respect local culture – Mae Hong Son is home to several hill tribe communities; always ask before taking photos.
- Stay flexible – Some attractions or cafés may close during low season or on random weekdays.
Final Thoughts
It’s slower, quieter, and feels more authentic than many other spots in Northern Thailand—and that’s exactly what made it so memorable for us.
Would we go back? Absolutely. There’s something special about those slow mornings, evenings by the night market, and the peaceful atmosphere that just makes you want to stay longer.
If you only have time for a couple of experiences, don’t miss sunset at Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu for the sweeping views over the town, and a visit to morning market. Those two moments alone made the trip unforgettable.
