|
 Mae
Hong Son is nestled in a deep valley hemmed in by high mountain
ranges, Mae Hong Son has long been isolated from the outside
world. Virtually covered with mist throughout the year,
the name refers to the fact that is terrain is highly suitable
for the training of elephants.
Former governors of Chiang Mai used to organise the rounding
up of wild elephants which were then trained before being
sent to the capital for work. Today, Mae Hong Son is one
of the dream destinations for visitors. Daily flights into
its small airport bring growing numbers of tourists, attracted
by the spectacular scenery, numerous hilltribe communities
and soft adventure opportunities.
THAI YAI CULTURE
The Thai Yai can be seen along the northern border with
Myanmar. They may at one time have been the most numerous
of the ethnic Thai tribes that stretch across Southeast
Asia. A large group settled in Mae Hong Son.
The Thai Yai culture has had a strong influence on the
province, as can be seen in its architecture. Although a
part of the Lanna region, the indigenous Thai Yai people
living in Mae Hong Son are faced with very cold weather
during winter and extremely hot weather in the summer, with
mist or fog practically throughout the whole year. Not surprisingly
they have had to adapt to the environment.
As a result, their architectural style has developed into
something different from other Lanna communities. Their
living quarters are usually built with tall floors and low
roofs, the sizes differing according to ones social status
and position. Homes of the ordinary folks are usually with
one single level of roof, while those of the local aristocrats
have two or more levels forming a castle-like shape. The
space thus provided is believed to help air circulation.
An interesting feature of the Thai Yai style is the perforated
designs along the eaves which are an architectural identity
of the area.
|
