the POSH Guide

the best of travel destinations and gear

Mae Hong Son

Thailand Mae Hong Son SilentSunday

Mae hong Son province in Thaiuland's far north is a unique destination. It was settled mostly by people from the Shan state so it retains a distinctly Burmese flavor.

A pair of ornate Burmese style temples reflected in a lake.
A pair of the city's oldest temples reflected in the lake between thunderstorms.

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Wat Si Chum

Little visited but much photographed, the small temple of Wat Si Chum in the ancient Siamese capital of Sukhothai contains the remains of a small chapel (mondop) that barely encloses a serenely seated Buddha image. View through the ruined prayer hall to the chapel.

Wat Ratchabophit Window

Wat Ratchabophit is one of many under-the-rader temples in Bangkok. It's very close to the Grand Palace and Wat Po but is much less visited. In addition to the uniquely styled temple compound, there's an adjoining graveyard housing the columbariums of many minor royals.

Hot Waterfall

The aptly named “Hot Waterfall” is one of the more unlikely attractions in southern Thailand's Krabi province. Water from a hot spring flows briefly through the jungle before flowing down a bank into a small river. Minerals (I'm guessing mostly copper from the color) have aggregated over many years to form deep pools good for soaking.

Beng Melea

The Angkor era template of Beng Melea is located 60 kilometers from the main complex near Seam Reap. It was barely cleared when I visited it in 2007. The way the tree roots are wrapped around the stones is almost sensuous.

Sanam Chan Palace

Just west of Bangkok in Nakohn Phathom is the rather whimsical Sanam Chan palace. Built in the early twentieth century, the palace has a very European layout but some buildings show more Thai incluence than others. This doorway is in the Vajariromaya Residence reception room.