15 Best Things To Do in Mae Kampong (2024)
Nestled in the tranquil Mae On District of Chiang Mai Province, Mae Kampong (Thai: แม่กำปอง, mâe-gam-bpong) is a delightful village situated approximately 55 km north of Chiang Mai’s lively city center in Northern Thailand. Home to around 500 warm-hearted residents, this enchanting village is steeped in time-honored agricultural practices, with a focus on cultivating exquisite teas, coffees, and rice. As part of the esteemed Thai Royal Projects, Mae Kampong plays a significant role in growing and marketing high-value plants, all while preserving the area’s rich cultural legacy and breathtaking natural surroundings. For those seeking an unforgettable and genuine Thai experience, Mae Kampong is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.
Contents
show
Location: Huai Kaeo (Thai: ห้วยแก้ว, hûuay gâew ), Mae On District (Thai: แม่ออน, mâe-on), Chiang Mai (Thai: เชียงใหม่, chiiang-mài)
Population: ~120 families
Cultivated crops: tea, coffee
Latitude: 99.351534
Longitude: 18.865693
Altitude: 1033 meters (3323 feet)
GPS coordinates: 18°51’56.5″N, 99°21’05.5″E
The history of Mae Kampong Pang Klang village began about 100 years ago when farmers moved here from the Doi Saket area. The primary source of income comes from ecotourism, the cultivation of tea, and growing coffee. Explore the picturesque Mae Kampong village and learn about its unique culture and traditions. Get ready for a memorable experience!
All year round, a tranquil, rustic atmosphere, delicious food, and fantastic weather saving you from the scorching and exhausting Thai sun – all this you will find in Baan Mae Kampong. If you stay here overnight in the guest house, you can also enjoy the night sounds of the wildlife and the murmuring of the mountain stream. Some travelers find it very soothing and help relieve mental fatigue and tension.
So, before we describe the local attractions, of which there aren’t many, let me first tell you that traveling to Mae Kampong is best from Monday to Thursday. Because on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday the place gets very crowded with local tourists and some chaos is possible. Well, now, let’s get to our review!
First of all, Mae Kampong is a mountain village located about 1000 meters above sea level among mountains and wooded hills, and here you will not find beautiful views of endless rice fields. Many guidebooks claim that the village is 1300 meters above sea level, but this is wrong. The highest point in the residential area of Mae Kampong is Rabeing View Cafe, located at 1082 meters above sea level, which offers a beautiful view of the village that you can watch while sipping your drink.
The highest point nearby is Mae Kampong Waterfall, 1106 meters above sea level, but there is no observation deck. From here, a mountain stream flows through the village.
If you drive about 3 kilometers (about 10 minutes uphill) from the village, you will reach Kew Fin Viewpoint, located on the border of Chiang Mai and Lampang provinces. The viewpoint is 1517 meters above sea level and offers beautiful views of the mountains and hills.
The local delicacy is fermented Miang tea leaves (ใบเมี่ยง), made from the Assam tea tree (Camellia assamica), which is a traditional food of northern Thailand. To make it, tea leaves are picked into bunches, which are then steamed in bamboo baskets until this is fully cooked, and after this, they are fermented for 1-3 months. The finished product has a sour taste. Fermented tea leaves (Miang Som) are usually eaten with ginger, tamarind, pickled garlic, and shallots or with a sweet filling of roasted coconut, sugar, salt, and roasted peanuts. This dish is called Miang kham.Even though this is the only road passing through the center of the village, walking along it is a pleasure. Enjoy the nature and fresh forest air, eat national cuisine and local fast food, go to the viewpoint located near the village, relax in one of the cafes near the mountain stream, as well as iconic places, against which you can take pictures as a memory of visiting Ban Mae Kampong – it takes a full day.
What To Do In Mae Kampong
Wat Khantha Pruksa
This is not the first attraction you encounter as you enter the village, but it is the first place you will most likely have to stop. The reason is simple enough – there is a large parking lot for 20 cars, which you won’t find anywhere else in the village. So the first thing to do is to go there, leave your motorcycle or car in the parking lot and then explore the town and its surroundings on foot, slowly enjoying nature and the clean air.
Wat Mae Kampong (also known as Wat Khantha Pruksa), a Buddhist temple built more than 90 years ago in 1930, is the only temple in Mae Kampong. The temple’s viharn is made of golden teak wood with exquisite patterns created by local architects. The roof of the viharn is also made of teak but is covered with green moss, indicating the high humidity of the local climate and cool temperatures throughout the year.
The temple’s highlight is a Buddhist Ubosot located in the middle of the Mae Kampong stream running through the village. There are only two Buddhist Wats in Chiang Mai Province whose Ubosots are situated in the middle of the water. Wat Mae Kampong and Wat Phutta En at Mae Chaem sub-district (Mae Chaem is a part of the Mae Hong Son Loop).
Rabeing View Cafe
The good news is that if you want to take a bird’s-eye view of Mae Kampong Village, you don’t need a flying drone because anyone can get a picture of the village’s pristine beauty while sitting at the terrace of Rabeing View Cafe. This small and cozy restaurant sits atop a hill on the way to Mae Kampong Falls.
It is a nice and cozy cafe with a beautiful view of the village below. It serves coffee and other beverages, as well as a variety of cakes. It is a good place to relax and have a good time.
Have a hot tea or coffee, order a fresh pastry, and sit on the terrace to enjoy the view of the village lost in the woods. Be sure to try the soft and chewy Japanese dessert Ichigo Daifuku (strawberry mochi), which is made with fresh strawberries and sweet red bean paste.
It’s best to get here early, because morning is the best time to observe and take pictures.
Even though it’s a cafe – we added this place to the “Points of Interest” section since it’s not just a cafe but also a local viewpoint.
Mae Kampong Waterfall
After spending time at the cafe, you can walk about 400 meters up the road to Mae Kampong Waterfall (Thai: น้ำตกแม่กำปอง, náam dtòk mâe-gam-bpong, namtok mae kampong). You can see this little waterfall right from the road. You don’t have to go off the main road or up somewhere very long like the falls of Doi Intanon or Khun Korn waterfall in Chiang Rai, where you have to walk about half an hour on a narrow path among the jungle.
From the temple to the waterfall is only a short walk. Also, there is a parking lot for seven cars. You can try to get to this place by car, but if you come to the village on days when it is crowded, these parking spaces may be occupied by other travelers.
If you decide to wander around, there is a wildlife exploration trail next to the waterfall. You can also hike up to the top to see all seven tiers of the falls. On your way up, you’ll discover a bush of different varieties of ferns, and at the top there’s a small natural pool where you can swim.
Kew Fin Viewpoint
When you get to this viewpoint, you will find yourself on a beautiful mountain top with a magnificent view of the surroundings of Chiang Mai province, where you can take photos for your Instagram.
Legend has it that in the old days, when the opium trade flourished in the region, this was a meeting place for opium sellers and buyers.
It’s a beautiful view over the surrounding mountains. Don’t forget your sweater; this place is windy and breeze. If you stay overnight at Mae Kampong, coming here to see the sunrise is a Must Do. Ask your homestay hosts about transport up to here from the village the day before as we had to wake early at 4.30 am! It gets crowded during the incredible high season so that photography enthusiasts may choose their strategic spots in advance. Otherwise, relax and enjoy the million-dollar views here! Recommended!
By the way, don’t forget to read our article about the best Muay Thai gyms in Chiang Mai.
Flight Of The Gibbon
The Flight of the Gibbon was created in 2007 by New Zealand adventure sports enthusiast David Allardice. This attraction is Thailand’s first zip-line ride through the jungle, with bases located at the tops of giant trees, some up to 60-70 meters high.
Have you ever tried walking over a swinging narrow suspension bridge at this height? It is breathtaking and unforgettable! It also takes courage to get over all the base stations by sliding on the zip line. Fear not – there are safety ropes.
Ensure you have a helmet, leather/suede gloves (if you use your hand for braking), and that the track has a good safety record. Professional zip-lines often have double ropes, ensuring that the other will continue to hold the visitor if one cord is compromised. It is also essential to follow all safety instructions given during training and report any health problems to the guides.
Some travel insurers may consider zip-lining a dangerous activity and may require special coverage at an additional cost. However, zip-lining is generally considered a safe activity. Injuries are rare and fatal accidents are even more infrequent.
In addition to being a recreational project, Flight of the Gibbon is also a wildlife and gibbon conservation project, a mangrove reforestation project, a community outreach project, and an eco tourism project to help the villagers and support underprivileged families in the area.
Teen Tok Royal Project
This agricultural project was created by His Majesty King Rama 9 in 1981 when His Majesty donated about 300,000 baht of his personal funds to build the Teen Tok Agro-Cultural Research Centre.
In 1981, the average wage for a worker in Thailand was 47 baht a day (USD 2), or 1100 to 1300 baht a month. So the 300,000 baht donated in 1981 is equivalent to about $100,000 today.
Initially, the specifics of growing shiitake mushrooms, known for their healing effects in traditional Chinese medicine, were researched and studied here. But then, the royal project was expanded to explore other commercially viable crops such as passion fruit, figs, grapes, avocados, mangoes, papayas, mulberries, cymbidiums (boat orchids), pomegranates, and gloxinia – giving residents other farming and earning opportunities.
Here you can enjoy traditional Thai dishes made from local farm-fresh fruits and vegetables grown right there in the fields, enjoying the coolness of the shade of the trees and the view of the running mountain stream.
In addition to eating or relaxing in nature, you can also explore the local orchid garden. And just a few minutes away, you can enjoy authentic Vietnamese coffee grown and roasted according to Vietnamese tradition at Mon Teen Tok Café.
Local Cafes and Coffee Shops
Okay, now it’s time to talk about popular cafes where you can not just grab a bite to eat but also enjoy great views or local delicacies. There are many varied places to eat in Mae Kampong. However, we will tell you about the most famous and most iconic ones, in addition to the cafes we have already mentioned above.
Lung Pud Pa Peng Coffee
It is probably the most popular cafe in Ban Mae Kampong. Why? It is located in the center of the village and has a very colorful view, against which all tourists visiting the town are photographed.
Lung Pud Pa Peng Coffee location
It is a two-story wooden house nestled beside a stream, where they sell food, cakes, and drinks. There are also rooms for guests if you want to stay overnight.
Inside, you will find a pleasant and relaxing atmosphere. If you take tables by the creek, you can enjoy the soothing sound of the water and delightful views of fragrant plants and a variety of bright blooming flowers while you eat or have a light snack.
Next door, at Sai-ua Mae Nim (Mom Nim’s sai-ua sausage), you can buy spicy sausages made according to northern Thai recipes, cooked right there on the grill. Be sure to try it. Yummy!
Pirunya Coffee
This coffee shop is the only place in Mae Kampong where you can enjoy freshly brewed specialty coffees worldwide. You will find coffee beans from Brazil and Colombia, Honduras and Guatemala, Indonesia and Vietnam, Tanzania and Ethiopia, Jamaica and Panama, Rwanda and Bolivia, and other coffee regions worldwide.
This shop is placed in a small but cozy rustic house built of building blocks, but don’t let the simplicity of the interiors confuse you. It is a veritable homebrew lab, where they brew a refreshing and robust beverage for you in many different ways, from a geyser coffee maker to a Viennese siphon (gabet).
Teddu Cafe
Another nicely decorated coffee shop is tucked away in the lush greenery next to a small waterfall. To get to this place, you have to go down the stairs. Next to the descent, you will find a bridge crossing the creek and leading to the store.
Next to the coffee shop, you will find a view of a small waterfall that runs nearby. Relax in the atmosphere of the small waterfall in the shade of green trees, taking in the coolness filled with fresh forest air. It is a charming place to chill.
Savor the cheesecake with a chunk of honeycomb from the beehives – you’ll love it!
Café In The Doi
Café In The Doi is a scenic space full of props for taking photos for your Instagram. For example, a white staircase leads to the sky that’s now popular in many tourist spots, a bird’s nest that can easily fit one or two people, and many other scenic backdrops.
It also serves food, drinks, coffee, and pastries. Have you ever tasted sweet, juicy mango under a layer of bingsu and drizzled with condensed milk? Give up the diet for a short time. Yes, we know, mango with condensed milk sounds a little weird. But why not?
The Giant Chiangmai
This is probably the most famous treehouse café not only in Mae Kampong but also in Chiang Mai. The unusual natural atmosphere, panoramic views of the surrounding rainforest hills, fragrant coffee, and delicious pastries are all found here, including picturesque spots for selfies.
An ideal place to relax from fatigue and, thanks to the fresh air surrounding you, heal yourself with the natural freshness of nature.
Shopping
Cat Hill Gallery
Step into this cute art gallery, a “handmade” store filled with a variety of clothing, arts and crafts, vintage goods, accessories, bags, etc., much of it is dedicated to cats.
Look out for cat illustrations and cards, cute neckerchiefs, souvenirs, money boxes, key chains, and more! Also, the store is located in a traditional Thai style house, don’t miss it while walking through the village.
Detour
Mueang On Cave
Muang On Cave, formerly known as Tham Doi Sila, is located in Mae On District, Chiang Mai province, and is an easily accessible place. It is about 1 km from the main road (1317) and is a large cave in a limestone mountain surrounded by a mountain range with many stone structures. At the top, a winding staircase leads up to the cave entrance, which then goes down, guiding you to the lower chamber.
You have to go down about 4-5 floors of cement stairs with handrails (children are allowed, but the elderly or people with bad knees are not allowed). The stairs are pretty steep, and you have to dodge two rocks hanging over your head as you descend. The cave climate is cool and very humid, with water dripping from the vaults in some places. The place is well lit, which is enough to explore the cave about halfway through.
Inside, there are beautiful stalactites and stalagmites. You will find some imaginary figures here, such as seals, five-headed elephants, and dinosaurs. In the center of the cave, there is a Buddhist relic “Phra That Nom Pha” and statues of Buddha.
More than 100 years ago, this was the meditation site of the famous monk Kruba Srivichai, who refurbished the Wat Phra That Doi Suthep and Wat Suan Dok temples in Chiang Mai.
It takes about 30 minutes to walk inside the cave. The exit is where the entrance is.
Crazy Horse Buttress
Crazy Horse is one of the most popular places in Chiang Mai for climbers and has a lot of positive feedback from beginners and professionals alike.
You can climb the rocks on your own (if you have the necessary equipment) or hire a guide to help you during the journey. The difficulty of the routes is from 5a to 8b+.
If you want to spend time climbing rocks, check out the climbing routes on The Crag, and don’t forget to download the 212-page PDF climber’s guide published by Chiang Mai Rock Climbing Adventures.
Hot Springs
On the way to Mae Kampong, you can visit the natural hot springs at San Kampaeng. This place is well equipped, and here you can boil chicken or quail eggs in natural boiling water, relax and warm your feet in a thermal basin, swim in the covered pool with water from hot springs, and rent a bungalow with a private bath filled with mineral water, and watch the geyser coming out of the ground.
Be careful not to fall into the boiling water. It can be crowded on weekends.
How To Get To Mae Kampong
By car
1. The route from Chiang Mai towards Doi Saket.
If you prefer to rent a car, including the option to return the rental car to a rental location in another city, we recommend that you compare car rental rates in Chiang Mai. Prices may differ by half or more.
Leave the city via Kaew Nawarat road. Then, go straight ahead on road number 118 towards Doi Saket. At the Ban Pong Din checkpoint, turn right onto road number 3005. Then go straight ahead without turning until you come to a rural T-crossroad. At this point, turn left onto road 5080, and in a few minutes, you will be in Mae Kampong. There’s a road sign. You won’t get lost.
2. Route through San Kamphaeng. Is it the most straightforward way if you don’t have a map or GPS. Just keep following the new road to San Kamphaeng (1317) and go to the end until you reach Mae Kampong.
By bus
You can hop on a bus either at the Chang Phueak bus station or at the stop at Wararot Market. It is best to leave Chiang Mai on the first bus at 7:30 am. You will then arrive in Mae Kampong at about 9:20 am, and you will have a full day to rest and see the local sights. The one-way fare (2 hours) is only 150 baht.
The departure time from Mae Kampong is 09:20, 13:20, and 16:10. The departure stop is right in the schoolyard (Google Map).
Mae Kampong Weather
In our opinion and from our observations, Meteoblue gives the most correct weather forecast for this place.
Quick Facts About Mae Kampong
A Geographic Snapshot
- Location:
- Country: Thailand
- Province: Chiang Mai
- Sub-district: Mae On
- Distance from Chiang Mai City: Approximately 50 kilometers east
- Elevation: Approximately 1,300 meters above sea level
- Population: ~120 families
- Climate: Subtropical Highland
- Language: Thai, with Northern Thai dialect influences
- Currency: Thai Baht (THB)
- Time Zone: Indochina Time (ICT)
History and Culture
- Establishment: Over a century ago
- Original Inhabitants: Settlers from the Tai Yai ethnic group
- Historical Significance: Known for traditional tea cultivation and Miang production
Economy and Livelihood
- Traditional Industries: Tea cultivation, Miang (fermented tea) production
- Current Economic Focus: Sustainable and community-based tourism
Accessibility and Visitor Information
- Nearest Major City: Chiang Mai
- Best Time to Visit: November to February (cool season)
- Visitor Etiquette: Respect local customs, modest dress, environmental consciousness
- Transportation: Accessible by car or motorbike; limited public transport options
If you prefer to rent a car, including the option to return the rental car to a rental location in another city, we recommend that you compare car rental rates in Chiang Mai. Prices may differ by half or more.
Pros & Cons
Traveling to Mae Kampong, like any destination, comes with its own set of advantages and challenges. Here’s a narrative guide to help you weigh the pros and cons:
Pros of Traveling to Mae Kampong
- Cultural Immersion: Mae Kampong offers a deep dive into authentic Thai culture. It’s a haven for those looking to experience traditional Thai village life, from participating in local cooking classes to learning about the unique process of Miang tea production.
- Natural Beauty: The village is a paradise for nature lovers. Nestled in the hills of Chiang Mai Province, it presents lush landscapes, verdant forests, and stunning waterfalls. Hiking through these serene trails can be a rejuvenating experience.
- Cooler Climate: Situated at a higher elevation, Mae Kampong enjoys a cooler climate compared to other parts of Thailand. This makes it a pleasant escape, especially from the heat of the plains.
- Sustainable Tourism: Mae Kampong is an exemplar of sustainable tourism. The community’s effort to preserve their environment and culture while welcoming visitors is both admirable and educational.
- Unique Accommodations: The village offers unique homestay experiences. Staying with a local family provides an intimate look at the day-to-day life in Mae Kampong and supports the local economy.
Cons of Traveling to Mae Kampong:
- Accessibility: Mae Kampong is less accessible compared to more popular tourist destinations. The journey involves a drive through winding hills, which might not suit everyone.
- Limited Amenities: As a small village, Mae Kampong doesn’t have the range of amenities found in larger tourist spots. This includes fewer choices for dining and entertainment.
- Language Barrier: English is not widely spoken here, so communication might be a challenge. This could make navigating and learning about the local culture a bit difficult without a guide or translator.
- Limited Nightlife: If you’re looking for vibrant nightlife, Mae Kampong may not meet your expectations. The village life is quiet and serene, focusing more on cultural experiences and nature.
- Seasonal Weather: During the rainy season, the trails and outdoor activities might be less accessible, and the beauty of the outdoors can be somewhat diminished.
In summary, Mae Kampong is an ideal destination for those seeking cultural richness, natural beauty, and a quiet retreat. However, it might pose challenges for those accustomed to easily accessible tourist destinations with abundant amenities and nightlife. Consider these factors to decide if Mae Kampong aligns with your travel preferences and expectations.
YT Video Review
Thomas, SuperGenki
The Restless Chinchilla
Nin is Cooking VLOG
FAQ
Mae Kampong can be reached by motorcycle or by car. At our company you can rent a motorcycle in Chiang Mai. If you want to rent a car, we recommend EconomyBookings or RentalCars, which compare prices at all major city car rental shops and find the best price for you.
If you want to rent a private car with driver, in which case it will cost you about 1100-1500 baht for a comfortable private minibus.
You can also use public transportation and buy tickets to go to Mae Kampong on a 14 passenger minibus with other tourists, which leaves from the Wararot market. The ticket costs 120-150 baht per person.
Mae Kampong is a village in Thailand known for its sustainable eco-tourism. The village is located in the mountains of Chiang Mai province, and is home to a variety of flora and fauna, as well as a waterfalls and hiking trails. The village is also known for its traditional culture and way of life, with locals living off the land and practicing traditional farming techniques. Also, the Flying Gibbon rope park is located here.
Absolutely! Mae Kampong is a beautiful village with plenty of natural beauty and traditional culture to explore. It is a great place to relax and get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Additionally, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy, such as hiking, visiting waterfalls, and exploring the Flying Gibbon rope park.
Mae Kampong is on the outskirts of Chiang Mai, about 55 kilometers from the city. The road leading here is well paved, so it is equally easy to get here by car or motorcycle and by bicycle.
There is also public transport, but public transport can sometimes be difficult for foreign tourists because not every driver knows English, and therefore there is a possibility of a language barrier.
The amount of time you spend in Mae Kampong depends on your interests and the activities you plan to do. Generally, two to three days is enough time to explore the village, hike the trails, and visit the waterfall and a viewpoint. However, if you plan to stay longer and explore the area more thoroughly, then four to five days is recommended.
Yes, Mae Kampong is a very walkable village. Most of the village is accessible on foot, and there are plenty of hiking trails and pathways to explore. Additionally, there are a few roads that are suitable for biking.
Mae Kampong is a great place to live if you are looking for a peaceful and sustainable lifestyle. The village is surrounded by beautiful nature, and the locals are very friendly and welcoming.
The rainy season in Mae Kampong typically runs from May to September. During this time, the area experiences a lot of rain and can be quite humid. It is best to avoid visiting during this time if possible.
The hot season in Mae Kampong typically runs from March to May. During this time, temperatures can reach up to 35°C (95°F) and the humidity can be quite high. It is best to bring plenty of sunscreen and water when visiting during this time.
The smog season in Mae Kampong typically runs from March to April. During this time, the air quality can be quite poor due to the burning of agricultural fields in the area. It is best to avoid visiting during this time if possible.
The best time to visit Mae Kampong is from October to February, when the weather is cooler and the air quality is better. Additionally, this is when the area experiences the least amount of rain.
Feel free to ask us if you need a bike rental in Chiang Mai. In addition, for inquisitive travelers exploring Northern Thailand, we have created online guides to the most exciting places in our region. Finally, don’t forget to read our guide to safe driving in Thailand.
If you prefer to rent a car, including the option to return the rental car to a rental location in another city, we recommend that you compare car rental rates in Chiang Mai. Prices may differ by half or more.
See you soon!
Cat Motors Team
- Author: Cat Motors Team
- Posted:
- Updated: December 29, 2023
- 2 Comments
2 Comments
I don’t believe the weather in Mae Kampong is “cool.” At this tropical latitude, you would have to climb above 5,000 feet to see any reduction in the stifling heat and humidity. In the room, in one of the video reviews, there is a mosquito net on the bed. If you go above 5,000 feet above sea level, where the weather is cool, there are no mosquitoes. Check to see if there is air conditioning in any place you visit. Air conditioning = hot weather.
Sorry, but I don’t quite know what you mean when you write that you “don’t believe the weather is cool”.
Right now in Chiang Mai +36C, while in Mae Kampong it’s only +23C. It feels like a huge difference. At night, in December-January, the temperature here drops below +10C. For Thailand, where the average daytime temperature is almost always above +30C is very tangible.
Air conditioners in Thailand are used not only for cooling the air but also for dehumidification. In addition, there are also air conditioners with the function of heating the room.
Also, latitude and longitude do not matter because climate zones are never defined by latitude or longitude, or by parallels or meridians, especially in mountainous areas. Open a climate map of the world, and see what it looks like.
Moreover, the primary condition for mosquitoes to exist is not 5,000 feet above sea level but the presence of standing water where female mosquitoes can lay their eggs. For example, visit Doi Inthanon, whose summit is at 8,400 feet. There are always mosquitoes in the evening because there are several waterfalls with natural pools of standing water. Mae Kampong also has places with standing water because a mountain stream flows along the village. Therefore, it is not surprising that there are mosquitoes here as well.