Mae Hong Son

Mae Hong Son on the Burmese border to the west is particu-larly attractive. Known as 'The City of the Three Mists', it can be reached in half an hour by plane, though those with the time may find driving round on the excellent highway a good introduction to the forest-covered mountains surrounding it. Home to most of Thailand' s colorful hill-peoples - the Pa Dong women with their elongated ringed necks the most spectacularly different in appearance - it offers the adventurous and energetic hot-springs, caves and waterfalls as near or farther destinations. Rafting on the Pai River is particularly recommended. But the small provincial town, with its morning markets and colorful festivals - don't miss the ordination ceremony of young Shan men into the monk hood - is a great place to lounge around, its temple of Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu providing the optimum viewing point for the minimum of effort.