Neil Aronson Glamping has quickly become a big part of the travel industry in Thailand over the past decade, especially in the Northern Thailand mountains around Chiang Mai. While there are lots of places to go Camping in the mountains around Chiang Mai, it has never been very popular. Partly because of the weather, bugs, and not a big part of Thai culture, unlike in the US or Europe.
But now you can enjoy staying outdoors and in nature, without all the effort and work of camping. Plus you can sleep in a comfy bed, while streaming on your Wi-Fi device. I grew up camping in California all the time, but now being in Thailand, I don’t have the same desire. But thanks to Glamping, you can have it all, at a cost of course.
Glamping, a word to describe the more glamorous side of camping, coined about a decade ago, has hit Thailand full force this year. No longer are the national parks with tatty second hand tents the only option now that Bangkokians are taking to the hills. While the incredible views are an equalizer for rich and poor, the urbanites have come to expect comfort, clean loos, air-conditioning and of course plug sockets — after all, what’s the point of camping if you can’t share it on Instagram, right?
Thailand has taken Glamping to another level, and even the Four Season Resorts has gotten in on the act, with its location near Chiang Rai. Glamping is also a great way for families to enjoy nature with their kids, without the hassles and complaints of regular camping.
Here are some of the best places near Chiang Mai for some amazing nights under the stars, sort of. And the best part is some of them are already in places you want to visit anyway.
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 temple tour to scuba diving, jungle trekking to cooking classes.
12Go is the top transportation source for Asia. From busses to trains to regional flights.
Best Glamping Spots
North on the city by about an hour, is Mon Jam, which is a hilltribe community up in the mountains above Mae Sa. The area has been taken over by Glamping spots, so this has become one of the most popular areas to go Glamping.
Phu Morinn Cafe & Camping
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. 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
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
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
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
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.
North Star Valley
North Star Valley is surely one of the most romantic glamping sites in Chiang Mai, and it’s perfect if you’re looking for somewhere unique to stay. The site is set on a hillside overlooking a valley, and each of the individual bubbles is in a private setting, surrounded by trees and plenty of space. Located not far from Mon Jam.
Wake to a sea of mist that gradually clears to breathtaking mountain views, relax in your private outdoor bathtub, and enjoy delicious meals prepared by the North Star Valley chefs. And as night falls over North Star Valley, you can watch the twinkling lights of the towns and villages below and the stars in the sky above.
Lannawild (Lan-Na-Wild)
Lannawild is a luxury resort nestled amidst the stunning mountains of Chiang Mai, Thailand. Located about an hour northeast of the city. Offering an unforgettable and truly unique experience, guests can immerse themselves in nature, breathe in the fresh air, and enjoy a variety of food and drinks.
Located in the countryside of Mae On district to the east of Chiang Mai city, Lan Na Wild was designed by renowned Thai architect, Amornthep Kachanonda. To make the most of the mountain views and to help guests feel closer to nature, Amornthep uses bamboo and cloth extensively in the design. Different tent types are available with several featuring a private jacuzzi or onsen.
Reverie Camp
Reverie Camp offers glamping with a more modern aesthetic. The clear bubble domes at this Chiang Mai glamping site have a geometric style, and they are even fitted out with a Marshall speaker to allow you to play music during your stay.
Alternatively, you could stay in one of Reverie Camp’s campervans, adorned with fairy lights inside and with a clear roof for stargazing. Either way, you’ll have your own private deck, where you can watch the morning mist clear or enjoy a delicious afternoon tea. And if you book the most luxurious Reverie Camp options, you even get your own jacuzzi and butler.
The Bush Camp
With a lovely location in rural Chiang Mai overlooking the Ping River, The Bush Camp features 10 luxury tents. This is a sister site of the award-winning Elephant Hills and, as with Elephant Hills, the focus here is not just on a luxury glamping experience, but also on responsible tourism.
During the day, you will have the unique opportunity to join their sustainable activities including our popular chain-free, hands-off elephant experience taking place at the on-site Elephant Park.
22 Aquarius Glamping Cafe
22 Aquarius Glamping Cafe is a beautiful place to spend the night in the tents. in Doi Inthanon, located not far off the main road (route 1009), and turn on to route 1284. Enjoy nature near the summit of Doi Inthanon. We like to go there for an hour just to enjoy a coffee and the scenery. There are amazing flower fields.
Nelamit Luxury Glamping
Nelamit domes are surrounded by trees and face the river that flows past the site. Each dome is well-equipped with a private bathroom and shower, a hairdryer, slippers, and complimentary toiletries.
Tea and coffee-making facilities are provided, so you can sip your coffee on the deck first thing in the morning as you look out over the surrounding forest.
This five-star glamping spot in Chiang Mai that offers an on-site bar and a choice of American-style or a la carte breakfast. In addition, there are cafes and restaurants within a mile or so of the glamping site, and Chiang Mai is just a 30-mile drive away.
