This view from above Ban Thaton shows the Fang Plain with its fields of rice, chilli and garlic, stretching across to the hills on the far side of the valley. The MRVR is located mid-picture.

The resort is located in the village of Ban Thaton in the northern most part of Chiang Mai Province. The city of Chiang Mai is about a 3 hour drive to the south and Chiang Rai is about a 1 hr 15 minute drive to the east. Both cities have international airports with regular flights to Bangkok. Chiang Mai also has direct flights from various other cities such as Singapore and Hong Kong. More airlines are looking to develop direct flights to Chiang Mai.

For a detailed satellite image of Thaton, and MRVR, and map, scroll to the bottom of the page.

Pick-up and transfer from both these airports / cities can be arranged using comfortable air-conditioned minibuses.

Nestled on the slopes of the densely forested mountain range that separates the northern most part of Chiang Mai Province and neighbouring Burma, located halfway along the scenic tourist route between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, lies the village of Thaton.

Known to the Thais as Ban Thaton the village has had a turbulent history. From the mid 1500's to late 1880 the village changed hands between Thailand and Burma several times as a result of minor wars.

Until the end of the 19th century, the northern bank was considered to be in Burmese territory, the southern bank Thai, and brisk cross river trade of timber, sap, fruit and other products took place

and Ban Thaton became the established loading point for goods going either down river to Chiang Rai, or by road to Chiang Mai. The latest border change took place less than 100 years ago with the official border being moved 2kms upstream. The Shan of the north bank however stayed in place, keeping their own village administration system, their own school and temple. (Now called Ban Rom Thai ; literally ;Thai umbrella)

The immediate area has attracted many of the displaced hill tribe groups to inhabit its verdant hills and lush valleys. Yao, Lisu, Lahu, Karen and Akha peoples have all made their homes here spreading out amongst the foothills and along the riverline. They were closely followed by Chinese Haw and the remnants of a Nationalist Chinese (Kuomingtang) army that fled China in 1949 to Burma, and arrived in the area in 1960, having been expelled from Burma following political changes there.

Members of the Karen, Lahu and Lisu hilltribes dance for guests at the resort.

The hilltop temple of Wat Thaton boasts four giant Buddha images, two of Thai origin, and two that are typically Chinese, reflecting the influence exerted by the more recent arrivals from that country. A newly completed pagoda has added another impressive structure to the temple complex.

Over the last 25 years the Thaton to Chiang Rai riverboat trip has caught the attention of the tourist market. This scenic journey, which includes stunning views of hill tribe villages dotted along its banks, interspersed by wild jungle vistas is one of the genuine treasures of the north.

In the last 15 years, several small resorts, lodges and guesthouses have sprung up along the banks of the river in and around Ban Thaton. Following completion of a bridge in 1979, a new major highway now connects Ban Thaton to Mae Chan, making the northern tourist route from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai via Thaton the preferred choice for tour companies and individual tourists alike.

Visitors to the North, seeking to observe the lifestyles of the various hill tribes and other ethnic groups, are discovering the unique opportunity that a stay in Ban Thaton affords them. In the never ending quest to find interesting destinations that provide access to the genuine lifestyles and cultures of the North, Ban Thaton and the surrounding area, like a long buried precious stone, is just being discovered, its charm an open secret…