Culture in Mae Hong So

Mae Hong Son is well known for its rich diversity of culture due to the various ethnicities living together in the city. Back in the past when Mae Hong Son engaged in regular trade and commerce activities with Burma, their local art and culture were very much influenced by Burmese styles. Hence, in present day we can still see a mixture of Shan and Burmese styles through the religious art and architecture. This is most clearly demonstrated in Buddha statues and temple roofs, which are designed in layers and decorated with engraved galvanized iron.

The Shan people, who represent the largest ethnic group in Mae Hong Son, wear distinctive traditional clothing. The men usually wear wide legged trousers, similar in style to the Northern Thai, and long sleeved shirts with round collars, fastened with fabric buttons down the middle. The women, on the other hand wear traditional sarongs with beautifully embroidered blouses, either short or long sleeved that are fastened across the chest from left to right. Both Shan men and women use woven shoulder bags and hats that are called gub tai.

Another interesting culture of the Shan people is tattooing. It is common among Shan men to have tattoos as these Buddhist connotations or signs are often placed there in an effort to ward off evil spirits and protect them from danger. A part from that the Shan people considered tattoo as a sign of manhood in Shan society.

Instead of shaking hands, the Shan usually greet with a "wai", or placing the palms together in front of the face. The one lowest in status should initiate the greeting. How high the palms are placed reflects the status of the person being greeted in relation to the person greeting. In addressing each other, the Shan use titles (such as "grandmother", "uncle", "little sister", etc.) to express the person’s status or relationship to others.