Weekend in Mae Sariang

I had promised my sister-in-law and her husband that we would visit them in Mae Sariang some day, and finally that day arrived. End of November is particularly the time to visit Mae U Kho to see the Dok Bua Tong (Wild Maxican Sunflower) in bloom.

From Chiang Mai, our first stop was at Ob Luang National Park, and interesting prehistoric archaeological site. A thunderous river flows through a picturesque gorge. On a clear day, walking a short climb to the top of the gorge and enjoying the view from the bridge was a site to remember.

Next, we stopped to have a look at the famous Pine Forests at Haad Suan Son. This stunning forest of pine trees with wide grassy areas in between, reminded me of my childhood, living in the Western Himalayas among pine trees. With a beautiful atmosphere and cool breezes, the location provided perfect stopover to relax and enjoy the beauty of this forest.

We arrived in Mae Sariang in the evening and had dinner in an interesting restaurant overlooking the corn fields. The sunset was breathtaking. After a few beers and an enjoyable dinner, we were ready for bed.
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Early morning, the next day our first stop was at Kaew Komol Cave, about 28 Km from Mae Sariang on the Mae Hong Son road. The caves are one of the most beautiful in Thailand with crystal calcite in the cavern, the calcite mineral or calcium carbonate is crystallized on the cave walks, making the colour white as snow. The Cavern can only be found in 3 places in the world, Australia, China and here in Thailand.

After a fulfilling noodle soup on a roadside restaurant we drove to Mae U Kho. During the month of November, the hills and valleys of Mae U Kho, one of Thailand's most naturally scenic areas, turn to gold when the Dok Bua Tong (Giant Wild Mexican Sunflower, Tithonia Diversifolia) comes into full bloom. It was the most enjoyable site to see the mountains covered with golden yellow as far as one could see.

​We had the most enjoyable weekend in and around Mae Sariang.