Thailand > Chiang Mai > Kanlayaniwatthana > Watchan Ban Chan

“The serene and well-preserved natural beauty of this area is well worth visiting, and all visitors can learn valuable lessons from the gentle lifestyle of the Karen people. The weather is comfortably cool and the air is fresh. ”

A Karen ethnic group has lived in this forest area for more than 100 years. They protect and nurture the forest so well that the forest is indeed as a family member. In Karen custom, a newborn baby’s umbilical cord is brought out into the forest and tied around a tree. That tree is then considered a member of the family. Karen villagers have the utmost respect for each other, and would never cut down one of their neighbors’ trees.

Getting There:
By Bus
Yellow pickup trucks called Song Thaeo with two benches in the back perform run daily from Chang Phueak Road in Chiang Mai Town to Ban Wat Chan from 09:00 and 11:00. The fare is 120 baht. The trip takes 4 hours via Samoeng.
By car
Please note that a 4WD vehicle is required for all routes. The most convenient route is Highway 1095 from Mae Malai to Pai.