19 Romantic things to do at Mae Kampong in Northern Thailand (1 hour from Chiang Mai)

Mae Kampwhatttt?? Don’t worry if you too have never heard of this tiny Northern Village (which is just 1 hour 15 minutes’ drive from Chiang Mai and also famed for their coffee) because we’re here to open your eyes to the perfect weekend romantic escape – especially if your time is limited in the North.

You’ll feel as if you’ve stepped back in time in the most magical way, as you walk through small streets, pass beautiful dark wooden buildings, a bazillion trees and jungle greens and a waterfall stream that runs through the entire town. Tucked away and hidden from the world, escape to find some peace and quality time with your beloved. And when the night’s sky is clear, look out for a glimpse of the Milky Way…

Note: Please call before visiting each place to confirm their opening hours as some may close without notice due to COVID-19. 

Read more:

11 Things to do at San Kamphaeng just 30 minutes from central Chiang Mai

10 Reasons couples should visit Pai in Northern Thailand, 3 hours from Chiang Mai – things to do, see and eat

5D4N Romantic Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai itinerary for couples

1. 1517 metres above sea level and with breathtaking views — ‘Kio Opium’ / Kew Fin

So you’re telling me that this viewpoint has not only incredible sunset views, but on a crisp clear night you can also spot the Milky Way! AND from the top you can actually see three to four cities at once (including Chiang Mai and Lampang) – epic!!!

What makes this view spot (originally a meeting and delivery place for opium merchants) super cool is that it’s really easy to get to – from the car park, walk 200 metres through a thicket of trees, up a few natural-made steps and around the pathway and you’re there.

P.S. The hill is decorated in coffee and Miang (mêeang) leaves. Miang leaves are pickled tea leaves and this traditional leaf is used to eat Miang Kham, a Thai snack which involves wrapping ingredients in this leaf and eating it all together in one bite.

Cafes with endless views

The whole village is a view on its own, however these cafes have something extra special about theirs, from waterfalls to bird-eye’s view of the town-scape.

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2. Are we in the jungle?! — Teddu Coffee

Believe it or not, this shop is set next to a waterfall, among banana trees and all the green, with a hanging bridge above you that crosses into the treetops – and yes, you can walk along and pose on it 😉.

Tables and chairs are actually seated in the water, as well as throughout the outside garden and patios.

And if you’re a cat (or animal) lover, enjoy spending time with the felines which you’ll spot under a shady tree – they’re the real owners and the cafe is actually named after one of them!

FYI. Expect delicious, aromatic organic coffee served here fresh on the daily as well as scrumptious cakes.

3. Any coffee connoisseurs out there? — Utsah.homebrew

I, for one, consider myself a huge coffee fan and I’m really picky with my coffee – don’t give me anything milky, over-roasted or sugar loaded.

Anyhoo, you’ll be delighted too in knowing they serve fantastic coffee here, set up in a real trendy spot, again still keeping to the vibe of Mae Kampong, but amping it up to make things a bit more modern.

Super stylish from the coffees to the divine desserts, we love everything about this cafe including their baked scones – a must-try!

Riverside Accommodation

It’s pretty insane that the entire village is basically built next to a running stream, so naturally you can expect the accommodation to have the same views! From more rustic to ultra cute loft-style, you’ll wake up every morning feeling utterly rejuvenated.

4. A bohemian riverside dream for you and boo — The Garret

Totally Boho-vibes but done in traditional Northern Thailand almost Nepali style, this accommodation stay is simply gorgeous, full of life and colour.

Setup stylishly in a boutique style environment, I’m so into the contrasting textures and the light woods used, which is rarely seen around the village. I want all of the bedspreads, and can we just gape over the bathroom tiles?! Perfection.

Rooms are done almost loft-style, with elongated angled windows that overlook the riverside below you.

5. Peaceful, away from the crowds and totally surrounded by nature — Baandin Tharnthong

Looking to experience life the local way during your time in Northern Thailand? Situated just outside the village itself, this is an incredible experience, especially for couples, with rustic-style bungalows placed almost on the edge of the land (so the views are AMAZING).

A fantastic part of this homestay is you get to participate in different workshops if you wish, including tea and coffee making processes, and cooking your own food the traditional way in clay pots, over the fire.

6. White, bright and done up in a beautiful loft-style duplex — My Cottage

The interiors here are comfy, modern and clean, consisting of not only one but two floors.

Enjoy your morning breakfast right on the riverside or on the outside balcony overlooking it, or spend the morning with your latest novel, feet up in a hammock next to the water.

The rooms are absolutely big and bright, with large windows lending lots of natural light and a hint of Japanese minimalism.

7. A botanical-lovers dream  — Teen Tok Royal Project Development Center

Somewhat of a tourist centre I would say, this is a great stop for exploring and taking photos.  Visit the Arabika coffee shop, grab last-minute souvenirs or head to the Doi Mon Lan viewpoint (think of a lush, dense forest with wild orchids growing everywhere, and come wintertime, the WIld Himalayan Cherry Trees come out in full bloom, bearing fruit too! 😍).

There’s also a garden full of Miang trees, as well as an Indoor Centre growing flowers such as Orchids, Begonia, Flamingo Flowers, Purple Shamrock, as well as Vanilla (which can be tasted, and bought).

Drive just two minutes down the road and grab a Vietnamese Coffee right on the riverside at Mon Teen Tok Coffee. The location is super beautiful, you won’t want to miss stopping here!

8. I’m here for the views, honey  — Chom Nok Chom Mai (ชมนกชมไม้)

This is somewhat of a famous coffee spot in the region because of a) it’s insane views of Mae Kampong below you, and b) you can apparently do some avid bird-watching from the terrace here (It’s actually also known as ‘The Birdwatching Cafe’ because of it).

Enjoy fresh coffee (hot or cold – expect cold, misty mornings during winter) and a spot of dessert – tea and scones anyone?

P.S. It’s located just above the village, on the way to Mae Kampong Waterfall.

9. Spend a good few hours getting lost here — Tweechol Botanic Garden

This place offers so much more than just a beautiful manicured garden.

Visit the hedge maze filled with manicured bushes and hedges all shaped as different animals and creatures such as Naga style figurines, just like The Queen’s Garden from Alice in Wonderland. 

Snap some trendy shots in the cacti greenhouse or wander past the gigantic Lily Pond. Hire a bicycle and explore the rest including a small animal farm with camels, peacocks, ostriches, deer and a swan filled pond.

Other activities include a pedal boating on the small lake (50 Baht), a Museum, Kids Playground, two restaurants, as well as three Lanna-style homes built for visitors to explore.

FYI. These Gardens are pretty huge, so you can also hire a golf cart if your feet can’t do the work.

Insta-worthy Coffee Spots

In my personal opinion, every corner you turn in this town is worthy of a snapshot, so can you only imagine the coffee spots – delicious organic coffee (grown abundantly in the region) topped with such exquisite and ambient natural surroundings!

10. The photo-op begins before you even enter the doors — Lung Pud Pa Peng Coffee (Uncle Poo’s Residence & Aunt Peng Mae Kampong / บ้านพักลุงปุ๊ด & ป้าเป็ง แม่กำปอง)

If you’re looking through a hashtag of this place on your Instagram feed, the first thing you’ll notice is the gorgeous, large solid wall that greets its customers as they enter the cafe – and also makes for the coolest backdrop!

Enter the old-school wooden house, which keeps to the theme interior-wise, or take a seat outside facing the riverside and enjoy a cuppa with a slice of cake (their Lemon Meringue tarts look delicious!).

11. All the Indy vibes of a cool-cat coffee house  — Pirunya Coffee

Man, this place is just filled with incredible coffee and here they serve up some serious coffee-art using old-school methods (such as the traditional Drip-coffee, using beans from all around the world).

It’s set up in a wooden-style housing, with a balcony out back overlooking the running water below, and inside is eclectically decorated with all sorts of coffee roasters and equipment everywhere – super ambient.

Coffee methods include Syphon, Dripper, Aeropress, ROX and Mokkapot (for all the knowledgeable coffee-fanatics out there).

12. Quiet, pleasant, the perfect place for a romantic dip! — Mae Kampong Waterfall

We LOVE a good waterfall, and the idea of one is hopelessly romantic in any which way if you wanna argue this one with me! 😉

And this one is particularly great for all types of couples, so don’t stress if you’re not the exercise-y type pair. It’s super accessible, and although it’s not overly huge, it’s a great sized waterfall!

The surroundings are so pretty, with lots of smaller pools and falls towards the base of the fall, and if you want to adventure to the top, take a short climb up the stairs and ladders to reach the different levels.

Btw, the hill is quite steep as you walk up so do wear good walking shoes.

13. What’s a travel trip without a little bit of shopping — Cat Doi Gallery

Step inside this ultra cute gallery turned shop filled with all sorts of clothes, arts and crafts, vintage goods, accessories, etc. AND most of it is cat-themed.

Sift through cat illustrations, cute pillow cases, key chains and more! Also set up in a traditional-style building, don’t miss it whilst strolling through town.

14. Pretend you’re Tarzan and Jane for the afternoon — Flight of The Gibbon

Okay so picture this, you’re sailing through treetops and hearing birds singing in the trees while surrounded by the lushest of greens you could imagine. As you’re flying mid-air, your darling is encouraging you from the other side. That’s Flight of The Gibbons – a harnessed canopy-ride through and across the treetops.

But seeing this is one for the romantics, let’s talk about their VIP Experience which is basically designed for couples. Your private adventure starts with your own driver, and after your trek through the lush jungle, enjoy a romantic champagne picnic-style lunch for two in a stunning setting.

15. You won’t wanna leave anywhere without your camera in hand the.entire.time — Explore The Village / Photo Ops

So like, literally, this entire village is like a scene from 100 years ago and the locals have gone to great lengths to preserve it, including the original buildings and their way of life.

The whole of Mae Kampong is absolutely beautiful and really picturesque, with endless photo opportunities and quaint spots around to snap the perfect picture with some insanely cool backgrounds!

Take a walk around the tiny town and get a feel for the slow-life, all the while being totally surrounded by trees, mountains and running streams – it’s actually magical if you ask me.

Eat like a local

You’re in the North of Thailand, so of course you have to try the local cuisine – which has some of my favourite dishes throughout the entire country!

16. In the middle of town, enjoy street views from above — ร้านอาหารแม่กำปอง ร้านข้าวซอยกลอยใจ (Khao Soi Koy Jai)

Whenever I’m in Northern Thailand, one of the first things I can’t wait to eat is a bowl of Khao Soi!!!

This is apparently the place to find it in town, and it’s set up in one of the old buildings – wow, they all just have such a natural ambiance, don’t you think??. Sit on the balcony and watch the street-life pass below you.

Recommended dishes include Khao Soi (duh), Nam Ngao (Northern-style Thai noodles), as well as Hung Leang Curry (a super rich and fragrant pork curry dish).

17. You can’t leave Mae Kampong without trying — ไส้อั่วแม่นิ่ม (Sai Mai)

Anyone ever traveled to South Africa and tried one of our traditional meats, a sausage that is cooked over the fire known as ‘boerewors’? Well if you have, this TOTALLY reminds of the meat-cut; a stuffed and herbed sausage that is rolled up in a circular shape.

Known in Thailand as Sai ua (ไส้อั่ว), don’t miss this local treat, just look out for its set-up as you walk in the village, located in a small wooden roadside restaurant.

18. So many activities (in gorgeous natural surroundings) within — Chae Son National Park

Mae Kampong’s National Park is actually filled with many things to do including a hot spring, jungle trails, waterfalls, as well as accommodation. So if the pair of you are looking for something to do outside the village streets, spend your day here in the fresh air, immersed in nature.

19. Not just your ordinary on-land Buddhist temple — Khantha Pruksa Temple (Mae Kampong Temple) วัดคันธาพฤกษา (วัดแม่กำปอง)

You mean to say it’s not on land? Well technically, yes, as part of the temple (the Buddhist church) is actually built in / among the running stream, which runs from the waterfall (and is in fcat, an impressive size for a waterfall-temple!).

There’s a small wooden bridge so you can cross the fall, so pay your respects all the while enjoying the beauty of Mother Nature. Bliss! 

So if you’ve never heard of Mae Kampong, I’m sure after you’ve seen how utterly magical this little village truly is, you’ll be wanting to hop on the next ride here with your lover, spending a few days in utter, peaceful bliss!

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