Karen Long Neck Village
This is an authentic long-established village community on the banks of the Pai River downstream from Mae Hong Son and just above the Burmese border. It is cut off by high water and unpassable tracks during the rainy season. The people are subsistence rice farmers, fishermen and weavers and visitors also bring in useful revenue in the winter and provide a market for their weavings. The village is reached by an exciting ride downriver in a fast scorpion long tail boat in about 40 minutes, and the village visit takes an hour or so.
There is an excellent restaurant with impressive rainforest water garden, best in Mae Hong Son, en route to the boat station.
Rak Thai Chinese Village
The Chinese Village at Rak Thai. Remote Chinese enclave on the Burmese Border, remnant of the defeated Chinese Nationalist Army, for years opium smugglers. Granted amnesty and Thai nationality, they reinvented themselves as tea planters. Very recently another evolution, now a seething, rapidly expanding destination for throngs of Thais of Chinese origin. En route the Queen’s Summer Palace, a beautiful highland lake community and impressive waterfall. The detour climbs a beautiful valley to the highest village in Thailand. Only feasible from the airport when the early flight from Chiang Mai is reinstated. Otherwise, a fascinating day trip from Kanlaya’s.
Stops Along the way
Road to Mai Hong Son
Explore some of the region’s most beautiful and atmospheric places, from the tranquil bamboo bridge and peaceful forest monastery to the refreshing waters of Souza Waterfall and panoramic views across the mountains at Pangmapha.
- Bamboo Bridge – Walk through rice fields and rural landscapes on this beautiful traditional bridge.
- Forest Monastery – Discover a peaceful Buddhist monastery hidden amongst the trees.
- Souza Waterfall – Cool off and enjoy the natural beauty of this secluded waterfall.
- Pangmapha Viewpoint – Take in spectacular views across the mountains and valleys of Mae Hong Son.
