A Quest To Do Our Own Trek/Homestay

Taryn and I have been in Mae Hong Son. This is the place that is centrally located to do some trekking if you want to visit some of the hill tribes. When we got here, we realized that it was way different from Pai. Pai was a cool town with heaps to do for the much beaten tourist trail - especially those who want organic or vegan food - who happen to be wearing tie dye or have dreads...Yeah, Pai has this laid back hippy vibe which is cool but we were seeking something a little more quaint and authentic...so we hopped on a bus - since all the minivans were taken - bound for MHS.

Once we got here, we immediately greeted by mountains and the breathtaking scenary that is Mae Hong Son. It is a REALLY small town - with just a few major streets and a few restaurants and guesthouses - but there is an abundance of friendly locals willing to welcome you to their town. After checking at our guesthouse - which was overlooking the lake and 2 beautiful temples -Wat Pratad Doi KongMu ( sitting on top a hill) we dined at a restaurant with a friendly girl, Cristina who was from Spain. The town was so small - that we kept unintentionally bumping into her. We then got massages..

The next day we went for a long walk and found ourselves at a Thai resort that wasn't catered to westerners ( always nice to find) - it was like an oasis to us since we had been walking in the relentless sun. The family who owned the resort were kind enough to let us use their pool for the prices of 20 Baht ( about 70 cents) and enjoy frosty beverages. After enjoying our poolside escapades we decided we would head to Wat Pratad Doi Kongmu - which would be an intense walk to the base and the ascent would be just as fun! Once we got to the base - we looked up and admired the beauty but also knew it was going to be quite a workout getting up there. But along the way, we enjoyed the many vista points. Once we got to the top we were praised by a few locals, "Gang Mak!" - well done! We made it - bells were rung by Taryn for good luck and we walked around the Wat and snapped shots we then headed to the vista point - where everyone enjoys the beautiful sunset over the mountains in Burma. What a sight! We enjoyed the sunset over a few smoothies. After sundown, we headed back home.

To View Photos Visit: http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/moniwelz/ChaingMaiPaiMaeHongSon?authkey=oD2OUuc3A8E

On Thursday we decided was going to be our day to start our quest for own on Trek. We wanted to try doing it on our own instead of an organized tour - since most of them have this rushed and - unauthentic feel to them..Taryn and I both felt it would mean more to go and meet the hilltribes on our own verses being with a group and a tour guide where everything was strategically orchestrated to satisfy the average tourist.... more to come!