As an outsider looking in, the village of Ban Muang Pam seems idyllic. Perched high up on a hillside in picturesque Mae Hong Son province, this appears to be a location far removed from the stresses of modern-day life. But the Karen hill-tribe … [Read more...]
The Annual Haze and Smog Problem in North Thailand
For people living in the north of Thailand, the start of the hot season heralds the onset of the summer smog and haze. It’s an annual problem and one which successive Thai governments have failed to solve. The pollution levels from the smog in March … [Read more...]
Temples on the Lake, Mae Hong Son (Wat Chong Kham and Wat Chong Klang)
A symbol of Mae Hong Son, the twin Burmese-style temples of Wat Chong Kham and Wat Chong Klang are conveniently located close to the centre of the city. Framed by the Nong Kham lake to the front and the mountains behind, it's a picturesque and serene … [Read more...]
Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu, Mae Hong Son
A visit to Mae Hong Son isn’t complete without a trip to the hilltop temple of Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu (Doi Kong Mu is the name of the hill on which the temple stands). The temple is particularly atmospheric in the early morning with mist and low … [Read more...]
The Bamboo Bridge of Faith Across the Rice Fields of Mae Hong Son
Beautifully simple in its construction, simply beautiful in its location. The bamboo bridge of Su Tong Pae in Mae Hong Son province stretches for 500 metres across rice fields and the Mae Sa Nga River to link the temple at one end with the village of … [Read more...]
Chong Para Ceremony and Festival, Mae Hong Son
The end of the traditional Buddhist rains retreat, known in Thai as Awk Phansa, is marked by ceremonies and religious activities throughout Thailand. There are some regions of the country which have their own unique events for Awk Phansa influenced … [Read more...]