Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sleeping & Eating
A row of
outdoor restaurants
(mains 20-60B;
9am-6pm)
outside the Tham Lot park entrance of-
fer simple Thai fare.
Cave Lodge
( 0 5361 7203;
www.cavelodge.com
; dm 120B, r 250B, bungalows 300-1500B; )
Open since 1986, this
is one of the more legendary places to stay in northern Thailand (and probably the first
guesthouse in Mae Hong Son). Run by the unofficial expert on the area, John Spies, the
19 rooms here are basic but unique and varied. The setting on a wooded hillside above the
Nam Lang is beautiful and options for adventure abound.
Choose from caving and kayaking trips (the latter possible from approximately Febru-
ary to May), guided or unguided treks (good maps are available), or just hang out in the
beautiful communal area. The traditional Shan herbal sauna is an experience and the cus-
tom ovens bake bread and other treats. Tham Lot is a short walk away.
HOTEL
$$
Mae La-Na
Set in a jaw-droppingly picturesque mountain valley located 6km off Rte 1095, this tiny,
remote Shan village feels like a lost corner of the world. The most famous local attraction
is
Tham Mae La-Na
, a 12km-long cavern with a stream running through it. Although local
guides are willing to take people inside, in reality the cave lacks the appropriate infra-
structure to support visit-ors, who run a serious risk of permanently damaging delicate
cave formations and disturbing the habitat of sensitive cave fish. A better bet is to check
out the nearby
Tham Pakarang
(Coral Cave) and
Tham Phet
(Diamond Cave), both of which
feature good wall formations. Guides (200B) can be arranged at the main village shop and
petrol station. Some of the caves may not be accessible during the rainy season.
Mae La-Na is also a good base for some inspiring
walks
. Some of Mae Hong Son's most
beautiful scenery is within a day's ramble, and there are several Red and Black Lahu vil-
lages nearby. It's also possible to walk a 15km half-loop all the way from Mae La-Na to
Tham Lot and Soppong. Khun Ampha at Maelana Garden Home can provide a basic map.
The Mae La-Na junction is 13km west of Soppong. A motorcycle taxi here from Sop-
pong costs 200B. Along the way you'll pass the Black Lahu village of Jabo, which also
has a coffin cave.
