Ban Rak Thai

Is Ban Rak Thai worth the luxury price tag?

Visiting Ban Rak Thai is an unforgettable experience and can be even more enjoyable if you know what to expect before you arrive. To make sure your journey is as pleasant as possible, here are some key pieces of information that you should know before visiting Ban Rak Thai.

Located in Northern Thailand, Ban Rak Thai sits at the border of Myanmar and Thailand. Ban Rak Thai, a charming Chinese village that once thrived on opium production but has now transformed into a tranquil tourist destination, offers a unique culinary experience.

Before visiting Ban Rak Thai, there are a few things to know. The entry point to the town from Mae Hong Son is approximately 1 hour and 3 hours from Pai. Both of these towns have closer access to Ban Rak Thai than other cities in Northern Thailand.

Things To See and Do in BAN RAK THAI ( View all )

  • Cruise on the lake in a heritage-style boat.
  • Take a walk around the village
  • Visit the tea slope for the stunning photos (entrance required)
  • Enjoying mookata and steamboat in the chilly outdoor weather, with a view of night red lanterns

insider’s guide to ban rak thai

Accommodation – For a luxurious stay in Ban Rak Thai, the top choices are Lee Wine Resort and WoJia. Lee Wine Resort offers competitive rates starting at 80 USD per night, while WoJia provides a more upscale experience starting at 200 USD per night. Keep in mind that these prices may be considered relatively high for the size of the area. To secure your accommodation, it is necessary to make direct bookings through their respective websites, as they are not listed on platforms like Agoda. Since communication with the accommodations is primarily conducted in Thai, utilizing translation tools like Google Translate can be helpful. It’s important to note that full payment in advance is generally required, and credit cards are not accepted. To settle the payment, options include wire transfer or cash deposit at a local bank in Thailand.

Food – It’s important to note that the food choices in Ban Rak Thai are somewhat limited. The local cuisine primarily consists of a delightful blend of Chinese fusion dishes and Mookata, a popular Thai-style BBQ. Indulge in delectable delights like succulent Pork Knuckle, flavorful Soup Noodle, and the sizzling Mookata experience. Nothing fancy there, but enough for two nights.

Transportation – It will take three hours to get to Ban Rak Thai from Pai, with many turns and curves. There is no public transportation from Pai to Ban Rak Thai, so our ride is a bit pricey at 2500 baht per ride for up to four passengers.Pai used to have mini vans before the pandemic, but they apparently have not resumed yet.I cannot say the same for Mae Hong Son; however, according to locals, there are mini vans that go to Ban Rak Thai on a regular basis.For travelers who want to visit Ban Rak Thai, it is best to start their journey from Mae Hong Son

Recommended budget for 2 nights/couple – from 200-600 USD ; This estimate includes accommodations at the finest stay in Ban Rak Thai, with best dining options , and 2-ways private taxi return from Pai .( !! It is important to note that BRK is a small village ,easily explore within a 15-mins walk .Thus , it is crucial to manage expectation accordingly . However , you can still enjoy the best experiences BRK has to offer .

TRAVEL TIPS

  • Book 6 months earlier – For the best stay in town you have to book earlier as it popular among Thai too .
  • Bring enough cash – BRK is a small town and most of the shops do not accept credit cards .
  • Best time to visit – The coolest months are from November to February. I was there from 13-16 Jan 23 and the temperature was between 9-12 celcius .
  • Ready for slow internet – The slow WiFi and internet caused me inconvenience, as I work everywhere I go, Therefore, having good internet when traveling is very important
  • Best for 2 nights –On the first night, explore the whole village; on the second night, repeat the exploration. Therefore, two nights are best.( Its really small )

What Can I Expect From Ban rak thai

Ban Rak Thai captivates visitors with its captivating views, particularly from the tea slopes that offer an ideal vantage point for stunning photos. The village has taken significant steps to enhance its aesthetics, a testament to its commitment to boost tourism.

Delving into its rich history, Ban Rak Thai served as a sanctuary for those escaping the grasp of China’s Communist regime, establishing a settlement and engaging in opium production in the past. Today, the village thrives solely on tourism, relying on its natural charm and cultural allure to attract visitors. Going out during the colder months can be a truly delightful experience – you can enjoy steamboat and Mookata in the pleasantness of the chilly weather.

Worth it? I realize it’s not cheap for a small place, but it is a one-time experience for stunning photos.