Mae Hong Son - Ban Rak Thai

Last week we took a shortcut from Khun Wang in Chiang Mai to Khun Yuam in Mae Hong Son. Today let's go further north, skip Mae Hong Son town, and explore one of this mountainous province's most interesting areas.

From the town take Highway 1095, and after just nine kilometres you'll see on the right-hand side a large sign and a side road that leads to the headquarters of Namtok Mae Surin National Park, today's Point A.

Driving further on the 1095, eight kilometres from the park, you'll see on your left the road sign to Tham Pla, our Point B1. Yes, follow that sign.

After you're done with Tham Pla, drive a few kilometres back on the 1095 until you find Rural Highway 5001 on the right-hand side. This minor road is the major part of today's route.

Not far from the beginning of the 5001, the road forks. Go left and you'll be heading to the long-necked Karen "village" at Ban Nai Soi. Nope, that's not in our itinerary. Let's turn right.

After a short while you'll see Poo Klon, our Point C. From there, Pha Sua Waterfall (Point B2) and Pang Tong Royal Residence (Point D) are, respectively, 9.5 and 13.5 kilometres up the road.

To get to Ban Ruam Thai, the so called "Mae Hong Son's Switzerland", continue along the 5001 and turn left at Ban Na Pa Paek. Just follow the sign uphill and you won't get lost.

Our final point of interest, the Chinese village of Ban Rak Thai, is located at the northern end of the 5001.
Bangkok Post March 06 www.bangkokpost.com