Mae Kampong Chiang Mai is one of the most beautiful villages in Northern Thailand. It is a small village approximately one hour’s drive from Chiang Mai (50 KMS).
Mae Kampong village is located in the valley of Mae Kampong; getting there from Chiang Mai is nothing short of spectacular. As you pass through the villages, you drive up into the lush green mountains that offer amazing views of the valleys below, as well as fruit, coffee, and tea plantations nestled among the forest. As you drive up the altitude of 1,300 meters, it is a thrill in itself.
Mae Kampong has been an ecotourism village since 1990. The village dates back hundreds of years, and until 1990 it was a sleepy village where the locals worked the coffee, tea, and fruit plantations in the mountains.
Locally owned homestays, shops, and restaurants later transformed the village into an idyllic setting. The village of Mae Kampong permits no hotel or market chain to operate here, and all employees are locals.
The stream from the Mae Kampong waterfall flows on either side of the valley, providing a soothing sound as you relax at your homestay or stroll around.
Mostly located on the banks of the waterfall, the homestays are rustic and quirky.
Mae Kampong is more or less one road that runs through the village, with a slow but steep incline. Traditional teak buildings, some of which are original, have undergone gradual refurbishments while maintaining their traditional design.
Accommodation Mae Kampong Chiang Mai
We stayed in an awesome homestay that was higher up than most and offered amazing views, with our room situated on the bank of a waterfall.
Chaiyapol Homestay Mae Kampong: The room had five beds, all of which were super comfy, bedding of high quality, and a modern design. It consisted of a large balcony area on the waterfall bank.
They served breakfast in their small shop/kitchen, which also sold locally produced coffee, tea, and honey. They produced all the breakfast items locally. Every morning, the monk from Mae Kampong Temple receives food donations and blesses the staff and guests.
Homestays vary from 500 THB to 1000 THB a night. To book Chiayapol Homestay, click the link here, which diverts to Booking.com.
Mae Kampong Chiang Mai: Local Thai Food Northern style
Mae Kampong is better known for its fermented tea leaves, teas, and salads. The tea leaf salad is much the same as the Burmese tea leaf salad.
Northern Thailand is known for its spicy sauce; however, I have to say that the Mae Kampong sauce is much tastier than other Northern style sauces I have previously sampled.
Dotted around the little ships are various local dessert dishes and dried fruits to try; you will not be hungry in Mae Kampong!
Mae Kampong Chiang Mai offers various walking activities.
Visit Mae Kampong Waterfall; the walk is not strenuous and is well worth the exercise. You can climb the steps or relax at the fall’s base. The lush mountains surround the area, and rocky steps lead up to the waterfall layer, providing an opportunity to capture stunning images.
TIP: Avoid walking to the top during the rainy season.
You can find excellent coffee around the village, but there’s a coffee shop with an amazing view of Mae Kampong Village just a short walk before the waterfall. They offer a delicious selection of cakes and pastries.
Mae Kampong Temple
There is a small temple, and to the rear is a walkway that leads down to the river. Chill out at a spiritual place, having a few moments to reflect.
Mae Kampong sightseeing 4×4 truck taxis
At Wat Temple, Mae Kampong 4×4 truck taxis are available to transport you to the zipline, while Giant Chiang Mai is a treehouse cafe offering picturesque views.
Costs: 100 THB each way per person
Note: There is no smoking permitted around the village, so smokers should be prepared.
Getting to Mae Kampong, Chiang Mai
From Chiang Mai International Airport, you can arrange a private transfer via most of the homestays; prices start at 1000/1500 THB each way.
Hiring a car is a better option, as it allows you the freedom to stop and enjoy the scenery you pass by.
If you are an experienced motorcyclist, you have the option to hire a motorcycle or scooter; however, a motorcycle with a horsepower of 125+ is required.
We hired our scooters from Funky Bike Rental Chiangmai. Highly recommended. Find their details below.
Find Funky Bike Rental Chiang Mai here on Google Maps. Hire a driver for a day trip from Chiang Mai.
Tip: Best time to travel to Mae Kampong
Avoid visiting Mae Kampong Chiang Mai on weekends due to the influx of Thai tourists from Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Weather-wise, avoid the rainy season – May to October.
