Ban Lao lies on the edge of a forest area that includes a community forest. Numerous bamboo plants grow around the village, especially at the entrance and at the far end. Rice fields cover most of the area, and three waterways flow through the village. Bamboo weaving is also a local source of income. Ban Lao thus combines a clearly defined connection to the forest with agricultural land, waterways and a craft based on bamboo.

Forest, Fields and Bamboo

The village’s location by the forest area and the distribution of its land describe two different aspects of the village. The forest, which includes a community forest, lies at the edge; rice fields, by contrast, cover most of the area. To understand Ban Lao, it is helpful to keep these perspectives distinct: the location describes the village’s relationship with the forest, while the fields define its predominant character in terms of land area. Bamboo grows around the village, especially in abundance at the entrance and at the far end. The plants are therefore part of the surroundings in several places; weaving is a separate economic activity alongside them.

The Waterways in the Village

Three waterways flow through Ban Lao. One of them is the Mae Tun; a smaller stream is called Hong Mueang Lek and is also known locally as Hong Mueang. These two names refer to the same smaller waterway. The distinction is useful when making sense of local place names: Hong Mueang is not an additional stream alongside Hong Mueang Lek, but another name commonly used locally for it. The waterways add another geographical feature to the description of the village.

Bamboo Weaving as a Local Source of Income

Bamboo weaving links naturally growing bamboo and bamboo stands with the production of goods. These include chicken baskets and other baskets. Traders from the province and from other provinces buy the products. Sales therefore extend beyond a single province, while weaving remains a local source of income. This craft offers another way to look at Ban Lao’s bamboo: it is not only part of the surroundings, but also a raw material for a local activity. The plants, production and sales are distinct but interconnected aspects of the village’s character.

Considering Ban Lao as a Travel Destination

If you are looking for hotels in Ban Lao, the village’s character can help you choose it as a destination. Which aspect appeals to you most: the forest area at the edge and land that is predominantly rice fields, the waterways in the village, or bamboo as a link between the plant life and weaving? These themes describe different sides of the place. The landscape and waterways shape its physical setting; the baskets and their sale offer insight into a local source of income.

Discover more destinations: Wiang, Pong, Yuan, Ban Mai

Return to the main travel overview: Phayao.