Mae Hong Son is a picturesque, mountainous northern province bordering Myanmar to the west and the north. The peaceful capital town is rapidly becoming a tourist 'hot spot' and like many other areas in Thailand has been the setting for a few Hollywood films, Volunteers and Air America, being the more recent of these.

Travelling to the province is only really recommended during the months of November through to March, the dry season, as due to the many unsealed roads in the area, travel becomes increasingly difficult from June to October, the wet season. During the cool periods it is advisable to pack a few winter woolies as the nights can become bitterly cold.

Hill tribes dwell in this part of Thailand and Burmese - style temples, rugged mountains, cascading waterfalls, caves and pristine forests lend the province much of its unspoiled charm. Many consider this section of Thailand's interior the most spectacular, with many hairpin bends taking one through rugged mountain terrain where dense jungle towers overhead.

Covering an area of just under 13,000 sq, km, Mae Hong Son is administratively divided into 5 Amphoes and 2 King Amphoes namely: Muang, Mae Sa Riang, Mae La Noi, Pai, Khun Yuam, King Amphoe Pang Ma Pha and King Amphoe Sop Moei.

The area can be reached from Chiang Mai either by Highway No. 108 or via Pai, which shortens the distance to some 275 kilometers.