“The Bong Piang forest is not a place, but a people,” said Odin.

Wait... is that Asgard?!

Okay! It's not the only one. Ban Pa Bong Piang is a village in Mae Chaem district, Chiang Mai province. The highlight here is the beautiful, magnificent, and vast terraced rice fields that stretch as far as the eye can see. Enough! In fact, there are many other terraced rice fields in Mae Chaem, but this trip we will focus on Ban Pa Bong Piang. Next time we have the opportunity, we would like to try going somewhere else.


Transportation:

This trip begins in Chiang Mai. You can reach Chiang Mai by plane, bus, train, or car, depending on your preference. From the city center, you can rent a motorbike for 250 baht per day (fuel not included). The distance from Chiang Mai to Mae Chaem is approximately 100 kilometers. The road conditions are good, passing through Chom Thong district and ascending Doi Inthanon mountain. The road is steep in some sections, but manageable. There is a slightly challenging section before reaching Ban Pa Bong Piang. It is recommended to go through the Mae Chaem district center first, even though it is a longer route, as the road conditions are significantly better than the usual route. On the way to Mae Chaem, we took the more challenging route, which was steep and muddy, making for a difficult journey with several near-misses. The total travel time was approximately 3-4 hours, including a stop for lunch.

Motorbike rental shop coordinates: Bikkychiangmai




When is the best time to visit the rice terraces?

  • Rice planting season: July - August
  • Green rice season: Late August - October
  • Golden rice season: Late October - November

Before making a decision, it is advisable to check the Facebook pages of various homestays. They regularly post updates and photos, providing insights into the atmosphere and conditions during different periods. This information can be helpful in determining the most suitable time for your visit.


Accommodation:

Most accommodations are homestays run by local villagers. There are many options available, so it's recommended to research and book in advance, especially during the peak season when the rice fields are a vibrant green and gold.

For our stay, we chose Machi Pho Homestay, which costs 500 baht per person and includes two meals (dinner and breakfast). Dinner and breakfast are delivered to your doorstep in traditional tiffin carriers. The homestay provides beds, pillows, mosquito nets, blankets, drinking water, and private bathrooms.

Contact: Mr. Wichai Machipo Homestay 0810201691


*For those who are not comfortable going up on their own, you can contact the homestay to arrange for a 4x4 pickup truck to pick you up.

*Baan Pa Bong Piang is off the grid, so be sure to bring a power bank. It gets dark early, so candles are necessary for light. Cell phone reception is available, enough to update social media. Some homestays have separate bathrooms, unlike here where the bathroom is en suite.

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We arrived at the rest stop just as the heavy rain began. Fortunately, we made it before the downpour, otherwise we would have been soaked.

While waiting for the rain to stop, we spent our time relaxing and playing. Once the weather cleared, we set out to explore the area. Let's take a look at the stunning rice terraces here.

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As the rain had just stopped, we were fortunate enough to witness the ethereal beauty of mist gently swirling around the mountains.

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After strolling and taking photos for a while, soaking in the atmosphere for a moment, it was time to return to our homestay. We were starting to get hungry, and when we arrived, our dinner was already waiting for us in a tiffin carrier. What would be on the menu for this meal?

A candlelit dinner, the epitome of romance.

After dinner, we were at a loss for what to do. Fortunately, the two other houses had guests as well, which made us feel a little more at ease. After sitting around for a while, it was time for bed.


The scene cuts to the morning, where we find ourselves waking up to the sight of morning mist, a thermos of hot water, and a sachet of coffee waiting for us on the balcony.


After a while, the breakfast tiffin arrived.


After taking care of personal matters, washing my face, brushing my teeth, and having breakfast, I went for a short walk.

It's time to go, even though I don't want to. I need to go back to work and save some money. I'll be back soon.

Those who yearn for a simple, unpretentious, and comfortable atmosphere, free from luxury and hardship, should consider visiting this place. Spend a night or two as a villager and you will realize that "Pabong Piang is not a place, but a people." But wait, there's more!


How is the rice terrace here? I would like to try it during the golden rice field season. Finally, I would like to leave a small page. Hehe, you can follow my journey on this page. Click here. Thank you everyone for watching. If there is anything wrong, I apologize here. Thank you very much.

Facebook Fanpage: Get A Way



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