Mae Hong Son trekking
July 28-31, 2005
Community-based tourism homestays at ethnic Karen villages
(contact Khun Wasan 06-188-0501 for info/booking)


















leaving Chiang Mai
































monsoon clouds

































































the town and airport of Mae Hong Son
















the main temple, built by the Shan (Burmese) king over 100 years ago






















































Burmese style Buddha image
















It's rainy season and the roads are BAD!

















Our 'four wheel drive truck' couldn't quite get us there....
















So we had to walk and hitch a ride the last km to the village.





















The Village Rules. No drinking in this Christian Karen village--Ban Huay Hee.
















out behind the house...

election time..


















































































orchid conservation area





















admiring a big cycad (?)













































































wreckage of a WWII plane crash on Doi Pui

Mae Hong Son trekking, Part II


















Barry, Karen, and Liane on Doi Pui summit








Doi Pui (5,166 feet) panorama, 360 degrees

















the kitchen, Huay Hee village

















our sleeping arrangement





















spinning cotton
















Liane spinning cotton thread





















High pressure--Karen had to pass the stitch test before we could leave.





















who says you only use your hands for sewing?






















back from the forest with some mushrooms...
















'Goodbye' from the Karen villagers of Huay Hee village





















seeing us off on the trail

















hiking through the dry dipterocarp forest






































valley of the Mae Sa-Mad river, with Huay Kung village on the banks





































Nearly getting swept away...





































Lunch. Rice in banana leaf, boiled egg, chili paste..
































Misty mountains of Mae Hong Son

















rice paddy trekking



















buffalo fence and ladder























signing the guest book





















































watch out for buffalo bombs!!