Exploring the Tranquil Beauty of Mae Hong Son

Whispers of Wonder in Mae Hong Son

Today, Hans and I embarked on a journey that felt like stepping into a postcard. The crisp mountain air, the vibrant culture, and the promise of hidden gems made it a day to remember. I'm so excited to share our experiences with you all, as we continue our adventure in Mae Hong Son!

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at The House Cafe' Home stead. The cafe was charming, with a rustic yet modern decor that immediately made us feel at home. I ordered their acclaimed English breakfast, while Hans went for the avocado toast. The food was fresh and delicious, and the coffee was the perfect pick-me-up for the day ahead. It’s a family-run place, and you could feel the warmth and care in every bite. The setting was so peaceful, surrounded by rice fields and even a little fish pond with turtles. It was the perfect start to a day of exploring.


Discover delightful organic dishes and aromatic brews at The House Cafe' Homestead in picturesque Pai - a haven for foodies and coffee lovers.

Our first stop was Pang Oung, often called the Switzerland of Thailand. The drive there was scenic, with winding roads offering glimpses of the stunning landscape. As we arrived, the lake was shrouded in a mystical mist, living up to its reputation. The air was cool, a welcome change from the heat we'd experienced earlier in Chiang Mai. We decided to take a bamboo raft out on the lake, gliding silently through the fog. It was incredibly peaceful, and the scenery was breathtaking. I could see why it’s known as one of the most romantic destinations in Thailand.


Explore the breathtaking beauty of Pang Oung, a tranquil escape in Mae Hong Son, Thailand, with stunning lake views and serene nature.

We learned that Pang Oung was once a degraded forest area known for opium cultivation. However, thanks to a Royal Development Project initiated by King Bhumibol Adulyadej in 1979, the area was transformed into an eco-tourism site. The locals now grow winter flowers, fruits, and herbs, contributing to the area's rich biodiversity. It’s truly inspiring to see how sustainable tourism can make a positive impact on a community.

After our serene experience at Pang Oung, we headed to Ban Rak Thai, a village with a fascinating history. Founded by former Kuomintang soldiers who fled China after the communist takeover, the village retains its Chinese culture and architecture. As we walked through the village, we were greeted by traditional mud-brick houses and red lanterns. It felt like stepping into a different world.


Discover the serene beauty of Ban Rak Thai, where lush tea plantations and rich culture await in the stunning mountains of Mae Hong Son.

For lunch, we stopped at Lee Wine Yunnan Restaurant, known for its authentic Yunnanese cuisine. We ordered several dishes, including the fried mantou with sweet condensed milk, which was a delightful treat. The subtle flavors and expertly cooked dishes reminded me of a 5-star hotel in Taipei. The restaurant overlooked the lake, providing stunning views as we savored our meal.


Discover authentic Yunnanese flavors blended with local Thai cuisine at Lee Wine Yunnan Restaurant in Mae Hong Son.

Travel is about the gorgeous feeling of teetering in the unknown.

One of the highlights of Ban Rak Thai is its tea culture. We visited a tea plantation and learned about the tea-making process, particularly focusing on traditional Chinese teas like oolong and jasmine. Of course, we participated in a tea tasting session, sampling premium teas while enjoying the beautiful view of the lake. It was so relaxing and refreshing!

Before leaving Ban Rak Thai, we took a traditional wooden boat ride on the lake. The still water perfectly mirrored the illuminated houses and mountain silhouettes, creating a mesmerizing effect. It was the perfect way to end our visit to this charming village.

As the sun began to set, we made our way back to Mae Hong Son town. For dinner, we chose Bai Fern Restaurant, a local favorite known for its Thai and international cuisine. The restaurant had a traditional wooden building with greenery framing the windows. We tried some local Northern specialties, and the flavors were incredible. They even had live music, which added to the ambiance.


Experience the best of authentic Thai cuisine at Bai Fern Restaurant in Mae Hong Son—where every dish tells a story.

After dinner, we decided to check out Sunset Bar for a nightcap. The bar offered beautiful mountain views, and I can imagine it would be a great place to watch the sunset. While we were there, we saw a cool fire show, which was quite entertaining. It was a lovely way to wind down after a day of exploring.


Experience breathtaking sunsets and a vibrant atmosphere at Sunset Bar in Pai, the perfect spot for relaxation and socializing.

December is proving to be a wonderful time to visit Mae Hong Son. The weather is mild, with warm days and cool nights. It’s the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors and explore the local culture. We've been dressing in layers, as the temperatures can vary between day and night.

Looking ahead to tomorrow, we plan to visit Tham Pla (Fish Cave) and the Tham Pla - Namtok Pha Suea National Park Office. I'm excited to see what other hidden gems Mae Hong Son has to offer.

As I reflect on today, I'm filled with gratitude for the opportunity to experience the beauty and culture of Mae Hong Son. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most rewarding travel experiences come from venturing off the beaten path.

And, as a little aside, I must admit I’m missing my knitting needles tonight. I had hoped to work on a new Danish pattern while traveling, but they didn’t quite make the cut when packing. Hans, ever the pragmatist, reminded me of the essentials – camera, phrasebook, and of course, sunscreen!

Until tomorrow, tak for i dag (thanks for today)!