Mae Kampong: 10 Best Things to Do and Places to Visit

Nestled in the lush mountains of northern Thailand, Mae Kampong is a hidden gem just an hour from Chiang Mai. This charming village offers a rare glimpse into authentic Thai culture, untouched by mass tourism.

As someone who has explored countless off-the-beaten-path destinations, I can confidently say Mae Kampong is a must-visit for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and anyone craving a peaceful escape.

From misty mountain hikes to eco-friendly homestays, this village is packed with unique experiences. Wake up to the sounds of a bamboo forest, sip freshly brewed Mae Kampong coffee, and wander through tea plantations run by locals. The village’s cool climate—a refreshing break from Thailand’s heat—makes it perfect for exploring the seven-tier Mae Kampong Waterfall, taking in panoramic views from Kew Fin viewpoint, or indulging in a traditional Thai massage.

But Mae Kampong isn’t just about nature; it’s a hub for sustainable tourism. Visitors can support the local community by staying in a homestay, learning about traditional Lanna culture, or even joining a fermented tea-making workshop. Whether you're seeking relaxation, adventure, or cultural immersion, Mae Kampong has something special to offer. In this guide, I’ll share the best things to do in Mae Kampong, ensuring you make the most of your trip to this hidden paradise.

Mae Kampong, one of the most beautiful villages in Thailand

Although its traditional wooden houses, peaceful atmosphere and aura of timelessness give the impression that Mae Kampong has always existed, in reality it is barely a century old . Its first settlers, who would be the great-grandparents of the current inhabitants, came here looking for fertile land to grow tea . Since then, its economy has been linked to agriculture, until tourism arrived at the beginning of the 20th century…

Or rather ecotourism , because unlike what happens in other parts of Thailand, in Mae Kampong sustainable tourism has been promoted , based on a community model managed by the local families themselves. An example of this is the type of accommodation: here you will not find large hotels or invasive buildings that break with the environment. Instead, the accommodations are mainly homestays in traditional houses , which allow you to get to know the local lifestyle without altering the essence of the town.

If we add to this the hospitality of its people , its exquisite gastronomy , the charm of its natural environment with its lush forests and a cool climate given its location at more than 1,300 meters above sea level, Mae Kampong becomes the perfect getaway from Chiang Mai.

Best Places to Visit and Things to Do in Mae Kampong

Despite its small size, Mae Kampong offers many activities for travelers , both for those looking for a rural break after visiting large urban centers, and for those who do not care about dead hours and want to fill their days. Here are the essential plans to do in Mae Kampong :

1. Take a stroll around the town

It seems like a very basic plan, but there is no better way to get to know this destination in the north of Thailand than walking along its narrow and steep main street , as it is the only one that exists and that forms the backbone of the small town. Look for the charming corners, browse through the local product shops, greet the chatty locals and try to extract its purest essence.

what to see in Mae Kampong walking

What to see and do in Mae Kampong

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2. Explore Mae Kampong Waterfall

Located just 1km from the town centre (although it is uphill), Mae Kampong waterfall is a beautiful waterfall in the middle of the jungle . It is a multi-level waterfall that you can discover by climbing the steep staircase that runs through it. However, the most beautiful part is the base, where a natural pool is also formed that is not very inviting for a swim, but you are free to do so.

If you've visited other waterfalls in Thailand, this one won't be remembered as the most majestic or thunderous, but it's a good excuse to dust off your trainers and take a walk through nature. There's a car park on the road with space for a few cars and motorbikes, and from there a flat path leads through the forest for just 100 metres to the base of the waterfall. Admission is free .

Mae Kampong waterfall

3. Take in the views from Kew Fin lookout

If we continue up the road on steep sections, about 3 km away we will reach this viewpoint, located at an altitude of 1,500 metres above sea level, and right on the border between the provinces of Chiang Mai and Lampang . It offers clear views of the surrounding mountains full of vegetation that, depending on the date and day, you can see covered in mist in the early morning, forming a composition worthy of the best landscape painters.

To get to the viewing point you will first have to park in a designated area with enough space, and from there take a 200-metre asphalt path in good condition. You can't get lost.

But we have a warning: we do not recommend walking up from the village, since the route is quite tiring, and be careful because depending on the power of your motorcycle/car, you may have problems getting over the steepest sections (we went with a 155CC scooter and it was fine). It is also free .

Although we only visited the viewpoint, we read that there are several nature hiking routes throughout this area that may interest the more explorers.

What to do in Mae Kampong Kew Fin Viewpoint

4. Relax at Wat Khantha Phueksa Temple

Hidden in the middle of the forest, this small but charming Buddhist temple seems to us to be a must-see place to visit in Mae Kampong. Built in 1930 by local workers, who managed to integrate it perfectly with the natural environment, it is the first and only temple in the entire village. Entrance is free , although we believe that parking for cars costs 20 THB (free for motorbikes).

First, visit the main hall, with its intricately carved wooden windows, and then descend the stairs to the Ubosot (the most important building in a Buddhist temple), which stands out because it is built in the middle of the stream on a kind of little island and surrounded by water, something that is only repeated in one other temple in the entire province. We thought the surroundings were amazing, including a small waterfall. And hey, if you're lucky, you might find local monks practicing their daily rituals.

What to see in Mae Kampong temple Wat Khantha Phueksa

5. Cross the Teddu Coffee suspension bridge

We already told you, Mae Kampong not only offers plans for relaxation and tranquility, there is also room for strong emotions. And one that will not take much effort, either in planning or on a physical level, is to cross the bridge suspended between trees and at a considerable height , which flies over the jungle and the stream, to reach the Teddu Coffee café .

It is located before reaching Mae Kampong and it works like this: you park your car or motorbike in the designated area on the side of the road; then you go down a path to the café, which by the way is spectacular, with a terrace surrounded by plants and leafy trees next to a beautiful waterfall ; you take the opportunity to have something to drink; and finally you climb up the structure of the hanging bridges to reach the other side of the ravine. It can only be done this way: you go down stairs and when you go up, you choose whether to go back the way you came or to try the bridge.

If you buy something at the cafeteria you will be given a ticket valid for crossing the bridge for free, otherwise you will have to pay 100 THB per person .

Do you suffer from vertigo? Lety suffers from a bit of it and although things looked pretty scary from below, once you got to the top it wasn't that bad. Go ahead, it's a really cool experience.

What to do in Mae Kampong Teddu Coffee Suspension Bridge

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6. Spend a night in a homestay

Staying in a homestay in Mae Kampong is one of the best ways to experience the simple life of its people , which means it's best to go without too many pretensions. The traditional wooden cottages that open their doors to tourists are usually located in a privileged environment, but many are simple and do not always offer all the comforts, keep that in mind!

Oh, and if you hear three roosters crowing next to your ear at 5 in the morning, if the bed only has a bottom sheet because that's how it is here, or if some bug leaves you with a bite that looks like a crater, remember that it's part of the experience. Below, in the useful information section, we'll leave you with a few options.

Mae Kampong Chiang Mai

7. Try the local cuisine

When tourists start arriving and the shops on the main street open their doors, Mae Kampong turns into a street food festival . Meat skewers, spiced sausages, traditional sweets, soup dishes, even grilled frogs! The smoke from the kitchens and the aroma of cooking fills every corner, and foodies will be delighted.

Among the local specialties you can't miss are:

Sai ua , a spicy sausage from Northern Thailand that is grilled. You've probably seen it in other markets in Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai, but the one prepared in Mae Kampong seemed unique to us.
Sai krok esan , this sausage is made from fermented pork, which gives it a characteristic sour taste, and glutinous rice, and is also grilled. It is juicier than the previous one, but the taste is less spicy.
Naem mok , also uses fermented pork, but this time it is cooked wrapped in a banana leaf, which gives it a different flavor.
Khao soi , a spicy but very tasty curry noodle soup, usually with chicken, served with crispy noodles on top. You can try it at the restaurant “ Kao Soi Gloijai ” while watching the hustle and bustle of the village below.
Khao puk nga is a traditional northern Thai dessert made from pounded glutinous rice with toasted sesame seeds, served with cane sugar and hot.
Khanom khrok , another dessert that is shaped like small pancakes that are crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, made with rice flour, coconut milk and sugar and cooked in small pans.

Mae Kampong cuisine

8. Get to know the Teen Tok Royal Project Development Center

This is a project funded by King Rama IX himself in 1981 to promote local agriculture and highlight the work of farm workers. According to what we read, they have implemented an eco-sustainable development program with which they intend to improve agricultural techniques, replace opium crops and improve the living conditions of farmers while preserving natural resources.

There is also a restaurant that uses organic ingredients from nearby farms to prepare Thai dishes and northern specialties, as well as a shop selling local coffee and other products. Its location by the stream is a plus.

Teen Tok Royal Project in Mae Kampong

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9. Have a coffee or tea in a charming café

We've already told you about Teddu Coffee, where you'll have to cross a hanging bridge, but there are other charming coffee shops in Mae Kampong (and without adrenaline-pumping experiences) where you can enjoy a coffee and a cake in a wonderful setting. Here are our personal recommendations:

Baan Ing Dao Coffee is located in the upper part of the village, almost 1,100 metres above sea level, and from its panoramic terrace you can enjoy beautiful views, especially at sunset.
Rabiang View Maekampong , right next to the previous one, is usually where organized tours stop and is therefore more crowded. The views are equally extraordinary.
Pirunya , what stands out about this place is not so much its location but the coffee itself, which is specialised and comes from many parts of the world (including Thai coffee, obviously). If you are an expert coffee drinker, you will love this place.
Lung Pud Pa Peng Coffee, which occupies a historic building in the heart of Mae Kampong with a unique wooden façade and a small riverside terrace at the back.
At-Mae-Kampong , very close to the previous one, in a more modern location with a back area that also overlooks the river, and where they prepare excellent specialty coffees. One of our favorites.

Remember to get the Revolut card ( with a €10 promo ), the best option to avoid commissions when paying and withdrawing money abroad

Cafe with a view in Mae Kamping

what to do in mae kampong charming cafes

10. Make some interesting stops along the way

Finally, one recommendation that we cannot forget when planning a visit to Mae Kampong is to make a stop along the way. From Chiang Mai there are three pretty cool visits if you have time and you want to discover new places, take note:

Muang On Cave , a cave that is accessed through an opening in the rock by a rather steep staircase. Once inside, an impressive cave with white walls and typical geological formations awaits you, one of which, the gigantic stalagmite known as "Jedee Mae Nomm Fah" , is the star of the place. The entrance costs 20 THB + 10 THB for the parking.
San Kamphaeng Hot Springs : These thermal baths are famous for their mineral-rich waters with therapeutic properties and, beware, there is a surprise in store, for their geyser, which shoots hot water several dozen meters high. You can also do the weird thing of boiling eggs in bamboo baskets. The entrance costs 100 THB and, although we did not find them to be the best in Thailand, it is a good plan to spend an hour relaxing. Alternatively, there are the Doi Saket Hot Spring thermal baths, which are a little less popular.
The Giant , this café, north of Mae Kamping, has the peculiarity of being built in a giant tree, with several hanging bridges connecting its different platforms. The setting is amazing, with spectacular views over the jungle. In addition, to get there, you pass through a very pretty village.

Muang On Cave Thailand

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Extra. Flight of the Gibbon (be careful!)

This adventure centre , with ziplines, floating bridges and treetop bases in the middle of the jungle, opened its doors back in 2007, being one of the first of its kind in the entire country. However, after a tragic accident in 2019 and the subsequent safety inspections, it closed permanently .

The name refers to the population of gibbons that once filled the forests of Thailand with their songs. Unfortunately, they are now endangered, largely due to deforestation. However, there are several associations with protection and rehabilitation programs, such as the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project Chiang Mai (GRPC) , which is trying to reintroduce gibbons into their natural habitat in these forest areas of Chiang Mai.

Useful information to plan your visit to Mae Kampong

Finally, here are our practical recommendations so you can plan your trip to Mae Kampong in the best way possible:

✓ How to get to Mae Kampong from Chiang Mai

From Chiang Mai, you can go on your own by rented car or motorbike . The road is easy and passes through rural landscapes with rice fields and fields. In the last part, the slopes are steeper, but nothing special. However, to get to the Kew Fin viewpoint or The Giant, there are steep sections, so we recommend a motorbike of at least 150CC.

If you arrive by car, bear in mind that the streets of the village are quite narrow and winding, and parking is quite difficult, especially on weekends and holidays. We recommend that you contact your accommodation to make sure that they have private parking. Otherwise, there is a free parking area on the outskirts of the village, at the entrance on the left (we have marked it on the map).

If you prefer to arrive by public transport, there are minivans leaving from Warorot Market (the central market in Chiang Mai) for 150 THB. The trip takes 1.5 hours. You can book online at 12go.asia .

✓ Visit Mae Kampong in a day

Given its proximity to Chiang Mai, it's not a bad idea to just spend a few hours in Mae Kampong if you don't have the chance to sleep overnight, although you'll miss out on experiencing the charm of the night (and the morning roosters).

If you want to live a more complete experience , we have seen this tour to Mae Kampong from Chiang Mai that also includes a walk through the forest to spot gibbons in the wild! According to its reviews, it is a responsible and recommendable activity, in fact the organizers hide the location of the place to protect the animals.

✓ Where to stay in Mae Kampong

There are various homestays and ecolodges to suit all budgets , from basic options to more upmarket accommodations with all the amenities. And although this is the most popular plan, we wouldn't rule out the option of looking for a cool accommodation in the middle of nature in the surrounding area. Here are some suggestions for both types:

Chaiyapol Homestay , where we stayed, a very charming little wooden house (although with some shortcomings... like NOT having a top sheet) at the end of the village.
Ing Doi Mae Kampong , we loved its little terrace when passing by on a motorbike, it is somewhat rustic but seems cozy.
Baan IngDao MaekamPong is the establishment located at the very top, with a panoramic terrace.
Portare.home , just before reaching the village, more upmarket, including a hot tub in the room!
Bee Forest , on the road to The Giant, an excellent value for money alternative.

Important : it is essential to book well in advance , especially during the high season and on weekends, as it is a popular getaway destination among Thais living in nearby cities.

✓ Other tips for visiting Mae Kampong

Keep these last recommendations in mind to make your visit to Mae Kampong unforgettable:

The best time to visit Mae Kampong is from November to February, when the weather is cool and dry.
Try to avoid the months of March and April as this is a season when farmers in northern Thailand burn their fields to prepare their land ( burning season ).
Please note that Mae Kampong is at an altitude of 1,300 metres, so it is necessary to bring some warm clothing for the mornings. In mid-February we were at around 15ºC.
Also bring appropriate footwear for walking on the trails and mosquito spray .
Contribute to sustainable tourism by staying in homestays, buying artisanal products and respecting the rules and customs of the village.
Bring cash as most businesses do not accept card payments.

Getting to Mae Kampong by motorbike

We found Mae Kampong to be a must-visit destination in northern Thailand for those looking for an authentic experience in contact with nature and local culture . The truth is that throughout our stay we felt more like we were in a small town in the Japanese Alps than an hour from Chiang Mai… it really has a Japanese vibe!

That said, if you're looking to discover a different corner of northern Thailand, with spectacular landscapes, hospitality, responsible tourism, cool weather and a handful of places of interest, this charming mountain village is a great choice. Have you visited it? Do you know of more things to see in Mae Kampong?

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