Rafting Along Pai River
With its approximately length of 180 kms., 30 m. width and 7 m. depth, the Pai River is the biggest and longest river in Mae Hong Son.
This challenges the adventurous lover to raft along this river, and three most suitable points are recommended. They are:

1. Source of the River to Amphoe Pai: Starting from Hua Chang Kaeo, 16 kms. Amphoe Pai to Wiang Nua Bridge or Ban Chumphon near Amphoe Pai, taking about 6 hours. Most suitable time to raft is between October - March, and 2 weeks prior contact for the raft is recommended.

2. From Amphoe Pai to Amphoe Muang: Starting from Ban Mo Tang, 30 kms. from Amphoe Pai to Ban Pang Mu in Amphoe Muang. The distance of this route is about 70 kms and takes at least 5 days of rafting, and dug to much difference in water level at one point of the Pai River along this route therefore, two rafts setting are required to change at this mentioned point.
More information of rafting along this route can be obtained from official at Pai District Office.

3. From Amphoe Muang to Thai - Myanma Border Starting from Ban Huai Dua, Tambon Pha Bong, about 6 kms. from Amphoe Muang, to the border at Ban Nam Phiang Dir.
Normally this section of the Pai River is more enjoyable to cruise along by the long - tailed motor boat which only takes 2-3 hour returned trip or trekking on elephant back instead of rafting since the nature and scenery are fascinated and beautiful.

Wat Phra Non contains a huge Burmese style Reclining Buddha image of about 12 meters long. The temple also houses ashes of Mae Hong Son kings. Two massive stone lions guard the temple staircase.

BY ROAD FROM CHIANG MAI
The scenic route from Chiang Mai via Hot and Mae Sariang to Mae Hong Son passes several noteworthy attractions. Some 25 kilometres before reaching Mae Sariang, the wild sunflower fields of Doi Mae Ho provide a colourful sight during November and December. A large Karen village, Pha Ma Lo, some 3 kilometres from the Mae Sariang market, is renowned for reasonably priced hand- woven fabrics. Village maidens are distinguished by their white apparel.

Mae Sam Laep, a picturesque Salawein River hamlet some 46 kilometres south of Mae Sariang, on Highway 1085, is a popular venue for rafting along local stretches of the river dividing Thailand and Myanmar. North of Mae Sanang, on Highway 108, are the Mae Ha Cave and Mae Na Hot Springs, both a popular with local tourists. At Km 220 on Highway 108, the Mae Surin waterfall, are in the Namtok Mae Surin National Park, is believed to be the highest waterfall in Thailand. Nearby, the 250-acre wild sunflower fields of Doi Mae U-Kho are in full bloom between November and December.

LONG-NECKED WOMEN
One of the most exotic sights in Mae Hong Son is that of the Pa Dong (Padaung) Karens, a hilltribe community farming rice, tea and tobacco. Certain Pa Dong females 'elongate' their necks from an early age with brass which is coiled around their necks to give a brass ring effect. The greater number of coils is believed to enhance physical beauty and increase aesthetic appeal. Older women wear as many as 20, or more, brass coils around their necks. Pa Dong Karens can be seen in their natural environment at Ban Nam Phiang Din near the Thai-Burmese border, which entails a 45-minute longtail boat ride through scenic country, or a 36-kilometre drive through rugged landscape.