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⚲ CHIANG MAI

 

Village Life & Nature Walks

 

Only an hour drive from Chiang Mai City you will find a little, sleepy mountain village, nestled in the amazing scenery of the surrounding mountains.  𝘽𝙖𝙣 𝙈𝙖𝙚 𝙆𝙖𝙢𝙥𝙤𝙣𝙜 is a successful role model for sustainable eco-tourism in Thailand and invites it’s visitors to experience local life with home stays and coffee shops offering regionally grown organic coffee & tea, a pristine natural surrounding with waterfalls and stunning nature trails.

 

What makes this place special is the harmony between people and nature. The villagers – most of them originally tea and coffee farmers – have opened their doors and hearts to travelers looking for more than just a photo op. Staying here means becoming part of the rhythm of village life: waking up to the sound of roosters, joining a local family for meals, and learning about age-old traditions that still shape daily life.

 

 

If you’re a lover of slow travel, Ban Mae Kampong is a treasure trove of nature-based experiences. The village is surrounded by protected forests, rich with ferns, mosses, and ancient trees that seem to whisper the stories of the land.

 

One of the most rewarding activities here is a guided nature walk through the forest trails. Local guides – often villagers themselves – will lead you along peaceful paths to scenic spots like Mae Kampong Waterfall, a multi-tiered cascade nestled in the forest, perfect for a refreshing dip or quiet contemplation.

 

Another highlight is the short hike up to a viewpoint where you can catch the early morning mist rolling over the valley – an unforgettable sight, especially for photographers and sunrise seekers.

 

 

 

The village acts as a co-operative, so revenues benefit the entire community. Mae Kampong is a great choice if you look for a place to escape for a while and recharge yourself, surrounded by a beautiful nature. 

 

Staying overnight in a local homestay is the best way to experience Mae Kampong’s true spirit. Here, you’re not just booking a room – you’re becoming part of a household. You’ll learn how to make Miang Kham (a local snack wrapped in wild tea leaves), share home-cooked northern Thai meals, and maybe even try your hand at roasting coffee or weaving banana leaves.

 

The villagers are proud of their way of life, and their warmth is genuine. Many of the families have been part of Thailand’s community-based tourism movement, which ensures that tourism directly benefits the local people while preserving the natural and cultural heritage of the area.

 

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Mae Kampong is one of Thailand’s pioneering eco-villages. It was among the first to adopt community-based tourism principles more than 20 years ago. That means you won’t find massive developments or over-tourism here – the community has intentionally kept things small-scale and sustainable.

 

Electricity only reached the village in the late 1990s, and even now, many homes limit their use. The villagers grow much of their own food, compost their waste, and work together to maintain the trails and forest health. For travelers who care about responsible tourism, it’s a shining example of how tourism can be a force for good.

 

Insider Tips :

• Best time to visit? Mae Kampong is cool and pleasant year-round, but the green season (June to October) brings lush scenery and flowing waterfalls. If you prefer dry days and crisp mornings, November to February is ideal.
• Don’t miss the herbal steam bath at the local spa. It’s a great way to relax after a forest walk, using local herbs like lemongrass and ginger.
• Visit the village temple, Wat Mae Kampong, perched on the hillside and surrounded by jungle. It’s small but full of character, and locals often bring offerings in the morning.
• Bring a sweater! Evenings can be surprisingly chilly, especially from November through February.
• Avoid weekends if possible. Mae Kampong has grown in popularity with Thai weekenders. For a quieter experience, aim for a weekday visit.

 

Or send us an email to : thai@insider-trips.asia to inquire a private trip with our secret Insider rates. If you're feeling inspired and ready to plan your own Thailand adventure, we're here to help. Got questions? Want us to handle the bookings? Or wish to get your personalized exclusive Itinerary? Just reach out. Let's create an Insider Trip that goes beyond the postcards and becomes a story you'll tell for years to come. TIME FOR YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE. Discover Thailand like never before.

 

HERE ARE ALL YOUR ACCOMODATION OPTIONS IN MAE KAMPONG. *

Recommend by your Thai Insider.

𝗔𝗨𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗖 𝗝𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗡𝗘𝗬𝗦.
𝘜𝘯𝘪𝘲𝘶𝘦. 𝘐𝘯𝘴𝘱𝘪𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨. 𝘙𝘦𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦.

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