Baan Na Lao Mai (Baan Na Lao Mai / Lisu Village) is a small Lisu hill tribe village located on a mountainside in Chiang Dao District, Chiang Mai Province, along the route leading to Doi Luang Chiang Dao Wildlife Sanctuary. Situated at a high elevation above sea level, the village enjoys an unobstructed panoramic view of the magnificent limestone massif of Doi Luang Chiang Dao, making it one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Chiang Mai and a dream destination for travelers seeking an authentic nature experience.

The unique identity of the village lies in its community-based homestays, which are managed by local Lisu families who continue to preserve their traditional way of life. Most accommodations are built from bamboo and natural wood with thatched roofs, featuring spacious balconies facing Doi Luang Chiang Dao. Guests can watch the sunrise over the mountains, enjoy a cup of hot coffee, or admire the sea of mist slowly drifting across the valleys directly in front of their rooms while experiencing the cool mountain climate throughout the year.

The village is home primarily to the Lisu people, who continue to preserve their language, culture, traditional clothing, and mountain lifestyle. Visitors have the opportunity to learn about the community's daily life, taste authentic local dishes such as Lisu chili paste, upland rice, seasonal mountain vegetables, and traditional home-cooked meals, as well as interact with friendly homestay hosts who warmly welcome guests and proudly share their cultural heritage.

Baan Na Lao Mai is also recognized as a model for Low Carbon Tourism. The village is not connected to the provincial electricity grid, and local residents rely on solar energy to provide limited lighting during the evening. Electricity usage is carefully managed to minimize environmental impact, while mobile phone signals and internet access are available only in certain areas. This allows visitors to disconnect from the digital world, slow down their pace of life, and fully immerse themselves in the peaceful atmosphere of the surrounding mountains.

Another unforgettable highlight is sea-of-mist viewing and stargazing. During winter mornings, thick layers of mist gradually flow through the valleys and reach the balconies of the homestays, creating breathtaking scenery. At night, the area experiences extremely low light pollution, allowing visitors to clearly observe countless stars and even the Milky Way with the naked eye. For this reason, the village has become a favorite destination for landscape photographers, astrophotographers, and nature enthusiasts.

The best time to visit is from November to February, when the weather is cool and comfortable, the sea of mist is at its most spectacular, and visibility is excellent. During the rainy season, the surrounding forests become lush and vibrant, with abundant greenery and mist-covered landscapes after rainfall. Even in summer, temperatures remain significantly cooler than those in the lowlands, making the village an attractive destination throughout most of the year.

As the village is located near Doi Luang Chiang Dao Wildlife Sanctuary, which has been designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, tourism is carefully managed under sustainable conservation principles. The number of visitors is controlled, waste management is strictly implemented, and efforts are made to minimize disturbances to the surrounding ecosystem, ensuring that the pristine natural environment of Doi Luang Chiang Dao can be preserved for future generations.

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How to Get There

• By Private Car: From Chiang Mai city, take Highway No. 107 toward Chiang Dao District for approximately 70 kilometers. At the junction leading to Chiang Dao Cave, turn onto Rural Highway Chiang Mai 3024 and follow the signs to Baan Na Lao Mai and Doi Luang Chiang Dao Wildlife Sanctuary. The final section consists of paved mountain roads with steep gradients and numerous sharp curves. A well-maintained vehicle and experienced mountain driving skills are highly recommended.

• By Public Transportation: Take a van or bus from Chiang Mai to Chiang Dao District. From there, continue by local songthaew or community pickup truck service to Baan Na Lao Mai. This is a convenient option for travelers who prefer not to drive on mountain roads.

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Travel Tips

• Book your homestay in advance, especially during the peak season from November to January.

• Bring warm clothing, as temperatures in the early morning and at night can fall below 10°C.

• Carry a power bank, since the homestays rely on solar power and electricity is limited.

• Drive carefully, as the road to the village is steep and winding with continuous sharp curves.

• Help keep the village clean and quiet to protect the natural environment and respect the local community's way of life.

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Admission Fee:

• There is no admission fee to enter the village. However, visitors may be required to pay an entrance or checkpoint fee for Doi Luang Chiang Dao Wildlife Sanctuary, subject to the regulations of the relevant authorities. Homestay accommodation generally costs around 500–800 THB per person per night, and most packages include both dinner and breakfast. Prices may vary depending on the homestay and travel season.

Opening Hours:

• Open daily, 24 hours.

For visitors who are not staying overnight, it is recommended to visit between 6:00 AM and 5:00 PM, allowing sufficient time to enjoy the scenery and drive safely down the mountain before dark. Guests staying at the homestays can experience the sunrise, the sea of mist, and the spectacular star-filled night sky throughout their stay.