destination guide: mae hong son
For intrepid travellers wishing to immerse themselves in Northern Thailand, there’s nowhere better than Mae Hong Son. A beautiful land of mountains, forests, waterfalls and hill tribes, Mae Hong Son is Thailand’s least densely populated province and one of its least known and explored regions – perfect for those looking to head into the wild.
Mae Hong Son’s main asset – its lack of development – means accommodation can be basic, so we base our experiences around the splendid Kanlaya’s Eyrie, a beautiful mountain resort that houses two stunning villas and makes the perfect base for visitors wanting to explore Mae Hong Son’s wilderness without sacrificing comfort levels.
This is an area where the luxury hotels, rooftop bars and Michelin-starred restaurants of Bangkok feel like a different planet. Outdoor activities are the order of the day here, with the forests, roads and rivers perfect for trekking, cycling and rafting, fuelled by the strong local coffee. And you won’t go hungry either – there is a growing interest in the unique cuisine of Northern Thailand’s various hilltribes and our portfolio of activities includes numerous opportunities to sample delicious mountain food, both at Kanlaya and also on the ground in the tribal villages you’ll be visiting.
You’ll also get to explore the myriad cultures that coexist in this jungle paradise, hilltribes with diverse religions including Buddhism, shamanism and animism, and learn more about a way of life that has been largely unchanged for centuries.
MAE HONG SON EXPERIENCES
Please note these experiences can only be booked as part of a longer multi-day itinerary, and are not available as standalone trips.
OUR FAVOURITE MAE HONG SON HOTELS
kanlaya's eyrie
Nestled in the mountainous tribal heartland of Mae Hong Son, Kanlaya’s stands as a grand ode to adventure and romance. A magnificent sub-tropical garden hosts two remarkable houses, each telling its own story.
At Kanlaya’s Eyrie, luxury reaches new heights in the 5000-square-foot Honeymoon Suite, boasting a jacuzzi pavilion and an intimate courtyard. Cobblestones, the original house, exudes rugged charm with suites offering breathtaking views from private balconies.
Immersed in a landscape of jungle-clad peaks and ancient Hill Tribe clans, this adventure playground beckons with caving, kayaking, and tribal culture. The climate is heavenly, and the garden cascades down to the river, offering a divine outlook.
Owned by the happy partnership of Kanlaya and Philip, Kanlaya’s is a hub and spoke destination, combining the wild with unmatched comfort. From a day out trekking, to local restaurants and a stylish coffee village, it’s an enchanting escape in Thailand’s remotest province.
WHEN TO GO
Mae Hong Son has a typically Thai climate, with hot wet summers and dry, slightly cooler winters. November to March is the most pleasant time to visit, when rain is rare and temperatures drop a little, especially during those cool evenings.
Photographers may prefer to visit in late summer when the green season is at its peak.