Mae Kampong Village

Mae Kampong is a small traditional Thai village located about ninety minutes outside the Chiang Mai city centre. It has a variety of picturesque cafes, shops, and homestays that allow guests to experience rural Thai life and escape the hustle and bustle of the city. 

The most convenient way to get to Mae Kampong is with a car hire in Chiang Mai with Drive Car Rental. Our location inside the Chiang Mai Airport lets you fly in and drive away with ease!

Getting to Mae Kampong

Those wishing to visit Mae Kampong can choose from two primary routes. You can take Highway 118 northeast towards Chiang Rai and turn off onto Rural Road 3005. Once you’re on 3005, you simply follow the signs. 

Alternatively, you can take Highway 1096 east, then turn onto Highway 1317 north and follow the signs. Both routes take equal time and will take you through several small towns and villages on the way. 

When to Visit Mae Kampong 

Mae Kampong is best visited on a weekday, as weekend crowds can make finding available guesthouses and parking a bit challenging. This is partially because the village isn’t just popular with international tourists; locals and domestic tourists alike flock to Mae Kampong on the weekends to enjoy the idyllic atmosphere. 

Things to See and Do in Mae Kampong

Within Mae Kampong proper, the best thing to do is simply take a walk around the town. Be sure to duck into side alleys and the pathways that lead behind the shops and along the small streams that pass through the town. There are small shrines, temples, and fantastic traditional Thai wooden architecture around every corner. 

You’ll find several cafes where you can have lunch or dinner, or grab coffee and cake. The village also has local handcrafts, clothing, and jewelry for sale at shops that dot the tiny road running through town. 

One of the best things to do in Mae Kampong is spend the night at one of the homestays, many of which offer incredible views of the town or nearby streams and mountainsides. 

Around Mae Kampong

Located on various side roads in the area are several waterfalls and adventure parks that offer activities such as ziplining, ATV riding, and more. Along the roads leading to Mae Kampong and other nearby tourist attractions are a huge variety of cafes and coffee shops. Many have gardens or viewpoints that make a visit worthwhile.

Another popular site nearby is Doi Kew Fin summit and viewpoint. This is the top of the mountain on which Mae Kampong village sits, and it marks the boundary between Chiang Mai and Lampang provinces. 

It’s accessible by the same road as the village, and that road continues into the next valley. For a unique view not many tourists see, consider taking Highway 1252 back to the north and reconnecting with Highway 118 to return to Chiang Mai.  

If you take the southerly route back to Chiang Mai, the San Kamphaeng Hot Springs are another nearby destination worth visiting. Soak in the hot pools and tour the gardens of these springs, which are popular with the locals. 

The admission fee is around 300 Thai Baht, or less than £7.50 GBP. Just make sure to bring a bathing suit and towel if you plan to swim. 

There are also several temples worth seeing in the area. Be sure to peek through the trees as you drive by and pull in if one looks interesting. 

Experience Chiang Mai Province With Drive Car Rental

Drive Car Rental has convenient locations across Thailand’s major tourist areas and provincial capitals. You even have the option of picking up a vehicle in one location and dropping off in another. 

For the best selection and rates, book in advance, especially during the tourist high season from November to April. Visitors can choose from a wide variety of vehicles, including electrics like BYD and Tesla, SUVs, compacts, and luxury cars. 

For expats, business travellers, and long-stay tourists, Drive Car Rental offers monthly and annual rentals at steep discounts. All long-term rentals come with free vehicle maintenance and roadside assistance. 

If you want to see Mae Kampong and everything the surrounding area has to offer, visit Drive Car Rental’s website today to see our full selection of vehicles and locations throughout Thailand!