Loop Station
Loop Station
 |
 BOSS RV5 Digital Reverb Effects Pedal RV 5 Single Stomp Box NEW  US $159.99
|
 Malekko 616 Analog Delay Echo w Original Box US $25.00
|
Mae Hong Son Loop FAQs
2. What is the best time of year to do the loop?
There is not one best time of year to do the loop as each season has its own merits. The worst time to come though is during the hot season (March, April) due to the high temperatures and smoggy skies caused by farmers burning the forests at this time. Most travelers prefer to come during winter (Nov,Dec,Jan,Feb) as the weather is cooler making it ideal for trekking. Rainy season (May, June,July,Aug,Sep,Oct) although wet, this is when the nature and fields are at their most lush green. For normal sightseeing the rain shouldn't cause much of a problem, but for trekkers this season is probably not recommended.
3. How long do I need to do the loop?
If you are doing the entire journey by road then 5 Days and 4 Nights is a suggested minimum to cover the loop, although one could easily spend a week seeing all the sights. If you don't have this amount of time, there are also flights from Mae Hong Son to Chiang Mai which would cut down on travel time needed.
4. Is it family friendly?
The Mae Hong Son Loop can be a great trip for families. There's lots to see and do for both adults and children and it can be a very educational and cultural experience for both. Activities such as bamboo rafting, elephant riding, hilltribe villages, waterfalls can be enjoyed by young and old alike. Doing the loop by bus could take a bit of extra effort if traveling with kids, a more convenient and flexible option would be self-drive or hire a car and driver.
5. Is Malaria a problem?
If traveling on the main route of the loop then Malaria is not a problem. Although Mae Hong Son province shares borders with Myanmar, Malaria is only a problem if you plan to go right onto the Myanmar border areas.
6. What are the special festivals of Mae Hong Son?
Mae Hong Son is famous for 'Poi Sang Long' festival held at the beginning of April, a traditional Shan festival held to celebrate the entrance of young boys into novice monkhood. The boys are beautifully made up as young princes, wearing bright coloured costumes and make up. The festival lasts for 3 days with parades, singing and dancing, a very colourful and lively affair.
Another festival is 'Bua Tong' or the Sunflower Festival in 'Khun Yuam' district where every November the mountainside is covered in a golden blanket as the Mexican Sunflowers come to bloom. It is a hugely popular attraction for Thai tourists from the south who flock to see this natural beauty and experience the novel winter climate of the north at this time.
7. Do I need to book in advance?
Compared to tourist areas such as Chiang Mai, Mae Hong Son is much more quiet so generally you do not need to book hotels in advance, with the exception of certain busy periods such as new years where hotels can be booked up with Thai tourists. The same goes for bus tickets, you only need to book if you traveling in a busy period where locals will also be wanting bus tickets such as Fridays and Sundays (when people leave or return to work). In this case you can buy a bus ticket the day beforehand at the bus station. Tours do not need to be booked either, unless you are opting for a private or personalized tour.
8. What should I bring?
Compared to the list of items for general travel in Thailand such as insect repellant, sun screen, hat etc. there are no special items needed for the loop
9. What are the transport options?
The loop can be done by bus, self-drive or motorbike. There are flights between some legs of the loop (from Mae Hong Son and Pai to Chiang Mai). Within each of the towns transport is a little trickier as there are no tuktuks or taxis, but there are plenty of bicycles or motorbikes for hire. Mae Hong Son and Pai have motorcycle taxis which you can flag down, noticeable by the bright orange jackets worn by the drivers
10. What is the weather like?
The daytime temperature is warm all year round reaching highs of 35 degrees in the hot season, and around 27-30 degrees in the winter. During winter months it can get chilly in the early mornings and evenings where the temperature dips to 15 degrees so an extra jacket and sweater are recommended. During rainy season it is slightly cooler than hot season albeit more humid. Generally the weather up in the North is cooler than Bangkok or down South
Created by Melissa Ah-Sing is the co-founder of Thailand Hilltribe Holidays a small outfit that specializes in the Mae Hong Son Loop Tours.
About the Author
In nyc are people allowed ride the #6 train around the loop to see city hall station?
I have heard you are allowed. I have heard that you have to pay. And i have heard you can get fined for staying on the train for the loop around. I have seen photos of the station and would love to ride by
Yes you can. Its not illegal at all, and the only thing you have to pay for is the $2.25 fare.
Volcano Damien Rice with Loop Station