Ban Huay Kaew A Journey Into the Wild Heart of Mae Hong Son

What started as a simple trek turned into one of the most eye-opening travel experiences I’ve ever had—and it all began in Ban Huay Kaew.

Into the Hills We Go

The morning mist still clung to the hills as we left Mae Hong Son town in a sturdy 4WD, bouncing along dirt roads that twisted through lush green forests. Our destination: Ban Huay Kaew, a remote village tucked into the heart of the mountains. It didn’t look far on the map—just 35 kilometers—but the winding journey took nearly an hour. Along the way, we passed scattered farms, terraced rice paddies, and stretches of dense jungle.

First Glimpse of a Different World

As we crested the last hill, the fog slowly lifted, revealing a patchwork of rice fields nestled among the hills. There it was: Ban Huai Kaew —a peaceful Karen village that looked as if time had barely touched it. Wooden houses stood on stilts, smoke curled from kitchens, and children giggled as they chased chickens around the courtyard. I already knew this was going to be different from any other trip I’d taken.

Walking Through the Wild

Our guide, a local from the village, led us into the forest trail. The first leg of our Mae Hong Son hiking trail lasted nearly 4 hours, weaving through bamboo groves, teak trees, and fields of wild fruit. He showed us how to find edible roots, how to cook rice in bamboo, and even how to use jungle herbs for medicine. We paused by a stream for lunch—simple grilled vegetables, spicy chili paste, and sticky rice wrapped in banana leaves. Everything tasted better surrounded by nature.

A Village Frozen in Time

When we returned to Ban Huay Kaew, the villagers welcomed us with smiles and quiet curiosity. They showed us how to weave traditional fabrics and even let us try our hand at it. I learned that weaving isn’t just a skill—it’s a rite of passage. Girls start learning from their mothers, and boys grow up mastering bamboo basketry. That night, we laid our mats on the wooden porch, listening to the sounds of the forest and watching fireflies dance in the dark. No Wi-Fi. No electricity. Just stars overhead and stories whispered in a language I didn’t speak—but somehow understood.

Surrounding Discoveries

The next day, we visited Baan Nam Phiang Din, a nearby village with an equally rich Karen heritage. On the way back, we stopped at Pha Bong Hot Spring, where we dipped our tired feet in warm mineral waters. It was the perfect end to our journey through the hills.

How to Get There

Ban Huay Kaew lies about 45 minutes from Mae Hong Son town and is accessible only by 4WD vehicle. The unpaved, winding road adds a sense of adventure to the trip. You can join a guided tour or arrange transport with a local agency.

If you’re after more than a vacation—if you want something real, something raw—Ban Huai Kaew is the place. It’s where trekking becomes storytelling, and every moment feels deeply connected to the land. It’s a place that doesn’t just show you a new culture, but invites you to live it—even if only for a day.

Take the road less traveled—trek into the heart of Karen culture and forest beauty at Ban Huai Kaeo. Your story starts here!