Ban Rak Thai — Attraction in Mae Hong Son Province

Nestled in the serene mountains near the border of Thailand and Myanmar, Ban Rak Thai is a haven for those seeking a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of city life. This picturesque village, with its rich history and unique blend of Thai and Chinese cultures, offers an enchanting escape that feels like stepping back in time.

From the moment you arrive, the tranquil atmosphere envelops you. The crisp mountain air, the gentle rustle of leaves, and the distant melodies of birds create an ambiance that is both calming and invigorating. Ban Rak Thai is not just a destination; it’s a sanctuary for the soul.

The village is renowned for its tea plantations, and a visit here would be incomplete without indulging in a traditional tea-tasting experience. The tea houses, often set against breathtaking backdrops of rolling hills and shimmering lakes, offer an array of locally grown teas. Each sip tells a story of the land, the climate, and the meticulous care of the farmers. Whether you’re a tea connoisseur or a casual enthusiast, the rich flavors and aromas are sure to captivate your senses.

Food lovers will find Ban Rak Thai to be a culinary paradise. The village’s unique heritage is reflected in its cuisine, which blends Thai and Yunnanese influences. Local eateries serve up an array of mouthwatering dishes, from fragrant rice cooked in bamboo to hearty stews and delicate dumplings. The use of fresh, locally sourced ingredients enhances the flavors, making every meal a memorable experience. Dining here is not just about satisfying your hunger; it’s about savoring the harmony of tastes that have been perfected over generations.

Accommodation in Ban Rak Thai is designed to complement the serene environment. Small, family-run guesthouses offer cozy, comfortable rooms with stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Waking up to the sight of mist-covered mountains and the gentle lapping of the lake is a truly rejuvenating experience. The hospitality of the locals adds to the charm, as they welcome you with warm smiles and genuine kindness, making you feel right at home.

One of the highlights of Ban Rak Thai is its slow-paced lifestyle. Unlike bustling tourist spots, this village encourages you to unwind and reconnect with nature. Take leisurely strolls through the tea plantations, explore the winding paths that lead to hidden viewpoints, or simply sit by the lake and reflect. The absence of commercial distractions allows you to fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty and tranquility of the surroundings.

For those interested in cultural experiences, Ban Rak Thai offers a glimpse into the life of its residents. The village was established by Chinese soldiers who fled to Thailand after the Chinese Civil War, and their legacy is evident in the architecture, traditions, and daily life of the community. Visiting the local museum or engaging in conversations with the elders provides fascinating insights into the history and resilience of this unique settlement.

In conclusion, Ban Rak Thai is more than just a destination; it’s an experience that nourishes the mind, body, and spirit. Whether you’re seeking solitude, culinary adventures, or cultural enrichment, this enchanting village offers it all. It’s a place where time slows down, and the simple pleasures of life take center stage. If you’re yearning for a retreat that combines natural beauty, rich history, and heartfelt hospitality, Ban Rak Thai should be at the top of your...

Ban Rak Thai (Love Thai Village) is a small highland village, with a population of just fewer than 1000 people, nestled in the lush backcountry of Mae Hong Son province in Northern Thailand. It is set in a valley surrounded by hills and tea plantations on the edge of a reservoir. It's also known as Mae Aw in many guide books and some maps.

This sleepy village is famous for its breathtaking views and tea cultivation. Because of its remote location, the village is still little known to tourists, and that makes this place not heavily-touristed.

Distance wise, the place is about 35 km from Mae Hong Son town or 250 km from Chiang Mai. it is also very close to the Burma border (less than 1km).

Sitting on the shore of a beautiful lake set in a valley surrounded by hills, Ban Rak Thai is a picturesque village with fantastic scenery.

The highland village sits at an elevation of 1,800 metres above sea level and enjoys a cool climate and fresh air year round.

Historically Ban Rak Thai is a Thai-Chinese village founded by former Kuo Min Tang soldiers (The Nationalists) who migrated from Yunnan Province, China, after the Communist takeover of China.

Today the place is still heavily influenced by the old Chinese. There are many signs in Chinese, buildings are Chinese-style and much of the population speaks a heavily accented version of Mandarin Chinese.

Cottage type guesthouses – made from mud and influenced by Chinese culture, located right at the middle of hill-side tea plantations.

Ban Rak Thai is also well known for its tea products. The village is surrounded by lush and aromatic tea plantations thanks to the mountainous landscape and cool climate.

Along the lakeshore are some cafes and restaurants offering a fantastic panoramic view of the lake. As Ban Rak Thai is well known for its tea products, sip a cup of tea at one of the tea houses there offering a variety of homegrown tea leaves. The restaurant here also serves Yunnan-style Chinese food as well as locally brewed fruit wine, from pineapple, plum, peach etc.

Every year in February an annual Tea Tasting Festival is held at Ban Rak Thai.

Photos courtesy of...

'Ban Rak Thai (บ้านรักไทย)' or 'Love Thai Village' or 'Mae Aw' is located 40km away from Mae Hong Son and 12km away from Pang Oung. A small highland village that has a lake in the centre, surrounded by restaurants and homestay. The place always packed during winter season and holiday, accommodation needed to be booked in advance

Boat Ride in the lake is one of the Ban Rak Thai highlights (350THB/hour), the ideal time would be sunset (sunlight sparkling on the water) and early in the morning (the fog floats above the water). Soaking in the beautiful Chinese Yunnan village with a long slope of mountain as a backdrop, water was clam and just the right amount of boats in the lake made it even more peaceful

The walking street full of red lanterns lighting up the night, Chinese decoration style restaurant's serving Chinese Yunnan food, we ordered a set of food (maybe a little too much), that included the signature Steamed Bun and Braised Pork Hock. The sun set behind the mountain and the weather start to get cold, we're sitting on the second floor bench overlook the village and lake view. A nice way to unwind the day

We drove to Thailand-Myanmar border (less than 10mins drive from the centre), people on the border will need to have a temporary Thai ID card in order to get into Thailand

Tea and Tiger strip peanut are widely known products of Mae Hong Son, with the landscape and weather, that cooler than neighbor area is suitable to grow them. The village has a strong influence from Chinese culture as you can tell by decoration style and people, most of the locals here can speak both Thai and...