About Mae Hong Son Province
Mae Hong Son is Thailand's most mountainous province and most isolated — a narrow strip of highland valleys along the Myanmar border where 90% of the population belongs to ethnic minority groups including Karen, Shan, Palaung, and Lisu. The provincial capital sits in a misty valley at 800 metres altitude, ringed by mountains, with twin Burmese-style pagodas reflecting in a lake at the town centre creating one of Thailand's most photographed scenes. The Mae Hong Son Loop — one of Southeast Asia's great motorcycle routes — covers 600 km of mountain roads through the province. The nearby village of Ban Rak Thai is a tea-growing community of Yunnan Chinese refugees.
Key facts
- Population
- 284,549 (2020)
- Area
- 12,681 km²
- Density
- 22 / km²
- Districts
- 7
- Capital
- Mae Hong Son
- ISO code
- TH-58
- Airports
- Mae Hong Son Airport (HGN), Pai Airport (PYY)
National parks (1)
Salawin National Park
All 7 districts
Khun Yuam · Mae La Noi · Mae Sariang · Mueang Mae Hong Son · Pai · Pang Mapha · Sop Moei
Top Highlights
Mae Hong Son town
twin pagoda lake reflection, perhaps Thailand's most photogenic town scene
Mae Hong Son Loop
legendary 600 km motorcycle circuit through mountain valleys and ethnic villages
Ban Rak Thai
Yunnan Chinese tea village near the Myanmar border, exceptional pu-erh tea
Tham Lot Cave
vast river cave system navigated by bamboo raft with stalactite formations
Getting There
Mae Hong Son Airport (HGN) has several daily flights from Chiang Mai (25 minutes) with Nok Air — the mountain approach is scenic but weather-dependent. Buses from Chiang Mai take 7–8 hours via the southern or northern route. Most adventurous travellers ride the Mae Hong Son Loop by motorbike or rented car from Chiang Mai.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Sources
Facts on this page last checked 1 August 2026.
- 1.Q269270 — population, area, districts, coordinates — Wikidata (Wikidata), retrieved 1 August 2026
- 2.Background reading — Wikipedia (Wikipedia), retrieved 1 August 2026Linked for context; no text is reproduced from it.
- 3.Official provincial website — Provincial administration (Official source), retrieved 1 August 2026
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