Sports and Recreation in Mae Hong Son
Surrounded by dense forests and hills, the city of Mae Hong Son can be found in northwestern Thailand. This is the perfect place to use as a base while hiking and trekking, while visitors will find a wide range of other interesting things to do here, ranging from rafting down the river to soaking away aches and pains in one of the local hot springs. No matter what you want to do, Mae Hong Son is a great place to spend a little time.
Adventure Activities
Trekking
One of the most popular reasons to travel to Mae Hong Son is to embark on a trekking trip in the city’s surrounding mountains and forests. Visitors should be able to book the trekking tour of their choice through their Mae Hong Son hotel, while those who want to explore independently will also be able to grab a packed lunched and a map of the area from most of the city’s leading hotels and guest houses.
Rafting
Thrill seekers won’t want to miss the opportunity to go rafting along one of Mae Hong Son’s wild rivers. A good place to start a rafting adventure trip is Baan Toong Bang Moo, which is situated on the edge of the mighty Ping River. Bamboo rafting is popular here and while many professionally run companies offer to take care of all the details, visitors who prefer to go it alone can also arrange these trips independently.
Cultural Activities
Visit the Hill Tribes
Visitors with a love for culture will jump at the chance to visit the hill tribes that can be found in the hills and forests surrounding Mae Hong Son. Following their traditional way of life separate to the rest of the world, there are a number of different hill tribes to discover and many are welcoming to visitors, even offering them the chance to stay in the village for the night.
Temple Hopping
Heading back into Mae Hong Son city, there are a large number of traditional temples to explore, many of which combine the Thai temple style with elements from Los and Myanmar. Situated high up in the mountains to the west of Mae Hong Son, Phrathat Doi Gongmoo is one of the area’s most magnificent places of worship and the two chedis here are particularly stunning. Also nearby is the Phra Non temple, which is devoted to Lord Buddha and can be found at the foot of Gongmoo Mountain. The highlight here is the main hall, which is decorated with galvanized iron, while the temple also features a museum.
Natural Activities
Visit Thampla – Phasua Waterfall National Park
Located just 16kms from the centre of Mae Hong Son, Thampla – Phasua Waterfall National Park is one of the area’s most picturesque green zones. This is the perfect place to explore independently and among the many treasures that can be found here is the enchanting Fish Cave, while the numerous forests that cover Thampla – Phasua Waterfall National Park are home to a wide range of plant and animal species.
Other Options
Hot springs
The perfect way to relax and unwind, Mae Hong Son’s natural hot springs are famed for their healing properties. The heat and minerals that are produced by these hot springs are thought to ease aches and pains and even cure certain illnesses and well as releasing mental stress, alleviating skin problems and promote physical well being. Specially organized tours take visitors to the local hot springs, while those with a good sense of direction can hire a scooter and a map and travel independently to the hot springs.
About the Author
Lek Boonlert is an editor and content reviewer at DirectRooms and is responsible for all Mae Hong Son Hotels content.
Bamboo Rafting, Thailand
|
|
CHANG THAI (Maetaman Elephant Camp & Bamboo Rafting Souvenir Book) … |