A Remote Town In Thailand Offers Breathtaking Mountain Views And Endless Serenity

In the remote Mae Hong Son province of northern Thailand, close to the border of Myanmar, one of the most beautiful villages in the country is hidden in plain sight. Set against an almost fairytale landscape, within a green valley, and on the shores of a quiet lake, Ban Rak Thai, which has a population of fewer than 1,000 people, is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Thailand.

Easily accessible as a day trip from the neighboring attractions of Mae Hong Son or Chiang Mai, a detour to Ban Rak Thai is highly recommended if you'd like to explore the real, rural Thailand. Luckily, due to its location, Ban Rak Thai doesn't get much tourism, making a trip here feel like a well-earned retreat from Thailand's most popular attractions. With incredibly calm and beautiful lakeside vistas and misty mountains in the distance, this village harks back to an untouched postcard version of Thailand from a bygone era.

Ban Rak Thai is said to have been established during a period of governmental upheaval and revolution in China, which prompted many Chinese immigrants to seek refuge in the village. The village still retains many remnants of this Chinese migration, and when visiting, you'll quickly notice that most of the village houses are built with old traditional materials such as clay and rice straw, a Chinese aesthetic harking back to this period. As the last Thai village before reaching the Myanmar border, Ban Rak Thai really is on the outskirts of the country, and you'll have to stray from the traditional tourist route to get there. The nearest airport is Mae Hong Son Airport, which offers daily flights to and from Bangkok. A trip to Ban Rak Thai can easily be combined with travels to Chiang Mai or a visit to the nearby Pha Suea Waterfall.

This charming village sustains itself from its most important export, tea. The whole village is set upon lush tea plantations, with various assortments of the world's favorite drink growing in its fields. Ban Rak Thai holds an annual tea festival in February, making this month one of the best times to visit. It's during this time that the village comes to life with events and festivities that honor its cultural heritage. Throughout the month, Ban Rak Thai showcases its local tea varieties, and visitors can participate in tea-tasting ceremonies.

Due to its size and lack of tourism, there are limited places to stay in the village, but Lee Wine Ruk Thai Guesthouse is one of the more popular hotels in the area and is situated on a hillside in the heart of the tea plantations, making it the ideal place to wake up and survey the incredible landscape outside. You can also find panoramic views and delicious food at some of the local restaurants, and when in town, be sure to sample some of the traditional Yunnan cuisine, such as khao soi, which was named the "world's best soup" in 2022.

The small village of Ban Rak Thai is easily accessible on foot, but you may prefer to explore the plantations and nearby mountains by mule or motorbike! One of the greatest draws of this beautiful town is its misty lake, where dozens of traditional boats sit on the shore, and taking a ride from one side to the other is a truly unforgettable experience. The boats usually fit around four people and cost approximately 500 baht per hour. The surrounding area's lush vegetation and mountain scenery are also amplified during the rainy season, from June to October, making this another great time to visit. Make sure to pack for wet, cool conditions and get ready to breathe some of the freshest air you've ever experienced.