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MAE HONG SON
This predominantly mountainous province edges Myanmar (Burma).
The provincial capital is 924 kilometers north of Bangkok. The
province is famed for its mountain scenery, waterfalls, hill
tribe villages, national parks such as Nam Tok Mae Surin, the
Tham Lot Forest Park, the Tham Pla Forest Park and the Pha Sua
Waterfall, the picturesque wild sunflower fields of Doi Mae
U-Kho which bloom each November and December. From July to
December white-water rafting opportunities on the Pai River. The
petite provincial capital contains several Burmese-style temples
of note. Phraya Singhanatracha, the first king of Mae Hong Son,
built Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu, which overlooks the provincial
capital from a hilltop vantage point. The temple offers a
commanding view of the Mae Hong Son valley and surrounding
mountains. Massive stone lions guard a staircase for those
energetic souls who wish to climb some 250 meters to the temple
pagoda. Wat Hua Wiang contains a relic of a famous Burmese-style
Buddha image, and Wat Phra Non contains a Burmese-style
reclining Buddha image some 12 meters long, besides housing to
ashes of Mae Hong Son kings. The lakeside Wat Chong Klang and
Wat Chong Kham share the same compound. Murals, multiroofed
Burmese-style pavilions with filigree decorations, and Lanna
Thai-style pagodas comprise major architectural elements in a
tranquil setting that is best appreciated in the long shadows of
early morning or late afternoon. Mae Hong
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