Cave Lodge

Top choice in Mae Hong Son Province


This is one of the more legendary places to stay in Northern Thailand (and was probably the first guesthouse in Mae Hong Son Province). It's run by John Spies, an expert on the area, with rooms and bungalows ranging from basic options with shared bathrooms to still rustic but comfortable ones with more space. All perch on a hillside overlooking Nam Lang.

Choose from caving and kayaking trips (the latter is possible from approximately February to May), guided or unguided hikes (good maps are available) or just hang out in the beautiful communal area. The traditional Shan herbal sauna is an experience, and the custom ovens bake bread and other treats. Tham Lot is a short walk away.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Mae Hong Son Province attractions

1. Tham Lot

0.34 MILES

About 9km northeast of Soppong is Tham Lot (pronounced tâm lôrt and also known as tâm nám lôrt), a large limestone cave with impressive stalagmites,…

2. Nature Education Centre

0.35 MILES

The Nature Education Centre in the Tham Lot cave complex has basic displays on the area, as well as exhibits of pottery remains found in the cave.

3. Coffin Cave

4.1 MILES

Climb a steep hillside and rickety stairs to reach this sequence of three shallow caves, where you'll find ancient teak coffins carved from solid teak…

4. Nam Tok Mo Paeng

14.69 MILES

The most popular waterfall in the vicinity of Pai, Nam Tok Mo Paeng has a couple of pools that are suitable for swimming. The waterfall is about 8km from…

5. Ban Santichon Viewpoint

15.87 MILES

A viewpoint at the Chinese village of Ban Santichon that offers decent views over the surrounding area.

6. Ban Santichon

16 MILES

The cheesy photo ops in traditional Chinese clothing, piped-in music, tea tastings, pony rides, tacky recreation of the Great Wall of China and…

7. Wat Nam Hoo

16.69 MILES

Wat Nam Hoo is about 2km west of Pai and houses a sacred Buddha image said to have once emitted holy water from its head. The place is popular with…