Mae Hong Son

Getting Here & Around

By Air

SGA Airlines flies five times a week between Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son (40 minutes; about B1,700). The Mae Hong Son Airport is at the town's northern edge. Songthaews run to the city center for around B50. In March and April, smoke from slash-and-burn fires often causes flight cancellations.

By Bus

Chiang Mai's Arcade Bus Terminal serves Mae Hong Son. Several buses depart daily on an eight-hour journey that follows the northern section of the Loop, via Pai. Buses stop in the center of town.

By Car

If you choose to rent a car, you'll probably do it in Chiang Mai, but Avis also has an office at Mae Hong Son Airport, if needed.

The road to Mae Hong Son from Chiang Mai has more than 1,200 curves, so make sure your rental car has power steering. The most comfortable way to travel the route and enjoy the breathtaking mountain scenery is to let somebody else do the driving. The Loop road brings you here from either direction; the northern route through Pai (six hours) is a more attractive trip; the southern route through Mae Sariang (eight hours) is easier driving.