Understand

Embark on an unforgettable journey to Pangmapha, a district nestled in the northwestern region of Mae Hong Son province, on the border with Burma. Within this captivating district lies Soppong, a small village nestled in a picturesque river valley. With its prime location on the Mae Hong Son loop, Soppong serves as a bustling trading and market center for the various hill tribe villages that dot the area. Imagine the vibrant blend of cultures as you encounter the diverse community consisting of 40% hill tribe (including Karen, Lisu, and Lahu), 40% Burmese Shan, and 20% Thai, along with a few Haw Chinese Muslim families. While Pangmapha may not currently be a popular tourist hotspot like neighboring Pai, which is now crowded with tourists and boasts over 300 guest houses and hotels, it offers something truly unique. Delight in the genuine traditional feel of Pangmapha, with its limited tourist-oriented businesses and shops, which adds to its authentic charm. Brace yourself for an adventure like no other as you explore the surrounding mountains, caves, rivers, and jungle, unraveling the secrets of this enchanting area. Pangmapha awaits the intrepid traveler!

Get in

To embark on an exciting journey from Chiang Mai to Pangmapha district, you have the option of taking a minibus.

The comfortable, air-conditioned minibuses depart from Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Station throughout the day. The journey takes approximately 4-5 hours, and the fare is 250 baht. If you want to stop in Soppong, simply purchase a ticket to Mae Hong Son and inform the driver about your desired stop.

The minibus operates according to the following schedule:

• 06:30
• 07:30
• 08:30
• 09:30
• 10:30
• 11:30
• 12:30
• 13:30
• 14:30

To ensure a smooth journey, you can book and purchase your ticket in advance by phone or through the website of the operator, Prempracha Transport.

Map & Climate

Popular Foods

Pad Thai: Pad Thai is a signature Thai dish consisting of stir-fried rice noodles with a uniquely balanced blend of sweet, sour, salty, and tangy flavors. It typically includes shrimp or chicken (though can be prepared with tofu for a vegetarian version), scrambled eggs, bean sprouts, and is garnished with crushed peanuts, lime wedges, and fresh herbs like cilantro and green onions. The dish is served with a side of som tam (green papaya salad) and mango sticky rice for a complete meal.

Tom Yum Goong: This spicy and aromatic soup is a beloved Thai classic that features a fragrant broth made from stock, kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass, galangal, lime juice, fish sauce, and chili paste. It's packed with succulent prawns, mushrooms, tomatoes, and other vegetables, with optional additions like snakehead fish or even chicken. The dish is often garnished with fresh cilantro and a sprinkling of pepper.

Mango Sticky Rice: This iconic Thai dessert is a delightful combination of sweet, creamy mango and glutinous rice. The sticky rice is cooked in coconut milk and sugar until it achieves a chewy texture, then served alongside ripe, juicy mango slices. The dish is sometimes garnished with toasted coconut flakes or sesame seeds for added crunch and flavor. It's typically enjoyed during the mango season (May to September) as a sumptuous, refreshing treat.

Historical Appearance

Traditional Male Clothing

Traditional Female Clothing