The mist-shrouded mountain village of Mae Kampong is just over an hour's drive from Chiang Mai and is known for its wooden houses built into the hillside, jungle views, and charming cafes where you can enjoy some of Thailand's best coffee. A day trip or an overnight stay allows you to experience the ecotourism model supported by the local community, whether shopping in traditional craft shops or staying in family-run accommodations.

Mae Kampong isn't a typical tourist destination – you don't see large groups of foreigners here. Instead, there's a steady stream of Thai day-trippers, drawn by the viral social media videos of people enjoying mookata (Thai barbecue) on their balconies. We didn't mind mingling with the Thai visitors at all. It gave the village a pleasant atmosphere, and it was lovely to sit in a café and watch the world go by.

Visit to Mae Kampong with friends

Things to do in Mae Kampong

Take a songthaew to Rabiang View Cafe

If you're driving to Mae Kampong yourself, you'll find parking at the foot of the village. Songthaew drivers wait from the parking area to take visitors to their accommodation or directly to the Rabiang View Cafe. We were traveling with friends and all squeezed into one songthaew to tackle the steep, nerve-wracking ride to the cafe. The road seemed almost vertical in places, but the songthaews had enough power to reach the top.

Rabiang View Cafe was a wonderful place to relax on the wooden terrace and enjoy the view over the rooftops of the neighborhood. Of course, the locally grown coffee from the surrounding mountains was a must. We didn't have high expectations, but we were absolutely delighted: the coffee was strong, smooth, and simply delicious. Kat, herself a self-confessed coffee lover, promptly ordered two cups.

Enjoy Mookata (Thai barbecue) on the balcony.

The scene that made Mae Kampong famous was the viral social media video of people eating mookata (Thai barbecue) on wooden balconies overlooking the streets or by streams. It's a perfect fit for Mae Kampong's cooler climate: the hot charcoal and fresh, juicy pieces of pork warm you from the inside out. Mookata is available in restaurants in the main town or offered by local guesthouses as part of your stay.

Buy snacks and handicrafts from the street vendors.

Along the streets of Mae Kampong, quaint street vendors sell everything from dumplings to cotton candy. Even beer is served right on the roadside – an offer Cam took advantage of with a few cold Singhas while exploring the streets. Those who prefer a more relaxed meal will certainly find something to their liking in one of the more upscale cafes or restaurants. But for those who enjoy sampling a variety of street food specialties, this is the place to be. Must-try dishes include the spicy Sai Oua (northern Thai sausage), Kai Pam (eggs grilled in banana leaves), and Khao Puk Nga (pounded sticky rice with black sesame seeds).

Experience the sunrise at the Kew Fin viewpoint.

One of the most beautiful ways to start the day in Mae Kampong, especially if you're staying there, is a trip to Kew Fin viewpoint for sunrise. It's located just outside the city and is reached via a four-kilometer mountain road, but the journey is well worth it. You can hire a shuttle truck for around 100 THB or drive your own scooter, as long as you're extra careful in the early morning. From the top of the viewpoint, you'll have a panoramic view across two provinces (Chiang Mai and Lampang), and with a bit of luck, you might even see a wisp of mist rising from the mountains.

Visit the Mae Kampong Waterfall

Mae Kampong is located in the Mae On district, known for its stunning natural beauty, hot springs, and abundant waterfalls – all ideal ingredients for an adventurous travel experience. To our surprise, we learned that there's a waterfall right from the main town, called Mae Kampong Waterfall. It can be reached via the main road, which climbs uphill past the Rabiang View Cafe.

Accommodation in Mae Kampong

Most visitors make a day trip to Mae Kampong, but the village and the winding access road offer some charming private accommodations and glamping options. One of the most popular hotels is Woo Ma Ca Moo, known especially among Thai influencers for its beautiful wooden decor and on-site BBQ. Other recommended options include The River (Mae Kampong), with its luxurious glamping tents right on the riverbank, and T-Story (Mae Kampong), with its boutique treehouse architecture.

How to get to Mae Kampong

On our return trip from Chiang Rai to northern Thailand, where we had rented a car, we visited Mae Kampong. It was a long drive, and when we reached the narrow, winding, and steep final road to the village, it seemed endless. But we finally made it and were glad we did. We parked at the visitor center, right next to the temple and the school – it's advisable to arrive early to secure a parking spot. Those planning to travel by scooter or motorbike should ensure it has at least a 150cc engine – you'll need more horsepower for the steepest roads. Alternatively, you can book a tour from Chiang Mai, which is likely the easiest option for many.

Frequently asked questions about visiting Mae Kampong

When is the best time to travel?

The cooler months from November to February are considered the best time to visit – especially to enjoy Mookata in the fresh mountain air. We were there in March and didn't notice the weather at all – it was mild and pleasant. Mae Kampong, however, can be visited year-round. While there are occasional rain showers during the rainy season, you can admire lush landscapes, roaring waterfalls, and the persistent mist – which lends the whole place a very special, magical atmosphere.

What time should I arrive in the village?

Arriving early in the morning, around 9:00 AM, is advisable for several reasons. First, you'll secure a parking spot and can explore the village in peace before the tour groups arrive. Second, there's a better chance of experiencing the village shrouded in mist. Weekends should also be avoided, as that's when most Thai tourists are out and about. Honestly, though, we didn't mind exploring a popular destination for Thais – after all, we still felt like we were in Thailand.

How many days do I need in Mae Kampong?

A day trip is perfectly sufficient to grab a coffee at Rabiang View Cafe, explore the pedestrian zone, and enjoy a delicious lunch. An overnight stay gives you extra time to relax – unwind at the hotel, enjoy mookata for dinner, and perhaps catch the sunrise from the viewpoint and visit the waterfall. Staying for more than two nights might feel a bit monotonous, as Mae Kampong has relatively few attractions.