Mae Hong Son
is nestled in a deep valley hemmed in by
high mountain ranges. Here covered with mist
throughout the year, the name refers to the
fact that is terrain is highly suitable for
the training of elephants. 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 hill tribe
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.
