Things To Do
in Ban Nong Tong
Ban Nong Tong is a tranquil rural village in Chiang Mai Province, set among green hills, rice paddies, and winding country lanes. The community offers a genuine glimpse of Northern Thailand life, with wooden houses on stilts, bustling local markets, and welcoming locals. Visitors can explore a nearby temple complex, harvest-season scenery, and gentle nature trails away from crowded tourist hubs.
The climate brings cool mornings in the dry season and warm, pleasant days most of the year, with sporadic rain during the wet months.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in the serene village of Ban Nong Tong, greeting the locals as you settle into your cozy accommodation. Take some time to explore your surroundings, familiarizing yourself with the beautiful landscapes and traditional Thai architecture. Enjoy a delightful breakfast at a local eatery, savoring fresh fruit and steaming jasmine rice.
After lunch, embark on a guided bicycle tour around the village, visiting nearby rice paddies and engaging with friendly farmers. Experience the richness of the local culture as you watch traditional crafts being made and perhaps try your own hand at some. As the sun begins to dip, return to your lodging and unwind.
Conclude your day with a leisurely walk along the riverbank, where you can witness the sunset paint the sky in vibrant hues. Dine on authentic Thai cuisine at a popular restaurant, enjoying the lively atmosphere filled with the sounds of laughter and conversation. Cuddle under a blanket as the stars begin to twinkle, sharing stories with fellow travelers.
Start your day with a hearty breakfast, followed by a visit to the local temple where you can join a morning meditation session. Absorb the peaceful atmosphere and the teachings of the monks, discovering the profound spirituality of the Thai culture. Capture stunning photographs of the intricate architecture and the serene natural beauty surrounding the temple.
Afterwards, participate in a traditional cooking class where you'll learn to prepare signature Thai dishes using fresh ingredients harvested from local markets. Engage with the friendly instructors as they share culinary secrets and cultural insights. Enjoy the fruits of your labor as you feast on your homemade meal, surrounded by fellow students.
As dusk falls, participate in a local festival if available, experiencing the vibrant energy and sense of community. Indulge in street food delicacies and enjoy local performances, immersing yourself in the rich traditions of the villagers. Wind down the evening with a relaxing massage at a local spa, rejuvenating your body and soul.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| 🚕One-way local transport | $1-3 |
| 🏨Budget lodging (per night) | $15-30 |
| ☕Coffee/tea | $1-2 |
| 🍺Beer at a local bar | $2-3 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic rural Northern Thai experience away from crowds
- Easy day trips to Chiang Mai’s nature and culture
- Limited nightlife and Western-style amenities within the village
- Public transport options are infrequent; plan transfers in advance
- "สวัสดีครับ/ค่ะ" - Hello (polite; male/female)
- "ขอบคุณครับ/ค่ะ" - Thank you (polite; male/female)
- "ฉันหิว" - I’m hungry
- "เท่าไร" - How much is this?
- "ช่วยด้วย" - Help me
- "ห้องน้ำอยู่ที่ไหน" - Where is the bathroom?
- "ฉันไม่เข้าใจ" - I don’t understand
- "ขอเช็คบิล" - Check, please (bill)
- "อร่อยมาก" - Delicious
- "ขอทางหน่อย" - Excuse me (to pass by)
Places to Visit in Ban Nong Tong
Visit one of these nice places.
Golden light over terraced fields near Ban Nong Tong; early morning fog and silhouettes of palm trees create serene landscape shots.
Quiet temple grounds with lanterns, reflective ponds, and intricate Thai architecture ideal for candid and still-life photography.
Photograph traditional wooden homes on stilts along winding lanes, capturing daily life and rural textures.
Small overlooks along rural roads offering wide panoramas of the Chiang Mai hills and patchwork fields, especially at sunset.
Food in Ban Nong Tong
Ban Nong Tong Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A creamy curry soup with soft and crispy noodles, usually topped with shallots, lime, and pickled mustard greens. Find it at village eateries or market stalls.
Must-Try!
Herb-packed grilled sausage featuring lemongrass, kaffir lime, and shallots. Commonly served with sticky rice and fresh vegetables at local grills.
A tomato-based chili dip paired with a platter of raw and blanched vegetables. Typical in rural homes and eateries.
Marinated pork skewers grilled over charcoal, often served with sticky rice and spicy dipping sauce.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A small market scene where you can sample fresh fruit, steamed buns, grilled snacks, and house-made desserts while chatting with vendors.
Casual setups along the country lanes serving grilled meats, papaya salad, and sticky rice—great for quick bites and authentic flavors.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dress modestly when visiting temples; remove shoes and speak softly. Men should avoid showing disrespect toward monks, and women should not touch or hand objects directly to monks.
The head is considered the most sacred part of the body; avoid touching others’ heads. Feet are the lowest and should not point toward people or sacred objects.
Keep affection low-key in public spaces; behavior in sacred places should be respectful.
Safety
Tipping in Ban Nong Tong
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not mandatory in rural Thailand, but small tips (5–20 baht or 20–50 baht for larger services) are appreciated for exceptional service. In hotels and guided tours, a 5–10% tip is generous if a service charge isn’t included.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures, clear skies, and great visibility for outdoor activities and photography. Pack a light jacket for evenings; ideal for temple visits and market strolls.
Warm to hot days; stay hydrated, wear hat and lightweight clothing, and plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon.
Afternoons can bring showers; lush landscapes, vibrant greenery, and thundery skies provide dramatic photography. Bring a compact rain cover and waterproof footwear.
Ban Nong Tong at Night
Hiking in Ban Nong Tong
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Popular nearby forest trails and viewpoints that offer panoramic views of Chiang Mai and surrounding valleys.
Gentle, picturesque hikes through pine and deciduous forests with opportunities to spot birds and local flora.
Airports
How to reach Ban Nong Tong by plane.
Major regional airport serving northern Thailand; connects to Bangkok and international destinations. Accessible by taxi, shuttle, or private transfer from Ban Nong Tong and Chiang Mai area.
Smaller regional airport offering limited flights; a longer drive from Ban Nong Tong but useful for certain routes and connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Primarily Thai residents with some hill-tribe communities in the wider province; Buddhism is the major religion.
Visitors from Thailand and abroad seeking rural Northern Thailand experiences and day trips to the city.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Fighting sport with gyms and demonstrations in nearby Chaing Mai region; occasional open training sessions for visitors.
Common recreational activity in villages and schools; friendly pickup games may be available with locals.
Popular indoor/outdoor sport in community centers and guesthouses.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Ban Nong Tong.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many northern dishes can be made vegetarian by omitting meat and fish sauce. Ask for no fish sauce (nam pla) and request extra vegetables or tofu. Fresh market produce and vegetarian-friendly stalls are common near markets.