Immerse yourself in the tranquility of "Pung Pong Piang," a haven where you can escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Embrace the serenity of nature, surrounded by verdant rice fields, intricate mountain ranges, and the earthy aroma of soil and water. Witness breathtaking panoramas that make this destination a true gem of Thailand's rainy season.

Ban Pa Bong Piang: A Remote Village Immersed in Nature

Ban Pa Bong Piang, a village inhabited by the Karen Pa'o ethnic group, is nestled in the remote reaches of Mae Chaem district, Chiang Mai province. Situated near the back of Doi Inthanon National Park, the village presents a challenging journey due to its unpaved roads. During the rainy season, the terrain becomes particularly treacherous, transforming into a muddy, pothole-ridden path. Consequently, only four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended for navigating this route.

Despite the arduous journey, Ban Pa Bong Piang attracts a steady stream of tourists, particularly during the rainy season. This influx coincides with the rice planting season, transforming the surrounding fields into a vibrant tapestry of verdant green. The lush rice paddies, stretching as far as the eye can see, offer a breathtaking spectacle of nature's bounty.

We embarked on our journey on Saturday morning, September 23, 2017. We took the San Pa Tong Hang Dong bypass road and Highway 1009 to reach Tha Pha Subdistrict, Mae Chaem District, Chiang Mai Province. The journey took approximately 2.30 hours (122 km) to reach our accommodation, Mon Muang Chaem Resort, which also served as the meeting point with our tour guide. As mentioned earlier, the terrain was challenging, requiring an experienced guide and a well-equipped vehicle.

The guide drove us in a four-wheel drive vehicle through muddy roads, some of which were barely recognizable as roads. The 19-kilometer journey took nearly an hour and a half.

Emerging from the dense forest, we were greeted by the sight of lush rice paddies in the midst of the rainy season. In the distance, rolling hills stretched out before us, while above, the recently cleared clouds allowed beautiful rays of sunlight to filter through.

The first glimpse confirmed my decision to come here.

As we descend the hillside along the paddy field embankment, a different perspective unfolds. The rice fields embrace us, with the backdrop of layered mountains bathed in the golden rays of sunlight. It's a scene reminiscent of a painting, a masterpiece created by nature itself.

After enjoying the breathtaking views until sunset, we made our way back to our accommodation for the night, the enchanting Mon Muang Jaem.

No dinner is provided here, so you need to bring your own or buy it and cook it yourself. We chose to stop by the market to buy vegetables, chicken, and other things to make a hot pot. As for kitchen equipment, we borrowed it from the owner of the accommodation.

Let's go to sleep now that we're full. The air will be cool at night, so we won't need air conditioning. Just a soft bed and warm blankets will suffice.

Good morning on Sunday, September 24, 2017. Waking up early, sipping coffee, and feeling the cool air amidst the morning mist.

After a satisfying meal, we packed our bags and prepared to tackle the work ahead on Monday morning. Farewell, Pa Pong Pieng, Mae Chaem District, Chiang Mai Province. We will return to visit you again. Goodbye!

Total trip cost

The following are the accommodation rates:

• Air-conditioned room: 1500 baht
• Fan room: 1300 baht
• Hut: 1100 baht

Guide fee: 1400 baht

Dinner cost 1300.

(I'm not sure if we bought the ingredients for dipping or if we're having shabu-shabu, it's a bit expensive.)

Divide everything by 5.

This trip costs 1320 baht per person.