Mae Hong Son

The road from Pai to Mae Hong Son is legendary.  A precarious, winding road over mountain ridges, it boasts 1864 curves and won't let you forget a single one of them.  The views of the mountain valleys is spectacular.  This is easily the prettiest part of Thailand. 

Nevertheless, it was a relief to finally pull into Mae Hong Son.  Our primary reason for coming here is to see the famous long-necked Karen women on the Burmese border.  It seemed almost like crass exploitation, especially when tourists were herded through the village proper and right through a working elementary school, but I suppose it benefits them too.  Even some of the younger girls have smaller rings around their necks and legs.  Eventually the rings will be replaced with a larger and larger set until their collarbones are broken and smashed down giving their necks a giraffe-like appearance.