When people think of Thailand, they might think of sights like Wat Arun, Khao Sok National Park, or Ayutthaya, but probably not of Su Ton Pae Bridge – the longest bamboo bridge in Thailand. We stumbled upon this hidden gem during our stay in Mae Hong Son, a peaceful mountain town 20km away from the Burmese border. It’s one of those places that feels like a quiet secret. While it’s off the radar for most tourists, it was one of the most peaceful places we’ve visited in Thailand. This 500-metre-long bamboo bridge connects the village of Kung Mai Sak with the unique temple Wat Phu Samanaram.
Are you planning a trip to Mae Hong Son? Make sure to check out our travel guide to this beautiful province, only a few hours away from Myanmar and Chiang Mai!
How to Get to Su Tong Pae Bridge
There are no buses going to Su Tong Pae Bridge from Mae Hong Son Loop, so we had to make our own way. Instead of taking a car or scooter, we decided to rent bikes from a small rental shop on Khunlumprapas Road. Renting two mountain bikes only cost us about 300 THB. While cycling might not be the most popular option (there are some very steep inclines!), it was a scenic and adventurous experience.
On a clear November day, around 12 o’clock, we set off from Mae Hong Son centre. Looking back, we should’ve definitely left earlier. We ended up cycling through the beating midday heat, which wasn’t the most pleasant experience. Heading out of the city towards Pang Mu, the first town on the way, was smooth with only minor inclines. In Pang Mu, we looked at Google Maps and saw that there was a smaller country road leading to Su Tong Pae Bridge. We were convinced this would be a more scenic route than cycling along the highway, so we decided to take the country road (big mistake…).
Cycling along this little bendy route was breathtaking – but in a literal sense. One steep incline followed another, robbing us of our breath. While the route was scenic and a lot quieter than the highway, we’re not sure if it was truly worth the exhaustion. Overall, it took us a good 90 minutes to get from Mae Hong Son to Su Tong Pae Bridge, compared to 60 minutes on our way back via the highway.
The History of Su Ton Pae Bridge
The bridge was built by monks and villagers from the surrounding area as a means to connect Kung Mai Sak village with Wat Tham Poo Sa Ma. Before the bridge existed, the path between the two was much less direct. It was especially difficult to cross the rice fields during the rainy season.
The name Su Tong Pae comes from the Shan language. This language is spoken by many people in this part of northern Thailand. It translates roughly to successful prayer, a reflection of the spiritual connection between the village and the temple. Each morning, monks walk the bridge to collect alms.
What makes the bridge especially interesting is that it was constructed almost entirely from bamboo using traditional building methods. Locals contributed time and materials, turning it into a genuine community project. Although it has been repaired and rebuilt in sections over the years, it’s still very much a working bridge. Nowadays, it is still used daily by both monks and villagers.
Our Tips & What to Expect
Su Tong Pae Bridge stretches across wide rice fields, creating a peaceful setting that feels far removed from town, despite being only a short drive or cycle away. If you’re hoping to see the landscape at its greenest, try to visit in October, when the rice paddies are usually at their peak – lush, vibrant, and full of colour. We visited in late November, by which point the fields had started to dry out and turn golden. It was still a beautiful spot, just with a slightly different feel.
Regardless of the season, the area around the bridge is usually quiet, especially in the mornings. When we went, there were only a few other people around, which made for a calm and relaxed visit. It’s a good place to take your time, whether you’re walking the bridge, visiting the temple, or just sitting and enjoying the view. We actually really took our time and wandered along the bridge and around the temple for about an hour.
If you’re in the mood for a drink, we’d recommend skipping the café near the entrance and walking a little further along the bridge to NamNeng Tea Shop. It was almost completely empty when we visited. It definitely surprised us (maybe because most people stop at the first café they see). The owner was really welcoming and took the time to explain how each of her teas was prepared. We tried a couple of different blends and really appreciated the personal touch. It’s a quiet little spot with a lovely view – well worth the short walk.
