Located in Chiang Mai, Ban Phamon is a medium-sized village tucked away in the mountains. The village, home to the Pga K'nyau community, is a community resort of sorts, perched on a hillside with spectacular views of rice terraces and surrounded by the overwhelming beauty of the mountainous landscape. The Pga K'nyau people, with their wisdom of cultivating terraced rice fields in high-altitude areas, have turned these rice terraces into a magnificent sight that draws visitors from far and wide to this small village. The villagers, realizing the potential, have collectively developed a community-managed tourism initiative, making this place a hit among both Thai and international tourists.
Visiting Ban Phamon is all about peace and tranquility. You'll get a chance to experience the lifestyle of the Pga K'nyau people, who are closely entwined with nature, through their terraced rice fields and the natural environment of the village. You'll also get a taste of their local cuisine. For your stay, the community offers accommodations collectively managed by them, known as the “Bamboo Pink House.” This large house consists of several bedrooms, with about 3-4 main buildings. The largest one can accommodate up to 10 guests.
For those interested in witnessing the green terraced rice fields in Ban Phamon, the best time to visit is between mid-September to mid-October. Another time of interest is from late October to early November, when the rice fields turn golden before the harvest season begins. If you plan to stay, make sure to book in advance as the place gets pretty busy, especially on weekends during the rainy and winter seasons.
Getting to Ban Phamon isn't much of a stretch. It's just about 7-10 kilometers away from the main highway No. 1009 (Chom Thong - Doi Inthanon). However, the main road leading into the village is gradually steep and has complex turns, so careful driving is advised. For ease of travel, it's best to use a pickup truck.