Khun Yuam

Khun Yuam is the capital town of the district of the same name in Mae Hong Son province. It is somewhat of a backwater. Not many tourists visit the town.The town is probably most well-known for the Thai-Japan Friendship Memorial Hall. During World War Two a Japanese engineer unit was based in the town constructing a road that ultimately should have connected Thailand and Burma. The Japanese soldiers made many friends in Khun Yuam and there are still lasting relationships.

The Museum is well worth a visit. For many years there was a small, poorly maintained museum at this location. With overseas money, they have built a new museum that opened in 2013. Many of the exhibits are related to World War Two but there are also sections on local history and on Shan culture.

The town has an airstrip that the Japanese army constructed during World War Two. You can read more about this on the website of Hak Hakanson: Japan in Northwest Thailand during World War II.

There are several beautiful Burmese/Shan-style temples in and around Khun Yuam that are worth visiting. Not far from the town on the way to Mae Chaem is the Mae Surin Waterfall in the national park of the same name. This area sees many visitors in November and December as the rolling hills are covered with Mexican sunflowers. We recommend a visit to Khun Yuam and spend the night here. We like the place!