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Ban-yon

The exotic Thai village of Ban-yon is a wondrous world, hiding amongst a forest of sub-tropical vegetation and greenery. 

by Andrew Taylor

Stunning, is the only word I can find to describe the fascinating village of Ban-yon.  Driving past the smiling gatekeeper, we enter a sub tropical paradise and find a hill top oasis.

Ban-yon’s secluded compound shelters approximately thirty summer villas from the outside world. Planned around a common architectural theme, each of these beautiful homes is, especially built to meet the needs of the owner’s family.

These exclusive homes vary in size from small to extremely large.  Most have garaging for two or more cars, and provide accommodation for servants.

Every villa has a stream meandering through its garden.  The plantings along the stream’s edge link the gardens together, yet each garden has a distinctive and individual feel.  Ban-yon’s landscape architects have also used the stream to develop every garden with its own unique gazebo.  These areas hide amongst beautiful waterfalls, and fishponds.  The fishponds are a delight; many are laden with colorful Japanese carp. 

Just off the central driveway, in amongst the lush undergrowth, I discover a communal swimming pool and entertainment complex.  There’s a sauna, TV and snooker table for the local children to enjoy.  Children’s laughter echo’s throughout the village and adds to the atmosphere of this family hide-a-way.

Ban-yon’s gardeners are true magicians.  Planting a variety of different plants, they have successfully used their magic to combine Chinese daisies and pansies to complement taller palms and native ferns. 

Chiang-Mai is world renowned for its wonderful mountain orchids.  These have been planted throughout the gardens and can be found in colorful planters, or skillfully trained as creepers, growing over a wall of a villa, or gazebo. 

Owning a summer home is not a new idea in Thailand.  The kingdoms Royal family have had a home here for many years, and regularly use their magnificent summer home on the out skirts of Chiang-Mai City.  Like many of their subjects, the royal family enjoys the refreshing cool mountain air, while taking a break from the furry and commotion of Bangkok. 

Around Ban-yon, more compounds are now being developed.  Some even have adjoining hotels.  The villages are all designed to entice tourists, and professionals from Bangkok to enjoy the luxuriant opulence of the area.

With so much to do here, it is a wonder; many more tourists are not drawn to Chiang-Mai, and the hills of Ban-yon.  Perhaps Ban-yon will just remain one of those well-kept secrets hide-a-ways.  Somehow, I doubt it!