Pang Ung Lake in Mae Hong Son

Part of the Mae Hong Son travel guide — see every topic in All Mae Hong Son Guides.

Pang Ung is a small reservoir high in the hills about 44 km from Mae Hong Son town. Its official name is the Pang Tong Royal Project Development II. Pine forest surrounds the lake, and the area sits at about 1,127 m above the sea. In the cool season, thick mist covers the water at dawn. Thai visitors sometimes call it the Switzerland of Thailand. This guide covers what to see, where to stay and when to go.

The lake at dawn

The best time at Pang Ung is sunrise. On cool mornings, mist rises from the lake and drifts between the pine trees. Slowly the sun breaks through and lights the water. Walk along the paths around the lake for different views and reflections. The scene changes fast, so arrive before sunrise and stay for an hour. By mid-morning the mist is usually gone, and the lake is quiet and still. Many Thai visitors come for photos, and the morning can be busy on weekends and holidays. A weekday visit is calmer.

Pine forest and the village

Tall pine trees grow all around the lake and on the hills nearby. Paths lead through the forest along the water. The air is fresh and smells of pine, and it stays cool all year at this height. The lake is part of a royal development project that helps local farmers grow new crops. Nearby is a small village of the Shan people called Ban Ruam Thai. It has small shops, cafés and places to stay. Please respect village life, keep noise low and ask before you take photos of people.

Where to stay

Most visitors stay overnight so they can see the lake at sunrise. There is an area for tent camping near the lake, and tents can often be rented on site. There are also small cottages and homestays in the village. In the cool season, nights can be very cold, so bring warm clothes, a hat and a good sleeping bag, or check that bedding is included. Book ahead for weekends and holidays from November to February. Food is simple, with small restaurants and stalls in the village. Bring cash, as there are no banks.

Getting there

Pang Ung is north of Mae Hong Son town. From the town, follow the main road and then a narrow mountain road for the last part. The drive takes about one to one and a half hours. The road is steep with tight curves, so drive slowly, and do not drive it at night. There is no regular public transport, so most people come by car, by scooter or with a local tour. Many tours from Mae Hong Son town leave very early to arrive for sunrise. Fill your fuel tank in Mae Hong Son town before you go.

When to go

The best time to visit is the cool season, especially November and December. Mornings are cold, the sky is clear and the dawn mist is thickest. January can also be very good, though nights are colder. From about March to April, smoke from fires across the north often makes the sky grey. The rainy season, from about June to October, brings green hills and fewer visitors, but the mountain road can be muddy and slippery, and there is less chance of a clear sunrise. Check the weather before you drive up.

Pang Ung Lake at a glance

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