The name "Baan Rabien Dao" alone evokes a sense of wonder and longing. Nestled on Doi Luang Chiang Dao, the highest peak in northern Thailand, this enchanting retreat offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the opportunity to witness the celestial spectacle of the night sky. A visit to Baan Rabien Dao promises an unforgettable experience, immersing you in the tranquility of nature and the majesty of the cosmos.

I have already conquered the summit of Doi Luang Chiang Dao, but my girlfriend is not strong enough to climb it. I had hoped to take her to see Doi Luang from below, but I have missed the opportunity year after year. Even when Baan Rabeang Dao Homestay in Ban Na Lao Mai became very popular, I still couldn't find the time. Finally, at the beginning of the rainy season, when I had some free time and everything was in order, I didn't hesitate any longer.

The mere mention of Baan Rabien Dao and Doi Luang Chiang Dao is enough to get hearts racing as bags are packed for the journey.

Doi Luang Chiang Dao is now very easy to visit. As Chiang Mai is a popular tourist destination, it is convenient to travel there at any time. Flights, buses, and trains are readily available. Upon arrival, you can rent a car or motorbike, or hire a red or yellow songthaew to take you around. Even with only two days and one night, you can easily enjoy your trip.

Travel Tip: Save Money on Flight Insurance

If you're a frequent flyer, consider this money-saving tip: opt out of airline-offered travel insurance when booking your flight and purchase a policy directly from an insurance company online. This simple step can significantly reduce your travel expenses while still providing comparable coverage.

Online insurance companies often offer lower premiums compared to airlines, making them a more budget-friendly option. Additionally, the coverage provided by independent insurance companies is often similar to what airlines offer, ensuring you're adequately protected during your trip.

Purchasing travel insurance online is also incredibly convenient. With user-friendly websites and mobile apps, you can easily compare policies and purchase the one that best suits your needs within minutes.

So, the next time you book a flight, remember this simple tip: skip the airline insurance and explore online options for a more affordable and convenient way to protect your travel investment.

Consider this domestic travel insurance, TIP FLY SURE, offered by Tipy Insurance. The premium for a one-way trip is only 55 baht, and for a round trip, it is 129 baht, which is half the price of buying from an airline (normally, round-trip travel insurance from an airline costs around 250++ baht). However, it provides coverage of up to 4,000,000 baht. Moreover, you will receive the policy via email simply by paying with a credit card.

If you're flying to Chiang Mai, uncheck the travel insurance box when booking your ticket and purchase TIP FLY SURE insurance through their website instead. For the same coverage and duration, you'll likely save money, especially if you're traveling with multiple people. It's like getting extra gas money or funds for souvenirs.

Those who have tickets and are ready to travel can purchase them at >>> www.tipinsure.com/tipflysure or through the TIPINSURE M application.

Ready to hit the road, we arrived in Chiang Mai in the late morning. We took care of our transportation, and I opted to rent a motorbike from my usual shop. I prefer exploring on two wheels, as it allows me to stop wherever I please and capture the stunning scenery along the way. My go-to shop is BIKKY, which has numerous branches. The ones I frequent are at Chiang Mai Airport (0946060111) and Arcade Transportation (0846878809). The rental fee ranges from 250 to 350 baht per day, depending on the model, and no deposit is required. Just leave your ID card.

From Chiang Mai, we rode north along Highway 107, passing through Mae Rim and Mae Taeng districts. We stopped for a bite to eat along the way. As we entered Chiang Dao district, the road became increasingly green and winding, but the ride was easy and enjoyable.

Continue driving on Highway 107, bypassing Chiang Dao town. Do not enter the town. When you reach the intersection with Highway Chom Thong 3024, follow the sign for Wat Tham Chiang Dao and turn left. This road will lead you to Doi Luang Chiang Dao.

Since we are passing by Wat Tham Chiao Daeng, how can we not stop by?

Visiting the temple is free of charge. You can worship Buddha and pay respects to sacred objects in the traditional Thai way. However, if you want to enter the cave, you will need to pay 20 baht for Thai citizens. The inside of the cave is beautiful, with a fair amount of stalactites and stalagmites to admire, as well as Buddha statues and sacred objects enshrined within.

However, there is another section of the cave that requires an additional fee or a local guide to lead the way. This is a tour of the cave that is not lit by electricity and is not allowed to enter on your own. You must hire a guide for 200 baht per group of 5-6 people. If you come here, you must see it. It is also a way to generate income for the villagers, as the guides are all local people.

The passage describes a beautiful cave with stunning formations. The guide points out interesting features and helps visitors capture the best photos.

After exiting the cave, continue along the path until you reach the checkpoint of the Sopsai Forest Protection Unit - Na Lao, Chiang Dao Wildlife Sanctuary. Pay the entrance fee: 20 baht for Thai citizens, 20 baht for motorcycles, and 30 baht for four-wheeled vehicles. This is the standard fee set by the Department of National Parks.

From here on, it's time to have fun because it's a winding uphill road with some steep sections that will give you a thrill. However, it's a concrete road in good condition, so all types of vehicles can make it up. As for us motorcyclists, let's hold on tight! (Haha...)

The journey began 90 kilometers outside of Chiang Mai at 10:30 AM. After a few stops for food and sightseeing, we finally arrived at our destination, Ban Na Lao Mai, around 4:00 PM. From here, the peak of Doi Luang Chiang Dao was visible in the distance. I had previously hiked to the summit, which is only open to the public from November to February. However, Ban Na Lao Mai offers a more relaxed experience and is open year-round.

The Lahu or Lisu people of Ban Na Lao Mai have resided in this area for generations. Traditionally, they practiced slash-and-burn agriculture. However, with the establishment of the wildlife sanctuary, they have begun to focus on conservation and restoration efforts. As a result, the Doi Luang Chiang Dao forest has regained its beauty. The villagers have turned to tourism as a primary source of income, with over ten guesthouses and homestays available. The most popular on social media is Baan Rabien Dao, but the others offer similar experiences. In my opinion, the choice of accommodation is not crucial, as the views are comparable across all options.

Visiting during the rainy season on weekdays is the best. There are very few tourists, it is quiet, and we can walk around and take beautiful photos with the view of Doi Luang Chiang Dao in the village as we please. The rain falls intermittently, refreshing in a different way.

We did not book accommodation in advance, as we intended to walk in. As expected, Baan Rabiaw Dao had only a few guests. The price was 600 baht per person, including dinner and breakfast, which is the standard rate for accommodation in Baan Na Law Mai.

The accommodation here is basic, with simple wooden houses. Inside, there are only beds, mosquito nets, and fans. There are no TVs, refrigerators, or Wi-Fi. However, there are private bathrooms. If you are sensitive to the cold, it is recommended to take a shower before sunset. Otherwise, you may feel cold even if it is not winter. (Haha...)

The view from our balcony is breathtaking. As we sit and relax, the mist rolls in and covers the peak of Doi Chiang Dao. We can't help but snap photos like crazy.

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Alternatively, guests can relax in the open-air common area, which offers better views and stronger phone and internet signals than the guest rooms.

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Around five o'clock in the evening, the accommodation will serve food to the balcony of the room. Simple food, clear soup, fried eggs, stir-fried vegetables, but the highlight is the chili paste, which is very delicious. Just mix it with hot rice and eat it, it's so good. It's even better with fried eggs and boiled vegetables on the side, it's like heaven.


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As darkness fell, a deeper silence descended upon the house with the starlit balcony. The origin of the name "Starlit Balcony" is a mystery, but we were so engrossed in stargazing that we almost fell asleep on the balcony.

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As the skies cleared overnight and not a single drop of rain fell, I didn't expect to see any beautiful fog in the morning. However, the absence of fog doesn't mean that the morning atmosphere wasn't beautiful. No matter what, Doi Luang Chiang Dao is always stunning.


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A simple breakfast of delicious rice porridge with pork, Ovaltine, coffee, and tea was waiting for us in front of the house. It was a simple breakfast that brought us immense joy.

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Most tourists check out and leave by eight o'clock to continue their travels or return home. However, we took our time, relaxed, and took photos until almost eleven o'clock before leaving. The beauty of this place is something you want to savor for as long as possible.

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Rainy season weekdays, the charm of the balcony of the stars and Chiang Dao. Visiting here is not difficult at all, as I mentioned. It is also easy to do, convenient. You only have two days and one night to travel. Try it once. Close to beauty and simplicity like this, there is only fin with fin.

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#baan rabeang dao#chiang mai#homestay#accommodation#cave#mountain#thailand#eat and travel#take a photo.#motorcycle
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