Readme before you journey
Nestled in the heart of Lamphang province, Ban Pa Hemiang is a small community brimming with warm smiles and friendly locals. Blessed with a year-round cool climate, this hidden gem lies just a stone's throw from Chiang Mai. While many travelers pass through, unaware of its charm, Ban Pa Hemiang offers a unique and welcoming experience for those seeking a tranquil escape.
We traveled on Nok Air from Bangkok to Lampang on the first flight of the day, departing at 8:55 AM. The flight time was approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
We arrived at Lampang Airport around 10:10 AM. Then, we traveled to the Ban Pa Hemiyong community, where a community member picked us up by car (there is an additional cost for this, which we will summarize at the end of the review).
The distance from the airport to the community is approximately 100 kilometers, with a travel time of 1 hour. It may sound far, but it's not. We can chat with friends and enjoy the scenery along the way, and we'll be there in no time.
On the way to Ban Pa Hemiang community, both sides of the road are lined with lush trees and rice fields.
The Ban Pa Hemiaeng is located within the Jae Son National Park, approximately 14 kilometers from the park headquarters.
We arrived at noon, just in time for lunch. The food here is delicious, beautifully presented, and most importantly, it includes all five food groups in every meal.
There are many homestays here. The one we chose to stay in is the one at the very top, which offers a view of the entire village.
After packing our belongings, we embarked on a village tour guided by Uncle Manas. Our first activity was observing the production of therapeutic tea leaf pillows.
Tea leaves, or "bai miang," are a native plant that grows naturally. We use the mature leaves to make tea leaf pillows, which has been a supplementary occupation that has provided income for villagers to this day.
The Ban Pa Hemiyong community is renowned for its Arabica coffee beans, which have been cultivated for over 20 years. Local residents have processed and sold these beans, establishing a coffee shop called "Pa Hemiyong Coffee."
The coffee shop is situated on a hill, offering panoramic views of the entire village. It boasts a diverse selection of coffee, with the signature "Pa Hemiyong Coffee" being a must-try for coffee enthusiasts. This brew is characterized by its robust flavor, sure to please even the most discerning palate.
In this pleasant and cool weather, we continue our journey to Kiew Fah National Park. Along the way, we encountered some rain, but it refreshed our minds and bodies.
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The hike to the viewpoint was approximately 200 meters. Upon reaching the summit, we were greeted with breathtaking views of rolling hills shrouded in mist and crisp, refreshing air.
Beware of "khoon" (insects found in forests and mountains) as their bites can cause intense itching. It is advisable to carry insect repellent and apply it to your body for protection.
In the evening, we observed the steaming process of betel leaves and the method of tying them for storage and sale.
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Steaming the leaves of the meeyang plant is a common practice in Thai cuisine. The young leaves are used in various dishes, such as meeyang salad and meeyang soup (a local specialty). Steaming also helps reduce the bitterness of the leaves and imparts a sour flavor, making them suitable for dipping in salt as a snack. The meeyang leaves are known for their numerous health benefits. The steaming process typically takes around one hour.
In the evening, the village held a "bai sri su khwan" ceremony to welcome the guests, a tradition and belief of the villagers.
The next morning, we visited Doi Phra Bat, a new tourist attraction in Ban Pa Hemiang community that will soon be open to tourists.
The ascent to Doi Phra Bat requires a 1-kilometer hike through a forested trail. Exercise caution while walking, as the journey takes approximately 30 minutes.
We walked leisurely, taking breaks when we got tired. The path wasn't difficult, and the uncle walked calmly while we were secretly panting. Luckily, the weather was cool.
Upon reaching the summit, all fatigue vanished. The view was breathtaking, defying accurate capture through photography.
Surrounded by 360 degrees of breathtaking mountain views and refreshing cool air.
On the way back to the village, our uncle took us to a viewpoint overlooking a field of blooming white flowers. The field was surrounded by white flowers and there were performances at night. If you want to see it, you have to come during the festival held in February.
Before heading back, we stopped by the waterfall. Uncle told us that this place is special because it has water all year round, but during the rainy season, the water is especially abundant. The village children love to play in the water here.
This trip only takes 2 days and 1 night, perfect for those who want to travel but don't have much time.
In conclusion, we would like to express our gratitude to the TAT's "Amazing Thailand Social" project for providing us with the opportunity to experience community life, gain new experiences, and share them with our friends to discover new tourist destinations.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Uncle Manas for guiding us through the village and various tourist attractions. I would also like to thank all the uncles and aunts for their warm hospitality.
Cost breakdown for this trip:
- Transportation from the city to the community and back: 2,000 baht
- Tour package with accommodation: 850 baht/person/night (including 2 meals)
Contact Information for Booking Accommodation at Ban Pa Hemiang Community, Lampang
Contact:
- Tel: 0972169345 / 0982075821 (Ban Pa Hemiang Community Tourism Group)
- Facebook Page: ชุมชนบ้านป่าเหมี้ยง นครลำปาง
- Website: 1nightstaywithlocals.com
For more reviews, other attractions, or inquiries, please visit our Facebook page: facebook.com/Lakgunpai.
ลากกันไป
Wednesday, February 26, 2025 7:24 PM
