Baan Tong Luang Hill Tribe Village
Experience diverse northern Thai hill tribes, witness traditional crafts, and see elephants at this unique cultural village.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the midday heat
Baan Tong Luang Hill Tribe Village
Best Time
Beat the midday heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience diverse northern Thai hill tribes, witness traditional crafts, and see elephants at this unique cultural village.
"A different kind of cultural tour, compared to a visit to temples. Go if you want to learn more about Thailand's Northern culture. "
Bring Cash for Purchases
Carry enough Thai Baht to buy souvenirs and support the artisans directly. :moneybag:
Ask Before Taking Photos
Politely ask permission before photographing individuals; they appreciate the respect. :camerawithflash:
Quick Facts
Rating
4.2 · 602 reviews
Type
Tourist Attraction
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Karen Tribe Weaving
Textile workshops
Witness skilled artisans creating intricate textiles and patterns using traditional techniques.
Elephant Sanctuary
Designated elephant area
Observe and interact with elephants being cared for in a sanctuary setting.
Padaung 'Long Neck' Women
Padaung tribe area
See the unique tradition of neck rings worn by Padaung women, a significant cultural practice.
Handicraft Workshops
Various artisan stalls
Explore a variety of handmade crafts, from intricate needlework to unique wax paintings.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Entry Fee & Authenticity
Prepare for the Heat & Walking
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring Cash for Purchases
Carry enough Thai Baht to buy souvenirs and support the artisans directly. :moneybag:
Ask Before Taking Photos
Politely ask permission before photographing individuals; they appreciate the respect. :camerawithflash:
Stay Hydrated
The heat can be intense, so carry plenty of water. There's a restaurant on-site too. :droplet:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the village, so comfortable footwear is a must. :athletic_shoe:
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Cash for Purchases
Carry enough Thai Baht to buy souvenirs and support the artisans directly. :moneybag:
Ask Before Taking Photos
Politely ask permission before photographing individuals; they appreciate the respect. :camerawithflash:
Stay Hydrated
The heat can be intense, so carry plenty of water. There's a restaurant on-site too. :droplet:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the village, so comfortable footwear is a must. :athletic_shoe:
Engage with the Tribes
Take time to watch the artisans work and learn about their culture for a richer experience. :speech_balloon:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Baan Tong Luang offers a unique cultural experience, showcasing various hill tribes and their traditional crafts. Visitors appreciate the opportunity to interact with the communities and see artisans at work, including the elephant sanctuary. However, the 500 Baht entrance fee is considered steep by some, and there's a note that not all goods sold are locally made.
"It was a pretty good experience visiting this place. Despite it being a tourist spot and it showcase a variety of different tribes from all over in one place. Visitors can witness tribe members handcrafting items for sale. However some of the items were brought it from Burma for instance. But you can still see a lot of handcrafted items being done. I entrance fee was a little steep of 500 baht per person. This was the standard price for tourists and locals who wish to visit. It was a good place to visit and it could probably take up to 2 hours depending on how much you want to know about the tribes."
Anak Kanokvichitra
"Visited this village with a group of 12 other people and it was very nice. Lots of history and culture here that allows you to get up close with various Hill tribes. You can interact with them and see them working on handmade crafts that they sale. Take plenty of water with you but they do have a restaurant on site that you can eat & drink at. Be prepared to do lots of walking around in the heat. Make sure you have baht to purchase items and your entry fee. We all had a great time. Definitely should visit at least once."
Dao & Kevin Mickle
"This place is interesting in that seven northern tribes live harmoniously in this eco-agricultural village, which happens to also be an elephant sanctuary, a job provided by the local government so the male residents have a means of livelihood. The women are weavers, textile makers. We were able to visit the tribes, including the controversial Padaung women, who wear traditional brass rings to elongate their necks. Some people didn't feel comfortable having tourists gawk at them, as it feels like a form of exploitation, but tourists bring a substantial amount of income for the tribes.
We were given the chance to make patterns on textiles through candle wax, and also visit the elephants in the village. We met a six year old and a seven year old who were very friendly and would hug and kiss you when you pose for a photo with them. I was glad the elephants were being cared for.
It was a different kind of cultural tour, compared to a visit to temples. Go if you want to learn more about Thailand's Northern culture."
Carlyn M
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Most visitors travel to Baan Tong Luang from Chiang Mai by taxi, private car, or organized tour. The journey takes approximately 45-60 minutes. Many tours include transportation as part of the package.
Public transport options are limited and can be time-consuming. Hiring a private car or joining a tour is generally more convenient and recommended for tourists.
While direct public transport is difficult, consider joining a group tour which often offers a more economical option than a private car. Negotiate taxi fares if you opt for that.
The village is situated amidst bamboo huts and rice paddies. Look for signs indicating the entrance to the Baan Tong Luang Hill Tribe Village.
The travel time from Chiang Mai city center to Baan Tong Luang is typically around 45 to 60 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The standard entrance fee for tourists is 500 Baht per person. This fee contributes to the livelihood and support of the hill tribes residing there.
Yes, the 500 Baht fee is the standard price for tourists. Locals may have a different admission price, but this is primarily a tourist-focused attraction.
Tickets are typically purchased upon arrival at the village entrance. There are no widely advertised online booking platforms for this specific attraction.
The entrance fee grants you access to the village to observe the different hill tribes, their way of life, and their handicraft demonstrations.
Information on discounts for groups or children is not widely publicized. It's advisable to inquire at the entrance upon arrival.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can expect to spend around 1.5 to 2 hours exploring the village, observing crafts, and interacting with the tribes.
You can witness traditional weaving, textile making, and other handicrafts. Some tribes, like the Padaung, showcase unique cultural practices.
While it's a commercial enterprise to support the tribes, many residents do live here and practice their traditional crafts. It's a way for them to subsist.
Yes, you can interact with them, observe their work, and even pose for photos. It's polite to ask permission first.
Yes, children can find the village interesting, especially the elephant sanctuary and the opportunity to see different cultures.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a restaurant on-site where you can purchase food and drinks.
The restaurant typically serves local Thai dishes. It's a convenient option for lunch or refreshments during your visit.
Options may vary, but Thai restaurants often have vegetarian dishes. It's best to inquire directly with the restaurant staff.
While not explicitly forbidden, it's generally expected that visitors will patronize the on-site facilities. Bringing water is highly recommended.
Prices are generally considered reasonable for a tourist attraction, offering a convenient dining option within the village.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed, but it's always polite to ask permission before taking close-up photos of individuals, especially the Padaung women.
While there are no strict official restrictions, respecting the privacy of the residents is paramount. Avoid intrusive photography.
The vibrant textiles, the traditional bamboo huts, the elephants, and the unique cultural attire of the tribes offer excellent photo opportunities.
While not mandatory, a small tip is appreciated if you are taking posed photos with individuals, especially children.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. A zoom lens can be useful for capturing details from a respectful distance.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit