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Introduction
:
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 organize 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 destination
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.
Attractions
Amphoe Muang
- Ban Rak Thai
- Morning Market
- Pha Bong Hot Springs
- Phraya Singhanatracha
Memorial
- Phu Khlon Health
Treatment
- Tham Pla Pha Suea
National Park
- Namtok Pha Suea
- Pang Tong Royal
Pavilion
- Wat Chong Kham
- Wat Chong Klang
- Wat Hua Wiang
- Wat Kam Ko
- Wat Phra Non
- Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu
Amphoe Pai
- Hilltribe Trekking
- Huai Nam Dang National Park
- Mountain Biking
- Pong Dueat Hot Spring
- Rafting along the Pai
River
- Tha Pai Hot Spring
Amphoe Pang Mapha
- Tham Lot
- Tham Mae Lana Cave
Amphoe Khun Yuam
- Bua Tong Fields at Doi
Mae U-kho
- Khun Yuam Indigenous
Cultural Center
- Namtok Mae Surin National
Park
- Wat To Phae
Amphoe Mae Sariang
- Salween National Park
- Wat Chomthong
- Wat Kittiwong
Amphoe Sop Moei
- Mae Ngao River
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