Does anyone have an idea for lodging in Mae Hong Son. about 40 US OK/ Names? Motorbike rental, food, will appreciate anything. How long by road from Chiang Mai? is flying better?

Here is a few hotels in Mae Hong Son to start with:

http://www.r24.org/hotels.thaivisa.com/thai/hotels/

anything nice bungalow wise on the river in twon within walking distance from market, bars, restaurants?

Try this one

http://www.thailine.com/thailand/english/n...-e/sangtong.htm

In Mae Hong Son there is a small lake (look at map) ....just walk downthere and look around for a guesthouse. It is a nice quiet area and easy to walk to the main street with restaurants, cafes, market etc. there was a nice big bar/restaurant opposite the lake also, whichwas a good place to hang out for a few beers and spicy salads. There is also a restaurant in town called Fern or something like that. They have their own resort whci is more expensive than lake side guesthouses but maybe worth a look. There is an Imperial Tara Hotel in MHS if yo uare looking for this sort of accommodation. It has a karaoke bar too if thats what you want. Personally I go for the guesthouses as they are more comfortable to be around and cheaper. Just a little out of town there is Tang Son Huts....I stayed there maybe 15 years ago and it was very nice....bungalows overlooking rice fields in a small valley below you. I think it is still running. the original owner was a Thai guy called Toei and his farang wife.......but I think that has come to an end now. There is bound to be many differetn options these days so youcould just check in to a guesthouse or hotel for one night and go off to find the place you want to stay. If yo udont like this idea then book the Imperial.....it should be fine.

Go to the sunflower then down to the lake. Turn left when you get there, follow along past all the bars/karaokes to the end of the lake and go another about 100 yards. There is a guesthouse on the right which is very nice. Arrive in the morning, and have breakfast with the Australian lady at the sunflower. Can't remember her name.

Thank you so much for the help on Mae Hong Son. Best wishes to all for the festive season.