Su Tong Pae Bamboo Bridge

Bridge

A bamboo footbridge about 500 metres long that winds across the rice fields of Ban Kung Mai Sak, north of Mae Hong Son town, linking the village to a hillside forest meditation centre.

Su Tong Pae Bamboo Bridge Map data © OpenStreetMap contributorsMae Hong SonPha Bong Hot SpringsWat Phra That Doi Kong MuDoi Hua MotSu Tong Pae Bamboo Bridge

Su Tong Pae Bamboo Bridge essentials

Country: Thailand
Driest months: Dec-Feb
Pay in: Baht (฿)
Language: Thai
Emergency: 191

About Su Tong Pae Bamboo Bridge

The Su Tong Pae Bamboo Bridge crosses the paddy fields and a small river at Ban Kung Mai Sak, a Shan village about 10km north of Mae Hong Son town. At roughly 500 metres it is one of the longest bamboo bridges in Thailand, snaking across the fields to the Phu Sama forest meditation centre on the hillside opposite. Monks, novices and villagers built it together, with land, bamboo and labour donated by the community, so that the monks would have an easy path to the village for their morning alms round in every season. It was completed in 2012, and its name is usually translated as ‘successful prayer’.

For visitors, the appeal is the walk itself: a long, gently creaking boardwalk just above the rice, with forested mountains on every side. The scene changes with the farming year, from flooded fields and bright green seedlings in the rainy season to golden rice before the harvest in October and November. Come early in the morning and you may see monks crossing on their way to the village.

Things to Do
When to Go

Weather & Climate near Su Tong Pae Bamboo Bridge

Climate

Su Tong Pae Bamboo Bridge's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with very hot summers (peaking in April) and warm winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 14°C to 37°C. Abundant rainfall (1265 mm/year), wettest in August with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 87 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
FebruaryJanuaryDecember
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
41°
Warmest Month
1°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Ideal 14° - 28° 21° 6 mm mostly sunny 66% 0.7 m/s 1.5 very high 11.0h
February Ideal 16° - 31° 23° 5 mm clear 54% 1.0 m/s 1.9 very high 11.4h
March Excellent 20° - 35° 28° 17 mm mostly sunny 52% 0.9 m/s 2.0 extreme 11.9h
April Very Good 24° - 37° 33° 57 mm some cloud 57% 0.9 m/s 2.2 extreme 12.5h
May Acceptable 24° - 34° 34° 170 mm overcast 74% 1.1 m/s 2.2 extreme 12.9h
June Acceptable 24° - 32° 32° 177 mm overcast 82% 1.1 m/s 2.0 extreme 13.2h
July Acceptable 24° - 31° 31° 217 mm overcast 85% 1.1 m/s 1.9 very high 13.1h
August Acceptable 24° - 31° 31° 247 mm overcast 86% 1.0 m/s 1.9 very high 12.7h
September Acceptable 24° - 31° 31° 202 mm overcast 84% 0.7 m/s 1.9 very high 12.1h
October Good 23° - 31° 27° 106 mm partly cloudy 82% 1.2 m/s 1.8 very high 11.6h
November Excellent 20° - 29° 25° 45 mm mostly sunny 79% 0.7 m/s 1.6 very high 11.1h
December Ideal 16° - 28° 22° 16 mm mostly sunny 75% 0.8 m/s 1.4 high 10.9h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Su Tong Pae Bamboo Bridge

The bridge is at Ban Kung Mai Sak, about 10km north of Mae Hong Son town, and is signposted from town; the ride takes 15 to 20 minutes by car or motorbike. There is no regular public transport, so rent a scooter in town or hire a driver. It combines well with Fish Cave in Tham Pla-Pha Suea National Park or the road north to Ban Rak Thai.

Tips for Visiting Su Tong Pae Bamboo Bridge

  • The bamboo needs regular repair, and parts of the bridge have been damaged by floods and by crowds in the past, so check locally that it is fully open, especially after heavy rain.
  • The far end is an active meditation centre and the bridge is a working path for monks, so dress modestly and keep the noise down.
  • Early morning and late afternoon bring the softest light and the fewest visitors.