Rice Terraces of Pa Bong Piang: When is the best time to visit?

There are three recommended periods to visit the rice terraces:

1. Planting Season (July-late August): This is the time when rice planting begins.

2. Green Rice Season (late August-mid October): During this period, the rice grows lush and green, filling the fields. The scenery is particularly refreshing and attracts many visitors.

3. Golden Rice Season (mid October-early November): The rice ripens and turns golden yellow, ready for harvest.

Pa Bong Piang Rice Terraces in late August:

We, two young women, spent a relaxing night in a hut amidst the rice terraces of Pa Bong Piang. Despite being women, we couldn't resist the allure of this destination. "Pa Bong Piang" has been on our bucket list for a long time. We meticulously researched travel details and reviews, knowing the journey would be challenging, especially during the peak season, which coincides with the rainy season (rice growing season). The weather during our visit brought heavy rain, transforming the already rough dirt roads into muddy paths.

However, the captivating beauty of the verdant rice terraces cascading down the mountainside, coupled with the breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, entices many to brave the challenging journey. They are drawn to witness and experience the pristine natural ambiance.

Accommodation at Ban Pa Bong Piang

However, the breathtaking beauty of the lush, terraced rice paddies and the stunning mountain views are enough to entice many to endure the challenging journey. They come to witness and experience the natural ambiance.

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Accommodation at Ban Pa Bong Piang

Rustic Charm at Baan Pa Bong Piang

Nestled amidst the serene landscapes of Baan Pa Bong Piang, a handful of rustic cottages offer a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in nature's embrace. These accommodations, devoid of modern conveniences, provide a sanctuary for those seeking an authentic connection with the surrounding environment.

During our recent visit, we opted for the "Ma Chi Po" cottage, owned by Mr. Wichai. The cost for a night's stay, including two meals (dinner and breakfast), is 500 baht per person. Due to the popularity of the area, especially during the rice terrace season, advance booking is highly recommended, as weekends tend to be fully booked.

While the cottages lack electricity, televisions, fans, refrigerators, and hot water heaters, they do offer mobile phone and internet connectivity (albeit limited to the balcony). Mealtimes are a delightful experience, with food delivered directly to the doorstep in traditional tiffin carriers.

Despite the lack of amenities, the atmosphere at Baan Pa Bong Piang is truly exceptional. The tranquility of the surroundings, coupled with the simplicity of the accommodations, creates an unforgettable experience.

Dinner (Day 1)

Breakfast (Day 2)

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Journey to Ban Pa Bong Piang

From Chiang Mai city, we, two girls, stopped by to capture the scenery at "Ban Mae Klang Luang" on our way. It was the rainy season when we visited, at the end of August. During this time, every rice field was lush and green, and the rice terraces of Ban Mae Klang Luang were no exception. They are considered one of the most beautiful rice terraces and are easily accessible. After a while, it started to rain, and the air became cool, creating a different kind of atmosphere.

Passing through Chom Thong district, we turned right onto the road leading to Doi Inthanon. Upon reaching checkpoint 2, we turned left towards Mae Chaem district, approximately 6-7 kilometers away.

A right fork leads to Mae Pan Waterfall, where the road narrows and becomes a small lane with infrequent traffic. The atmosphere is serene, with pine forests lining both sides. After crossing a small stream, you will find the Mae Pan Waterfall Protection Unit.

A right fork leads to Mae Pan Waterfall, passing through the Mae Pan Waterfall Protection Unit. After this point, the road to Ban Pa Bong Piang becomes rough and difficult, requiring a 4WD vehicle.

For this trip, we rented a sedan from the airport and drove it to the Mae Pan Waterfall Protection Unit. We then called the accommodation to send a 4WD vehicle to pick us up and take us to Ban Pa Bong Piang. At this point, other network signals will not be available, except for AIS (in case you need to call the accommodation for pick-up without prior arrangement). (The cost of the 4WD vehicle round trip is 700 baht/car, with a capacity of 5-6 people), which is safer as the driver is familiar with the route. After this, we will encounter a challenging route, approximately 2 kilometers long, with some sections of the road being waterlogged. (See the video for the route). 5:00 PM. We have arrived at the "Ma Chi Po" rice terraces in Ban Pa Bong Piang.

The breathtaking view of the Banaue Rice Terraces in Batad, Philippines, is a sight to behold. The journey to the village is an adventure in itself, as the road winds its way up the mountainside, offering stunning vistas of the surrounding landscape. Upon arrival, visitors are greeted by the iconic rice terraces, cascading down the slopes like a giant staircase. The lush greenery, the sound of the wind rustling through the leaves, and the gentle murmur of water flowing from the nearby streams create a serene and tranquil atmosphere. As the sun begins to set, the sky transforms into a canvas of vibrant colors, casting a golden glow over the terraces. The mist rising from the valley adds an ethereal touch to the scene, making it a truly unforgettable experience.

Looking up from the rice paddy below, one can see scattered accommodations in various corners. Some are large enough to accommodate multiple guests.

Nightfall descends swiftly in this rural setting, enveloping the rice fields and forests in darkness. The air is filled with the chirping of crickets and croaking of frogs, accompanied by the occasional buzz of mosquitoes. Insect repellent is essential, although the accommodation typically provides some. The absence of electricity during certain hours can pose minor inconveniences, making a flashlight a valuable companion. Candles are provided for illumination on the balcony and for navigating to the bathroom in the dark. During our visit, the rain obscured the starry sky. The cool night air necessitates wearing warm clothing and long pants before retiring. Exhausted from our day's adventures and mindful of preserving our phone batteries, we retired early for the night.

Good morning from Ban Pa Bong Piang!

It was so dark when we woke up that we could barely see anything. We sat around for a while, just the two of us.

At 6:30 AM, we embarked on a scenic hike through the terraced rice fields. Donning appropriate footwear is highly recommended due to the abundance of ants. The reward for our trek was a breathtaking vista of verdant rice paddies, a feast for the eyes. The morning air was crisp and invigorating, with wisps of mist swirling around the valley. Witnessing the ethereal dance of the morning mist above the terraced fields was a truly magical experience. Time seemed to stand still as we immersed ourselves in this idyllic setting. One day was simply not enough to fully appreciate the beauty of this place; we were reluctant to leave. This vantage point is a must-visit for photographers, offering panoramic views that are worth a million dollars.

10:00 AM: We bid farewell to Ban Pa Bong Piang and waited for our driver to pick us up and take us to the Mae Pan Waterfall Ranger Station. We were preparing to travel to Chiang Mai city.

Our trip to Ban Pa Bong Piang Rice Terraces was a memorable experience for the two of us. We had been wanting to visit this place for a year, and we were finally able to make it. Although the last part of the journey was a bit challenging, it was definitely worth it. We had a wonderful time relaxing and enjoying the beautiful natural scenery of the rice terraces. We lived simply, staying in a hut in the middle of the rice fields and eating simple meals. This experience added a new dimension to our lives. We highly recommend this place to anyone who is interested in experiencing breathtaking views. "Ban Pa Bong Piang" is a place that we will definitely visit again.

"Half the fun of the journey is the beauty of getting lost here."

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