Rak Khao Inthanon Homestay is for people who like simplicity, quietness, and relaxation with nature. There is a community with a simple way of life, a good atmosphere, clean air, food, and accommodation. Surrounded by mountains, the scenery is beautiful and mainly agricultural, with terraced rice fields as the basis.
Rak Khao meaning
Rak = love
Khao = mountain
“Khao” is the most confusing Thai word; another one is “Mai,” which I wrote about in my blog on Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. [Just wondering about Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai?]
There is another article that explains it well. [2 Words, 18 Meanings (With Pronunciation Practice) ] Or visit her YouTube channel to understand what is different and what it means. [THE MOST CONFUSING WORDS IN THAI]
Rooms and facilities
Rak Khao built a comfortable 4-bedroom bungalow on a small hill, which is ideal for a single family to stay in for a unique and intimate experience of local life.
[Prefer to welcome smaller groups of between 2 and 4 travelers.]
- Single and double beds
- Private bathroom
- Hot shower
- Hair dryer
- TV
- Electric kettle
- Drinking water
Price (including breakfast)
R1 = 2,500
R1 for 2–4 people
R2 = 1,500
R2 for 2 people
R3 = 3,500
R3 for 2–6 people
R4 = 1,500 THB
R4 for 2 people
R5 = 2,500 THB
For 2-6 people
R6 = 1,500 THB
For 2 people
Camp 1
For 2 tents
Camp 2
For 2 tents
The best time and highlights
Stay in a comfortable homestay and enjoy nature sounds, slow walks, biking, and bird watching while surrounded by peace, quiet, and amazing views.
The picturesque village of Pha Mon is seamlessly woven into the living natural tapestry of forests and mountains. The rice paddy, which is magnificent in the winter and wet seasons, can be overlooked.
Of course, the most popular time is from November to the end of February, which is suitable for traveling to Doi Inthanon and other routes that connect destinations.
During the summer months of March and April, the air is better than the smog down below.
And then, from June to October, it will be the rainy season. The beautiful mist clouds are soaked with lush green trees. The atmosphere is quiet, and many tourist places may be temporarily closed during the low season.
Location
Rak Khao is one of the homestays in Pha Mon Village, a Karen community in the area of Doi Inthanon National Park, at an altitude of 1200 meters above sea level. It is 7 km off the main highway 1009 and reached via an unsealed mountain road.
Map and how to get there
If you are traveling up Doi Inthanon on the main highway 1009 past Sirithan Waterfall Car Park, another 750 m from the junction into the village will be on the right. Turn right and drive on a rural road for another 7 km to reach Pha Mon village. You will see Rak Khao on the right-hand side of a small hill.
There are Rak Khao logos and nameplates along the way. If you use Google Maps to navigate, please ensure you have good internet data service coverage. It is recommended to use the AIS network or download offline maps in advance before traveling.
Google Maps will show you the shortest and fastest route for navigation and different directions in the photo above. Some areas are not accessible by car. But motorcycles can follow where Google Maps leads.
Please use thoughtfulness to plan your journey, compare with the photo above, and avoid any shortcuts to the village. https://maps.app.goo.gl/FRvRA4cL4XpV19b59
Activities for guests
For me, sitting quietly with my favorite drink on the balcony in front of the room is worth it for relaxing here. Or a request for dining outdoors and a campfire during sunset—it’s a simple pleasure.
Playground in the yard; sit and soak in the creek like a Jacuzzi. It is also possible to visit the Hydrangea Garden, just across the creek.
Activities nearby
In addition to Rak Khao, there are fields and activities for guests. Around Pha Mon Village, there are also interesting community activities you can explore.
Nature trail and bird watching: Local guides can lead guests on an exploration of the forest, including a bird-watching trail where guests have the chance to see about 30 kinds of local and migrating birds.
Cycling: Pha Mon is a fantastic destination for mountain biking, and some of the local community guides have been trained to lead cycling trips!
Learn Karen Weaving: Karen women are famous in Thailand for their bold, bright designs, handwoven using a traditional back strap loom. Guests can meet the local weavers, watch them work, and have a go at weaving themselves. You will be amazed at the work and effort that go into even a small garment.
A meal with a special view: The local people can organize an exceptional meal right next to the rice fields. Enjoy breakfast with the fragrance of the rice fields, or sip a cold drink in the evening as the sun sets serenely behind the mountains of Pha Mon village.
About Pha Mon Village
Pha Mon is also a Karen village. Initially, villagers from Baan Pha Mon assisted a team of researchers from Chiang Mai in gathering information about the local wisdom of the Karen people in connection with birds in the Doi Intanon area.
This project created a database of the local environment and culture. The villagers realized that the knowledge they had collected could be desirable for nature enthusiasts. They considered the opportunities for developing tourism.
Rice fields surround the community. At different times of the year, visitors can see the villagers performing traditional ceremonies on their paddy plots on the terraced hillside.
The cultivation of flowers in temperate climates has been introduced by the Royal Project as an alternative occupational activity to generate income for the villagers and reduce
farming activity in the forest area.
Guests will see villagers carrying a rainbow of brightly colored flowers through the village and down the mountain for sale in the flower market.
