Maehongson (1)

Maehongson, Thailand's northern border city, hiding itself in between the towering mountains with densely forested slopes, stretching to the Burmese border. Maehongson is known for its charm of scenery and culture. The people of Maehongson consists of the Shans who live in the city and the hilltribe people who live in remote villages on mountain tops where elements of lifestyle have changed little in hundreds of years. The Shans' ancestors came from Shans region in Burma. The hilltribe people consist of Karen, Lisu, Mhong, Lahu, and Lua. Both the Shans and the hilltribemen have their own distinctive cultures. They have their own lilting dialect, their own architectural lifestyles, their own customs and traditions, and their own delicious cuisine. Throughout the year, Maehongson holds many festivals and events. Tourists can observe the distinction cultures from these events. There are different dances, rituals, and ceremonies for different events and festivals. Even the foods are different for each event. The most remarkable tradition and also the most important event for the Shans is "Poy Sanglong Festival" which is the ordination ceremony for the Shans' boys. The event is held in March and there is one big celebration throughout the city. The city is covered with the mist all year long. Maehongson gains its nickname of "the City of Three Mists" from the fact that it has dewy mist in the winter, forest fire mist in the summer and rainy mist in the rainy season.

How to go
B Y B U S From Bangkok direct to Maehongson : The Yan yont company is only one bus company form Bangkok direct to Maehongson. It takes 16-17 hours, and pass many provinces in northern Thailand. It is an air-conditioned bus. You can take a tiket at Mho-chit (northern bus station) in Bangkok. The bus company have only one bus per day. It 's start at 6.00 P.M. from Bangkok to Mae hong son everyday.Yan yont tour company. Tel. 02-00000000(Bangkok) Tel.053-611111(Mae hong son) From Bangkok to Chiang mai and Chiangmai to Maehongson : By bus, it takes 9-10 hours to travel from Bangkok to Chiangmai. Form Chaingmai to Maehongson about 7 hours. Bangkok to Chiangmai with no less than 10 bus companies, you have the option of taking an ordinary bus, an air -conditioned private bus, an air -conditioned goverment bus. The bus finish at the Arcade ( buses center ) in Chiangmai city. From Chiangmai to Maehongson province you can take a tiket by Prem pra cha bus company. From Chiangmai to Maehongson have 2 routes, first route is 1095 (Number hiways) pass Mae ma lai, Pai, Pangma Pha and go to Maehongson. The second route is 108 pass Sanpa tong(Chiangmai), Hod (Chiangmai), Maesa Riang, Maela Noi, Khun Yuam, and go to Maehongson.Prem Pra Cha company in Chiangmai brance tel. 053 - 241574, 245676 Prem Pra Cha company in Mae hong son brance tel. 053 - 611318