Stories tagged with hong
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Ancient human remains found
In a rare discovery of human settlement in Thailand from ancient times, a human skeleton was found in a cave outside of Mae Hong Son. The human remains were accompanied by an assortment of utensils, offering anthropologists a lucky chance to see how people lived in this region of Asia 2,000 to 3,000 years ago.
The cave, which has no name, is located in Baan Nam Huphaser outside of the northern Thai town of Mae Hong Son. A local Lahu hilltribe resident happened upon the bones, tools and utensils by pure chance while exploring the cave on a hunting trip. The items were in a cavity two metres above the floor of the cave.
The man took one of the pieces of pottery home with him, only to discover that it was missing the next day, When the Lisu man returned to the cave he found the pottery right back where he found it. Confused and frightened, he contacted a local officer, who in turn contacted the proper cultural authorities.
The condition of the skeleton and tools are 90 per cent complete, a rare find in humid tropical Thailand. Locals tried to stop officials from removing the artefacts, believing it would bring bad luck to the village. But in the end they allowed archaeologists to move the items, which will be tested and processed.
Posted by: Andrew on 27 Dec 2008, 09:22 -
Mae Hong Son ready for the sunflowers
Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) officials have announced that the scenic northern Thai town of Mae Hong Son is gearing up for a busy winter high season this year. The region along the border with Burma kicks off its tourism season on 6 November with the Buatong flower festival, one of Thailand’s real natural wonders. Thousands of Mexican sunflowers burst into yellow bloom on mountainsides around Khun Yuan and Mae Au Kor every year in a beautiful display of colour.
This year for the first time, visitors will be allowed to camp out on the mountains right in the midst of the fields of sunflowers. The flowers typically bloom from mid-November through early December and are one of northern Thailand’s premier annual attractions not to be missed. Parking facilities, healthcare services, toilets and special security patrols will be on hand at the major sunflower sites to ensure a smooth experience for all.
Mae Hong Son’s hotel capacity is already 90 per cent booked for the peak days of sunflower season surrounding the festival, so visitors are advised to make room reservations as soon as possible. Other neighbouring highlights around Mae Hong Son include the Phu Chi Fah cliff and its legendary mists, Pha Pueng Cave and the myriad hilltribes that call the region home.
Posted by: Andrew on 29 Oct 2008, 06:27 -
Mae Hong Son archaeological exhibition
An important archaeological exhibition has recently been opened in Mae Hong Son that details a 30,000 year-old site revealing Thailand’s oldest skeletons.
Kenneth Foster, first secretary of the US Ambassador to Thailand for cultural affairs, opened the unique archaeological site in February 2008 on behalf of the ambassador, Eric John.
Known as Perng Pha Tham Lod, the site is located at Ban Tham Lod in the Pang Mapha district and is estimated to be at least 30,000 years old.
The first excavations - Phases 1 and 2 - took place between 2001 and 2006 while the latest project is more concerned with archaeological renovation and research.
Among the artifacts uncovered at the site are two of Thailand’s oldest human skeletons – at around 13,000 years old – and evidence of ancient Stone Age humans from 32,000 years ago including stone tools.
In addition, ancient golden teak wood coffins on stone tables in caves have been discovered from as far back as 2,500 years.
The US Embassy in Thailand is to fund the research part of the project and is also based at the site.
More on Mae Hong Son
Posted by: Andrew on 26 Feb 2008, 14:23