Special Events

There are several big annual events in Mae Hong Son that you will want to make note of, not least because they are the few times that the city's hotels and accommodations will most likely be full.

Poy Sang Long

The Thai Yai (Shan) residents of Mae Hong Son celebrate a boy's (usually temporary) entry to the monkhood like no other Thais. Held at the beginning of April to coincide with the annual school holidays, boys between the ages of seven and 14 are dressed in elaborate 'princely' costumes and paraded on the shoulders of men to and around the temple. Its a three-day party culminating with the boy's ordination on the third day.

Loi Krathong

Loi Krathong, which can be thought of as a sort of Thai version of St. Valentines Day, is celebrated throughout Thailand. Throughout most of the country, Thais will float small krathongs made from banana leaves on canals, lakes or rivers. In Mae Hong Son, however, they make huge paper balloons which are filled from the hot air of fires and launched from the temple grounds on Doi Kong Mu.