Category Archives: Road Trip

Ban Rak Thai, Mae Hong Son…

…The Great Northern Road Trip 2020 : Day 7

The story starts HERE.

About an hour north of Mae Hong Son town, and a stone’s throw from the Burmese border to the north, is the small picturesque lakeside town of Ban Rak Thai…

Ban Rak Thai Mae Hong Son

At 1800 meters above sea level it’s a bit chilly, except around midday, and the air is noticeably thinner. It’s known for its many tea plantations, and lack of tourists.

Well, the busloads who were there on Day 7 of my trip either didn’t get the memo not to visit, or they did get the memo saying I would be there.

Luckily, as tourists who travel by bus often do, they all crowded together, and pretty-much stayed in one place, allowing me to get some tourist-free photos…

Ban Rak Thai Mae Hong Son

Ban Rak Thai Mae Hong Son

Ban Rak Thai Mae Hong Son

Ban Rak Thai Mae Hong Son

Ban Rak Thai Mae Hong Son

As you can see, the place has a very Chinese feel to it. That’s because it was settled by former Kuo Min Tang fighters from Yunnan Province, China, after the Communist takeover. A version of Mandarin is the most commonly spoken language.

Ban Rak Thai Mae Hong Son

Ban Rak Thai Mae Hong Son

Ban Rak Thai Mae Hong Son

Ban Rak Thai Mae Hong Son

Some local friends just hanging out!…

Ban Rak Thai Mae Hong Son

Note the writing in the foreground. It’s Thai, but written in a Chinese style.

Ban Rak Thai Mae Hong SonAs I mentioned, the tourists all stuck together, but this meant they all hit the waterfront restaurants together at lunchtime.

Luckily I managed to grab a cappuccino and almond croissant at the one coffee shop that had a quiet corner with a great view…

This was one of my favorite places on the trip. I’ll leave you will a few more photos…

Ban Rak Thai Mae Hong Son

Ban Rak Thai Mae Hong Son

Ban Rak Thai Mae Hong Son

wwi…before I head south again.

NEXT: Pang Tong Palace & Mae Hong Son Bamboo Complex…