Thailand

You're soon traveling to Northern Thailand? Make sure to dedicate a short stop to visit Ban Rak Thai, the beloved village of the Thais. Let's take a look at the highlights of the village.

Tea plants, carefully terraced rice fields, traditional wooden houses—Ban Rak Thai epitomizes the hill villages of Northern Thailand. It's a tranquil town, home to barely a thousand inhabitants, and kept away from tourist whirlwinds. The villagers live simply, unconcerned with management or accounting matters, focusing solely on their valley, surrounded by high plateaus where a river snakes through and cattle graze continuously. Enjoying the magic of sunsets, when thick mist solemnly envelops the lake like a fleece, one realizes the joy of rural life. Seasoned trekkers, weary travelers of luxury and city bustle, Ban Rak Thai is the destination for you!

Historical notes

Its official name is Mae Aw, but locals call it Ban Rak Thai. The city's origins trace back to the early decades of the 20th century. Built on the orders of Jiang Jieshi, a Chinese army general, during the time when the Nationalist Party seized power in China and gained control of the Yunnan province, Ban Rak Thai still bears traces of its origin. The guesthouses with beaten-earth floors share common features with old Chinese houses. Along with the architectural heritage, there's a linguistic legacy too. Simply listening to the local dialect, heavily influenced by Mandarin, is evidence of this.

Ban Rak Thai village became famous for its green tea production. Tea supports the economy through the trade of tea leaves, but it's not the only source. Because it adds life and color to the mountains, the plant also contributes to the growth of tourism.

Today

"Beloved town of the Thais" This could be the literal translation of the place's name. The very low tourist traffic doesn't do justice to the station's assets. Its peripheral location is a demotivating factor. From the city center of Mae Hang Son, it's about forty kilometers to reach the village. It's a 250-kilometer journey from the famous city of Chiang Mai. It's a stone's throw from the Burmese border, in the Golden Triangle region.

Thus, Ban Rak Thai sees only a handful of tourists due to its remote location. Yet, this makes exploring the village even more enticing. Perched at 1,500 meters above sea level, the place exudes freshness and serenity. If you're looking for a party, Ban Rak Thai might not be for you. But if you seek a haven of nature to unwind, immerse yourself, and go green, this destination won't disappoint.

Things to see and do in Ban Rak Thai

The town of Ban Rak Thai is pleasantly tucked away in the hills. Like the villages in the north, local color prevails. Wherever you look, the small clay-walled houses with sloping roofs repeat infinitely. Wherever you roam, rows of tea invade the hills and high plateaus.

Take a walk amidst the tea plants covering the surrounding hills. Everywhere, the 1 to 1.5-meter-tall shrub extends its lush and fragrant foliage as far as the eye can see. The cool climate and altitude allow for optimal growth. Accompanied by a local guide, you'll learn the secrets of tea-making as if from an open book: cultivation, pruning, and trimming of the shrub; leaf picking; the roasting process…

Since tea is the village's flagship product, it's very fashionable to have a cup in one of the tea houses bordering the lake. The same infusion is served in adjacent restaurants and cafes. Have fun studying the tea species growing in the backyard, enjoying the breathtaking view of the lake and valley, and tasting the authentic flavors of the land. Restaurants serve cuisine inspired by Chinese Yunnan and tasty local wines with fruity notes.

The best way to visit Ban Rak Thai is to stay overnight. Comfortably seated on the terrace of a wooden house, watch the sunrise over the lake. The spectacle of mist dissipating with the first rays of dawn will enchant many tourists. At dusk, a boat ride on the lake also promises exhilarating moments. The play of light and shadow makes the horizon vibrate until the cloud of mist floats over the lake's surface like a shroud. The scene is worthy of the Snow Queen.

Every year, the village takes on a festive air during the tea tasting festival. Tea tasting, agricultural product fair, street performances… Not to be missed under any circumstances, this event takes place in February.

Practical information

When to go?

Travel advisors recommend the cool season for visiting Ban Rak Thai. It starts in mid-November and ends in late March. Make sure to bring a down jacket or sweater, as while the days remain warm, the temperature drops in the evening.

Despite heavy rains, visiting in mid-summer has its advantages for photographers and wanderers. From June to October, the flora flourishes intensely, and the landscapes take on a romantic touch. The layer of clouds enveloping the valley is more vibrant and visible than at other times of the year. But a word of caution: daytime temperatures can easily exceed 35 °C.

How to get to Ban Rak Thai?

Ban Rak Thai village is rarely the subject of stay-at-home tourism. The overwhelming majority of visitors go there for a day trip in groups, starting from Mae Hong Son or Chiang Mai.

The destination is accessible both by road and air. The nearest airport to Ban Rak Thai is Mae Hong Son Airport. Several daily flights from Chiang Mai and the capital serve this airport. Once you arrive in Mae Hong Son, hop on a yellow songthaew (a kind of taxi-bus) to reach the village. Songthaews operate from 8 a.m. until midnight. You may have to wait between 30 and 60 minutes, as the vehicle won't depart until there's an empty seat.