Written by Shannon Osztonits
Picture this: You wake up to morning cuddles and snuggles, with the air so fresh around you it gives you a natural glow, only to look out to low floating clouds below you and an endless stretch of beautiful mountain green in front of you…
Sounds pretty darn amazing, right?! You don’t have to dream about it. Head north and you might just be delighted (and blown away) by what you find. It’s all just utterly perfect as winter is approaching because let’s be real, who really likes to camp…in a tent…in the middle of summer? Definitely NOT ME! Or you I’m sure. Things can get sticky real fast.
Enjoy this natural delight and truly immerse yourself in nature, because this part of Thailand is totally surrounded by an abundance of hillsides and mountain tops. It’s all pretty breathtaking if you ask me… 💚
Read more:
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1. Wake up to a mist of low hanging clouds, and enjoy the stunning views from your bed with bae – Phu Doi Homestay (Mae Rim)
The views here are absolutely everything, and with a canvas pointed tent perched on the edge of a mountain, overlooking an abundance of lush green treetops and hills, all you’ll feel is utter bliss!
Pathways are lined with wildflowers, low hanging clouds rolling in are guaranteed, and all I’m gonna say is think of the photos!
Tented units are set up in two rows and are super spacious. They are individually built and have their own balconies (on which the tent is too!) and a private bathroom (the rather gorgeous wooden structure next to your tent).
Also for the idea of camping… the bedding is perfectly chosen and more than adequate to suit the season – ultra thick and warm for winter!
2. Experience a stay in the mountains like no other – North Star Valley (Mae Rim)
Things don’t get more whimsical than this… Picture yourself waking up to a 360º view surrounding you, tucked away in a hidden valley, overlooking mountain ranges and all the green in the world.
Not to mention, these completely see-through bubble tents are insane! You can also opt for the bathtub option, which comes with a private outdoor tub looking out over the horizon…
With everything done in white, there’s a real softness to it all – and that includes even the duvet covers! 😉
3. Endless views for daysss – Mon Sai Lom (ม่อนสายลม) (Mae Rim)
Gosh, the view from above is enough to blow you away. When lit up at night, you’ll see this camp is quite literally in the hillside of rice paddies and vegetable patches, which lie right underneath your balcony.
Although not all of us have a drone, the sight you’ll see is equally as pretty on the eye and shows off a 360 degree panoramic view of the mountain range around you.
Being built quite literally at the peak of this mountain, it’s built in a semi-circle, giving it a real cool effect.
Again, there are tented as well as wooden unit options available. Tent-wise, there are two options; a rounded marquee like tent or a geometric globe tent, with some parts of it being transparent – so just imagine the stars glistening around.
The insides of all accommodation types here are spacious and comfortable and the neutral colour palette they’ve used really adds a sense of warmth.
4. Perched prettily in a neat row, you may just feel as if you’re looking at some kind of UFO – Mon Ing Dao (Mon Cham, Mae Rim)
The tents here are dome-shaped rather than geometric, with the front of the tent completely transparent so amazing views looking onto the horizon are always guaranteed – even from your bed.
Each unit has its own balcony / patio area (with table and chairs) so it feels real private here. If you’re traveling with the family or a group, there’s also an option of renting two tents that directly face each other so it feels like your own little campsite.
Spacious and light, their tents are also equipped with AC, as well as a TV that’s been structured on the front side of the tent – nice one!
P.s. It doesn’t include breakfast, however you can organise this when you arrive, and the on-site restaurant (serving some great traditional food) will bring your brekkie to your doorstep, to be enjoyed with the morning view.
5. All the real campy feels – The Season Camp (Phu Chi Fa) (Chiang Rai)
Don’t miss this next camp – not figuratively speaking though; we mean literally – as it’s actually built on the mountain side of a winding road, and is not blatantly obvious or obtrusive.
It has a small and intimate setup, from the haystacks to the pops of yellow flowers, giving the place a real camper feel.
Tents are super soft and cosy inside, where the bedding looks so inviting, and there’s a snug little chill area in front of your tent too.
Oh yeah and they also do an amazing BBQ – I’m talking steaks here people, steak!
6. Surrounded by mother nature – Phu Sang Thian (ภูแสงเทียน โฮมสเตย์) (Mae Cham, Mae Rim District.)
Built in between the rice paddies, this setting is everything. With so much greenery around you, you may not want to leave!
The tents here remind me of a circus marquee, just with a slightly more rounded canvas.
You’ll find the basics here but things are really comfortable and clean.
The units here are also really well spaced – not all plonked in a row – so it actually feels like you’re completely away from everything and anyone but your choosing. (This also means each tent has a different view).
Enjoy delicious hotpot right from the comfort of your patio balcony – perfect for chilly winter mornings and evenings!
7. The perfect place to wake to in winter – Saengnua camp AKA Northern Lights Camping (Mae Rim)
Can we just stop for a minute here to appreciate the views? WOW! 😍
It gets better – you’ll wake up surrounded by flowers. They’ve also built a special balcony for each tent for an amazing viewpoint spot, stretching out over the edge of the mountainside, all creating some quality and epic photos!
There’s a variety of different tents from dome-shaped to your normal straight canvas tent (which is super spacious), as well as teepee style and regular.
Northern Lights Camping
Rate: November 17 – December 22 tents from 1500 Baht / approx. USD $49; December 23 – 1 tents from 1990 Baht / approx. USD $65.52; January 2 to January 31.Monday-Thursday tents from 1350 baht / approx. USD $44.43
Address: Mae Raem, Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai 50180, Thailand (Coordinates here)
Contact: +66 89 236 1561
Website 8. The name says it all – The Hills (Khao Kho)
Stay in the hillside among pine trees and floating misty clouds for a real winter-feel.
There are actually four different tent styles, with each one set up in an ascending row.
The front row, and closest to the bottom, holds three double tents which are perfect for families or groups.
There are also square canvas tents with an awning – lovely for couples.
All tents are equipped with a mini fridge, table, lamp shade and even a hat / coat stand.
9. Watch the morning clouds hanging below you – Rai Phu Phaya (Mon Cham)
Enjoy morning snuggles with your lover as the fog rolls in low here, and the air crispy and fresh.
They have two types of classic / old-school tents – either a two sleeper or four (six), and the insides have been really nicely decorated, leaving things with an ultra homely touch.
The mattresses are nice and thick so don’t worry about feeling the ground in your sleep.
10. Relive your childhood camping dreams – The Campville (Khao Kho)
This place is so pretty with perfect little touches of bohemian vibes, and the entire scene is utterly sweet.
It feels as if you’re in a little garden village, as each tent is marked with a plot number and a gravel pathway and lavender have been laid around each individual unit.
Come night, rows of hanging lights are lit up and you can enjoy a yummy dinner here too. They’ve built a communal setup in the middle of the tents with large picnic tables and a BBQ on the go. NeatO!
11. Sleep above the ground – Mon Tawan (Mae Rim)
Climb up a little ladder and spend the night in rounded circus-shaped tents built on a platform off the ground – you’ll truly feel as if you’re on a mountain top!
As tents are a circular shape, there’s loads of space inside and rooms come with a double bed and table. They’ve also built in a chill-out net which looks straight through to the ground in front of your tent’s doorway.
There are only three tents here, however there are also other different style accommodation options available made from natural materials.
12. Natural and homely, we like it! – Khao Kho Boutique Camps (Khao Kho)
Oh this is cool; these units are made from wooden structures in a dome shape that cover the actual tent underneath – reminds us of a protective bird’s nest.
So yeah, underneath this are actual tents with a mattress on the floor and bean bags in front of your tent for chilling. They’re offered as various different sleepers, and you’ll be happy to know you’ve also got your own private bathroom.
Overall, it’s really cute and organic and actually reminds me of what we would call in South Africa a ‘rondavel’ setup (Zulu for a traditional african housing).
Khao Kho Boutique Camps
Rate: From 1390 Baht / approx. USD $45.56
Address: บูทีค แคมป์ รีสอร์ท Thung Samo, Khao Kho District, Phetchabun 67270, Thailand (Coordinates here)
Contact: +66 97 064 7716
Website
Check Rate on Agoda 13. If you’re after some of the more modern comforts – Mon Saan (Mae Rim)
This is a delightful choice if you want to spend some time amongst nature with your comforts…ah, a big soft bed!
Their large canvas tent comes with its own private area (balcony and toilet included).
All the units on this property are placed downhill, so no matter where you look out in front of you (or what level you’re on) there’s a view guaranteed.
14. Looking for an authentic Northern Thailand stay? – Man Mok Chiang Dao Homestay (ม่านหมอกเชียงดาวโฮมสเตย์) (Chiang Dao)
This is full-on camping vibes with simple tents set up around the garden of this mountain homestay.
Again, this is another choice where its surroundings truly make the stay and is a perfect choice if you’re hunting for misty mornings.
Go for the more traditional experience and get to enjoy the slow paced life.
Okay let’s be real, just how dreamy did you think camping could actually get?! And with views and locations like these, you might just find you’ve changed your camping tune after all!
We’re dying to see photos! Tag us in your snaps using #TripCanvas, or leave us your thoughts and comments below!
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