Special Events Poi Sang Long Procession March-May This is a traditional Thai Yai mass ordination ceremony for novice monks in which the candidates, with their heads shaven and wrapped with Burmese-style head-cloth, don prince-like garments and jewels, and are taken on horseback or carried on shoulders to the city shrine. Chong Phara Procession October Chong Phara are model castles made of wood and coloured paper and decorated with fruits, flags and lamps. On the full-moon day of the 11th lunar month these are placed in the courtyard of houses and temples as a gesture to welcome the Lord Buddha on his return from giving sermons to his mother in heaven, according to traditional belief. Other activities to celebrate the occasion include dances with performers dressed in animal costumes.
Loi Krathong October/November In addition to traditional Loi Krathong celebrations around Chong Kham Lake, candle-lit krathong suspended from balloons are released at Wat Phrathat Doi Kong Mu. Bua Tong Blossom Festival November Each year in November, the hilltribes of Khun Yuam and Mae Sariang districts are filled with a host of golden Bua Tong blossoms. They are as yellow as daisies and almost as large as sunflowers. At Doi Mae U-kho, the blossoms are profuse, but only last for a month. Shopping The Mae Hong Son Royal Folk Art Centre offers a variety of hand-made products from woven fabrics to basketry. Tel. 0 5361 1244
Hotel Recommended