0210pai257

Big swimming pool near Pai, just over the bridge about 200m then see the path to the left. Hugely popular in hot season (March-May) when it can be 40c/105f every day. Dive in!

Taken on: 10th February, 2010. Copyright: All Rights Reserved - See Captain_Bob's page of Flickr

Read more about Soppong

Interchangeably called Pang Mapah after the district name, Soppong is halfway between Pai and Mae Hong Son. The small market town serves the nearby hill tribe villages and, with a fine collection of guesthouses, Soppong is a good place to use as a base for exploring the surrounds.

If Pai is the party town, then Soppong is its quiet, nature-loving younger sibling, not allowed out after dark. Few tourist amenities aside of the guesthouses and their services are offered, but the surrounds are rich in attractions. For starters, the area is littered with caves, including the fantastic Tham Lod river-cave system. Then there are some good rafting and kayaking opportunities and the stunningly scenic hinterland is dotted with dozens of Lisu, Lahu, Karen and Shan villages, ... Read our complete Soppong travel guide

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