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Mae Hong Son
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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.
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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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Thai
