Categories > Guides and Tips
Everything You Need to Know about Mae Kampong
- Where is Mae Kampong?
- What is the main street in Mae Kampong?
- Best Time to Visit Mae Kampong
- How to Get to Mae Kampong
- What to See and Do in Mae Kampong
- Enjoy the view at Wat Khantha Pruksa
- Behold Mae Kampong’s magnificent waterfall
- Catch big thrills at Flight of the Gibbon
- Visit Teen Tok Royal Project
- Soak in San Kampaeng Hot Spring
- Relax and Enjoy the View at Kew Fin Viewpoint
- See the 30-foot Buddha at the bottom of Muang On Cave
- Where to Eat and Drink in Mae Kampong
- Lung Pud Papeng Cafe
- Chomnok Chommai Café
- The Giant Chiangmai
- Where to Stay in Mae Kampong
- FAQs about Mae Kampong
Mae Kampong is a golden find for any tourist hoping to explore Thai culture at its core. While this village in the wonderful province of Chiang Mai is pretty small by any standards, what it offers on the table is immense and hard to find.
At about 1300 above sea level, Mae Kampong has been labeled one of the “most beautiful towns” in Thailand with its stunning natural attractions. However, its community-based eco-tourism separates it from the country’s top tourist attractions.
More importantly for you, this is a homestay village which means you can actually stay and live with Thai families as they go along with their daily lives. In short, experience authentic Thai culture in the most inspiring ways at Mae Kampong.
Where is Mae Kampong?
Mae Kampong is nestled 1300 meters above sea level in the mountains of the Mae On District of the Province of Chiang Mai. It is 51 kilometers northeast of Chiang Mai City, the capital.
What is the main street in Mae Kampong?
Mae Kampong’s main street is Mae Kampong Street. It is where most businesses can be found and the main events of the village happen.
Best Time to Visit Mae Kampong
The best time to visit the hamlet is from November to February as the weather is cooler. The air quality is much more manageable as you won’t have to deal with the hot sun and the sweltering heat, not to mention winding, steep, dusty roads.
How to Get to Mae Kampong
Songthaews: Take a songthaew from Chiang Mai city to Sankaempang and after which take another private-hire songthaew to run to Mae Kampong.
The journey via songthaew should take you about an hour from Chiang Mai to Mae Kampong. Though riding a private-hire songthaew means going through scenic mountain views, you will have to negotiate a good price for the ride.
Rental car: Armed with a driver’s license and an International Driving Permit, you can choose to hire a car and self-drive from Chiang Mai City to Mae Kampong. Head towards Sankaempaeng via Route 1317.
Google Maps will tell you the drive will take about 1.5 hours. More often than not, tourists will take longer than that as they make stops along the way.
The ride gets more mountainous as you get closer to Mae Kampong. Be careful when you turn off Route 1317 as the road becomes single-lane and twisty so you’ll have to navigate your way slowly through traffic going up.
Bus: Catch the bus ride to Mae Kampong at either Chang Phueak Bus Station or Chiang Mai’s Warorot Market. The first trip departs at 7:30 AM.
Van: Head to Warorot Market, and you should find vans that depart on schedule for the mountainous village.
Hiking to the village is not encouraged as the road going up is not only narrow and winding, but it also doesn’t have a sidewalk. If you do, you’ll end up trudging the space-challenged street putting yourself in harm’s way.
What to See and Do in Mae Kampong
Enjoy the view at Wat Khantha Pruksa
Media credit: bkkgreg
If you’re driving to Mae Kampong, you’ll likely end up parking in front of this Buddhist temple, Wat Khantha Pruksa. It’s but timely that this religious site, the only temple in the community, should be first on your must-see places list before you wrap it all up.
Built in 1930, Wat Khantha Pruksa is a glorious example of Lanna architecture at its best. While the Buddhist Ubosot is bound to amaze you, know that this is located right in the middle of a running stream, water winding through the whole village.
The old temple is proudly made by local craftsmen mainly using hardwood teak. The parking area’s limited space can only accommodate about 20 cars which means you’ll have to get up early and arrive sooner than most to get your spot.
Behold Mae Kampong’s magnificent waterfall
Media credit: peld.e.n
Another must-see adventure waiting for you in Mae Kampong is its magnificent waterfalls. There, you’ll stand witness to clear water rumbling its way from up above through rocks forming a green pond for everyone to jump in and swim around.
This waterfall is no sweat as it’s a short walk from the temple and is nestled right along the road. If you want to elevate your nature-seeking wanderlust a notch, there’s a wildlife exploration trail beside the rushing waters.
Follow the trail to reach the top and behold all of the seven tiers of the waterfalls. Also, a small pool for swimming awaits you and the trek upwards should be worth the stress as you discover unique flora and hear the most soothing bird sounds.
Catch big thrills at Flight of the Gibbon
Media credit: flightofthegibbon
Flight of the Gibbon could be the ultimate thrill you’ll have in your trip to Mae Kampong and perhaps in your entire life. Created by an avid New Zealander adventurer David Allardice in 2007, this is ziplining on steroids.
Like most ziplines, you’ll be walking high above tree-top canopies, and that alone should pump your adrenaline! This experience brings a lot more punch than your usual, however, as you’re over 1,000 feet from sea level.
Visit Teen Tok Royal Project
Media credit: minaloveyou
Teen Tok Royal Project can be found to the left of Mae Kampong Village, so it’s a must-visit stop along the way!
This project was brought to life in 1971 by the vision of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the billionaire monarch, to help the poor.
By providing funds for the project, the king improved the lives of remote mountainous villages showing them better ways to grow tea and coffee. Not only did this agricultural model provide better income but it also became another tourist attraction.
Soak in San Kampaeng Hot Spring
Media credit: pupim11
San Kampaeng Hot Spring could be the perfect spot to unwind and bring together everyone in your Mae Kampong escapade. Spurting a column or two of steam and hot water into the air, this hot spring is perfect for all walks of life to hang around.
This natural wonder is hot enough to cook eggs but temperature-friendly enough to soak one’s self into, swim around, and get wet. It’s basically nature’s equivalent of a modern-day spa!
There are also swathes of grassy areas for families to cook and kids to run around. Massages and cheap booze are also available on-site.
Relax and Enjoy the View at Kew Fin Viewpoint
Media credit: gifthana
What’s a beautiful, scenic mountain if you can’t enjoy the view, right? Kew Fin Viewpoint’s just the spot for that!
This lookout offers you a most breathtaking view of two nearby Northern provinces, Chiang Mai and Lamphun. Getting there can be a bit of a challenge and it’s no surprise many choose to drive a 4WD to get to the top.
But you could choose to arrive on foot and it can be all worth it. For starters, you start with a brief stroll on a paved road then go off-road for a 5-minute walk which lets you reach a pretty gazebo perched on the hilltop, perfect for a romantic sunset.
See the 30-foot Buddha at the bottom of Muang On Cave
Media credit: fiatzspittaz
Nestled near San Kampaeng Hot Spring is the Muang On Cave, which features limestone cliffs and magnificent stalactite/stalagmite formations. What’s more, the cave is filled with ancient Buddhist antiques that’ll surely interest any history buff.
Muang On Cave is well-lit and there are guides available who can show you the way and point out the images. Some major sights to see here are the 30-foot reclining Buddha and some tiny images in niches along the cave walls.
The star of the show, though, is the gigantic stalagmite. What’s unique about it is it’s 30 feet tall and adorned with bright, colored sashes—so surreal!
Be prepared for a challenging descent down the concrete staircase to reach the foot of the cave. The ascent to the mouth of the cave via the same route is equally challenging.
Where to Eat and Drink in Mae Kampong
Lung Pud Papeng Cafe
Media credit: keerisnith
Address: Huai Kaeo, Mae On District
Phone: +66 88 547 4545
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Good to know: Thai cuisine/Outdoor seating
Website
Located at the center of the little village, Lung Pud Papeng Cafe is bound to be your first drop if you’re looking for a good meal. It’s a popular spot where almost everyone in the village would love to hang out, so expect to meet locals.
Don’t forget to chomp on those big circular sausages that have become a trademark of the town.
You could sit here for hours and relax with their delicious coffee with just one caveat: dining is outside, which is fine in our books, given the picturesque views of the river.
Chomnok Chommai Café
Media credit: jane_my_cup
Address: 59 Huai Kaeo, Mae On District
Phone: +66 81 847 8043
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Good to know: Coffee/Outdoor seating
Website
Chomnok Chommai Café could be your most unforgettable coffee experience while in Mae Kampong. Hands down, you can’t beat the view here while drinking your choice brew and chatting with friends.
Nestled on a high ridge, you’ll have panoramic views of the valley, and even with the steep climb, most patrons spend an hour or two here. Don’t expect to get your stomach filled as this cafe offers brews, bread, and tarts, but no full meals.
The Giant Chiangmai
Media credit: thegiantthailand
Address: Huai Kaeo, Mae On District
Phone: +66 867 762 946
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Good to know: Has rooms to stay
Website
Ever tried walking through a hanging bridge made of ropes way up high to enjoy a cuppa? Well, that’s just what The Giant Chiangmai has to offer along with tons of exquisite views that are bound to make you take out your phone for the best selfies.
This large treehouse coffee is nestled right under a giant tree, a cool place to relax away from the hustle and bustle of the city. What’s more, this cafe has rooms for you to stay with enough comfort to be classified as a three-star hotel.
Where to Stay in Mae Kampong
Homestays in Mae Kampong are the way to go! With this, you can immerse yourself in Thai culture while enjoying all the adventures the hilly hamlet has to offer.
The homestay accommodations are part of a larger picture of the community’s eco-tourist drive. Note that these homestay wood houses must meet government standards set by the Department of Tourism of Thailand.
What should you expect, you say? Well, Mae Kampong is famous for its hospitality and has earned its stripes as a model community.
With this, booking and being in homestay shouldn’t be a problem for tourists! Just be ready to part with about 500 to 700 baht per room per night.
