Mae Kampong Village — Attraction in Chiang Mai Province

Prior to our road trip, I came across an article about this village. Wifey's interest was piqued so we made this a side trip on our way to Chiang Rai.

After turning off the highway, the road leading into the village got progressively narrower. Two vehicles can still pass safely. But watch out for drivers who might veer into your lane especially around tight corners.

Some parts of the road are steep. We saw a scooter pillion having to walk up as the scooter didn't have the power to climb up with the rider and pillion onboard. If you're wondering, we drove a Toyota Yaris with a 1.2L engine and had no trouble with the uphill section.

The long drive here isn't hard, but it's also not exactly easy. So was the effort worth it? I didn't think so.

Surrounded on all sides by tall mountainous forest, old wooden houses are cramped upon the precious space on both sides of the hill. Some houses are even perched above river streams. The patchwork of stairs, pipes, poles and wires may seem chaotic, but I thought the place had a postcard charm. It sort of resembles a Japanese post town.

Hence it is unsurprising that many people are drawn here. As a result, a lot of the houses appear to offer stays to tourists who might want a slice of tranquility. But I feel that unfortunately its growing popularity is also dimming its rustic charm.

Although this place reminds me of Japan, I was actually disappointed to see shops selling Japanese snacks and souvenirs. There was even a big Chinese restaurant. I needn't have ventured off the beaten track if I wanted those. What I wanted to see was authentic Thai culture and experiences.

Along the way I saw several new constructions, presumably these are home stays to cash in on the tourist influx. I asked wifey if she fancied staying here, she didn't hesitate to say no. So we left after walking around for a short while. I don't think we'll make another...

Mae Village, Chiang Mai – A Hidden Gem in Northern Thailand

When people visit Chiang Mai, they think of two things: i.e., old traditional Lanna Thai temples (over 300 of them) and beautiful, fairy-like Thai girls. In addition to these two mentioned attractions, there are also food, beautiful natural sceneries, and plenty of shopping.

Nestled in the lush mountains of Chiang Mai, there is a traditional Thai village called Mae Kampong Village, a tranquil escape where nature is the foundation of the visit. Don't worry about lodging; you can settle down in a hotel, motel, or guesthouse.

This charming village offers a rare glimpse into authentic northern Thai life style, untouched by heavy tourism, often sharing their crafts, cuisine, and stories passed down through generations.

Surrounded by rice fields and misty hills, Mae Kampong Village is perfect for those seeking serenity and cultural richness—a place to relax away from the bustling city life.

You can do lots of activities like hiking the many hilly trails, enjoying homemade herbal teas, or staying in cozy wooden huts with stunning sunrise views.

What sets Mae Village apart is its peaceful rhythm and genuine hospitality — it feels like stepping into a simpler, more soulful world. Whether you're a cultural traveler, a nature lover, or simply looking to disconnect, there is plenty to do in Mae Village. Here, you'll enjoy simplicity at its best. You can also opt for a limited electricity supply, no Wi-Fi or Internet, no AC, and no water heater.

Set a date and experience this...

I visited on a Tuesday in December. It was busy, but we managed to find parking easily. Driving there on a sedan was ok but I imagine with a smaller cc car or a lower cc scooter would take some effort.

I'm conflicted - I wouldn't have wasted time to go up if I weren't already nearby. From the reviews, it's obvious it's an IG backdrop. At the same time, many mentioned the cooler temperatures and a waterfall. I travelled with an active 3yo toddler who slept the 1hr journey up from Chiang Mai and had enough energy to go up and down the steep roads and a very short waterfall hike without us having to carry her. However, it was not a restful experience there - huge cars plough the road the village is on, and there are no pavements, so you would have to sidestep the enormous crowd every single second, trying your best not to be hit by those cars driving up (of course some have to drive quickly as they need enough acceleration power to go up the steep slopes).

The stalls were also very Japanese inspired with yakitori, mochi, tayaki, soft serve etc. Stall owners were not smiley or friendly - can't blame them, the crowd is tremendous. Would say if you have been to Taipei's Jiufen, this place feels similar. Undoubtedly picturesque but also super touristy, crowded, contrived at times and not restful. I accidentally 'ruined' some photos as I had no choice but to pass tripods when walking up the slopes.

I'm glad I went up, but I don't think...