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You’ve been to the Old City and San Kamphaeng Hot Springs at Chiang Mai yet you still have a couple of days to spare. Where else should you go? Great news, 50 minutes from downtown Chiang Mai lies Mon Cham, a mountainous town with numerous winter activities.

What’s great about this place is that it’s close enough for a day-trip yet not touristy. You can also go for an overnight trip as it has many activities for all ages, such as:

– Visiting flower hills
– Riding a jungle coaster
– Caring for elderly elephants
– Dining with a sea of clouds view
– And more!

Whether you’re looking to go on a solo adventure or travel with your loved ones, you’ll be sure to have a blast here. So why not venture a bit further out from Chiang Mai?! Here are 18 things you can do at Mon Cham.

Read more:

9 incredible weekend/day trips from Chiang Mai to satisfy your wanderlust

11 Must-try local food in Chiang Mai

5D4N Chiang Mai couple itinerary for first-timers: Here’s the best of Chiang Mai you must check out!

Editor’s note: The best time to see the flowers is during winter (around Nov-Jan).

Where to Stay

Wondering whether you should spend a night at Mon Cham? Here are our 3 recommended stays in the area, from an onsen resort to a mountainside tent.

1. Enjoy a rejuvenating night’s sleep at this onsen retreat resort – Onsen @ Moncham

So tastefully decorated in a Japanese style and hilltribe accents, the rooms are open, airy and really zen-like done in a palette of whites and light woods.

Photo Via Pmbeautyguide, Fridaytrip, Netsie_mai

The BEST part is you can enjoy an onsen bath in your own room! Isn’t that amazing? Can you imagine how soft your skin would feel after a few days?

Photo Via Umeka_thanawan, Liew_naphat

But if you prefer a shared onsen, at their spa, you have both choices of either an inside or outside onsen – which they have combined this with traditional spa techniques.

Photo Via Akekub, Pmbeautyguide

Onsen @ Moncham

Rate: from 3,829 Baht / USD $126 per night
Address: 293, Pong Yaeng, Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai 50180, Thailand (Coordinates here)
Contact: +66 53 111 606
Website

Check Rate on Agoda


2. Camp with style – Phu Doi Homestay (ภูดอย โฮมสเตย์ ม่อนแจ่ม)

One sight you shouldn’t miss in Mon Cham is its mountainside view. So if you’re seeking the ultimate mountain stay experience, stay at Phu Doi Homestay.

Photo Via Givezykiki

What’s great about this stay is that you can see a sea of clouds first thing in the morning (when the weather’s right), gorgeous tiered hills and sunrise/sunset each morning and afternoon. You can also order Moo Krata, perfect for when the weather gets cooler. What’s not to love about this place?!

Photo Via Meimiiu, Ppipete
Photo Via Paechadchapol
Photo Via Fai_surachita, Iamchanya, Un_e80, Z.zinzine

Other than tents, Phu Doi Homestay offers a Box House-style accommodation.

Phu Doi Homestay (ภูดอย โฮมสเตย์ ม่อนแจ่ม)

Rate: 2,290 Baht / USD $75.43 per night (Box House w/ breakfast & private bathroom), 1,990 Baht / USD $65.55 per night (Marquee Tent w/ breakfast & private bathroom), 790 Baht / USD $26.03 per night (Regular tent)
Address: ภูดอย โฮมสเตย์ แม่แรม Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai 50180, Thailand (Coordinates here)
Contact: +66 98 792 6492

Website

3. Make your lover swoon at this dreamy stay – Baan Ozone Mon Cham (บ้านโอโซน ม่อนแจ่ม)

Travelling with your beloved? Make your nights even more romantic when you stay at an igloo-shaped tent by the mountainside.

Photo Via Raspberrynuch

The weather up here gets quite chilly, especially early in the morning and at night. Thankfully, you can request for a set of Moo Krata to be placed on your balcony – a great food to share and warm up your body.

Photo Via Plubplueng, Atchara_puifaii, Jjjutamart

If you’re not feeling igloos, this accommodation offers box and house-shaped rooms.

Note: All rooms are fan-only (no air conditioning).

Baan Ozone Mon Cham (บ้านโอโซน ม่อนแจ่ม)

Rate: from 1,290 Baht / USD $42.47 per night
Address: ชม.4051 Mae Raem, Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai 50180, Thailand (Coordinates here)
Contact: +66 98 179 9932

Website

4. Dine with a sea of clouds view – PhuWin Cafe (ภูวิน คาเฟ่)

Khao Kho may be famous for its sea of clouds, but you can also see it at Mon Cham when you dine at this cafe. Perched on top of a mountain, you’ll get to see mountains with lined up bushes and flowers on each one. And if you’re lucky, the sea of clouds will be there too.

Photo Via Aummiiaymn, Jj_joyly

But if you’re not so lucky, no worries. They sell food and drinks, such as ribs and coffee, and the view itself is super photogenic. Definitely worth a trip here!

Photo Via Jj_joyly, Evasutha

PhuWin Cafe (ภูวิน คาเฟ่)

Price: From 160 Baht / USD $5.30
Address: Unnamed Road Mae Raem, Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai 50180, Thailand (Coordinates here)
Opening hours: Daily from 7am to 8pm
Contact: +66 64 105 2041

Website

5. What a lovely flower hill… – Rao Dok Lom Nhao (ไร่ดอกลมหนาว)

I mean… Look at all the flowers scattered on this hill. There are purple, yellow, red, pink and even white ones! Sooooo pretty…

Photo Via Baiteaykiki, Nonphanpong

Best of all, because it’s located on a hillside, you get a great view of the other mountains. It makes a great backdrop for pictures too – for one, it definitely feels like those tiered hills in Bali (albeit much cooler in temperature and more colourful).

Photo Via Tui__chutima, Pee_mai_o_o, Tuk.tik98

Rao Dok Lom Nhao (ไร่ดอกลมหนาว)

Entrance fee: 30 Baht / USD $0.99 (Adult), 10 Baht / USD $0.33 (Child)
Address: บ้านหนองหอยเก่า ตำบล แม่แรม อำเภอแม่ริม เชียงใหม่ 50180 ไทย (Coordinates here)
Contact: +66 95 539 3661
Opening hours: Mon-Fri from 9am to 5pm

Website

6. 1, 2, 3, Weeeee… – Pongyang Jungle Coaster Zipline Camp & Resort

I love riding carts and coasters in the open air. With jungle coasters, I get to feel the cool wind blowing on my face and enjoy the nature view as I make my way down. I can also ride at my own preferred speed (I like mine moderately fast. Safety first peeps!), unlike rollercoasters which has a set speed.

Photo Via Gordinaryshop, Oicezii, Pat_9699

They also have other treetop activities like giant swing and jungle bike, as well as a cafe by a waterfall with catamaran nets. A great mid-day spot to visit if you’re looking for that adrenaline rush and calming vibe in one place.

Photo Via Wendywhiskie, Gracekanyanutt, Ake.thana_
Photo Via Vj_ja, B_natthawat, Xiaolong_wang621

Pongyang Jungle Coaster Zipline Camp & Resort

Price: from 300 Baht / USD $9.94
Address: Pong Yaeng, Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai 50180, Thailand (Coordinates here)
Opening hours: Daily from 8am to 5pm
Contact: +66 64 994 5996, +66 81 603 2180

Website

7. The local waterfall pool to swim in – Mae Sa Waterfall (น้ำตกแม่สา)

With 10 tiers to this waterfall, it’s no wonder many locals opt to come here for a few hours of swimming. There’s also picturesque cascade where you can take fun photos of yourself under or behind the wall of water.

Photo Via Steeks01, Ppmm_t, M0th0

But even if you’re not up for swimming, you can still take great photos near the waterfall or around the area.

Photo Via Bbquet, Annabel.mulder, Praewaww, Tent_khainui

Do be careful as we’ve heard that some of the pools can get a little deep.

Mae Sa Waterfall (น้ำตกแม่สา)

Entrance fee: 20 Baht / USD $0.66 (Adult), 10 Baht / USD $ (Child), 30 Baht / USD $0.33 (car)
Address: Namtok Mae SA 5 Road Mae Raem, Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai 50180, Thailand (Coordinates here)
Contact: +66 53 210 244
Opening hours: Daily from 8am to 5pm

8. Meet Chiang Mai’s 8 hill tribes – Baan Tong Luang Eco-Agricultural Village

Most travellers may know the Karen tribe due to their long necks, but did you know that there’s actually other tribes living in Northern Thailand? At this village, you’ll be able to meet villagers from 8 different tribes, notably the Lisu, Kayaw, Akha, Hmong, Lahu Shi Bala, Karen, Kayan and Palong tribes.

Photo Via Perlamaytorena, Minnette_, Hanna8478

This village was established to help hill tribe families working at the Maesa Elephant Camp earn more money via agriculture and handicraft. As such, in exchange for the entrance fee, you’ll also be able to see their day-to-day farming activities as well as purchase their handmade items.

Photo Via Hmong-tribe-titomiguelandrade, Kayaw-tribe-titomiguelandrade, Tran_danh, Joeymelliza
Photo Via Hannahgorge, Fion_meisze, Fatz.notsolady

Editor’s Note: The tribesmen you’ll encounter here live in this village. Please be respectful to the villagers when taking pictures or visiting different areas. If you witness any situation where villagers are seen to be uncomfortable due to visitors, please let us know so that we can take appropriate action. We do not support or encourage the exploitation of villagers. Thank you.

Baan Tong Luang Eco-Agricultural Village

Entrance fee: 500 Baht / USD $16.56
Address: Mae Raem, Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai 50180, Thailand (Coordinates here)
Opening hours: Daily from 8am to 4:30pm
Contact: +66 85 711 9575, +66 5 320 6248

Website

9. Papers made from elephant poo?! – Elephant POOPOOPAPER Park

To be exact, the paper products made here uses elephant poop fibers. Shocking right? Here, you’ll personally see how they process poop into paper by visiting their outdoor museum – from collecting poop to processing the raw material to paper.

Photo Via Nikki_and_ramen, Kendraostafie, Tiara_1019
Photo Via Drizzinkwine, Csj110426, Monicaeng, Numnadri

If you manage to fall in love with the product, there’s a gift shop on site too – filled with products made from elephant poop. Gift cards? Coloured craft papers? Paper elephant statues? You’ll find them, and many more! (Don’t worry, they don’t smell.) 😉

Photo Via Akoposimarcelo, La.banane.virus, Nikki_and_ramen, Glegiggle

Elephant POOPOOPAPER Park

Entrance fee: 100 Baht / approx. USD $3.25 (Free for children under 5 years old)
Address: 87 Moo. 10, T. Maeram, A. Mae Rim, Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai 50180, Thailand (Coordinates here)
Contact: +66 53 299 565
Opening hours: Daily from 9am to 5.30pm

Website

10. Only for daredevils – Flying Squirrels Zip Line Chiang Mai

Not afraid of heights? Physically and mentally fit? Willing to take on a challenge? Have fun at this once-in-a-lifetime treetop activity course with your loved ones, with 32 stops that’ll test your limits.

Photo Via Chensarusi, Avivitha

From sky bridges and Tarzan mega jump to riding a high-wire bicycle across the rainforest canopy, be ready to experience an unforgettable adventure. Afterwards, you’ll be provided a buffet and a free t-shirt.

Photo Via Amitgilboa1, _layla

PS: This activity is for 4 years and above (all kids below 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult).

Flying Squirrels Zip Line Chiang Mai

Price: 2,699 Baht / USD $89.41
Address: 8/2 Soi 4 Thapae Rd., Chang Klan, Muang, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand (Coordinates here)
Opening hours: Daily from 8am to 6pm
Contact: +66 53 278 989, +66 53 278 990, +66 81 725 4917

Website

11. Meet Mon Cham’s hidden sanctuary – Pong Yeang Berry-Windyhill

Or at least, that’s how it feels when you come here. Due to the restaurant being surrounded by tree-covered mountains, you’ll feel like you’re in the middle of a quiet forest dining amongst nature. So even the mere action of drinking a warm cup of coffee feels super relaxing.

Photo Via _iceskaterock_, Sasipim2222

But if you happen to feel hungry, they do sell cakes and Thai favourites like Pad Krapaw and Fried Rice.

Photo Via Ae_bag2-2

Pong Yeang Berry-Windyhill 

Price: from 50 Baht / USD $1.66
Address: 22/5 หมู่ 2 โป่งแยง แม่ริม Chiang Mai 50180, Thailand (Coordinates here)
Opening hours: Daily from 6am to 6pm
Contact: +66 89 552 9395

Website

12. Everyone needs love, even elephants – Thai Elephant Care Center

Remember Dumbo the elephant? Ever wondered where Dumbo and his friends will live when they get older?

For that reason, this place was set up as the “last home” for elderly elephants. This means that elephants are cared for and given a shelter until the day they die, ensuring they’re always given love until their last breath.

Photo Via Marialynnehren, Patrishiela

Here, you can participate in one of their programs and care for them – including preparing their food, bathing them and feeding them.

Photo Via Mirthamichelle, Tayyounts
Photo Via Kammerch, Mstivale, Kirstenbroere

Thai Elephant Care Center

Entrance fee: 250 Baht / USD $8.28 (programs have other prices)
Address: 101, Mae Raem, Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai 50180, Thailand (Coordinates here)
Opening hours: Daily from 8:30am to 4pm
Contact: +66 53 206 664

Website

13. Trees, mountains and everything green – Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden

First thing you’ll see here are the many themed greenhouses that house cacti and other plants. Its other nature sights like mini waterfall and trees also makes this place great to wander around.

Photo Via Dardar_janissata, Truthful_z, Chayanun.folkfolk, Womerry.filmerry

However, the highlight of this garden is its 400-meter canopy walkway – the longest one in Thailand. The bridge runs through the jungle canopy, with beautiful views overlooking the lush forest and the mountains in the distance. There is even a glass-bottomed section of the walkway; a little nerve-wracking, however it makes for a cool photo op!

Photo Via Mangkornbkk1, Songphol, Mangkornbkk1

PS: You can ride your motorbike (for free) or car (100 baht) into the complex.

Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden

Entrance fees: 100 Baht / USD $3.31 (Adult), 50 Baht / USD $1.66 (Child)
Address: ซอย หมู่ 1ซอย 9 Mae Raem, Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai 50180, Thailand (Coordinates here)
Opening hours: Daily 8:30am to 4:30pm
Contact: +66 53 841 234

Website

14. Your classic art museum with a twist – Thongma Studio Mae Rim

Art lovers unite! The great coffee and interesting art pieces at Thongma Studio will definitely pique your interest!

Similar to its old cafe at One Nimman (they relocated in May 2019), Thongma Studio is set in classic red brick walls with unique art sculptures and pottery pieces, giving off the feeling of a small European museum.

However, unlike usual museums, the cafe has a much more lively ambience, peppered with small potted plants and a small outdoor area full of lush, tropical plants!

Photo Via Bella_metika, Kanoknut.n, Aries.luo_
Photo Via Iamjajai, Paulpayasalad, Aries.luo_
Photo Via Paulpayasalad, Sinesuchaya

Thongma Studio Mae Rim

Price: From 85 Baht / USD $2.82
Address: 359 ม.1 ถนนแม่ริม – สะเมิง Mae Raem, Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai 50180, Thailand (Coordinates here)
Opening hours: Daily from 8am to 5:30pm
Contact: +66 94 639 2854

Website

15. Juicy red fruits for the picking – Strawberry Farm Blue Diamond (ไร่สตรอเบอรี่ปลายฟ้า)

Who doesn’t like strawberries? They’re sweet and juicy. And if you eat them with chocolate? DELISH! Here, you can get yours super fresh by picking your own strawberries (and pay by weight). They’re in season from November to March, so you won’t find any if you come before or after this period.

Photo Via Mad_sebasah, Miss_carrental_cnx, Parivolk

If you love strawberry daifuku like me, they sell them here too. They also sell fresh strawberries, all freshly picked and packed in clear boxes, in case you’re too lazy to pick them yourself.

Strawberry Farm Blue Diamond (ไร่สตรอเบอรี่ปลายฟ้า)

Entrance fee: 10 Baht / USD $0.33 (Entrance only), 20 Baht / USD $0.66 (Entrance & Photo-taking)
Address: ตำบล แม่แรม อำเภอแม่ริม เชียงใหม่ 50180 ไทย (Coordinates here)
Contact: +66 89 950 7789, +66 86 1822 104
Opening hours: Daily from 6:30am to 6pm

Website

16. The most flowery viewpoint – Skywalk Mon Jam

Believe it or not, I rarely visit viewpoints when I travel because they all look similar – they tend to be located at high places where you can see an overview of the city. However, at Skywalk Mon Jam, the viewpoint here is filled with flowers – it feels like you’re walking on a flower path!

For the best photo, stand at a platform surrounded by potted red cone-shaped flowers under the “Skywalk Mon Jam” sign. At this point, you’ll be able to take the flowers, sign and hills at the back.

Photo Via Aomka88, Travels_again
Photo Via Rose_lavern, Oiloil_, Ceezeec

Skywalk Mon Jam

Entrance fee: 10 Baht / USD $0.33
Address: Mae Raem, Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai 50180, Thailand (Coordinates here)
Contact: +66 81 024 4745
Opening hours: Daily from 6am to 6pm

Website

17. Discover Thailand’s flora and fauna – Nature Science Museum

If there was one place I would take my animal-loving friends to, this is it. There’s so much information about insects, animals and plants that anyone with an inkling of interest in nature would enjoy spending a couple of hours at this interactive museum.

Photo Via Sorii.tamonwan

On top of the usual flora and fauna exhibitions, there are other zones that make this museum different from others. For instance, at the archeologist zone, you’ll be able to sieve through sand to find remains left by a living organism. There’s also another zone that discusses the importance of reducing plastic bag usage.

Photo Via Boomsittipong

Nature Science Museum

Entrance fee: Free
Address: Pong Yaeng, Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai 50180, Thailand (Coordinates here)
Opening hours: Tue-Sun from 9am to 4pm (Closed Mondays)
Contact: +66 53 841 234

Website

18. It’s not all that meets the eye – Zombie Café Maerim Chiangmai

Don’t be freaked out by the name, the only zombie around is the cute statuesque one greeting you at the door. The rest of the place is well, quite beautiful actually.

Photo Via Koymoonsun, Taechaotic

Set in luscious greens, sit in a beautiful open tree house or enjoy a scrumptious piece of colourful zombie brain *kidding*, cake with your feet literally in the water.

Laze in the sunshine with friends, sipping on drinks with the refreshing and lazy river streaming past your toes – or lounge above water on nets and beanbag cushions.

Photo Via Eve.phatchayada, Kkc_kwang
Photo Via Orange_jide, Kkc_kwang, Sarangmild_xwb, Mt_metals

The interior of the restaurant is done in clays and whimsical colours, with a magical-world feel to it.

The perfect little land to enjoy a good cafe and play in for awhile.

Zombie Café Maerim Chiangmai

Price: From 40 Baht / approx. USD $1.20
Address: ทางหลวงชนบทหมายเลข1096 Mae Raem, Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai 50180, Thailand (Coordinates here)
Contact: +66 85 041 3714
Opening hours: Daily from 9am to 6pm

Website

Surprised? And to think all these are located soooo close to downtown Chiang Mai… Doesn’t these places sound too amazing to miss? Remember to stop by the next time you’re in town, or you might regret it. 😉

Happy exploring! 😀

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PLEASE NOTE: All the above information is correct at the date of publication. If you come across any changes or updates, please let us know and we will update the information accordingly. Thank you!
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