Exotissimo Travel Blog

Winter is leaving, yet you may not leave it behind. Late February until beginning April is still the perfect period to take a laid back vacation to the north of Thailand. Especially Mae Hong Son, the year round travel destination. Dubbed the Thai Switzerland because of its mountainous geography and cool weather throughout the year, Mae Hong Son easily becomes another must-see travel destination for many travelers when taking a trip to Thailand. Its many natural and cultural treasures will make you fall in love with the place. Many want to relax there whenever the winter comes.

Mae Hong Son’s Ban Ruam Thai or called by the locals “Pang Oong, is among the recommended destinations when you are on a northern Thailand journey. Pang Oong Park, established since 1984 under the Royal Project, stands as an eco travel destination, where you can walk through the village at early morning to see the simple life of local people, wander under the pine shade that surrounds the large Reservoir, spend the day at the natural hot spa pool at the Hot spring and Natural Phu Clone Country club, or take photos of the lovely scenery around every corner.

Staying overnight is recommended when visiting Pang Oong. There is a camping area and rented houses. During festive and high seasons, you are recommended to make a booking for accommodation in advance (see Thailand hotel reviews here). During February to April, your trip to Mae Hong Son will be relaxed and far from the crowds. And of course, it is comfortably cool.

Walking a little further from Pang Oong, you can reach Mae Or or Ban Rak Thai, the last village before reaching the Thai- Myanmar border. The village, inhabited mostly by Chinese, emigrated from South China, is situated around 44 kilometers from Mae Hong Sorn, via Pha Suea Waterfall near the Thai- Myanmar border. The village is blessed with breathtaking views and interesting by its tea industry. You can see how tea is grown and harvested, and taste some delicious U- Long tea. There will be an annual Tea Tasting Festival at Ban Rak Thai in February. You will also have an opportunity to help build a house with mud mixed with rice straws, and to try Chinese Yunnan foods prepared by locals.

The recommended route is Pang Oong – Ban Rak Thai – Phu Clone – Tham Lod – Pai. A little bit adventure trip, but worth to!

Look for more trips in Mae Hong Son? Try The Northern Loop; The Road to Mae Hong Son; Shan Home Stay in Tham Lod; and Tham Lod Trek