Mae La-NaExploring Mae La-Na
Some of the most beautiful scenery in this corner of northern Thailand surrounds Mae La-Na, thanks to its limestone karst landscape. The peaceful Shan (Tai Yai) village has a smattering of modest eateries, a school and a few homes, but it is the Burmese Shan influence that makes it an interesting destination.
Most people come to Mae La-Na to trek deeper toward the Burmese border, where Red and Black Lahu ethnic groups still live in their traditional way. It is a remote, rugged and adventurous part of Thailand, well off the tourist trail.
Besides trekking, there are excellent caves to explore. Tham Mae La-Na is the largest and most famous of the local caves, with a river running some 12km through dripping limestone formations. Coral Cave, Diamond Cave, Pearl Cave and Broken Rice Cave are also worth investigating.
Where to go:
- Red and Black Lahu villages - within easy walking distance of town are traditional Lahu villages that welcome visitors.
- Tham Mae La-Na - the largest of the many limestone cave systems in the area, well worth the walk to reach it.
Nearby Attractions to Mae La-Na
Weather & Climate near Mae La-Na
Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in April) and mild winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 11°C to 34°C. Abundant rainfall (1175 mm/year), wettest in August with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 11° - 25° | 18° | 4 mm | - | - | 0.8 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 13° - 28° | 21° | 6 mm | - | - | 1.2 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 16° - 32° | 24° | 18 mm | - | - | 1.0 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 20° - 34° | 27° | 45 mm | - | - | 1.1 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 21° - 31° | 26° | 169 mm | - | - | 1.2 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 21° - 29° | 25° | 142 mm | - | - | 1.2 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 21° - 28° | 24° | 187 mm | - | - | 1.2 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 21° - 28° | 24° | 226 mm | - | - | 1.0 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 21° - 28° | 24° | 194 mm | - | - | 0.8 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 19° - 28° | 23° | 119 mm | - | - | 0.8 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 16° - 26° | 21° | 50 mm | - | - | 0.9 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 13° - 25° | 19° | 15 mm | - | - | 0.8 m/s | - | - |
Mae La-Na: Getting There & Need to Know
- What is it? A remote corner of Thailand peopled by ethnic minority groups.
- What to do: trek to the remote Lahu villages, go caving, and enjoy the Shan atmosphere of the town itself.
- Best time to go: the winter months of November to February are best.
- Nearest towns: Soppong is just 20km to the east and Mae Hong Son is about an hour’s drive to the southwest.
- How long? A few days could be spent walking to various attractions nearby.
Mae La-Na sits between Mae Hong Son and Pai, both of which have small airports with regular flights. Otherwise access is by road: slow public buses from Chiang Mai, or a rented car driven along the winding Highway 1095. The turn-off road into the village is very steep.