Mae La-Na Populated Place
The tiny Shan village of Mae La-Na lies between Mae Hong Son and Pai, an ideal diversion off Highway 1095 for cave exploring and treks to nearby Lahu hill-tribe villages.
Exploring 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.
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.
