Mae Sariang
แม่สะเรียง · Mae Hong Son Province
Population
8K
Budget / Month
$225
Internet
25 Mbps
Best Season
November to February
About Mae Sariang
Mae Sariang sits in a valley along the Yuam River, surrounded by mountains near the Myanmar border. With about 8,000 people, it is more village than city, but serves as the administrative center for this remote part of Mae Hong Son province. The town is a meeting point of Thai, Shan, and Karen cultures.
Two beautiful Shan-style temples — Wat Jong Sung and Wat Si Bunruang — anchor the town. The morning market brings together vendors from all three traditions. The Yuam River gives the town a peaceful waterfront. Most visitors encounter Mae Sariang as a stop on the Mae Hong Son Loop, the famous motorcycle circuit from Chiang Mai. Route 108 from Mae Hong Son to Mae Sariang is one of Thailand's most scenic mountain roads with thousands of curves.
The surrounding Karen villages are accessible with local guides, and Salawin National Park to the south offers the Salween River forming the Myanmar border. Mae Sariang is for travelers who enjoy remote, quiet places with genuine cultural complexity.
Historical Note
Mae Sariang has been inhabited by Shan and Karen peoples for centuries, sitting at a crossroads between river valleys. The Shan influence shows in the temples while Karen villages dominate the surrounding mountains.
Best time to visit: November to February
At a Glance
Thai Name
แม่สะเรียง
Province
Mae Hong Son
Region
Northern
Population
8,000
Area
2,774 km²
Elevation
220 m
Postal Code
58110
Local Language
Thai, Shan, Karen, Kam Muang
Cost of Living
budget
/month8,100 THB
~$225 USD
comfortable
/month13,500 THB
~$375 USD
luxury
/month22,000 THB
~$610 USD
food
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Street food meal | 30 | 50 |
| Local restaurant meal | 40 | 70 |
| Cappuccino | 40 | 60 |
| Beer (bar) | 55 | 90 |
| Water bottle (1.5L) | 12 | 18 |
| Fresh fruit smoothie | 20 | 35 |
accommodation
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Budget hotel | 300 | 500 |
| Mid-range hotel | 600 | 1,200 |
transport
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Motorbike rental (day) | 200 | 350 |
| Songthaew ride | 20 | 40 |
| Fuel (full tank scooter) | 80 | 120 |
utilities
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Internet fiber (month) | 400 | 600 |
| Mobile plan (month) | 200 | 400 |
entertainment
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Karen village trek (guided) | 500 | 1,500 |
| Laundry (load) | 30 | 50 |
Internet & Connectivity
Speed Test Averages
vs Bangkok Average (200 Mbps)
13% of Bangkok speed
Providers
Coworking Spaces
0
Weather & Climate
November to February for cool, clear weather and the best road conditions. Rainy season makes some side roads impassable. Avoid March-April for extreme haze.
Burning Season Warning
March-April severe haze — Mae Hong Son province is heavily affected
| Month | High °C | Low °C | Rain (mm) | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 30 | 12 | 5 | 55% |
| Feb | 33 | 14 | 5 | 48% |
| Mar | 36 | 18 | 15 | 48% |
| Apr | 38 | 22 | 50 | 55% |
| May | 34 | 23 | 160 | 72% |
| Jun | 32 | 23 | 150 | 78% |
| Jul | 31 | 23 | 180 | 80% |
| Aug | 31 | 22 | 220 | 82% |
| Sep | 31 | 22 | 200 | 82% |
| Oct | 31 | 20 | 110 | 75% |
| Nov | 30 | 16 | 25 | 62% |
| Dec | 28 | 12 | 5 | 55% |
Things to Do
Wat Jong Sung & Wat Si Bunruang
วัดจองสูง วัดศรีบุญเรือง
Two beautiful Shan-style temples with multi-tiered roofs and ornate woodwork, visually distinct from central Thai temples.
Morning Market
Multicultural market with Shan, Karen, and Thai vendors selling produce and prepared food from all three traditions.
Yuam River Walk
Peaceful evening walk along the river, the social heart of town with food stalls setting up at sunset.
Mae Hong Son Loop Drive
Mae Sariang is a key stop on the famous motorcycle loop. Route 108 north to Mae Hong Son has 1,864 curves through mountains.
Karen Village Visits
Guided visits to Karen hilltribe villages in the surrounding mountains with cultural exchange opportunities.
Salawin National Park
อุทยานแห่งชาติสาละวิน
Where the Yuam River meets the Salween, forming the Myanmar border. River boat trips available.
Food & Dining
ข้าวซอยไทใหญ่
Khao Soi Shan
Shan-style khao soi with flat rice noodles in clear broth — lighter and different from the Chiang Mai coconut version.
30-45
Morning market
เต้าหู้ไทใหญ่
Shan Tofu
Chickpea-flour tofu, fried or sliced cold — a uniquely Shan dish found at the morning market.
20-35
Morning market
แกงผักหวาน
Kaeng Pak Wan
Curry with sweet-leaf bush, a local wild vegetable foraged from the surrounding forests.
30-50
Local restaurants
น้ำพริกหนุ่ม
Nam Phrik Num
Roasted green chili dip served with sticky rice and vegetables — a fiery northern Thai staple.
25-40
Local restaurants
Accommodation
Hostel Dorm
200 - 300
THB / night
Budget Hotel
300 - 500
THB / night
Mid-Range
600 - 1,200
THB / night
Luxury
1,200 - 2,500
THB / night
Studio /mo
2,000 - 3,000
THB / night
1BR /mo
2,500 - 4,000
THB / night
Best Areas for Tourists
Best Areas for Long Stay
Booking Tip
Riverhouse Hotel is the most popular traveler option. Book ahead during peak season (December-January) when Loop riders pass through.
Getting There from Bangkok
Flight to Chiang Mai + bus
1.5 hours + 4 hours
1,500-4,000 THB
Getting Around
Motorbike rental
LimitedThe only practical way to explore beyond the tiny town center.
200-350/day
Walking
WidespreadTown center is small enough to walk entirely.
Free
Neighborhoods
Riverside / Temple Area
Peaceful and scenicAlong the Yuam River with the two Shan temples and guesthouses. The scenic and spiritual heart of town.
Best for: Atmosphere and accommodation
Market Area
Quiet market townSmall commercial center near the morning market with shops and food stalls.
Best for: Food and supplies
Festivals & Events
Poi Sang Long
ปอยส่างลอง
Shan ordination ceremony similar to Mae Hong Son's but smaller and more intimate.
Jong Para
จองพารา
Illuminated float procession to temples — a distinctly Shan tradition predating Loy Krathong.
Practical Info
Hospital
Mae Sariang Hospital (small)
Best SIM Provider
AIS
ATM Availability
Limited
Language Tip
Very little English. Shan and Karen widely spoken alongside Thai.
Drinking Water
Bottled water only
Tipping Culture
Not expected
7-Eleven Density
Sparse
Emergency Numbers
Tourist police 1155, Emergency 191
Day Trips
Salawin National Park
Salween River border with Myanmar. River boat trips offer a unique border perspective.
Ob Luang Gorge
Dramatic river gorge in a national park on the road toward Chiang Mai.
Nearby Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mae Sariang worth visiting?
As a stop on the Mae Hong Son Loop, definitely. The Shan temples are beautiful and the multicultural atmosphere is genuine. Too remote as a standalone destination for most.
How do I get there?
Fly to Chiang Mai then bus (4 hours via Route 108). Or ride the Mae Hong Son Loop by motorbike from Chiang Mai.
What is Mae Sariang known for?
Shan-style temples, being a key stop on the Mae Hong Son Loop, Karen hilltribe villages, and its riverside border-town atmosphere.
How many days do I need?
One night is typical for Loop riders. Two nights if exploring Karen villages or Salawin National Park.
Where should I stay?
The riverside area near the Shan temples for atmosphere. Riverhouse Hotel is the most popular traveler option.
Is it cheap?
Extremely. Budget living around 8,100 THB/month. But amenities are very limited.