Lakeside Garden Guesthouse

18/07/2018

That's it for us in Mae Hong Son and that's it for Lakeside Garden - after three mad, great years there were too many complications involved in pushing forwards. We'll miss the place dearly. Meantime, we're decamping to somewhere on the coast to enjoy at least one season on the beach. Thanks for your custom and support and good luck on whatever road you're travelling - cheers.

26/04/2018

Poy Sang Long takes place ahead of Songkran here in Mae Hong Son, when young Shan boys are initiated as Buddhist novices - it's a colourful, noisy ceremony and a compelling draw for some visitors.
Meanwhile, with the mercury now reaching past 40 degrees, it's time for a break: Lakeside Garden will be closed during May and re-open for the rain - and a little cooler weather - in June.

MAE HONG SON: Golden umbrellas draped in beads and flowers provide shade for boys as young as seven riding on their fathers' shoulders in a procession through the mountain town of Mae Hong Son on Thailand's northern border.

12/01/2018

Here's a short and elegant little film by Marko Randelovic about the Kayan of Huay Pu Keng, only a few km from Mae Hong Son town. The (in)famous 'Long Neck' women of the Kayan have been the subject of some controversy in recent years - Marko's film allows some of these women to speak for themselves around the subjects of tourism and 'human zoos'...

01/01/2018

Best wishes for the New Year from all of us at Lakeside Garden - Safe and happy travels in 2018!

24/11/2017

The sunflowers are in full bloom down at Bua Tong - well worth a visit but you might want to avoid the weekend...

Thousands of people flocked to the Khun Yuam district of Mae Hong Son province on Sunday to enjoy the sight of Mexican sunflowers in full bloom, causing severe traffic jams.

03/11/2017

Loy Krathong is beautiful in Mae Hong Son - peaceful, spiritual, ambient, with the mostest perfectest backdrop. Remember us in the crowds in Chiang Mai and have a great one wherever you are!

19/10/2017

This photo of Thung Bua Tong - the Mexican Sunflower Fields - at Doi Mae U-kho was taken precisely two years back. The view into Myanmar is spectacular all of its own but come November, the entire hillside blooms into magnificent yellow. It's a popular attraction for Thai visitors - now's the time to be thinking about making a trip!
The Mexican Sunflower (tithonia diversifolia) is the flower of Mae Hong Son province and is said (quite credibly) to have been introduced to the area by Christian missionaries the better part of a century ago. We'll aim to get some images of the hillside in full bloom in a few weeks time - watch this space.

01/10/2017

The rice grows tall, the skies are (mostly) blue and Lakeside Garden is open for the 2017/18 season. Peace yet prevails but Mae Hong Son is slowly stirring from the long, languid wet season - we're looking forward to the stunning sunsets of October, cooler evenings and visits from explorers keen to acquaint themselves with the furthest flung corners of Thailand. Internet bookings via booking.com are now live, prices are held from last year and you'll notice a few improvements about the old place if you drop in - don't be a stranger!

30/03/2017

It's been a long, great, busy season at Lakeside Garden and we hope our guests enjoyed themselves as much as we did. The mercury has been creeping up in March - above 39 centigrade the past five days - the burning season is here, visitors are down to a dribble and it's time for a break. We'll be closed for the heat of April and Songkran, re-opening later in the year when the rains have cooled things down a bit - so not anytime too soon. Watch this space - cheers!

06/01/2017

The sun is shining again in the northwest after a few days of rain and cloud, as seen in this view of the Bamboo Bridge (Sutongpe Bridge) taken this afternoon. Happy New Year to all!

04/12/2016

ROAD REPORT: There don't seem to be that many motorcyclists or scooterists on the Loop at the moment - a pity because it really is beautiful out there right now. It's dry and sunny and clear but be sure and bring some warm clothing if you're planning a motorcycle trip over the next couple of months, especially something to keep out the wind - it's surprising how cold it can be at 70kmph in a morning shadow. Road surfaces are mostly very good on the classic MHS Loop - some repairs seem to be scheduled just north of Mae Sariang where it's gotten a little bumpy and there is a small section being resurfaced halfway between Khun Yuam and MHS. Reports suggest the road between MHS, Pai and Chiang Mai is still in very good condition and on the whole it's looking fine. It's also worth noting that repairs/resurfacing to the 105 south of Mae Sariang to Mae Sot are almost complete with just one last section in the high mountain passes yet to be sealed. It's much improved from 12 months ago and eminently traversable. There are some fantastic vistas up there and this route could make for a very worthwhile addition to the Loop - pictured here is the gentler section south of the hills in Tak province, alongside the Moei River.

03/12/2016

The Mexican Sunflower Field (Thung Dok Bua Tong), out of Khun Yuam, is in full bloom right now. It's quite the sight but, really, this road and the viewpoint would be spectacular on almost any day of the year.