Neil Aronson Mon Jam (also called Mon Cham) is a mountaintop farming community with panoramic views, accommodations, hilltribe shops & small local restaurants. It is somewhat of a side trip off the loop route but worth the visit. Beautiful views, local shops and local food. It is a well know area and considered up top for best day trips among Thai people, and a great day trip when visiting Chiang Mai.
Getting there is more of an effort than I thought it would be. Past Mae Sa Waterfall a few kilometers, you will take route 4051 up the hill. It is a windy road and very very steep. More considered to be in the Mae Sa Valley, not the Mae Rim Valley.
The most spectacular part of Mon Jam are the views, which is why most people make the drive up. Another popular thing to do is go ‘Glamping’, at one of the dozens of luxurious tent camps.
As a result of the King’s efforts in the 1970’s Mon Jam became part of the Nong Hoi Royal Project. If fact, the Nong Hoi, a hill tribe community near by, used to be a major opium cultivating community. As a result of the project, the people of the areas villages learned to increase their income by producing cool climate crops such as strawberries, oranges, coffee, herbs and more. Becoming a tourist attraction has helped the hill tribes sell many of the other locally produced products.
Mon Jam is a side trip off the Samoeng Loop, which winds its way through the Mae Rim Valley on route 1096 and loops around Doi Suthep-Pui National Park. The road up is beautiful, but pretty steep and curvy. There can also be a lot of traffic since many people make the drive up. Along the way up there are several nice resorts, which we cover down below.
Take a tour to Mon Jam with Viator.
Resources
Agoda is the best place to book cheap affordable hotels in Thailand, especially near national parks. They also book flights as well.
Expedia is my favorite place to book flights, hotels, cars, and more. Their group includes Hotels.com and Vrbo for vacation rentals.
Viator is the top choice for activities. Book everything from a waterfall tour to scuba diving, jungle trekking to cooking classes.
12Go is the top transportation source for Asia. From busses to trains to regional flights.
Mon Jam Information:
What to do in Mon Jam
The breathtaking panoramic views of the misty valleys make it a perfect spot for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike. Visitors can indulge in a variety of outdoor activities such as trekking, mountain biking, and bird watching. The quaint hill tribe villages nearby provide an authentic cultural experience, showcasing traditional handicrafts and cuisine.
Eat lunch
Eat at Nong Hoi Royal Project Vegetable Development Center. This is an incredible restaurant of local Thai food. Farm fresh food as a result of using their own locally grown crops.
There are also several local places to eat along the roads. In the main parking lot there is also food stands. The couple of the coffee shops have food as well.
Get Coffee
You can have a cappuccino at one of the many coffee shops. In fact, I was a little surprised how many there were. At the summit there are two really great ones with panoramic views of the valley below. YODDOI is this picture. A short distance away by the Sky Walk flower fields is another nice coffee shop with great views as well.
Go hiking
There are a number of hiking trails in Mon Jam, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Take A Bike Trip
If you are a road cyclist, and love challenging rides, then Mon Jam is a must-ride mountain. This road cycling ride takes you on a series of scenic climbs that rise along terraced farmlands and quiet valleys, an idyllic route with the usual mix of twists and turns, and challenging gradients of the roads in Northern Thailand.
We would recommend cycling the Samoeng Loop prior to riding this route, since the first 21 km are exactly the same, and Mon Jam might require a bit more cycling prowess, fitness and experience on Thai roads.
Selfies in the flower fields
There are many smaller local flower fields run by the hilltribe. They are great for pictures and lots of butterflies. You will be charged a small fee to enter any of them. But you can take pictures standing outside.
Shop till you drop
Along the roads and in the parking lots are stalls with local products made by the hilltribe residents. Get anything from home made wine to table cloths.
Photography
Mon Jam is a perfect place if you are a avid photographer like me. Enjoy taking pictures of the views of course, but also of the local people, birds and butterflies, flowers, and activities going on. Lots of other interesting things to photograph as well.
Family Fun
Pongyang Jungle Coaster Zipline Camp & Resort (Mae Rim/Mon Jam) is an extremely popular place for kids and families. Getting there is a little bit of a drive however as it is located on the mountain on the way up to Mon Jam. Built for kids and families, enjoy zipline courses, small roller coasters, jungle courses, and lots of other activities. My nephews loved this place when they were younger. Stay overnight with different room options, and are available to book on Agoda.
Ride A Go Kart
Next to YODDOI coffee you can take a Go Kart ride down the dirt road, at a place called Hmong Formula. It is a small shack next to the coffee shop. Kids love it! Ok I didn’t do it, but watched many young kids and parents have a blast. They don’t go too fast.
Go Glamping
There are a handful of unique resorts here, some run by the hilltribes. Staying at one of the Glamping resorts on the hillsides is one of the more popular things to do in Mon Jam. In fact it can be hard to get a room, they will fill up, so going on a weekday is recommended.
- Hmong Hilltribe Lodge Beautiful setting in the hilltribe village. A great opportunity to stay and learn the culture. Nestled among the mountains and rice fields of Mae Rim, Hmong Hilltribe Lodge offers rooms, spread throughout 10 main houses. Rooms share a communal living area, complete with open fireplace. One of the few that has a pool.
- Phu Morinn Cafe & Camping Very popular unique ‘glamping’ experience. A recently renovated homestay, Phu Morinn Cafe &Camping Monjam offers accommodation in Mon Jam. This property offers access to a terrace, free private parking, and free Wifi. Every room is fitted with a balcony with mountain views. At the homestay, all units come with a desk. There’s a private bathroom with walk-in shower in every unit, along with slippers, a hair dryer, and free toiletries. Here every unit is fitted with bed linen and towels. Guests can enjoy a buffet breakfast, and breakfast in the room is also available. There is an on-site family-friendly restaurant and coffee shop.
- MonLannaHomesty offers accommodations in Mon Jam, 6.7 miles from Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden. Every room has a private bathroom with a shower, while selected rooms are equipped with mountain views. At the luxury tent, every unit has bed linen and towels. Guests can enjoy an à la carte breakfast, and breakfast in the room is also available. The luxury tent has a picnic area where you can spend the day outdoors.
- Khao Saeng Chan (เขาเเสงจันทร์ ม่อนเเจ่ม) provides accommodations and a garden. With city views, this accommodation offers a balcony. The luxury tent features mountain views, a terrace, and free Wifi is available throughout the property. At the luxury tent, every unit has a outdoor furniture. There’s a private bathroom with shower and a hair dryer in each unit, along with free toiletries. At the luxury tent, every unit is fitted with bed linen and towels.
- Mon Jam Memory Camp provides mountain views, a terrace, and free Wifi is available throughout the property. All units include a private bathroom with a shower.
- Phu Fahsai Homestay features a garden, terrace and of course amazing views. The resort features a hot tub, room service and free WiFi. All guest rooms at the resort are equipped with a seating area. All rooms are equipped with a private bathroom with free toiletries, while some rooms come with a balcony and others also have mountain views.
Onsen At Moncham is an Ultra Luxury Japanese style resort at the bottom of the hill, as an alternative to Glamping. Nestled among a rolling green landscape, where you can embrace nirvana in an area where the countryside is naturally abundant and the environment peaceful. Retreat and be one at one with nature while experiencing a harmonious blend of Japanese Onsen Rituals and Northern Thai Culture.
Mae Rim Valley is also a great area to stay in and visit Mon Jam during the day. Here are some of our favorite options.
There are a couple exceptions if you want ultra luxury in the Mae Rim Valley. The Four Seasons Resort is located right in this area. I have not stayed there. I just snuck in with a friend to hang out.
Pak Ram Is my personal recommendation for the Mae Rim Valley. I stayed here in November 2023. It is located a couple KM off route 1096, set back in the hills. I think it only has 8 rooms, and they are all private Villas with a huge room and huge bathroom. Also a large covered patio. Breakfast was included and was great. In the countryside with mountain Views. Beside being central of all activities, down the road 8 Km is another waterfall, Tat Mok Waterfall.
Mae Jo Golf Resort and Spa Located on the east side of the Mae Rim valley set against the hills. Fantastic golf and spa resort. A little bit outside of the area we are focusing on, but an option if you also want to play golf.
Mesa Greenery Hill Beautiful Boutique hotel setting on river. Very close to Mae Sa Waterfall and some great Cafe’s.
Grooveyard Cafe This was an amazing find we just stumbled upon when looking for lunch. So far it is my favorite place to eat in the Mae Rim Valley.
Hopefully this helps you plan a trip to Mon Jam. I good idea is to stay overnight in the Mae Rim valley and take a day trip up to Mon Jam. The valley below offers a lot of activities and things to do. For more things to do see our 2025 Chiang Mai guide.
