Long

Long (ลอง) is a district town in western Phrae province, situated in the Phi Pan Nam Mountains. Covering an area of 1,447 km² with a population of approximately 58,000, it is the western gateway to the province, bordering Lampang province. The landscape is dominated by forested mountains, making it a destination for nature and national park visits.

Long's main settlement area is around Ban Pin, which has a railway station on the Northern Line. The district is divided into nine sub-districts, with Huai O and Ban Pin being the largest towns. The climate is tropical savanna with a distinct cool season from November to February.

By Plane

The nearest airport is Lampang Airport (LPT), about 70 km west, or Phrae Airport (PRH), about 60 km east. Taxis from either airport cost 600–900 baht.

By Train

Ban Pin Railway Station is in Long district, on the Northern Line between Lampang and Den Chai. Ordinary trains stop here daily. The station building is set against the scenic backdrop of the Phi Pan Nam Range.

By Car / Road

Long lies on Highway 101 between Lampang and Phrae. By car, it is about 1 hour from Phrae city (60 km) and 1.5 hours from Lampang (70 km). Local buses and songthaews connect Long with Phrae and Den Chai.

The district is spread out, so a motorcycle or hired songthaew is recommended for visiting the national park and rural sub-districts. The town centre around Ban Pin is walkable.

• Doi Pha Klong National Park. A forested mountain park in Long district with hiking trails, waterfalls, and viewpoints. The park covers part of the Phi Pan Nam Range.

• Wat Ban Pin. The main temple in the Ban Pin area.

• Phi Pan Nam Mountain scenery. The mountainous landscape offers scenic drives, especially during the cool season.

• Hiking in Doi Pha Klong National Park. Trails range from short nature walks to full-day treks.

• Scenic drives along the mountain roads between Phrae and Lampang.

Small restaurants in Ban Pin serve northern Thai dishes. The morning market offers local snacks and fresh produce.

Basic tea and coffee shops can be found near Ban Pin market.

• Budget: Simple guesthouses in Ban Pin offer basic rooms from 250–400 baht.
• Mid-range: A few small resorts cater to nature travellers visiting the national park.

Local shops sell everyday goods. For Phrae's famous Mo Hom fabric, the best selection is in Phrae city.

• Doi Pha Klong National Park — Hiking and mountain scenery within the district.
• Phrae (60 km east, 1 hour) — Lanna heritage city with teak houses and temples.
• Lampang (70 km west, 1.5 hours) — Horse carriages, ceramics, and Burmese-style temples.
• Wang Chin (50 km south) — Wiang Kosai National Park and columnar basalt formations.