A giant rain tree, or Albizia lebbeck, standing in the middle of the water. Over a hundred years old.

This ancient, large rain tree has survived for a long time even in flooded areas because the original area was land and a village before development.

Arrive around 6:40 am to experience the sunlight and light mist. Best time to visit: late November to February. The mist is particularly beautiful then. Getting there: You can reach the shore by longtail boat or tour boat from the jetty at the dam to the middle of the water. The trip is organized by the local community and is overseen by the Sri Lanna National Park.

Boat tours are offered every year from June to March (closed in April due to the forest fire and smog season).

Address: 199 Mae Pang Subdistrict Phrao District Chiang Mai 50190

Hong Cha Hug Me is a nature and culture-based tourism community in Phrao District, Chiang Mai Province.

Important information and activities

• Highlights: A giant rain tree (Chamchuri) in the middle of a misty landscape and the opportunity to try a variety of locally produced teas (such as rose, chamomile, ginger, galangal, lemongrass and pandan leaf tea).

• Activities and approximate prices:

• Nature boat tour: 700 THB per boat (accommodates up to 4 people, including the boatman).

• Boat tour + hike to Moai Peak: 1,500 THB per group (up to 3 participants + 1 guide).

• Accommodation and camping: Accommodation and campsites can be booked via the official website.

• Annual festival: The Phrao Tourism Festival in Hong Cha Hug Me, which takes place towards the end of the year.

(e.g. November 20–25; includes activities such as releasing sky lanterns and a beauty contest called “Little Noppamas”).

• Facebook: Hong Cha Hug Me | Phrao

• Telephone: 081-669-6653 (P'Fai)

On this trip, Ja will take you to some "unknown" (hidden) places in the Phrao district of Chiang Mai. Key highlights include:

• Hong Cha Hug Me: A charming riverside accommodation where Ja stayed and which also serves as a production site for flower tea (0:59 - 4:46).

• Mae Ngat Somboon Chon Dam: The area around the dam offers various accommodations and recreational opportunities (4:56 - 5:25)

• Moai Viewpoint: Yes, take a boat trip and hike up a hill to see rock formations that resemble the Moai statues and are prominently located at the viewpoint (12:03 - 14:32).

• Boat trip to the giant rain tree (Chamcha tree) in the water: A highlight – a boat trip to a giant rain tree submerged in the water, a remnant of an old village that existed before the dam was built (0:35 - 0:38, 20:28 - 21:20)

• Pha Daeng (Red Cliff): A photo spot on the riverbank with a striking red cliff (17:59 - 18:27)