Seven flights of stairs in Chiang Mai Province, with a travelogue of this trip, filled with happiness, freshness, amidst the greenery, mist, and drizzle.

Another travel destination of mine, Muang Mahakan LIFE FOR TRAVEL https://www.facebook.com/PEESAT.PANTIP

Baan Pa Bong Piang

This is arguably the most beautiful rice terrace in the country. Its location on a high, rugged mountain allows for a panoramic view of the cascading rice paddies, creating an indescribable beauty. In the morning, you can see a sea of mist from the front of your accommodation, while in the evening, you can witness the sun setting behind the mountains, casting a golden glow over the rice fields. The vast expanse of rice terraces stretching as far as the eye can see is a sight that will leave anyone in awe.

The best time to visit Ban Pa Bong Piang is during three periods: July to August, when the rice paddies are flooded and reflect the sky; September to October, when the rice plants are fully grown and the fields are a lush green; and late October to November, when the rice is ready for harvest and the fields turn a golden yellow. This review features photos I took in late September.

Homestay Options in Ban Pa Bong Piang

Ban Pa Bong Piang offers a unique homestay experience amidst the serene rice fields. These simple accommodations are limited in number and offer a consistent price of 500 baht per person (prices may vary, so it's recommended to call multiple houses). Dinner and breakfast are included, but there is no air conditioning, hot water, or electricity.

Homestay Options:

• Baan Ma Ji Po: Phone: 081 0201691 (Note: Signal is limited, so persistent calling may be necessary)
• Baan Pi Sornchai: Two houses available, each accommodating 3-4 guests. Phone: 084 4359887, 097 1916131
• Baan Pi Weerasak: Located next to Baan Ma Ji Po, this single house accommodates 6-10 guests. Phone: 093 0742686
• Baan Pi Thongdee: Situated a few meters from Baan Ma Ji Po, this house is closer to Mae Chaem town than Baan Ma Ji Po. Phone: 080 8478863
• Baan Pi Wat & Pi Bat: Located almost at the village entrance, beyond Baan Ma Ji Po. Phone: 080 7946883 and 085 7131891
• Baan Pi Nong Nam Pu: Phone: 085 7105370 and 093 2206128

Travel - Ban Pa Bong Piang is located in Chang Keing Subdistrict, Mae Chaem District, Chiang Mai Province. The easiest way to get to Ban Pa Bong Piang is to go via Mae Chaem, Ban Tung Yao, and Inthanon Witthaya School. From the three-way intersection in front of the Mae Chaem District Office, turn right for about 10 kilometers, passing Ban Dto Reu, Mae Ok Hu River, and Ban Tung Yao. Once you reach Ban Tung Yao, after crossing the small bridge, there will be a right turn with a sign indicating the way to Inthanon Witthaya School. Turn right into the alley and you will find Wat Tung Yao. Then turn left for about 1 kilometer and you will find Mae Ming Village, following the sign for Inthanon Witthaya School.

The initial section of this route features well-maintained roads until you reach Baan Tin Pha. However, beyond Baan Tin Pha, the road surface transitions to a combination of gravel and intermittent concrete sections. The route includes steep inclines, cracked surfaces, and large rocks, making it accessible only by four-wheel drive vehicles or motorcycles.

This homestay charges 500 baht per person, including breakfast and dinner, with stunning million-dollar views.

No electricity, no air conditioning, no fans, no water heater, but there is 4G phone and internet signal.

Accessing Ban Pa Bong Piang: A Guide for Travelers

Reaching Ban Pa Bong Piang requires navigating a challenging terrain, as the village entrance consists of uneven and pothole-ridden roads. This makes access difficult for standard vehicles, with only four-wheel drive vehicles and motorcycles capable of traversing the path.

For those without suitable transportation, motorcycle rentals are available in Mae Chaem district for a daily rate of 250 baht. These rentals allow visitors to explore both Mae Chaem and Ban Pa Bong Piang. To arrange a motorcycle rental, contact 053-485097.

Additionally, free car parking is available at the Mae Chaem Hotel, located behind the motorcycle rental shop. This provides a convenient and secure option for those arriving by car and opting to rent a motorcycle for village access.

House on the Cliff

The village of Ban Tin Pha is located before the road to Ban Pa Bong Piang, accessible via the Inthanon Wittaya School. Upon entering the village, one can see a small Karen village of the Pga K'nyaw ethnic group nestled amidst the valley, surrounded by stunning rice terraces that rival the beauty of Ban Pa Bong Piang. In addition to rice, other crops such as corn are cultivated by the villagers, cascading down the mountain slopes, creating a picturesque scene that is equally captivating as the rice terraces.

Baan Tung Yao

This is the translation of "บ้านทุ่งยาว" from Thai to English.

Note:

• "Baan" means "house" or "village" in Thai.
• "Tung Yao" is likely a proper noun, possibly referring to a specific location or area.

Without further context, it is difficult to determine the exact meaning of "Baan Tung Yao". It could refer to a house in a place called Tung Yao, or it could be the name of a village itself.

Ban Tung Yao is a small village that serves as a passageway before the turnoff to Inthanon Wittaya School. However, amidst this small village, there are hidden rice terraces. The sight of the rice terraces bathed in sunlight, along with the farmers' huts in the middle of the rice fields, was so impressive that I couldn't help but stop and take pictures.

House of the Working Group

Ban Kong Kan: A Scenic Village in Mae Chaem

Ban Kong Kan is a village nestled within the heart of Mae Chaem district, just a short distance from the district office. To reach the village, turn right at the three-way intersection in front of the district office, heading in the same direction as Wat Phutthaen. After passing Wat Phutthaen and Wat Kong Kan, continue for approximately one kilometer to reach the Ban Kong Kan rice terrace viewpoint.

The breathtaking view from the viewpoint rivals any other in the area. Lush rice terraces cascade down the hillside, framed by towering mountains in the distance. The scene is a captivating blend of natural beauty and human ingenuity, leaving a lasting impression on all who witness it.

A house on the rice field.

Nestled amidst the mountains, Baan Bon Na is a quaint village accessible via a scenic route. From the Mae Chaem District Office, take a left turn followed by a right turn past the Mae Chaem fresh market. Cross the bridge and turn right towards Wat Khao Noi. The village is characterized by a network of narrow alleys that eventually converge. The terraced rice fields, though not particularly high, stretch as far as the eye can see. The highlight, however, is the winding white concrete road that traverses the paddy fields, with the village and towering mountains serving as a picturesque backdrop. This captivating view leaves a lasting impression on visitors.

Mae Klang Luang Village

Maeklang Luang Village: A Tranquil Escape in the Mountains

Nestled in the lush mountains of Chom Thong District, Chiang Mai, Maeklang Luang Village offers a serene escape for nature enthusiasts and cultural explorers. Located just a short drive from Chom Thong town on the road to Doi Inthanon, this charming village is home to the Karen Pa'ga K'nyaw people.

Maeklang Luang boasts several welcoming homestays, providing visitors with an immersive experience in the local culture. The village's main attraction is its breathtaking rice terraces, which transform into a mesmerizing spectacle of emerald green during the late rainy season and early winter months.

Beyond the scenic landscapes, Maeklang Luang offers a unique opportunity to savor authentic hill-tribe coffee. Relax and unwind at Oum Eib Coffee Shop, where you can sip on a freshly brewed cup while admiring the panoramic views of the verdant rice fields. The tranquil ambiance and stunning scenery create a truly rejuvenating experience for the mind and soul.

Pha Mon Cliff House

Note:

• I translated "บ้านผาหมอน" to "Pha Mon Cliff House" based on my understanding that it refers to a house located on a cliff called "Pha Mon".
• If you have any additional information about the context or specific meaning of "บ้านผาหมอน", please provide it so I can refine the translation further.

The last beautiful staircase point is Ban Pha Mon. If you come down from Doi Inthanon, you will pass Ban Mae Klang Luang on the right-hand side. Continue straight ahead and you will find a small intersection on the left-hand side with a sign for Ban Pha Mon. Go another 8 kilometers. The road is paved with asphalt and gravel in some sections, but cars can reach the village. However, some sections are narrow and require caution.

A breathtaking view of the terraced rice fields at Ban Pha Mon can be enjoyed from Bambook Pink House, a community-run resort that welcomes tourists. This vantage point offers a panoramic view of the meticulously crafted rice terraces, creating a scene of unparalleled beauty and harmony. Visitors can park their vehicles at the village entrance and embark on a leisurely stroll, immersing themselves in the daily life of the Karen Pa'ga'k'nyo people. In addition to the captivating rice terraces, the area boasts vegetable plots, vibrant flower gardens, and a thriving weaving community.

In conclusion, thank you to everyone who has followed this travelogue series. Until next time, farewell.

Another travel destination of mine: Muang Mahakan LIFE FOR TRAVEL https://www.facebook.com/PEESAT.PANTIP