One of the most fascinating and enriching aspects of traveling to Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand is the opportunity to learn about the history and culture of some of the local hill tribes. The Hmong, believed to be the first inhabitants of the Yellow River Valley in China, are today one of the most successful tribes in Thailand, and Ban Hmong Mae Sa Mai Village is one of the most accessible Hmong villages from Chiang Mai.
Only reachable via four-wheel vehicles, the mountain village is somewhat of a step back in time, as local residents often don their traditional garb and demonstrate to visitors what day to day life is like in a Hmong village. Since the village is frequented by tourists, the village houses a few shops selling Hmong handicrafts.
Practical Info
While it’s possible to visit Ban Hmong Mae Sa Mai Village on a day trip from Chiang Mai, it’s also possible to stay in the night in the area to give you more time to explore the village and surrounding forests.