Neil Aronson Mae Kampong Village east of Chiang Mai is yet another of the many amazing places to discovered in the mountains surrounding this area. I can’t believe after all these years we finally went.
Mae Kampong is a small, picturesque mountain village in, known for its cool climate, traditional wooden houses, and lush forest surroundings. It sits about an hours dive east of Chiang Mai city, making it a popular day trip or overnight stay for visitors who want to experience authentic northern Thai village life.
We recently visited during the rainy season, which did not distract from the fun at all. In fact it made for less visitors, and cooler. Although there was a couple heavy downpours, but other than that it is green and fresh at that time. During the winter when the weather is nice, it can be very crowed.
What makes this village and its surrounding area a perfect road trip is that it is very close to Chiang Mai. And the drive there is beautiful with plenty of stops along the way. If you have a car, that is the easiest way to get there. But there are many tours and daily buses that go there.
The village located by the creek surrounded by yellow flowers called Kampong flower. Hence, the name of the village. It is the name of the flowers combined with the word ‘Mae’ from the river that pass through the village. Mae Kampong Village is about 100 years old.
Although the village of Baan Mae Kampong was not officially founded until the early 1900s, it is thought that the first farmers moved to the area from nearby Doi Saket more than 200 years ago so most of the population migrated from Doi Saket for agriculture. Then the settlers came here to do agriculture which were to make a local delicacy known as Mieng from fermented tea leaves. Over the years, the demand for Mieng dropped and the villagers started to look for other sources of income. Now ecotourism rules the village.
The drive up to the town is beautiful once you get out of Chiang Mai and make your way through the Doi Saket district. Which also has many places and things to do. Once you start heading up the mountain you are on a two lane road that passes some beautiful local villages. The road gets steep the last few kilometers and we had to drive it in the pouring rain. You pass many small hotels and homestays for peace out in nature, or you can stay overnight in one of the many places in town.
Tips for Visiting
What to Bring: A jacket (it gets chilly in winter), comfortable shoes for walking, and cash (limited ATMs). And Umbrella!
Best Time to Go: Cool season (November–February) is especially beautiful, with misty mornings.
Stay Overnight: While many do a day trip, staying in a homestay lets you enjoy the peaceful evenings and early morning mist.
Things to Do
- Stroll through the wooden houses and narrow streets.
- Enjoy a slow coffee at a riverside café.
- Eat Street Food. There are lots of great spots in the village.
- Coffee & Tea Plantations – The area is famous for its Arabica coffee and fermented tea leaves (“miang”), a traditional northern snack. Visitors can tour plantations and taste locally grown coffee.
- Waterfalls & Nature – There are several waterfalls nearby, like Mae Kampong Waterfall, plus hiking trails that lead through dense forest and mountain viewpoints.
- Visit Wat Kanthaprueksa
- Hike to viewpoints for panoramic mountain scenery.
- Visit local spas offering herbal steam baths.
- Join community-based tourism activities like cooking, weaving, or planting.
Wat Kanthaprueksa (Mae Kampong), it a great spot in town to visit. On the north end of the village along the river, you can enter and explore this unique site. The temple highlight is down by the river. A small trail takes you to a waterfall and the main chapel which is located in the middle of the river.
Stay Overnight
In the village and outside are countless places to stay overnight. From luxury resorts to small homestays, whatever you are in the mood for.
Baan Ton Mai Mae Kampong is a charming mountain retreat that offers stunning views and comfortable accommodations. The walk up the steep mountain to reach the lodging is made easier with the help of young porters. Once there, visitors are greeted with spacious and well-appointed houses, some even featuring two floors for added space. The walkways through the trees are beautifully adorned, providing a picturesque setting. Guests can enjoy organic coffee and other delightful drinks while taking in the breathtaking scenery.
The Camp Mae Kampong is a little like Glamping, and a peaceful retreat on the river. Located a little before the village.
Teddu Inn Maekampong offers a tranquil retreat in Mae Kampong. With its serene surroundings and cozy atmosphere, this 3-star hotel provides the perfect escape for those seeking a peaceful getaway. Built in 2015, Teddu Inn Maekampong boasts a total of 5 beautifully designed rooms, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience for every guest. Each room is thoughtfully furnished with modern amenities, creating a comfortable and inviting ambiance for a truly relaxing stay.
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.
Air Asia is the top regional discount airlines for Thailand and all Southeast Asia. Book from Chiang Mai to just about everywhere.
