[1] The town covers the tambon Chong Kham of the Mueang Mae Hong Son district.

Mae Hong Son is 883 kilometres (549 mi) north of Bangkok and 251 kilometres (156 mi) northwest of Chiang Mai.The territory of Mae Hong Son Province was formerly part of Mawkmai State, one of the Shan States which had been founded in 1767 by Hsai Khiao, hailing from a noble family of Chiang Mai.

The monsoon season runs from May through October, with heavy rain and somewhat cooler temperatures during the day, although nights remain warm.

It is a popular jumping-off point for tours to visit hill tribe villages, caves, and waterfalls in the area.

"Thung Dok Bua Tong" in Amphoe Khun Yuam, where the fields of wild sunflowers bloom and cover the hills during the month of November, is best reached from Mae Hong Son and lies some 80 km away.