Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( 0 5361 1681;
www.rosegarden-tours.com
; 86/4 Th Khunlumprapas; tours from 600B; 8.30am-10pm)
The
English- and French-speaking guides at this long-standing agency focus on cultural and
sightseeing tours.
TOURS
Tour Merng Tai
( 0 5361 1979;
www.tourmerngtai.com
; 89 Th Khunlumprapas)
This outfit mostly does city-based van
tours and cycling tours, but can also arrange treks.
Festivals & Events
Poi Sang Long Festival
Wat Jong Klang and Wat Jong Kham are the focal point of this March festival, where
young Shan boys are ordained as novice monks in the ceremony known as
boò·at lôok
gâa·ou
. As part of the Shan custom, the boys are dressed in ornate costumes (rather than
simple white robes) and wear flower headdresses and facial make-up.
ORDINATION CEREMONY
Jong Para Festival
Another important local event, this festival is held towards the end of the Buddhist Rains
Retreat around October - it's three days before the full moon of the 11th lunar month, so it
varies from year to year. The festival begins with local Shan bringing offerings to monks
in the temples in a procession marked by the carrying of models of castles on poles.
An important part of the festival is the folk theatre and dance, which is performed on
the wát grounds, some of it unique to northwest Thailand.
BUDDHIST
Loi Krathong
During this national holiday in November - usually celebrated by floating
grà·tong
(small
lotus floats) on the nearest pond, lake or river - Mae Hong Son residents launch balloons
called
grà·tong sà·wǎn
(heaven
grà·tong
) from Doi Kong Mu.
TRADITIONAL
Sleeping
Mae Hong Son generally lacks inspiring accommodation, although there are a couple of
standout midrange options. Because it's a tourist town, accommodation prices fluctuate
with the seasons; outside of the high season (November to January) it's worth pursuing a
discount.
