6 Of The Best Mountain Spots Near Chiang Mai We Love To Visit

I think many people would agree, Chiang Mai Province in Northern Thailand has some of the best mountains spots in anywhere in Thailand. You can be staying in the city, but be within an hour of many amazing mountain locations, full of something for everyone. This is one reason we love living in this region.

If you enjoy nature, then plan to visit the mountains with your friends, family, kids, or by yourself, which I often do. From hiking, big waterfalls, birding, rice fields, local hilltribe villages, these spots have it all. And don’t think just because you our out of the city there is no where to eat. On the contrary, some of my favorite lunch spots and cafes are in these remote spots.

All these spots are about an hour or less to drive to from Chiang Mai city, with perfect roads to get there. If you don’t have transportation, getting a tour or private driver is no problem. So if you want to visit the mountains and National Parks, here are some of the best mountain spots to go with the family or by yourself.

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Pha Chor

Inside Mae Wang National Park is an unusual looking spot for Thailand, called Pha Chor. Just a short and beautiful drive from Chiang Mai, the canyons here formed by the river are a great hike and lovely site, perfect for a picnic as well. Often called Thailand’s “mini Grand Canyon,” it features towering eroded earth pillars and dramatic cliffs that were formed by sediment deposits from the ancient Ping River.

Locals tend to refer to and know Mae Wang park as Pha Chor. When I told a local friend we went to Mae Wang Park, she didn’t know what I was talking about, and asked “you mean Pha Chor”. Pha Chor is a natural Phenomenon caused by the accumulation of sediment around the edge of the river basin (Source: Thai National Parks). Mae Wang is a district of Chiang Mai.

Highlights Along the Trail:

• Elevated viewpoints overlooking the canyon.
• Walkways among the eroded columns with educational signs.
• Forested sections with shade and birdlife.
• Picnic areas along the trail with shade.
• There is a small food and beverage stand at the parking lot with views and tables.

Best Time to Visit:

• November to February: Cool and comfortable weather.
• Early morning or late afternoon: Softer light and fewer visitors.
• Rainy season: Lush scenery, but paths can be slippery and the canyons will flood.

Mae Kampong Village

After 15 years of traveling around Northern Thailand we finally went to Mae Kampong Village last year. Only about an hour northeast of Chiang Mai city, and a beautiful drive up in the mountains. We went in September and it was raining pretty heavy, but still fun. And the good part was much less tourists. It get very crowded in the winter dry season, so be aware.

Known for its cool climate, tea and coffee cultivation, traditional wooden houses, and stream that runs through the village, Mae Kampong offers an authentic glimpse into rural life in the Thai highlands.

Mae Kampong has become a model for community-based tourism in Thailand. Rather than large hotels, visitors typically stay in family-run homestays, and tourism income is shared within the village. The atmosphere is peaceful and much cooler than Chiang Mai, especially from November to February.

Highlights:

• Traditional northern Thai wooden houses
• Mountain stream flowing through the village
• Locally grown tea and coffee
• Cozy cafés with forest views
• Community-run homestays
• Nearby waterfalls and viewpoints

Best Time to Visit:

• November to February: Coolest weather and frequent morning mist. But gets crowded with tour busses.
• July to October: Lush green forests and flowing waterfalls.
• Weekdays: Less crowded than weekends and Thai holidays.

Mae Klang Waterfall

This waterfall is one of the most spectacular in Thailand, and lucky for us just down the road from our house. It is easily accessed from the main road (route 1009) before you go up to Doi Inthanon National Park. We love coming here for the shade, butterflies, and great picnic spot.

Mae Klang Waterfall is fed by streams descending from Doi Inthanon and flows strongly throughout the year. Unlike some tall, narrow waterfalls, Mae Klang spreads across multiple rocky tiers, creating a wide curtain of water surrounded by dense tropical vegetation.

Highlights

• Powerful waterfall with water year-round and less crowded.
• An amazing picnic spot with several food stalls and tables on the river.
• Easy access from the park entrance.
• Short walking paths and viewing platforms.
• Excellent photography opportunities.
• Cool and refreshing atmosphere.

Wachirathan Waterfall

Like Mae Wang Waterfall, this one has similar amenities, but more lunch options and a great coffee shop. Being one of the most famous waterfalls in Thailand and just off the main road in Doi Inthanon, it can get much more crowded than Mae Klang.

Dropping about 80 meters (260 feet), this powerful single-tier waterfall crashes into a rocky gorge and creates a constant cloud of mist. On sunny days, visitors often see vivid rainbows in front of the falls, making it one of the most photogenic natural attractions in Northern Thailand.

This is popular spot of get lunch or a coffee, and also has good Wi-Fi if you need it.

Highlights:

• Dramatic 80-meter plunge.
• Strong year-round water flow.
• Frequent rainbows created by the mist.
• Easy roadside access with short walking paths.
• Cool mountain atmosphere.
• Good Restaurants off the parking lot.
• Good Coffee Shop with great Wi-FI.

Ban Khun Klang Village

One of our favorite places in Doi Inthanon National Park is Ban Khun Klang Village. It is a traditional Hmong hill tribe village, one of the best places to experience local highland life and cool-climate agriculture in northern Thailand. Not to be confused with Mae Klang Luang Village just down the road, which is a Karen tribe village.

This village sits at a cool, high elevation where the climate is ideal for farming temperate crops. It plays a big role in supporting nearby tourism routes up Doi Inthanon while still maintaining a traditional rural feel.

This is an amazing spot in Doi Inthanon National Park to stay overnight. There are many homestays and glamping opportunities.

One of most beautiful hiking trails is at Siriphun waterfall, with its lush fern forests which winds along the river below. Near the waterfall trail is also the Royal Agricultural center and gardens.

For a coffee drink, visit The Coffee Place, with perfect views of the valley below.

Highlights:

• Strawberry farms and seasonal fruit picking.
• Ornamental flower gardens (especially winter months).
• Traditional Hmong hill tribe culture.
• Small local markets and roadside food stalls.
• Misty mountain scenery in early mornings.
• Siriphun Waterfall and forest trail.

Op Luang NP Gorge

A visit to Ob Luang gorge offers a chance to discover the natural beauty of amazing landscape shaped by curvy river and limestone mountain ranges. The river stream runs through the canyon is the most remembered scene of OB Luang, of which at the middle of the man-made bridge connecting both banks is the best place to get the most out of it. The river is also ideal for adventurous rafting while the area is best for relaxation.

Part of Op Luang National Park, and easy to get to just off the main road (route 108) in the Hot District. It is one of the furthest mountain spots away from Chiang Mai, but worth the 2 hour drive if you have the time. Better yet, make it a day trip while staying near Doi Inthanon.

The hiking trails are probably the highlight of this mountain spot, however there is a great campsite, and shady picnic spots along the river.

Highlights:

• Vertical cliffs rising dramatically on both sides of a narrow river channel.
• A natural rock bridge spanning the gorge (the signature viewpoint).
• Strong river currents in the wet season, calmer flow in the dry season.
• Dense forest surrounding the canyon.
• Geology: Millions of years of river erosion through limestone.
• Scenery: One of the most photogenic canyon views in northern Thailand.
• History: Ancient human crossings and archaeological traces nearby.
• Quiet alternative: Much less crowded than Pai Canyon or major Chiang Mai viewpoints.

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.

This page contains links to affiliate partner websites, at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. See Disclosure Page.