Planning a Trip
Visitor Information
The TAT office (tel. 05361-2982), Khunlumprapas Road, opposite the post office, has helpful staff. The Tourist Police office (tel. 05361-1812 or 1155), Singhanat Bamrung Road, is open daily 8:30am to 5pm.
Orientation
Mae Hong Son is small and easy to navigate. Khunlumprapas Road, part of the Pai-Mae Sariang highway (Rte. 108), is the town's main street and home to travel agents, most hotels listed below, and restaurants. Jong Kham Lake is just east of the main street, and Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu overlooks town from the west.
Getting Around
You can walk to most places in town, but there are a few tuk-tuks parked outside the market for longer trips. At some guesthouses, you'll find bicycle rental for 50B (US$1.45/75p) or 100cc motorbikes for rent at 200B (US$5.70/£3.10) per day.
Fast Facts
There are major banks with ATMs and currency-exchanges along Khunlumprapas and Singhanat Bamrung roads. In addition, several banks are open for each flight arrival at the airport. The Sri Sangawan Hospital is east of town on Singhanat Bamrung Road (tel. 05361-1378). The post office is opposite the King Singhanat Rajah statue. There are a few Internet cafes along Khunlumprapas near the Baiyoke Chalet, most with good DSL for 40B (US$1.15/60p) per hour. The Tourist Police are at tel. 05361-1812.
Getting There
By Plane -- Two daily Thai Airways flights connect Mae Hong Son to major routes via Chiang Mai (flight time: 45 min.). During the July to August and November to December peak seasons, book in advance as flights fill up early, and in low-season check to see if the flights are actually running (flights cancel often due to fog). Thai Airways in Chiang Mai is at 240 Prapokklao Rd. (tel. 05392-0999 for domestic reservations in Chiang Mai; www.thaiair.com), and in Mae Hong Son at 71 Singhanat Bamrung Rd. (tel. 05361-1297). Nok Air (tel. 05392-2183 or tel. 1318; www.nokair.com) runs a daily flight from Chiang Mai as well.
The Mae Hong Son Airport is in the northeast section of town, about 20 minutes from the town center. Tuk-tuks and songtaews are always waiting for passengers outside the airport.
By Bus -- Seven non-air-conditioned buses connect with Pai or beyond to the Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Terminal (trip time: 4 hrs.; 74B/US$2.10/£1.15; tel. 05324-2664). Bus service to Mae Sariang to the south leaves in the morning (trip time: 8 hr.; 140B/US$4/£2.15). The bus terminal in Mae Hong Son is on Khunlumprapas Road (the main street), 2 blocks north of the main intersection and a short walk from most hotels in the town center.
By Car -- The 6-hour journey to Mae Hong Son from Chiang Mai is a pleasant mountain drive with spectacular views and some fun attractions. The road is winding but paved and safe, with places to stop for gas, food, and toilets, as well as scenic pull-offs. Take Route 107 north from Chiang Mai to Route 1095 northwest through Pai.
