Rating: 4.2/5 (5 votes)

Open Days: Generally open daily (recommended to check weather conditions, especially during the rainy season)

Opening Hours: Recommended 08:00 – 17:00 (visit during daylight hours and return before dark)

 

Ban Phae Community Forest (Village No. 10, On Tai Subdistrict, San Kamphaeng District, Chiang Mai) is a natural attraction and learning area focused on the concept of “community forests.” Its atmosphere feels very different from popular tourist spots. This is not a place for rushing through photo check-ins, but a forest that invites visitors to slow down, listen to the wind, observe the moisture of the forest floor, and gradually understand why local communities tie their lives to the forest as a source of water and natural abundance.

 

The key feature of Ban Phae Community Forest is its character as a “spring-fed forest,” remaining moist throughout the year. This constant humidity creates a cool, shaded environment that feels alive at all times. Even during periods when many surrounding areas begin to dry out, the spring-fed forest often retains its lush vegetation. What you experience here is not just greenery, but a clear sense that the forest is still actively performing its ecological role.

 

From an educational perspective, Ban Phae Community Forest is well suited for those interested in learning about community-based resource management. A “community forest” does not mean a forest used freely without limits; it is a space where local people collectively set rules, care for the land, and use resources in a balanced way so that both forest and community can coexist sustainably. This mindset suggests that visitors and study groups should approach the area with respect—coming to learn, not to transform the forest into a commercial tourist attraction.

 

Recommended activities here include gentle nature walks, observing plant species in a moist forest environment, noting areas where groundwater surfaces or leaves traces of natural springs, and photographing the shaded forest atmosphere with its especially attractive play of light and shadow. Early morning or late afternoon is ideal, when the light is softer and temperatures are cooler. During the rainy or late rainy season, the forest becomes intensely green and humid, but paths may be slippery, so footwear with good grip and extra caution are essential.

 

Another layer that gives Ban Phae Community Forest deeper meaning than simply being a place to walk is its connection to rituals and beliefs related to water-source protection. Many northern Thai communities maintain traditions such as forest merit-making, forest ordination, or water-source blessing ceremonies to remind everyone that forests and water are the foundation of community life. If you visit during such events, being a considerate guest means observing local etiquette: dressing modestly, asking permission before taking photos, and avoiding disturbance. For local residents, these ceremonies are not performances, but sincere ways of caring for the forest through shared belief.

 

Getting There It is recommended to start from Chiang Mai city and head toward the San Kamphaeng area, then continue into On Tai Subdistrict before proceeding to Ban Phae, Village No. 10, where the community forest is located. During the rainy season, allow extra travel time, as some road sections may be wet or slippery. If rainfall is heavy, avoid walking deep into the forest and instead focus on short walks or observation areas that are considered safe.

 

A simple tip for getting the most from your visit is to bring a small bottle of water, walk at an unhurried pace, and help maintain the forest’s peaceful atmosphere. Do not litter, do not collect plants or natural materials, and treat local residents or visiting study groups with courtesy. A friendly greeting and yielding space when paths are narrow can immediately improve the shared experience.

 

 

A: It is located in Ban Phae, Village No. 10, On Tai Subdistrict, San Kamphaeng District, Chiang Mai, serving as a community forest and a learning site for forest management.

 

A: It can be visited year-round, but mornings and late afternoons are the most comfortable with better light. During the rainy season the forest is especially lush, but visitors should be cautious of slippery ground and avoid heavy-rain days.

 

A: The community practices conservation-based and faith-related activities such as forest ordination and water-source blessing ceremonies. Dates vary each year, so visitors should follow local announcements.

 

A: Walk respectfully, keep noise low, do not litter, do not collect plants or natural items, and avoid activities that could cause fire or disturb the ecosystem.

 

A: Wear shoes with good grip, bring a small amount of drinking water, a hat or sun protection, and a light rain jacket during the rainy season. Most importantly, be ready to travel slowly and mindfully to truly experience the forest’s natural atmosphere.