Mae Aw Travel Guide
Situated on a mountain peak straddling the Thai-Burma border is the quaint town of Mae Aw. The distinct Chinese flavor of Mae Aw comes from the Chinese KMT who settled here decades ago.
- Worth It?
- Absolutely, if you are going to Mae Hong Son.
- What to Do
- check out the huge fish at Tham Pla cave, picnic at Pha Sua Waterfall or visit a hill tribe village.
- Best Time to Go
- the dry winter season from November to April is the best time to visit.
- How Long?
- Two or three days are enough to get a feel for Mae Aw.
If you want to push the limits of adventure on your trip to Thailand, make your way to Mae Aw. It's a frontier town with an unmistakable Chinese influence just outside of Mae Hong Son. There's little to do in Mae Aw except marvel at the ubiquitous Chinese signs and non-Thai residents.
A number of Shan, Hmong and Karen hill tribe villages dot the area, and make interesting day excursions. Having your own wheels is crucial up here, as transport is irregular and unreliable. Pha Sua Waterfall is a nice diversion, especially if it's hot and you want to cool off in the pools.
Tham Pla National Park is also near Mae Aw. This unusual animist cave system is full of sacred carp that grow up to three feet long. The Pang Tong Summer Palace is another interesting site in the area.
Travel to Mae Aw - Getting There
Mae Hong Son is the nearest town to Mae Aw. Songtaew taxis make the trip between the two towns, but it's advised to rent your own vehicle in Mae Hong Son and drive yourself to all the little attractions. The nearest airport is in Mae Hong Son and it receives daily flights from Chiang Mai.
Mae Aw Things to Do
Mae Aw Attractions
Best of the World 
Best in the Country 
Recommended 
