Ban Mae Klang Luang Chiang Mai
Ban Mae Klang Luang is located in Ban Luang Subdistrict, Chom Thong District, Chiang Mai. It is one of the villages of the Karen (Pga K'nyau) people, situated along the Mae Klang River, the third river basin of Doi Inthanon. In addition to Ban Mae Klang Luang, there are three other villages: Ban Ang Ka Noi, Ban Nong Lom, and Ban Pha Mon, comprising a total of 60-80 households.
The lifestyle of the villagers is rooted in simplicity and self-sufficiency. Most residents engage in farming, rice cultivation, and coffee planting. It's no surprise to see picturesque terraced rice fields cascading down the hills in an orderly fashion. Visitors are often greeted with freshly roasted, aromatic coffee, enjoyed alongside cool mountain air and mist-covered green fields, creating a haven for relaxation amidst nature.
The best time to visit Ban Mae Klang Luang is during the rainy season and early winter. From September to October, the rainy season brings vibrant green rice fields that contrast beautifully with the lush mountains. This period offers a cool, refreshing atmosphere without being too cold. For those who prefer colder weather, visiting from October onwards is ideal. During the harvest season, the rice fields turn golden, and the crisp air adds to the charm, making it a perfect time for an unforgettable visit.
Many tourists choose to stay at Ban Mae Klang Luang as a base before exploring Doi Inthanon. Nearby, several nature trails await, such as the Doi Hua Suea hiking trail, the Huai Nam Khun bird-watching trail, and the Pha Dok Siew Waterfall nature trail.
FULL DAY TRIP DOI INTHANON (Pick up and drop off in Chiang Mai)
This morning, we will drive through the beautiful scenery and paddy fields to visit the pagodas of the King and the Queen built by the Royal Thai air force to commemorate their 60th birthdays. At the pagodas, you will admire the beautiful scenery of the mountains in the park from the viewpoints there. Then continue to the Karen hill tribe village, where you will see the life of locals. On the way, we will stop at Hill tribe market and, on the way back, visit Wachiratharn waterfall.
In the afternoon, we will take the Mae Klang Luang Nature trail. This trail will get you well away from the main tourist route and allow you to see a very interesting cross-section of this stunning national park. The trail will first follow a forested route downhill before it meets the river. You will spend some time following the river. Then pass Pa Dok Siew Waterfall where at the base if you want to cool off please feel free to take a dip in the cool waters. The trail will eventually open out into agricultural land which surrounds Mae Klang Luang Karen village. you will see coffee bushes and rice paddies. We will make a stop at a local coffee house where they roast, hand grind, and prepare freshly brewed coffee from the hills surrounding the village.