Mae Hong Son - Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu

It takes half an hour from the western edge of Mae Hong Son to climb the 250 m (820 ft) Doi Kong Mu to the hilltop monastery of Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu, with two Burmese chedis that can be seen lit up at night from down in the town. The ascent is quite an experience; in the middle of the forest, two enormous stone lions, in the Burmese style, guard the foot of the overgrown staircase covering the last few feet to the top. There are fine views over the town and the countryside.