Thailand's second northernmost provincial
city, is sheltered by several high mountains and enjoys a cool
climate almost all year round. In the past, the town was isolated
from the outside world for lack of good transportation and communications.
All that is changed now of course, as Thai Airways has frequent flights
into Mae Hong Son. A word of caution though. It has been reported in the
local press that the national airline is considering discontinuing these
flights. This will leave a local carrier to take up the slack.
Mae Hong Son is administratively
divided into 6 Amphoes (counties) and 1 King Amphoe. The province
covers an area of 12,681 square kilometres. Mae Hong Son
can be reached from Chiang Mai either by Highway No. 108 via
Mae Sa Riang, for the distance of 349 kilometres. or Highway No. 1095
via Pai which shortens the distance to some 274 kilometres. As the province is bordered by Myanmar to the North and West,
a strong Burmese influence can be seen in the provincial capital's
temples and buildings.
Mae Hong Son Attractions:
In the city
Wat
Phralhat
Doi Kong Mu is a Burmese
- style temple which dominates the provincial capital. Constructed
by Phraya Singhanatracha, the first King of Mae Hong Son, the
hilltop temple affords
a wonderful view of the capital and surrounding
mountains and valleys.
Wat Chong
Klang and Wat Chong Kham
These two monasteries share the same compound.
A part from the
glass paintings depicting Buddhism and simply life style of the
villagers which draw much attention from visitors, there are
over 30 wood carving dolls taken from Myanmar during the past
century.
Wat Hua Wiang contains the image of Phra Chao Pha Ra La Kheng a
replica of the one in Myanmar.
Wat Kam Ko Another name of this temple is Wat Dok Bun Nak which
is shady and pleasant having ancient scriptures written in the ancient
local dialect informing the history of Thai Yai people.
Wat Phra Non
contains a huge Burmese - style reclining Buddha
image some 12 meters long. The temple also houses ashes of Mae Hong Son
kings. Two massive stone lions guard the temple staircase.
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