Forget everything you thought you knew about homestays. This one caters specifically to women who want to breathe fresh air, eat well, and stay in luxury without breaking the bank. Join us on a 6 August Journey to discover what you can do in Tha Khan Thong in just two days and one night.

Our journey began at Don Mueang Airport, where we boarded a Nok Air flight to Chiang Rai. The flight departed on time and arrived 10 minutes early. We then rented a car and drove to Baan Tha Khan Thong Homestay. Alternatively, you can take a Grab to the homestay for approximately 800 baht (public transportation).

Within 45 minutes, we arrived at the Baan Tha Khan Homestay. Before arriving, we had informed the village in advance so that they could prepare activities and accommodation for us. This place has several houses that offer homestays. This time, we stayed at Baan Pi Kul. The atmosphere of the house is lovely.

We arrived hungry after an early flight and a long drive. Kul was incredibly kind and surprised us by preparing a large meal for us. The ingredients for these dishes were sourced from around the house!

A Culinary Journey through Chiang Rai: A Fusion of Flavors

This passage describes a delightful culinary experience in Chiang Rai, Thailand. The meal features a vibrant array of dishes, including:

  • Som Tum Dok Anchan: A refreshing papaya salad with blue pea flowers, offering a unique twist on the classic Thai dish.
  • Khao Niao: Sticky rice, a staple accompaniment to many Thai meals.
  • Kai Tod Glua: Deep-fried chicken seasoned with salt, providing a crispy and savory element.
  • Moo Sam Chan Tod: Crispy fried pork belly, adding a rich and flavorful dimension to the meal.
  • Gaeng Aom Nua Baep Isan: A spicy and aromatic Isaan-style beef curry, showcasing the region's culinary influences.

The passage highlights the unique cultural blend of Chiang Rai, where the local population's mixed heritage has resulted in a fusion of culinary traditions. The mention of "ลูกครึ่ง" (half-caste) suggests that the people of Chiang Rai have roots in both northern and northeastern Thailand, leading to a diverse and flavorful cuisine.

The concluding sentence humorously predicts that the delicious meal will leave the diners feeling so full that they will need to roll home. This lighthearted remark adds a touch of humor and relatability to the passage.

Today, the community sent the most handsome and adorable man to take care of us, Ta Pan. He has a sweet smile and kindly prepared pickled medicine for us to eat. 55+ Let's see where Ta Pan will take his nephews and nieces today. But one thing is for sure, if you want to look expensive while staying at a homestay, we recommend that you make sure your face is on point! This is very important!!! Let's cut to each activity.

Day 1: Craft Your Own Vibrant Butterfly Pea Flower Drink with Brown Rice

The scene cuts to unmilled rice, which farmers avoid sending to the rice mill because it would diminish its value. Instead, they employ a manual process to preserve the rice's nutritional content, resulting in brown rice that is hulled by hand.

In addition to eating rice, we also got to drink butterfly pea riceberry water, which they cooked and then blended with pandan leaves and butterfly pea flowers. Many people probably already know that riceberry water is rich in antioxidants. Drinking it regularly is sure to make you more beautiful every day. To look expensive when visiting a community, you have to be beautiful, haha!


Savor the Inca Star Nut Tea, Sip Tea Like a Nobleman


Indulge in a refined tea experience amidst the tranquility of nature. This establishment offers a unique Inca Star Tea, crafted from the leaves of the Inca plant. The star-shaped seeds of the plant are roasted and served as a complementary snack. For information on the purported health benefits of this tea, please consult Google.


Take a ride on a tuk-tuk to be sassy at the passion fruit garden

Since we were already there, we naturally visited the many passion fruit orchards in the area. Trying passion fruit straight from the vine was an amazing experience. Some of the fruits were incredibly sour, but the locals generously provided us with a variety of accompaniments, including salt, sugar, and chili powder, which perfectly balanced the tartness.

Nestled amidst the passion fruit orchard, a nearby rubber plantation offers a picturesque backdrop for a stylish photoshoot. Embrace the chic vibes as you twirl in your adorable skirt or strike a pose amidst the lush rubber trees.


A Taste of Khao Tok for Lunch (A Must-Try!)

Let's **practice eating from a khrantoke** first. This is just practice because the real meal is in the evening. To eat from a khrantoke, you must wash your hands with the water in the bowl, which has flower petals sprinkled on it. There is also a hand towel provided for us to wipe our hands, because this place is environmentally friendly and they do not like us to use tissues. Instead, we use hand towels.

The Culinary Delights of This Place

This establishment boasts a menu brimming with delectable dishes, each one a culinary masterpiece. Even the humble boiled pumpkin is a treat, especially when paired with the spicy fermented fish dip. The special fermented fish sauce, known as jaew lim, is a revelation, perfectly complementing the grilled fish. The sour and spicy soup, a symphony of flavors, is a testament to the chef's mastery. This is merely a taste of what awaits, a prelude to the true gastronomic experience that lies ahead.

Weaving Vintage-Style Cotton Fabric

The Vintage Hues of Baan Na Thung

The atmosphere of Baan Na Thung may be rustic, but the weavers' color palette is surprisingly vintage. We believe that the resulting fabrics will be easy to mix and match with our outfits. Oh, and I almost forgot to mention that tonight we'll be wearing outfits from the Baan Khan Thong community.


Herbal Steam and High-End Thai Massage: A Luxurious Experience

To achieve effective massage, blood circulation is essential. Therefore, herbal steaming is necessary beforehand. This involves changing into appropriate attire and entering a **herbal steam room**, where boiled herbs release their vapors. The heat and perspiration stimulate blood flow. Subsequently, a **traditional Thai massage** is performed, costing 200 baht per hour.


Cycling

This is a small village with a long main road and small roads along the Mekong River. We can ride our bikes here, especially in the evening when the sun is about to set.


Drinking pickled fish and grilled pork at Ta Pan, along the Mekong River

A must-try activity when visiting Ban Tha Khan Thong Homestay is to enjoy grilled pork and Ya Dong liquor from Ta Pan along the Mekong River. The atmosphere was amazing even though it was raining heavily when we visited. The deliciousness lived up to its reputation. If you come here and don't try it, it's like you haven't been here at all.


Blessing Ceremony, Khan Tok Procession, and Lively Dancing

Night has fallen. We have already practiced eating Khantoke during the day. Now, we are properly drunk on herbal liquor. 55+ We are about to eat Khantoke for real. But before we eat Khantoke, they have a บายศรีสู่ขวัญ ceremony and a Khantoke procession according to the local beliefs.

In addition to the bai sri ceremony, there was also a red ant egg teasing performance by the local children. The children were incredibly talented and clearly passionate about their local culture. Many people gave the children tips of 10-20 baht each, which they seemed to enjoy.

The performance concluded with an energetic dance party, fueled by the infectious rhythms of traditional instruments. The captivating music drew the audience into a frenzy, reminiscent of the vibrant atmosphere at Sakura Bar in Vang Vieng.


Khantoke and Ya Dong

After dancing until we were drenched in sweat, we were famished. Now, we will indulge in an authentic Khantoke dinner, where the food is delicious and the atmosphere is lively, as if we were being manipulated by the potent Ya Dong liquor. 55+


Day 2

I had a very comfortable sleep last night. It rained all night, and the cool air meant I didn't need to turn on the air conditioning. In the morning, we had breakfast. The highlight of this morning's breakfast was nam phrik ong with fresh vegetables. Let me tell you, it was amazing because the taste was so delicious!!! Today we have many more activities to do, so let's move on.

Cruising the Mekong River

The original plan was to enjoy a sunset cruise on the Mekong River yesterday evening. However, due to the rain, the cruise was rescheduled to this morning. The atmosphere was very relaxing, and we learned about the local beliefs associated with the river.

After a delightful boat ride, we disembarked and prepared for our next activity: a coffee break. The coffee break here is exceptional, as we will have the opportunity to try our hand at making and enjoying our own coffee.

Pumpkin Egg Toast

This is a simple and delicious Thai street food dish. It is made with pumpkin that is coated in egg and then grilled. The pumpkin is sweet and the egg adds a savory flavor. This dish is often served with a dipping sauce.

Here are some additional details about the dish:

  • The pumpkin is typically cut into thin slices before being coated in egg.
  • The egg can be seasoned with salt, pepper, and other spices.
  • The toast is grilled until the pumpkin is soft and the egg is cooked through.
  • The dipping sauce is typically made with soy sauce, vinegar, and sugar.

This dish is a great option for a quick and easy meal. It is also a healthy and affordable option.

Here are some additional notes:

  • The word "จี่" means "to grill" in Thai.
  • The word "ฟักทอง" means "pumpkin" in Thai.
  • The word "ไข่" means "egg" in Thai.
  • The word "ปิ้ง" means "to toast" in Thai.

I hope this information is helpful. Please let me know if you have any other questions.

The grilled sticky rice here is mixed with coconut milk, sugar, and salt. It is set aside for about 2 hours and then grilled until the egg is dry to reduce the fishy smell. It is eaten hot with butterfly pea and lime juice. It is truly a delicious snack.

Natural Soap for Radiant Skin

This village boasts a fascinating tradition of crafting soaps from natural ingredients such as passion fruit, cucumber, tamarind, and various other local flora. This practice exemplifies the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the local community.

A Picnic Under the Big Tree

The journey has reached its final meal, a Khantoke under the big tree. Adding a spicy touch to the table is the Som Tam Pla Ra, an unforgettable dish that will leave a lasting impression. Eat plenty before embarking on the next adventure.

The Only Mud Slide in Thailand

After a satisfying meal, we returned to pack our bags in preparation for our return journey. Before leaving, we decided to visit the cone slide, which we had never seen before in Thailand. As a precaution against potential injuries, we donned stockings before enjoying the slide.

We then dug a channel to create a slippery, muddy surface for the children to slide down. They were overjoyed and wanted to continue playing, but unfortunately, we had to leave. As a result, they only had a short time to enjoy the activity.

The children played in the rice paddy before taking a bath in the well, changing their clothes. This experience solidified my love for this place. The natural beauty and the genuine people made me feel like I had traveled back in time ten years. If you ever visit Chiang Rai, you won't be disappointed.

#baan tha khan thong homestay#chiang rai#homestay#thailand#hand-coloring brown rice#inca peanut tea#riding an e-tuk-tuk#* airplane* car* bus
Comments