Soppong (Phang Ma Pa district)
Soppong is a small village in the province of Mae Hong Son, tucked away in the valley 42 km Pai and city of Mae Hong Son. This village serves primarily as a trading and market centre for the many hilltribe villagers that populate the area. As with many villages in the areas of Northern Thailand, Soppong is populated by people of several different ethnicities. With approximately 300 homes in the whole village area, the population is comprised of about 40% hilltribe (mostly Karen, Lisu and Lahu), 40% Burmese Shan, and 20% Thai. In addition to these, residents of the area include a few Haw Chinese Muslim families and even a few falong residents. This vast range of people renders Soppong a beautiful cornucopia of colorful styles, delicious foods and curious languages.
Being significantly smaller than it’s popular neighbor Pai, Soppong offers a completely different experience for visitors. Here, dining options include market food and noodle restaurants and the best nightlife consists of gathering around and chatting with the locals around one of the fires that line the village streets at night. But for what Soppong lacks in traditional tourist city attractions, it more than makes up for in the abundance of exploration options in the surrounding area.
Soppong is perhaps best known for the many archaeological wonders that can be found while taking part in its number one attraction: cave exploration. The area around Soppong is sprinkled with countless caverns, many of which contain complete or partial “Log Coffins”. Although the mystery remains as to who the people were who created these coffins, archaeologists have theorized that they were of a culture which most likely possessed a social hierarchy, as in most of these caves there are less than ten coffins, leaving speculation that not all members of society were privileged to such burial. Although similar coffins have been discovered in other parts of Asia, nowhere have they been found in such vast numbers as in this region, where 83 of these sites can be found.
Orientation
As Soppong is more of a “pass-through” village along the Mae Hong Son Loop, most visitors arrive via private car or hired transport.
Getting there
No airport, but visitors can take any number of the daily flights into neighboring Pai, where a car can be rented for the 45 minute drive to Soppong. Local buses are a cheap option for getting to Soppong from Chiang-Mai, although they can be quite slow and most are non-airconditioned. Transport information on our main Mae Hong Son page.
Cultural Exploration
Being far removed from most tourist areas, Soppong offers many exceptional opportunities for cultural exploration, making it one of the favorite stops on Active Thailand’s Mae Hong Son Loop tour. Aside from the breathtaking views of the thick old growth forest in the area surrounding Soppong, it is also home to two Buddhis temples, one at either end of the village, and an abundance of prehistoric caves, some of which are among the largest in the world and contain relics dating back over one thousand years.
Trekking and Caving Adventure
One of Active-Thailand’s most exciting and rugged tours, the 5 day /4 night Trekking and Caving Adventure, will take you deep into the mountains of Thailand to visit places that most tourists will never have an opportunity to experience. During these unforgettable five days, you’ll be hiking deep into the thick forested jungle where you’ll be staying in Lahu tribal villages, exploring some of Asia’s largest caves where you’ll get up close and personal with ancient “log coffins”, prehistoric relics of extinct societies dating back over one thousand years, as well as having free time on your own to bike around Pai and explore some of the villages we’ll stopping at along the way.
See the tour details: Trekking and Caving Adventure.
Recommended accommodations in Soppong
Soppong River Inn / tourist
With a lush tropical garden and a terrace overhanging the river, Soppong River Inn is by far the prettiest accommodation in Soppong. They offer luxurious double rooms and bungalows and even a luscious little number suspended above the river.
Little Eden / tourist
An immaculate place, also bordering the Lang River. Small bungalows, excellent restaurant with a fire place for the cold winter, and a nice small swimming pool to cool down in the hot months. Basic “A” frames bungalows. A large family room in the main house.
Fore more information about hotels and accommodations in Mae Hong Son province, look at our selection on Asia-Hotel-Direct website.