Ban Wiang Dong Community Forest

Rating: 3.6/5 (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 daytime and return before dark)

 

Ban Wiang Dong Community Forest (Village No. 11, Nam Phrae Subdistrict, Hang Dong District, Chiang Mai Province) is a community forest whose value is clearly rooted in the idea of “a forest deliberately protected by the community,” rather than a check-in style tourist attraction. The core purpose of this area is the collective restoration and management of forest resources so that the forest can continue to function as a water source, a food source, a medicinal plant area, and a true habitat for wildlife in the long term.

 

According to community information, the management of Ban Wiang Dong Community Forest operates under a framework supported by the government. The project proposed by the Ban Wiang Dong Community Forest Committee was approved on 26 June 2013, with the primary objective of restoring the forest to its former ecological richness. At the same time, the forest serves as a learning site for youth, a source of medicinal plants and food, and a space that fosters unity within the community through cooperation, shared effort, and a collective sense of care and responsibility for forest resources.

 

From a visitor’s perspective, this place is best experienced by “walking slowly and observing deeply,” rather than engaging in flashy activities. Visitors can enjoy a calm and shaded forest atmosphere, far removed from crowded tourist zones, while gaining insight into how local communities genuinely manage and protect their natural resources. A community forest is not a place for unrestricted use; it is a shared space governed by rules, care, and a common goal of ensuring that both the forest and the people can thrive together.

 

Recommended activities include short nature walks, observing forest vegetation, and learning about the moisture patterns and environmental conditions that support medicinal plants and food sources for the community. Visiting in the morning or late afternoon is ideal, as the light is softer, the temperature more comfortable, and walking conditions safer than near dusk. During the rainy season, paths may become slippery and some sections may have water flowing across them.

 

To ensure that your visit remains respectful to both the forest and the community, it is recommended to wear shoes with good grip, bring drinking water, insect repellent, and a small bag to carry out your trash. Do not leave food waste, avoid loud noises, and refrain from collecting plants or any natural items. Community forests endure over time through the courtesy of visitors as much as through the dedication of the people who protect them.

 

Getting There It is recommended to start from Chiang Mai city, head toward Hang Dong District, then continue to Nam Phrae Subdistrict and Ban Wiang Dong Village (Village No. 11). Follow local signage or ask residents for directions to the correct entry point, as access routes to community forest areas may change depending on the season and management practices. During periods of heavy rain, avoid entering deeper forest zones and follow community guidance for safer routes.

 

 

A: It is located in Village No. 11, Ban Wiang Dong, Nam Phrae Subdistrict, Hang Dong District, Chiang Mai Province. The area is designated as a community forest for restoration, conservation, and learning.

 

A: Morning or afternoon is recommended, as the weather is more comfortable and walking conditions are safer. During the rainy season, avoid days with heavy rainfall.

 

A: It is known for community-led forest restoration and conservation, serving as a learning site for youth, a source of medicinal plants and food, and a means of maintaining long-term forest richness.

 

A: Visitors should act respectfully, follow designated paths or community guidance, avoid littering, refrain from collecting plants or forest products, and avoid activities that disturb nature.

 

A: In case of heavy rain, it is advisable to avoid entering deeper forest areas and either remain in safer zones or reschedule the visit to reduce risks from slippery paths, sudden water flow, and unstable ground.