Mae Kampong Thailand

Nestled amongst the lush green hills near Chiang Mai, Mae Kampong beckons with its tranquil atmosphere and authentic charm. This hidden gem is a haven for nature lovers and those seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience in Northern Thailand. Forget bustling tourist traps; here, you’ll discover a traditional eco-tourism village where the cool mountain air invigorates and the lush scenery soothes the soul. Wander through the quaint village, sip locally grown organic coffee beside a stream, and immerse yourself in the slow pace of life.

A Quick Look at Mae Kampong

Country: Thailand

Population: 500

Language: Thai

Currency: Baht

Best Month to Visit: August

Must See: Rabiang View

Must Eat: Local Coffee

How to get to Mae Kampong

The closest city is Chiang Mai (1h40m) where you can catch a Mini Van or hire a taxi.

Mini Van – There are various companies that run mini van services from Chiang Mai to Mae Kampong. You can book online and check the schedule from the 12go website. There are also several travel agencies around Chiang Mai old town that you can book with. It is super cheap costing only around 150BHT.

Taxi – You can take a taxi to drive you to Mae Kampong this is the fastest and most convenient but more expensive normally costing around 2500BHT.

Getting Around Mae Kampong

Mae Kampong is a small village and is best explored on foot. If you plan to go up to the waterfall or the Kewfin viewpoint there are Songthaew(pick-up truck that you ride in the back) available at the visitor center carpark (marked on Map). The journey costs 20BHT each way. These Songthaew will drive the route all day picking people up along the way and you can also ask them to wait and that will cost extra.

When is the best time to visit Mae Kampong?

The best time to visit is in the dry season between December and March not only is it drier but the weather is much cooler.

25°C

Jan

28°C

Feb

31°C

Mar

32°C

Apr

30°C

May

28°C

Jun

28°C

Jul

27°C

Aug

27°C

Sep

26°C

Oct

25°C

Nov

24°C

Dec

High

Shoulder

Low

Where to stay?

There are loads of beautiful homestays tucked away in the jungle all over Mae Kampong that are relaxing and bring you close to nature. We stayed at Teddu Inn and this was one of the best places we have ever stayed! First you enter via suspension bride through the lush jungle crossing a stream and waterfall below. The rooms are basic but are all spread apart from each other where you feel like you have your own space in the jungle. And to top it all off there is the beautiful Teddu Coffee shop just steps away from the rooms.

Things to do in Mae Kampong

Mae Kampong Waterfall

The Mae Kampong waterfall is located about 1km from town so its easily walkable or you can catch the Songthaew from town (marked on map). The walk out there is really nice passing through the village and up past Rabiang view coffee shop (make sure you stop by on the way back!). The waterfall is made up of multiple tiers that thunder down the mountainside through the lush verdant jungle. You can access all the different tiers by following the stairs that run beside the waterfall. You will quickly gain elevation as you make your way up the stairs but don’t forget to look back as you will get amazing views of the surrounding mountains. When you reach the top of the waterfall the trail continues and according to google maps there is a swimming hole further along the trail. We didn’t go any further, but if you have been to the swimming hole let us know in the comments.

Kewfin

Kewfin is a spectacular viewpoint in Chae Son National Park. Kewfin is about 4km out of Mae Kampong and you can also catch the Songthaew to get there. Once you get dropped off there is a 200m trail to the viewpoint where you get spectacular views looking back over the countryside into the Lampang province as this viewpoint straddles the Chiang Mai – Lampang provinces border. If you are an early riser this is also a popular spot to come for sunrise.

Wat Khantha Phueksa

The temple here is small but really very picturesque tucked away amongst the forest beside the stream. The Temple here is very quiet and peaceful with the stream running beside it and everything is made of wood harmonising with the surrounding nature.

Rabiang View

Rabiang view is a coffee shop located just out of town on the way out to the waterfall. Here you can get locally produced coffee as well as your standard Thai iced drinks. The main reason to visit though is the views looking back over Mae Kampong and the surrounding valley. This is a fantastic place to come and chill and enjoy the views.

Teddu Coffee Shop

Yet another tranquil and stunning cafe to enjoy in Mae Kampong and again they server locally produced coffee and all the standard Thai iced drinks. Here the setting is the star of the show set in amongst the jungle beside a trickling stream and a small waterfall. After you have done taking in the serenity you exit via a spectacular suspension bridge over the stream. This place is a really magical spot and don’t forget to say hello to the CEO Teddu the cat!

Where/What To Eat & Drink

Mae Kampong only has a handful of places to eat and drink and you will find most of these along the main road that runs through the village. Most serve northern Thai food as well as well as your more common Thai dishes.

Kao Soi Gloijai

Really cool little place with upstairs seating and small intimate tables and breakfast bar style seating. They specialise in Kao Soi and other northern dishes. The tables here are small seating 4 at most so keep that in mind if you are in a large group.

Mae Nim’s Sausage

This place specialises in Sai Ua which is Northern Thai style sausage. The best way I can describe it is like Thai curry in a sausage. You can eat in or get it to take away. Another must try dish when in northern Thailand and one of our favourite beer snacks!

เก๊าบ่าเฟือง

Sorry no English name for this place! its right across the road from the Kao soi joint! here they serve Moo Kra Tar which is Thai style BBQ. You order a set of meat and vegetables and you grill the meat on the central hotplate and cook the vegetables in the soup around the side. If you have never had Moo Kra Ta before definitely try it out its an amazing culinary experience!

Lung Pud Pa Peng Coffee

The coffee shop /restaurant is located in a beautiful traditional Thai house, which has been decorated with vintage furniture and artwork. IF you sit out the back you can enjoy your drink beside the stream. This place is very popular with Thai tourists Popular with Thai tourist with nearly all of them stopping for a photo out the front!