Chiang Mai’s best day trips to reconnect with nature

Where is it? Just a 45 minutes drive northwest of the old city, past Mae Rim and up, up, up the winding mountain road, Mon Jam (or Moncham) is a cute mountainside village some 2,300m above sea level. A sea of flower and strawberry fields cover the valleys below, and from the top the views are resplendent, no matter which side of the mountain you are looking out from. 

Why we love it: Mon Jam worked its way into our hearts and minds as it’s a particularly cool break from the balmy heat of Chiang Mai – the elevation makes the temperatures a fair few degrees lower, and we’re all into that. Ideal for a romantic, less sweaty get away. The sweeping views of the terraced hillsides make our jaws drop every time. It could be said that there’s a few too many glamping spots and geodesic tents built on those hills these days, but to be fair, they’re pretty sympathetic to the landscape and don’t diminish from the wow factor. Make a beeline for Rao Dok Lom Nhao community garden, where tall blooms of purple and pinks surround a viewing platform with a simply sublime view of the rolling mountains beyond. Thrill seekers and big kids (like us) love Pong Yang Jungle Coaster & Zipline, a small theme park that has ‘rollercoasters’ whizzing through the lush forest. Mon Jam is also awash with little cafes and strawberry farms to dive into for refreshments.

Time Out tip: If you love a little wellness,  the Japan themed hotel Onsen @ Moncham is home to a cluster of hot pools – and you don’t have to be a guest to use them. Drop them a line, book here or just show up and choose from day-pass to overnight stay.. Their lux, naturally heated onsen is totally worth it.

Where is it? East of the city centre, the verdant, green Doi Saket district is about 40 minutes drive out of Chiang Mai. It’s a delightfully peaceful area, dotted with small villages and rural scenery, and it doesn’t see swathes of tourists so ideal for a chilled day trip. A prime destination for cyclists too, as the roads there are mostly flat and incredibly scenic.

Why we love it: First and foremost, the underrated hot springs here are a steamy wellness haven. Aside from the little private hot springs hotels, the main player, the Doi Saket Hot Spring complex, is home to natural mineral water that emerges from underground springs at very high temperatures. The complex is cheap, well kept and has foot baths (popular with local aunties), mineral pools of different temperatures, and if you want to spend a few hundred baht extra – book yourself a private soaking tub. A couple of hours at the large, landscaped Tweechol Botanical Garden are well spent too; it’s packed with palm trees, cactus collections and tropical plants and their on-site resort turns impromptu day trips into full weekend plans. We’re also fans of a sunset pitstop at hilltop temple Wat Phra That Doi Saket for its excellent viewpoint that overlooks the surrounding valley of farms and villages – pure golden hour bliss. 

Time Out tip: Doi Saket is the place to go during Loy Krathong if you want the real local temple experience. A handful of them do lantern releases, but the rotation changes year on year.

Where is it? Cross the River Ping in the southeast corner of the city and the  rather forgotten province of Lamphun begins. Older than Chiang Mai and full of wonderful sights, the centre of Lamphun is only a 30 minutes drive.  

Why we love it: To be honest, the moments of natural wonder on this trip are the drives there and back work their way through green fields and riverside lanes – but only if you avoid the highway. The first stop should be The Terracotta Garden at Lamphun, which is surely the most over the top cafe in the country. A huge mock temple and grounds built from, you guessed it – terracotta. Home to a cafe that sells formidable cakes. Another spot for thrift fans is French House, a tiny cafe packed with all sorts of antiques, taxidermy and decor you can buy right from the shelf. Round the corner, Wat Chamadevi is a breath-taking historical site, known for its unique square pyramid-style chedi that’s believed to date back to the early Mon period. A Loy Krathong season favourite, Wat Phra That Hariphunchai is absolutely lantern laden all November, but worth visiting any time of year, its golden chedi is the resting place of a Buddha relic – a strand of hair is inside an urn within the chedi. Get your merit here. 

Time Out tip: Ignore Google maps and drive back into Chiang Mai along the River Ping. The quiet road that follows the river, on its western bank might take a bit longer but it’s a glorious drive.

Where is it? The closest of our favourite spots, Mae Rim is a short drive north of the old city and packed with things to do – from lazing by a man made lake to nursing a locally-sourced coffee in the rice fields.

Why we love it: There’s nothing like a bracing dip in Huai Tueng Thao Reservoir, but we’re also fond of the zany herd of huge straw animals built by local artisans and villagers from bamboo and rice straw – a handy byproduct of Mae Rim’s rice farming. In visiting the slightly bonkers, giant sculptures that include buffalo, gorillas, elephants and dinosaurs (yes the lesser spotted Thai dinosaurs) and posing for those insta pics, we are supporting farmers and small businesses – particularly if you get your luncheon snacks from the little hut diners around the lake. If you don’t fancy a dip in the reservoir, perhaps Mae Sa Waterfall is more for you. It’s pretty magnificent and potentially quiet if you catch it on a weekday, the falls flowing strongest during rainy season or soon after. Nature loving to a tee, Akha Ama Living Factory is a cafe and roasting space, ideal for a locally grown coffee that you can chug in their peaceful rice fields and garden.

Time Out tip: If reconnecting with nature looks like a smidge of zoology for you, swing by Siam Insect Zoo; it’s honestly the best way to learn to be at one with the local arthropods before you meet them unexpectedly in your homes or hotels.

Where is it? 

Out beyond Saket, Mae Kampong is 50km northeast of central Chiang Mai and one of the north’s most popular picturesque villages. Drive yourself or, for the non-drivers among us, minivans depart Kad Farang four times a day, bookable through 12goAsia.

Why we love it: Mae Kampong is Studio Ghibli levels of cute. Little wooden gabelled shops, quaint cafes, balconied shabu restaurants and traditional Thai houses line the one high street, which draws many a visitor in for photo opps. But the beauty of Mae Kampong must be its waterfalls, ravines and hilltop location. The views are a total knock out from the highest climbs of this village but sitting in one of the many river- and waterfall-nestled cafes (Proudproudproud is our fave) is just as impactful. At the furthest end of its thoroughfare hides the almost ethereal, tiny temple Wat Khantha Pruksa. This dinky temple sits on a tiny islet in the middle of the flowing Mae Kampong River, the ideal spot to say your prayers and make your wishes, soundtracked by the river rushing past.

Time Out tip: Staying overnight isn’t cheap but it's worthwhile for the early morning peace and quiet. Or leave home at 6am. Your call.

Where is it? Just north of Mae Rim and south of Chiang Dao, located about an hour north of Chiang Mai, you’ll find the extremely rural district of Mae Taeng. Framed by hills and with a river running through it, it’s a gorge destination to head to.

Why we love it: A day trip here can be as zen or as high adrenaline as you decide to make it. It’s the top spot for white water rafting in the region, as from July to October the Mae Taeng River is full (thanks to rainy season), although somewhat unwieldy. Siam River Adventures are your guys to go to if the white knuckled ride on a dinghy calls you. The rest of the year it’s a bamboo raft situation, less scary, unless you fall off. If chilled escapes are more your vibe head to the underrated Wat Den Sali Si Mueang Kaen – a colorful hilltop temple filled with ornate Lanna-style buildings, giant deity statues and great viewpoints over the surrounding valley. After the temple, head further into the hills to Raksa Tea Garden, where you can pick your own leaves from the plantation’s rows of tea plants, then watch a local expert turn those green leaves into green tea. Geology nerds (or hot spring nerds like us) might enjoy swinging by Pong Dueat Geyser – it’s not Iceland but it’s impressive – and round off the day by stopping in the ever so kitschy cafe, Dantewada Land of Angels Waterfall Park on the way home.

Time Out tip: Hikers note, you don’t need a guide to enjoy the riverside trails in Mae Taeng but longer jungle treks that pass through hill tribe villages do usually require a guide. You wouldn’t want to stroll into someone’s outdoor kitchen unannounced.

Where is it? Just a little way beyond Wat Doi Suthep and down the other side of the mountain is the village and campsites of Doi Pui, a serene break from city life that’s not too far away.

Why we love it: Well firstly it’s a great drive – the winding road to get there isn’t quite as dare devilish as the road to Pai but it’s thrill adjacent and a huge part of the fun. The air is cooler and (usually) fresher in Doi Poi. Bring a picnic and spend the day hiking to work up an appetite before chowing down in your snacks by the campsite on the hillside. If you’re into forest bathing it’s also a great destination to kick off your shoes and go walk between the trees. The area is home to a little Hmong village where you can wander through gardens and support the villagers by buying their local handicrafts and textiles, including cute handwoven bags, purses, and scarves. All of which are very eco-friendly, usually made from hemp or cotton and decorated with embroidery or batik patterns.

Time Out tip: One of the best times to visit is during cherry blossom season, when pink ‘sakura’ flowers bloom across the hillsides of Khun Chang Khian, usually from late December to early February depending on the weather.

Where is it? Heading southeast out of the city towards San Kampaeng, it’s just 45 minutes to Mae On, another rural little town surrounded by fields, coffee and cocoa plantations and a mountain that’s popular with rock climbers. 

Why we love it: If rock climbing is your thing – this is the spot. Within said rock, tucked into the mountainside,  – a humbling 187 steps up – is popular devotional site Wat Tham Muang On, a cave temple that’s a must visit. After ascending the staircase through the forest, the cool limestone cave filled with Buddha statues and stalactites is an extremely peaceful and slightly mysterious space to meditate or make your offerings. The views are well worth the climb too. Mae On is also the home of the confusingly named San Kamphaeng Hot Springs (it’s on the border of the two districts really). This rather large hot spring park has steaming geysers and several mineral water pools. Soak your feet in the public foot baths, book a private bath or relax in the bigger, public swimming style pools fed by the hot springs. There are also shady picnic areas and little streams where locals love to chill out for the afternoon. If you like your soaks a little fancier, Mae On’s Sense Onsen is happy to provide private piping hot baths, ready and waiting before or after you indulge in the spa’s lengthy massage menu.

Time Out tip: Our faves at Skugga Estate, a classy restaurant and cafe situation, grow their own coffee and cocoa on site, as well as a sizable, albeit still in the test stage, vineyard. Snacks there are best enjoyed with one of their artisanal hot chocolates or  iced coffees, or go for the Sunday brunch menu for unlimited food from 10am-4pm, best paired with their own wine.

Where is it? Chiang Dao (or City of Stars) is one of our furthest recommendations, so it really deserves a few days to get it all in. If time is short, leaving at day break and heading home at dusk is absolutely doable.

Why we love it: The list of reasons to love Chiang Dao is long. Hiking around Doi Chiang Dao Wildlife Sanctuary, home to Thailand’s third highest mountain Doi Luang Chiang Dao is a dopamine filled day and a great shout for twitchers too – the migrating birds passing through never disappoint, although the convoluted booking process might. The two incredible cave temples have seen pilgrims coming to this palpably spiritual region for generations. The first and most popular, Chiang Dao Cave, is a vast cave network filled with sacred Buddha statues – you can only enter with a guide lest you get lost.. The other, more serene Wat Tham Pha Plong, is perched on the steep mountainside 500 steps up through the forest. Your efforts are encouraged along the path by inspiring meditation quotes before you reach the cave temple at the top. It’s Chiang Dao Hot Springs that keep us going back time and again though, sitting in the hot vats of water before cooling off in the babbling brook they’re built beside is one of the most gloriously life affirming days out – particularly if you’re smart about timing and catch them on a quiet weekday. Oh and they’re free to use. Heaven. But, if you want an easy breezy day that involves zero climbing, head to the recently opened Elements Spa, who keep the sauna and steam room regularly topped up with herbs and aromatic oils.

Time Out tip: Choeng Doi Distillery and their curated tours of Chiang Dao take all the effort out of planning so you can just enjoy the ride. Owners Pam and Jeen are some of the friendliest folks you’ll meet in the city, and they know all the best hidden spots.

Where is it? Doi Inthanon National Park, about two hours southwest of Chiang Mai, is one of northern Thailand’s most famous destinations as it’s home to the country’s highest mountain, Doi Inthanon. 

Why we love it: This park at Thailand’s highest altitude is a national treasure and on the bucket list of travellers both local and visiting for a reason. It’s chilly up in Doi Inthanon so pack your fleece and waterproofs (we really mean it), pull those hiking boots on and get exploring through the cloud forests, around the waterfalls and up and around the scenic footpaths. The summit of Doi Inthanon even gets frosty in the winter, which in itself is a huge draw for locals keen to see ‘snow’ for the first time in their lives. As is a visit to the iconic twin pagodas King Inthawichayanon Memorial Pagoda and Queen Sirikit Memorial Pagoda, two shiny conical beacons that sit on a ridge with crazy panoramic views of the valleys below. Loop round to Wachirathan Waterfall and Mae Ya Waterfall,  the powerful cascades in the depths of Inthanon’s lush forest. 

Time Out tip: The park’s most famous hike, the Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail, requires a local guide (usually a Karen hill tribe guide assigned at the trail entrance). The hike takes about three hours and meanders along mossy trails and a vast mountain ridge with incredible views – undoubtedly the best trekking experience in the park.