Major city · Thailand
Pangmaphaปางมะผ้า
Stay 2 nights in Soppong for caves and hill-tribe villages without Pai's crowds; skip it if you only have one night on the Mae Hong Son Loop.
Pangmapha is a district in Mae Hong Son Province, northwestern Thailand, on the Mae Hong Son Loop between Pai and Mae Hong Son. Its main village, Soppong, is a small Shan and hill-tribe trading town with guesthouses, a market and some of the best cave country in the north. It is far quieter than Pai, 45 km away, and most travellers use it as a two-night stop for Tham Lot cave, jungle walks and village visits.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- THB
- Best months
- Nov–Feb
- avoid Mar–Apr (smoke and heat), Jun–Sep (rain)
- Airports
- CNX · HGN
- Nights
- 2
Rules in force · 6Drug trafficking can carry the death penalty in Singapore…
- Southeast Asia ↗Drug trafficking can carry the death penalty in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Brunei and Myanmar; never carry a bag or parcel for anyone.
- Southeast Asia ↗Carry a passport valid for at least six months from entry with two blank pages; airlines refuse boarding on less.
- Thailand ↗Check entry rules and any arrival card on the official Thai government sites for your passport; visa-exempt stays and pre-arrival forms change.
- Thailand ↗Do not criticise or mock the monarchy: insulting the royal family is a criminal offence.
- Thailand ↗Temples and palaces: shoulders and knees covered, shoes off before entering halls.
- Thailand ↗E-cigarettes and vapes are illegal to import or use; do not pack them.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Pangmapha191 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Pangmapha, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Thai baht (THB, ฿).Thailand-wide
- SIM or eSIMAIS and TrueMove H sell tourist SIMs at airport arrivals; passport registration is required.Thailand-wide
- Tap waterNot drinkable from the tap.Thailand-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: Leave ฿20–100 (≈ US$1–4) or the coins; skip it if a 10% service charge is on the bill.Thailand-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B/C/O. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 220 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Thailand-wide
- SafetyPangmapha is a quiet rural district and crime is not the main risk.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsWestern toilets in malls and hotels; squat toilets with a water bucket in rural stops.Thailand-wide
- Emergency numbers191 police · 1669 ambulance and rescue · 1155 tourist police (english) (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysMany Bangkok street-food vendors stay off the main roads on Mondays (street-cleaning day in several districts)…Thailand-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportCNX Chiang Mai International (Bus or minibus from Chiang Mai to Soppong, 4–7 h; no airport in Pangmapha).
- Getting aroundNo public transport inside the district.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee or fruit shake฿40–80 (≈ US$2–3)
- Sit-down mealLocal restaurant meal฿40–80 (≈ US$2–3)
- Beersmall bottle at a bar฿60–120 (≈ US$2–4)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Motorbike taxi within SoppongSet fares from the market; agree before you ride.฿60–70 (≈ US$2–3)
- Budget bedGuesthouse dorm bed, a night, per person฿180 (≈ US$6)
- Mid-range bedSimple bungalow with private bathroom, a night, per room฿700 (≈ US$25)
- High-end bedSimple bungalow with private bathroom, a night, per room฿1,200 (≈ US$40)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget ฿700 (≈ US$25) · Mid ฿1,500 (≈ US$50) · High ฿3,000 (≈ US$95)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- CNX Chiang Mai International (Bus or minibus from Chiang Mai to Soppong, 4–7 h; no airport in Pangmapha) · HGN Mae Hong Son (Small airport; seasonal flights from Chiang Mai, then road south to Soppong (check))
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Feb
Best
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Mar
Avoid
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
Apr
Avoid
36°C (97°F)97°F (36°C)
May
not flagged
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Jun
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Jul
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Aug
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Sep
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Oct
not flagged
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Nov
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Dec
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Best: Nov–Feb. Avoid: Mar–Apr, Jun–Sep. Month by month →
Warmest Apr (36°C (97°F)97°F (36°C)), coolest Jan (13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C) low), wettest Aug (23 rain days), driest Jan (1). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Pangmapha: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
1 rd
Feb
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
1 rd
Mar
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
3 rd
Apr
36°C (97°F)97°F (36°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
6 rd
May
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
15 rd
Jun
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
20 rd
Jul
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
22 rd
Aug
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
23 rd
Sep
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
18 rd
Oct
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
11 rd
Nov
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
4 rd
Dec
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
1 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
No public transport inside the district. Rent a motorbike in Soppong (about ฿200/day, check) or take a motorbike taxi from the market with set fares. Songthaew or private car for groups and luggage. Tham Lot is about 10 km from Soppong.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Tham Lot cave
goDoor to door: About 30 min each way
Motorbike taxi or rented motorbike from Soppong, about 10 km (6.2 mi)Motorbike taxi or rented motorbike from Soppong, about 6.2 mi (10 km)
Guided bamboo raft through the cave; swifts return at dusk and bats leave after. Bring a torch and insect repellent.
Door to door: About 1–1.5 h
Minibus or public van from Soppong, about 45 km (28 mi) on Route 1095Minibus or public van from Soppong, about 28 mi (45 km) on Route 1095
Busy backpacker town with markets and hot springs; easy half-day or overnight.
Door to door: About 2–3 h
Minibus or bus south on Route 1095
Provincial capital with temples and a lake; better as a separate stop than a day trip.
Mae La Noi
cautionDoor to door: About 1 h
Bus or minibus south on Route 1095
Small roadside town; only worth a stop if you are breaking the loop drive.
Khun Yuam
cautionDoor to door: About 1.5–2 h
Bus or minibus south on Route 1095
Quiet town with a small museum; pair with Mae Hong Son rather than a return trip.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Soppong village centre
Guesthouses, restaurants, ATMs and the bus stop; walk to the market and most services.
Tham Lot / Cave Lodge area
About 10 km (6.2 mi) north of Soppong, riverside and close to the cave; motorbike taxi or private truck from the bus stop.About 6.2 mi (10 km) north of Soppong, riverside and close to the cave; motorbike taxi or private truck from the bus stop.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- ฿700–1,200 (≈ US$25–40) excl. bed
- Mid
- ฿1,200–2,500 (≈ US$40–80) excl. bed
- High
- ฿2,500 (≈ US$80)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Simple bungalow with private bathroom1 × 2 nights × ฿700 | ฿1,400 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × ฿1,500 | ฿6,000 |
| Minibus Chiang Mai → Soppong, one way2 × ฿250 | ฿500 |
| Motorbike rental, one day2 × ฿200 | ฿400 |
| Tham Lot guide and raft, per group of up to 31 × ฿450 | ฿450 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × ฿300 | ฿600 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | ฿935 |
| Trip total≈ ฿2,571 per person per day, bed included | ฿10,285≈ US$350 |
2026 estimate in baht; transport to Pangmapha excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Local restaurant meal | ฿40–80 (≈ US$2–3) |
| Coffee or fruit shake | ฿40–80 (≈ US$2–3) |
| Beer, small bottle at a bar | ฿60–120 (≈ US$2–4) |
| Motorbike taxi within SoppongSet fares from the market; agree before you ride. | ฿60–70 (≈ US$2–3) |
| Private car Soppong → Tham Lot | ฿300 (≈ US$10) |
| Shan massage, one hour | ฿200 (≈ US$7) |
| Guesthouse dorm bed | from ฿180 (≈ US$6) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Stray and pet dogs can be aggressive, especially at night or in packs; carry a stick and avoid walking alone after dark.
- ATMs in Soppong sometimes fail for days; bring enough baht.
- Caves are unlit and undeveloped: never go alone, bring strong lights, spare batteries and water, and tell your guesthouse your route.
- Guides are mandatory at Tham Lot, with a maximum of three visitors per guide.
- Roads on the Mae Hong Son Loop are steep and winding; avoid riding at night.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 191
- Ambulance and rescue
- 1669
- Tourist police (English)
- 1155
Pocket card
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Pangmaphaปางมะผ้า
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
ไปที่ที่อยู่นี้To this address, please
Emergency
- Police191
- Ambulance and rescue1669
- Tourist police (English)1155
Embassy
No embassies in Pangmapha; the nearest consulates are in Chiang Mai, and embassies are in Bangkok.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Minibus Chiang Mai → Soppong: about ฿250 (≈ US$8), 4–5 h
- Bus Chiang Mai → Soppong: about ฿95 (≈ US$3), 6–7 h
- Minibus Pai → Soppong: about ฿100 (≈ US$4), 1–1.5 h
- Motorbike taxi Soppong → Tham Lot: about ฿70 (≈ US$3)
Say or show
- สวัสดี — Hello (sawatdee)
- ขอบคุณ — Thank you (khop khun)
- เท่าไหร่ — How much is it? (thao rai)
- ป้ายรถอยู่ไหน — Where is the bus stop? (pai rot yu nai)
- ไม่เอา — I don't want it (mai ao)
- ช่วยด้วย — Help me (chuay duay)
ATMs in Soppong can be out of service for days: carry cash.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Pangmapha. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Nov–Feb · avoid Mar–Apr (smoke and heat), Jun–Sep (rain) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for CNX and HGN: last bus and minibus departures field-checked, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Walking clusters with rescue anchors: Soppong market and bus stop, Tham Lot road, Cave Lodge riverside.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Tham Lot, Phi Man, Tham Lot village) and eat pages with last orders.
- Dog-safety and cave-safety fixtures so gates A–D can go green.
Sources
- officialTourism Authority of Thailand — Mae Hong Son
- officialCave Lodge
- officialSoppong River Inn
- secondaryWikivoyage: Pangmapha, revision 5230035 (CC BY-SA 4.0)