Ban Rak Thai is a hidden gem in northern Thailand that blends history, culture, and natural beauty. Unlike many other destinations in Thailand, it isn’t catered to Western travel culture. The beauty of this small Thai town blew me away, here is what I can tell you about it.
Ban Rak Thai: What Makes it So Special
Nestled in the misty hills of Mae Hong Son province, Ban Rak Thai (also known as Mae Aw) is a quaint village that feels like stepping into a storybook. Ban Rak Thai translates to “The Village That Loves Thailand”.
The town is located along the border of Myanmar and was originally settled by Chinese immigrants, giving it a unique cultural blend. Here’s a guide to making the most of your visit to this serene destination.
Where is Ban Rak Thai
Ban Rak Thai is on the border of Myanmar (Burma) in the province of Mae Hong Son. It is about 118km away from Pai, 246km away from Chiang Mai, and 423km away from Chiang Rai.
The History of Ban Rak Thai
Ban Rak Thai didn’t start out as your typical sleepy mountain retreat. Back in the 1940s and 50s, this village was established by Chinese Nationalist soldiers of the Kuomintang (KMT) who fled to Thailand after the Chinese Civil War.
After the war, these soldiers and their families officially settled and made a new life in the hills of Mae Hong Son Province. With them came their language and customs which resulted in this cute Chinese village in Thailand.
Today, the village is a thriving blend of Chinese heritage and Thai hospitality.
Tea of Ban Rak Thai
If you’re a tea lover, visiting Ban Rak Thai is like finding the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow—except the gold is actually oolong tea. The village is surrounded by lush tea plantations that produce some of the finest brews in Thailand.
You can sample everything from delicate green teas to pu-erh, all while overlooking the rolling hills. Some of the local tea shops even offer traditional Chinese tea ceremonies you can participate in!
How to get to Ban Rak Thai
Considering the town is not as popular as other destinations in Northern Thailand, like Pai or Chiang Mai, transportation isn’t as easy to find, but it’s still possible!
The best way to get there is to drive from Pai by motorbike, which turned out to be an unforgettable experience in itself! With scenic views, fun twisty turns, and cute coffee shops along the way, I made a day of the drive and enjoyed everything the path offered!
The road is part of the popular Mae Hong Son loop, which is a motorbike loop that tours the whole province of Mae Hong Son. This loop is a beautiful adventure that takes you to very remote areas of the north and is an amazing way to see Thailand away from the crowds.
Additionally, from Chiang Mai, you can take a bus to Mae Hong Son and then arrange private transport.
What to do in Ban Rak Thai
Sample Yunnan tea at a local plantation
A short trek from the village leads you to sprawling tea plantations. The surrounding green hills are a breathtaking sight, and many plantations welcome visitors to tour the fields and learn about tea cultivation. It’s a fantastic way to connect with the land and its history.
Dine on traditional dishes
The village is famous for its authentic Yunnanese dishes. Don’t miss the iconic khaw-soy (a noodle soup) or braised pork leg with buns. Pair your meal with a cup of freshly brewed local tea for the perfect dining experience.
Explore the village
Explore on foot, soaking in its unique charm.
At the heart of the village is a peaceful lake that reflects the surrounding mountains, traditional Yunnanese-style houses, and lush greenery. A walk around the lake is a must, with stunning photo opportunities.
Hike Scenic Trails
Hikers and nature lovers will find plenty of trails that weave through the hills and forests surrounding the village, offering breathtaking views at every turn.
Border Adventures
Being so close to Myanmar, Ban Rak Thai is a great base for exploring the Mae Hong Son Loop, one of Thailand’s most scenic road trips. You can walk right up to the border of Myanmar and look over to the neighboring country
A Stay in the Ban Rak Thai Hills
If you’re thinking of staying the night (and you should), the village has some charming accommodations, often styled like traditional Chinese inns. Imagine waking up to mist rolling over the hills and starting your day with a freshly brewed pot of tea. Pure bliss.
A warning: As a budget backpacker, this town isn’t the most budget-friendly for us. Places range between 30-150$ USD a night which is a big sum compared to many other stops in Thailand. Although it’s ‘pricier’ it’s worth the stop and stay for the unique destination!
Ban Rak Thai isn’t filled with many English travelers, so finding a place to stay can be tricky if you don’t speak any Thai. Here is a small list of recommendations:
- Lee Wine Rak Thai Resort for a luxury experience overlooking the tea terraces.
- Baan Khao Pook for a tent treehouse close to the water and a super friendly host! – Budget-friendly
Best Time to Visit Ban Rak Thai
The cool season, from November to February, is the most popular and ideal time to visit Ban Rak Thai. The weather is pleasant, the tea plantations are at their best, and the serene village atmosphere is most enjoyable. The weather ranges between 10–25°C (50–77°F), with chilly mornings and evenings.
The hot season is between March and May. There are fewer tourists due to the heat that ranges between 25–35°C (77–95°F).
The rainy season, from June to October, brings out the best of the surrounding hills, covering everything in lush green. Temperatures range from 20–30°C (68–86°F). The rains and warm temperatures can create beautiful mist over the lake which is magical, but be cautious of occasional heavy rain and muddy trails.
Why Visit Ban Rak Thai?
Ban Rak Thai is an experience that blends history, culture, and natural beauty. I thought the town satisfied the itch for traveling that wasn’t catered to Western travel culture in Thailand. That also meant I got to put the basic Thai I knew to use!
Whether you’re here for the tea, the scenery, or just to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life, this quaint village will leave you refreshed and inspired.
So, pack your hiking boots, bring an empty suitcase for all the tea you’ll want to buy, and get ready to fall in love with “The Village That Loves Thailand.” Ban Rak Thai will steal your heart—and probably your caffeine tolerance.
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About the Author
Hi, I’m Shannon. A small travel lover with a laptop.
I’m an avid plane rider and backpacker, currently traveling between lots of working days. This year I am making travel my #1 priority, and I plan to document it as much as I can.
