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MAE HONG SON is nestled in a deep
valley hemmed in by high mountain ranges, Mae Hong Son has long
been isolated from the outside world. Virtually covered with mist
throughout the year, the name refers to the fact that is terrain
is highly suitable for the training of elephants.
Former governors of Chiang Mai used to organise the rounding up
of wild elephants which were then trained before being sent to the
capital for work. Today, Mae Hong Son is one of the “dream
destination” for visitors. Daily flights into its small airport
bring growing numbers of tourists, attracted by the spectacular
scenery, numerous hilltribe communities and soft adventure opportunities.
THAI YAI CULTURE
The Thai Yai can be seen along the northern border with Myanmar.
They may at one time have been the most numerous of the ethnic Thai
tribes that stretch across Southeast Asia. A large group settled
in Mae Hong Son.
The Thai Yai culture has had a strong influence on the province,
as can be seen in its architecture. Although a part of the Lanna
region, the indigenous Thai Yai people living in Mae Hong Son are
faced with very cold weather during winter and extremely hot weather
in the summer, with mist or fog practically throughout the whole
year. Not surprisingly they have had to adapt to the environment.
As a result, their architectural style has developed into something
different from other Lanna communities. Their living quarters are
usually built with tall floors and low roofs, the sizes differing
according to one’s social status and position. Homes of the
ordinary folks are usually with one single level of roof, while
those of the local aristocrats have two or more levels forming a
castle-like shape. The space thus provided is believed to help air
circulation. An interesting feature of the Thai Yai style is the
perforated designs along the eaves which are an architectural identity
of the area.
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