 |
| |
Destination : Hotels in Mae Hong Son & Pai |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Mae Hong Son , is nestled in a deep valley hemmed in by high mountain ranges, Mae Hong Son has long been isolated from the outside world. Virtually covered with mist throughout the year, the name refers to the fact that is terrain is highly suitable for the training of elephants.
Former governors of Chiang Mai used to organise the rounding up of wild elephants which were then trained before being sent to the capital for work.
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 hilltribe communities and soft adventure opportunities
|
| |
| |
|
Apart from sightseeing in the little town itself, raft or boat tours on the Mae Hong Son river can be arranged, elephant rides, visits to hill tribe villages - the villages of the Padaung Karen with the so-called Giraffe necked women are specially popular. Trekking and hiking in the hills is also possible. Although it may be tempting, you should not go on your own on such tours - always go with a local guide. The hill tribe people are friendly and accommodation, though basic, and food can always be found in the their villages, but the real danger is that you might accidentally cross the border to Burma.
Pai, is a small community, embraced by rolling mountains and enveloped in natural setting that is fresh and beautiful. The atmosphere is clean, pure, quiet and warmly welcoming. The different ethnic groups, religious beliefs and languages of the people of plains and the people of the mountains have blended together here to form a unique set of cultural traditions.
|
|
|
|
The citizens of Pai live their lives with a spirit of generosity and a sense of community, always ready to give someone a helping hand. Yet at the same time, the remoteness of the region makes travel to and from Pai difficult. Many people would rather not come and risk their chances in such an isolated place. However, many other people entrust their luck to fate in this very spot, and others dream of having just one chance in their lives to come and experience the summit of the north of Thailand.
Pai can be found to the northwest of Bangkok, 1035 kilometers along the main roads, at19.15 degrees - 19.30 degrees latitude north and at 98.15 degrees – 98.30 degrees longitude east. AT its lowest, Pai is 508 meters from sea level. The highest summit, Doi Jik Jong, which can be seen from Pai, is 1,972 meters from sea level. You can climb this mountain and experience the tropical forest and virgin jungle of the area.
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.
As a result, their architectural style has developed into something different from other Lanna communities. Their living quarters are usually built with tall floors and low roofs, the sizes differing according to ones social status and position. Homes of the ordinary folks are usually with one single level of roof, while those of the local aristocrats have two or more levels forming a castle-like shape. The space thus provided is believed to help air circulation. An interesting feature of the Thai Yai style is the perforated designs along the eaves which are an architectural identity of the area.
|
|
 |