Ban Pa La Au Village, located in Moo 3, Huai Sat Yai Subdistrict, Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, is home to the Pakayo Karen (sometimes called Karen or Karang) community. These people have resided for generations in the mountainous and forested areas along the Satueng River and surrounding areas. The upper and lower Satueng basin, known locally as “Kateula” by the Karen, holds great importance for rotational farming, allowing villagers to temporarily use the land for cultivation before returning to their main village in Ban Pa La-U. The Karen community here preserves its traditional way of life and employs sustainable farming practices that harmonize with the environment.

 

Notable cultural sites in the area include the historic “Pu Moo Sae” betel garden, established by Grandfather Moo, which still contains ancient jackfruit trees near the Pa La-U waterfall. Another significant site is the ancestral plot known as “Pu Nakoo Si’s Field,” a place of local historical interest frequently mentioned in community lore. These areas enrich Ban Pa La-U’s cultural value with stories and traditions passed down through generations.

 

The people of Ban Pa La-U lead a simple lifestyle closely connected to nature, with rotational farming as their primary occupation. Their fields grow diverse crops, including sesame, tobacco, taro, yams, sugar cane, bananas, beans, squash, pumpkin, and other vegetables. Some Karen also practice traditional skills such as hunting and tree-top honey gathering, enabling them to sustain their food sources directly from nature. Their craftsmanship includes weaving daily-use items and building traditional bamboo and thatch houses, which are characteristic of the community’s homes.

 

While most residents are Buddhists, Karen people here retain deep-rooted traditional beliefs and practices inherited from their ancestors. Local ceremonies and agricultural-related rituals are prevalent, reflecting their way of life. There is a strong belief in making offerings and maintaining customs that show respect for agricultural lands and forests.

 

The Karen community in Ban Pa La-U has a deep loyalty and strong ties to the Thai monarchy, a bond strengthened by past support from various members of the royal family, including Prince Phanupan Yukol, who supported community development. His Majesty the King has also provided scholarships to Karen children from Ban Pa La-U, further supporting the community. Prominent monks, such as Luang Por Chan of Wat Marukatayawan and Luang Por Kaeo of Wat Na Huai, have played significant roles in aiding the Karen community and promoting the well-being and education of the local children.

 

The Karen people here are known for their traditional crafts, including weaving on waist looms with distinctive Karen patterns and bead-making, which are significant cultural arts passed down through generations. Communication within the community primarily takes place in the Karen language (Krang dialect), though some can also communicate in the Phetchaburi dialect.

 

Getting to Ban Pa La-U is straightforward from downtown Hua Hin. You can travel by private car or public minibus along Highway 3219, passing through Kaeng Krachan National Park. The route spans approximately 60 kilometers west from Hua Hin, passing beautiful mountain views and natural streams. Once you reach Huai Sat Yai Subdistrict, you will find the entrance to Ban Pa La-U, marked with clear signage. Travelers are advised to prepare suitable clothing and be ready for the changing weather in the area.

 

For those without personal transportation, taxis or rental cars from Hua Hin can also provide access to Ban Pa La-U. Alternatively, local tour operators offer guided trips to Ban Pa La-U, with knowledgeable local guides familiar with the area.

 

Ban Pa La-U and the Karen community are ideal destinations for those wishing to experience traditional culture and the simple lifestyle of the Karen people. Visitors not only gain insights into local heritage but also enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings of mountains and streams within Kaeng Krachan National Park.