Mae Kampong Village: Ultimate Day Trip Guide from Chiang Mai

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Mae Kampong had been on our list for a while, and it didn’t disappoint. The village gets its name from a little yellow flower (kampong) and the river that runs through it. Just an hour’s drive from Chiang Mai, this small mountain village is home to around 100 families and offers a much-needed escape from the hustle of city life. Whether you’re planning a day trip to Mae Kampong or a longer stay, you’ll find the natural beauty, cool climate, and delicious northern Thai food worth the journey. While weekends get crowded, visiting during the week allowed us to experience the village’s tranquility.

Table of Contents

• The Scenic Drive to Mae Kampong
• Parking in Mae Kampong
• Chiang Mai to Sankampaeng Hotsprings
• Mae Kampong Waterfall
• Rabeing Coffee (ระเบียงวิว @แม่กำปอง)
• Kewfin Viewpoint
• Soi Gloijai (ข้าวซอยกลอยใจ)
• Tasting Northern Thai Flavors in Mae Kampong
• Staying in a Rustic Homestay
• Exploring the Tea and Coffee Plantations
• Teddu Cafe: The Perfect Stop on the Way Out
• Conclusion
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The Scenic Drive to Mae Kampong

The drive to Mae Kampong from Chiang Mai took us about an hour. The road was beautiful but challenging—narrow, winding, and steep. It’s one of those drives where you have to stay focused, especially with the sharp turns that pop up out of nowhere. As we climbed higher into the mountains, the temperature noticeably dropped. We always knew Mae Kampong was cooler, but feeling that crisp mountain breeze really made the trip feel like an escape. If you’re considering a day trip to Mae Kampong, we’d definitely recommend bringing a light jacket, no matter the season, and some mosquito repellant for the jungle-like environment.

Parking in Mae Kampong

Parking was tricky in Mae Kampong. There’s really just one main road running through the village, and parking spots are very limited. We ended up parking at the bottom of the hill, which most visitors do. From there, we hired a local driver or songthaew to take us around the village, including stops at the waterfall and a few key spots. It was a smart move, not just for convenience but because it also supports the local economy. Plus, navigating the steep and narrow roads was much easier with someone who knew the area well.

You can also park in Wat Khantha Phueksa’s parking lot. The village temple has approximately 20 spaces. When you leave, make sure to leave some money in the donation box.

While there’s only one main road through the village, Mae Kampong hides a network of winding paths along the river. We discovered charming cafes and homestays tucked away in the greenery, offering quiet spots to relax by the water. These hidden paths made the village feel even more magical, as every turn revealed something new—a cozy cafe or a rustic homestay that felt miles away from the world. These gems make a day trip to Mae Kampong feel like a true adventure.

Chiang Mai to Sankampaeng Hotsprings

If you don’t have access to transportation, there is a Chiang Mai to Sankampaeng Hotsprings shuttle bus from Chiang Mai. It operates four times per day and costs 150 Baht per person. For more information, go to their Facebook page.

Mae Kampong Waterfall

Our first stop was Mae Kampong Waterfall, one of the village’s main attractions. The waterfall may not be huge, but its charm lies in its clean air and cool, clear water. The waterfall has several small tiers, making it a great spot to relax and take in the surroundings. If you’re feeling adventurous like we were, you can hike up to the top, passing through the different tiers and enjoying the serene greenery. It’s a refreshing spot to recharge and appreciate nature.

Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/gazoG1N4RriLTB3E9

Rabeing Coffee (ระเบียงวิว @แม่กำปอง)

Next, we headed to Rabeing Coffee (ระเบียงวิว @แม่กำปอง), means Balcony View in Thai. It’s one of the most famous cafes in the village. It’s perched high on a hill, and getting there was an adventure. The road leading up was steep, but the reward was worth it. The view from the cafe was stunning, with panoramic vistas of the mountains and the village below. We settled in with some coffee and shared a slice of their coconut cake—hands down one of the best we’ve ever had. The cake was light, perfectly sweet, and paired beautifully with the fresh mountain air. This is where time seems to slow down, and we could’ve easily spent hours there, just soaking in the view.

If Rabeing Coffee is busy, go next door to Baan Ing Dao Homestay. It has the same view.

Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/2UhGVghNWMQGkweo8

Kewfin Viewpoint

One of the highlights of our trip was visiting Kewfin Viewpoint, located 1,517 meters above sea level. We didn’t hike to the top, but our driver took us up the steep, winding roads. Once we arrived, the views were nothing short of breathtaking. From the viewpoint, we had a panoramic view of the mountains and valleys below. When we visited just after sunrise, the mist floating over the treetops gave the feeling of being above the clouds. While we didn’t hike, there are plenty of trails around the viewpoint, making it a great spot for those who love nature walks. Kewfin Viewpoint was one of the most memorable experiences of our trip and is a must-see for anyone visiting Mae Kampong.

Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/EXjbg85dwDpnvCkn7

Soi Gloijai (ข้าวซอยกลอยใจ)

One of the culinary highlights of our trip was a stop at Kao Soi Gloijai (ข้าวซอยกลอยใจ), located at V982+33V Unnamed Road, Huai Kaeo, Mae On District, Chiang Mai 50130, Thailand. We sat upstairs, enjoying a bowl of their delicious khao soi while watching the street traffic pass below. The rich, flavorful curry noodle soup was just as satisfying as any we’ve had in Chiang Mai. It was a little more expensive, but the quality and atmosphere made it well worth it. This cozy spot gave us the perfect break before continuing our exploration of Mae Kampong.

Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/HKqebSLusdEz4bJS8

Tasting Northern Thai Flavors in Mae Kampong

Mae Kampong offers plenty of opportunities to indulge in delicious northern Thai food beyond the famous khao soi. The street stalls offered three things that stood out to me. First, there were the spicy Thai sausages, or sai oua, which I couldn’t try since they’re made with pork. These sausages are traditionally packed with herbs like lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and chili, giving them a fiery, aromatic flavor.

Next, the grilled honeycombs were a delightful surprise. These honeycombs, lightly grilled over an open flame, had a slightly charred sweetness that made them both crunchy and chewy. The natural honey flavor and the smoky char created a unique snack I hadn’t expected.

Lastly, I couldn’t resist the Khanom Khrok, small coconut rice cakes that are perfectly balanced, crispy, and soft. Made from rice flour, coconut milk, and sugar, they were cooked in small cast-iron pans until golden on the outside but still soft and gooey in the middle. Topped with sugar and a drizzle of condensed milk, these little treats were sweet, creamy, and just the right size for a quick snack while wandering the village. They were addictive, and I found myself going back for more.

Staying in a Rustic Homestay

For a more authentic experience, we decided to stay in one of Mae Kampong’s rustic homestays. These homestays are simple but cozy, often run by local families. Since Mae Kampong is a well-known tourist spot tucked into the jungle, the homestays were a bit more expensive than what you’d find in Chiang Mai, but the experience was worth it. We woke up to the sounds of birds chirping and the nearby stream gently flowing lulled me to sleep. Our hosts did not speak English but prepared a delicious homemade northern Thai dinner for us, full of rich flavors that hit the spot after a day of exploring. I think if you’re going to visit Mae Kampong, a homestay is the best way to immerse yourself in village life.

But be aware that some of the homestays are not very good. Read the reviews. I recommend Chaiyapol Homestay (ไชยพล โฮมสเตย์ หมู่บ้านแม่กำปอง). I am not a roughing-it kind of gal. A few others looked pretty but were a little too open to the jungle elements for my tastes. You can book it or several homestays on booking.com.

Exploring the Tea and Coffee Plantations

We spent part of the morning exploring the tea and coffee plantations surrounding Mae Kampong. We joined a local tour and were fascinated by the process of harvesting tea leaves and coffee beans by hand. After the tour, we sat down with a freshly brewed cup of coffee, made from beans grown just steps away. The plantations were peaceful, and the mountain views made the whole experience that much better. If you love tea and coffee, this is an experience you can’t miss.

Teddu Cafe: The Perfect Stop on the Way Out

On our way out of Mae Kampong, we made one last stop at Teddu Cafe, a hidden gem nestled among the greenery. The cafe isn’t easy to find, but once we spotted the large cat statue in the parking lot and followed the steps down toward the stream, we knew we were in for something special. Teddu Cafe is set right by a waterfall, with seating that lets you take in the sounds of the rushing water. It’s the perfect spot to relax with a cup of coffee before heading back to Chiang Mai. The rope bridge canopy and the natural setting made this stop an adventure in itself, and it was the ideal way to end our visit to Mae Kampong.

There is a homestay there called

Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/pfxxA8vr4hL3szDF6

Conclusion

Our trip to Mae Kampong was everything we hoped for—clean air, stunning views, and a relaxing break from city life. Whether we were soaking in the views from Kewfin Viewpoint, savoring coconut cake at Balcony View, enjoying khao soi at Kao Soi Gloijai, or unwinding by the waterfall at Teddu Cafe, every moment was magical. Visiting during the week allowed us to enjoy the village without the crowds, and the cool weather made it all the more refreshing if you don’t come on the weekend. If you’re planning a day trip to Mae Kampong, don’t forget to pack a light jacket and some mosquito repellant. Mae Kampong left us feeling recharged and connected to nature, and we can’t wait to return.

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