Ban Hong

Ban Hong (บ้านโฮ่ง) is a district in central Lamphun Province, about 30 km south of Lamphun city. Established as a minor district in 1917 and upgraded in 1956, it covers 597 km² of rolling plains and low hills. The district is named after its central settlement, Ban Hong town.

The area is predominantly agricultural, with longan orchards, rice fields, and small farms. Ban Hong is notable for its concentration of old Lanna temples in the indigenous northern Thai style, several of which preserve 100-year-old Ho Trai (scripture halls) built from carved wood. The district is also home to Wat Phra Bat Huai Tom, one of the largest and most impressive temples in Lamphun Province, built by Karen devotees of the revered monk Phra Kru Ba Chaiwongsa. The climate follows the regional pattern: cool (Nov–Feb), hot (Mar–May), and rainy (Jun–Oct).

The town centre is small, built around the main market and district office. The five sub-districts (tambons) — Ban Hong, Pa Phlu, Lao Yao, Si Tia, and Nong Pla Sawai — spread outward into farmland.

By Plane

Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX), about 55 km north, is the nearest airport. A taxi to Ban Hong costs 600–800 baht and takes about 1 hour.

By Train

Lamphun Railway Station, 30 km north on the Northern Line, is the closest rail access. From Lamphun station, take a southbound songthaew to Ban Hong (40 min, 50–70 baht).

By Car / Road

Ban Hong is on Highway 106, about 30 km south of Lamphun. Frequent songthaews run between Lamphun and Ban Hong (40 min, 40–60 baht). From Chiang Mai, take Highway 106 south through Lamphun, continuing for another 30 km beyond the city. Total drive time from Chiang Mai is about 1 hour.

The town centre of Ban Hong is walkable. For reaching outlying temples and villages, songthaews and motorcycle taxis are the main options. Fares within the district range from 40–80 baht. A private vehicle is helpful for visiting the more remote temple sites.

• Wat Phra Chao Ton Luang (วัดพระเจ้าตนหลวง) — An old temple in Ban Hong town with a large Lanna-style Buddha image and traditional wooden scripture hall (Ho Trai) over a century old.

• Wat Pa Puai (วัดป่าป๋วย) — Features a beautifully preserved 100-year-old Ho Trai (scripture hall) built from carved wood in intricate patterns, raised on stilts in the traditional Lanna manner.

• Wat Dong Rusi (วัดดงฤาษี) — Another temple with an antique wooden Ho Trai, set in peaceful rural surroundings just outside the town centre.

• Wat Phra Bat Huai Tom (วัดพระบาทห้วยต้ม) — The largest temple in Lamphun Province, boasting a monumental Lanna-style chedi and an extensive laterite worship hall. Built by Karen villagers who admired the highly revered Phra Kru Ba Chaiwongsa. Located about 10 km south of Ban Hong town.

• Tham Luang Pha Wiang Cave (ถ้ำหลวงผาเวียง), Pa Phlu sub-district (about 10 km from Ban Hong town). One of northern Thailand's largest caves, accessible via a 15-minute uphill walk. Daily 08:00–18:00.

• Wat Phra Bat Huai Tom Karen village — The Karen community around the grand temple maintains traditional weaving and handicraft practices. Visitors can observe and purchase locally made textiles.

• Temple cycling tour — The relatively flat roads between Ban Hong's cluster of old temples make for an excellent half-day bicycle ride, with Wat Dong Rusi, Wat Pa Puai, and Wat Phra Chao Ton Luang forming a loop of about 10 km.

• Cave exploration at Tham Luang Pha Wiang — The large cave system is suitable for casual exploration; bring sturdy shoes, water, and a flashlight or headlamp.

• Longan orchard visits — Ban Hong's surrounding farms produce abundant longan during July–August, and several orchards welcome visitors for picking and tasting.

Ban Hong has a modest but authentic local food scene centred on its market and a few shophouse restaurants.

• Morning market food stalls — Serves khao soi, kuaytiao nam (noodle soup), and freshly made som tam. Most dishes cost 30–50 baht.

• Khao soi shops — Two or three simple restaurants on the main road serve northern-style khao soi curry noodles with chicken or beef for around 45 baht.

• Evening grilled-meat stalls — From about 17:00, vendors near the district office sell moo ping (grilled pork skewers), sai oua (northern Thai sausage), and sticky rice.

• Fresh fruit juices — Seasonal longan juice (น้ำลำไย) is available from July to August. Sugarcane juice is sold year-round at the market.

Tap water is not safe to drink. Bottled water is sold at every shop.

Ban Hong has limited accommodation. Most visitors stay in Lamphun or Chiang Mai and visit as a day trip.

• Basic guesthouses — A few simple rooms are available above shops in Ban Hong town, typically 300–500 baht per night. Enquire at the district office or market area.

• Karen handwoven textiles — The Karen community at Wat Phra Bat Huai Tom produces traditional woven fabrics, including scarves and bags. Prices are very reasonable.

• Longan and longan products — Fresh longan in season (Jul–Aug), dried longan year-round, available at the morning market in Ban Hong town.

• Market day — Ban Hong's morning market operates daily from dawn to around 10:00, selling fresh produce, local snacks, and household goods.

• Lamphun (30 km north, 40 min by songthaew) — Ancient Hariphunchai capital with Wat Phra That Hariphunchai, Wat Kukut, and the Hariphunchai National Museum.

• Pa Sang (15 km north, 20 min) — District known for Yong textile weaving and the Wat Phra Bat Huai Tom temple complex.

• Li (25 km south, 35 min) — Southernmost Lamphun district, gateway to Mae Ping National Park and the Ko Luang Waterfall.

• Mae Tha (25 km east, 40 min) — Mountainous district along the Khun Tan Range, with hill-trekking and scenic viewpoints.

• Chiang Mai (55 km north, 1 hr by car) — Northern Thailand's cultural capital, with hundreds of temples, night markets, and Doi Suthep.