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 MAE
HONG SON is nestled in a deep valley hemmed in by high mountain
ranges, Mae Hong Son has long been isolated from the outside world.
Virtually covered with mist throughout the year, the name refers
to the fact that is terrain is highly suitable for the training
of elephants.
Former governors of Chiang Mai used to organise the rounding up
of wild elephants which were then trained before being sent to the
capital for work. Today, Mae Hong Son is one of the dream destinations
for visitors. Daily flights into its small airport bring growing
numbers of tourists, attracted by the spectacular scenery, numerous
hilltribe communities and soft adventure opportunities.
THAI YAI CULTURE
 The
Thai Yai can be seen along the northern border with Myanmar. They
may at one time have been the most numerous of the ethnic Thai tribes
that stretch across Southeast Asia. A large group settled in Mae
Hong Son.
The Thai Yai culture has had a strong influence on the province,
as can be seen in its architecture. Although a part of the Lanna
region, the indigenous Thai Yai people living in Mae Hong Son are
faced with very cold weather during winter and extremely hot weather
in the summer, with mist or fog practically throughout the whole
year. Not surprisingly they have had to adapt to the environment.
As a result, their architectural style has developed into something
different from other Lanna communities. Their living quarters are
usually built with tall floors and low roofs, the sizes differing
according to ones social status and position. Homes of the ordinary
folks are usually with one single level of roof, while those of
the local aristocrats have two or more levels forming a castle-like
shape. The space thus provided is believed to help air circulation.
An interesting feature of the Thai Yai style is the perforated designs
along the eaves which are an architectural identity of the area.
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