Sop Moei

Sop Moei (Thai: สบเมย) is the southernmost district of Mae Hong Son Province, bordering Myanmar's Kayin State to the west and Tak Province to the south. The name means 'confluence with the Moei', referring to the point where the Salween River meets the Moei River. The district covers 1,413 km² of mountainous terrain in the Dawna Range and is home to around 42,000 people, predominantly Karen and Thai communities.

Sop Moei is remote and largely off the tourist trail. Its main draws are the Salawin National Park, which protects a large section of the Thai side of the Salween River, and the border village of Mae Sam Laep, where long-tail boats ferry passengers and goods across to Myanmar. The area has been the subject of environmental controversy over a proposed dam on the Yuam River that would divert water to the Bhumibol Dam. The cool season (November to February) is the most pleasant time to visit.

By Plane

The nearest airport with scheduled service is Mae Sot Airport (MAQ) in Tak Province, about 120 km south, or Mae Hong Son Airport (HGN), about 180 km north.

By Train

The nearest train station is in Chiang Mai. From Bangkok, take an overnight sleeper train to Chiang Mai, then a bus or minivan south via Hot and Mae Sariang.

By Car / Road

From Mae Sariang, take Route 108 south for about 30 km, then turn onto Route 105 toward Sop Moei. The roads are winding and can be rough in places. Public songthaews and buses run from Mae Sariang to Sop Moei. From Mae Sot, take Route 105 north.

Sop Moei is a remote, mountainous district best explored with your own transport (motorbike or 4WD). Songthaews connect the main villages and Mae Sam Laep. For the Salawin River area, local boats can be hired.

• Salawin National Park — A large national park protecting 721 km² of the Thai side of the Salween River. Features the Dawna Range, the Salween River canyon, the Karen village of Ta Tar Fan, and the riverside settlement of Mae Sam Laep (see separate guide).

• Mae Sam Laep — A picturesque border village on the Salween River, home to Thai, Karen, and Burmese communities. Long-tail boats offer scenic rides on the Salween (around 600 baht for one hour). The village is a key crossing point for trade with Myanmar.

• Mae Ngao National Park — A smaller national park within Sop Moei District, known for the Ngao River, waterfalls, and forest trails.

• Boat trips on the Salween River — Hire a long-tail boat from Mae Sam Laep for a journey through the steep forested gorges of the Salween, the longest free-flowing river in Southeast Asia.

• Trekking — The Dawna Range offers challenging trekking opportunities through remote Karen and Hmong villages. Local guides are essential.

• Birdwatching — The forests of Salawin National Park are home to hornbills, kingfishers, drongos, and many migratory bird species.

Basic Thai and Karen food is available at small restaurants in Sop Moei town and Mae Sam Laep. Many homestays offer home-cooked meals featuring local ingredients.

Local shops sell bottled drinks, beer, and water. There are no dedicated bars.

Accommodation in Sop Moei is very basic — small guesthouses and homestays in Sop Moei town and Mae Sam Laep. For more developed options, stay in Mae Sariang (about 30 km north).

Small village shops sell basic provisions. Mae Sam Laep has a small market where local Karen produce and crafts are occasionally available. For a wider selection, shop in Mae Sariang or Mae Sot.

• Mae Sariang (30 km north) — A quiet riverside town with guesthouses, restaurants, and hill-tribe trekking options.
• Mae Sam Laeb (within the district) — A must-visit border village on the Salween with boat trips and mountain views.
• Mae Sot (120 km south via Rte 105) — A bustling Thai-Myanmar border town with markets and the Friendship Bridge.
• Salawin National Park (within the district) — The park headquarters and main access points are in Sop Moei District.
• Khun Yuam (via Mae Sariang) — A small waypoint on the Mae Hong Son Loop.