Thailand, Doi Ang Khang: A Trip to Ethnic Minorities Near the Border with Burma – VIDEO

Ang Khang Royal Agricultural Station – Royal Agricultural Station - is the biggest temptation over there; to it belogns a bonsai garden, a orchard with Japanese cherry blossom, orchards with other trees, greenhosues, and outdoor flowerbeds.

In station's proximity, there are villages belonging to 4 different ethnic groups. Visiting them was the best experience for me. Mu Ban Khum is a village closest to the agricultural station. Logically, it is crowded with tourists the most. There, a mix of mosto f the ethinic groups lives. Moreover, there are many restaurants, and souvenir stores. Kiu Lom Viewpoint – is a popular viewpoint where you can watch sunset and sundown, or clouds rolling in the valley below you.

Mu Ban Nor Lae village sits on the Thailand-Myanmar borderline – The Da-ang ethnic lives there. They immigrated here from Myanmar several decades ago. They still wear colorful folk costumes, speak their own tongue, and often work at local projects which support the development of agriculture in the area. There is even a border patrol guard on the Thai side of the border. On the other side of the border, you can see Burmese soldiers.

Oblast Doi Ang Khang area is well-known for its large bird populations - some sources estimate over 1000 bird species live there. Mae Phur forest station is one of the best places to watch them.

If you have enough time on the north of Thailand, Doi Ang Khang is worth it. You can sleep over right in Ang Khang town. However, the accommodation is very expensive, especially during the winter season. You you don't mind paying around 100 bahts for a room, visit rather a camp around. There they rent you a place much cheaper, a tent and a sleepbag included. Winter is way too cold. In the end of December, there was even 8 degrees and 100% humidity.

GPS: 19°54'37.1"N 99°02'37.7"E

Text, photos, and video: Matouš Vinš

Music: Dexter Britain