Thailand

Located 50 km from Chiang Mai in the northern part of Thailand, Mae Kham Pong is a charming mountain village that exudes serenity. Let's delve into the highlights of this destination.

Tea gardens, rice fields covering the hills, typical Lanna temples, farmhouses disappearing into the horizon… The atmosphere of Mae Kham Pong doesn't deceive; you're in one of those adorable hillside villages in northern Thailand. This small village in Chiang Mai with barely five hundred inhabitants steadfastly clings to its roots: Lanna cuisine is savored here, water buffaloes are raised, bamboo is cut for weaving or timber, and folk festivals are observed. Besides mountain trekking, which traverses landscapes of rice paddies and a beautiful waterfall, visitors can make friends with the local communities. If you're looking to spend a peaceful vacation as a couple or with family in a truly authentic setting, Mae Kham Pong is the destination for you.

Historical notes

The village of Mae Kham Pong was born at the beginning of the last century. Its residents descend from ancient migrants from Doi Saket who settled in Baan Mae Kampong. Emigration was motivated by the conquest of new fertile lands for agriculture. A river winds through the hills of the village, and yellow flowers grow on the banks. The toponym originates from these characteristic local elements. Indeed, Mae Kham Pong is formed from two words: "Mae," which means watercourse, and "Kham Pong," named after the floral species.

Initially, the planters cultivated tea, whose leaves, once fermented, served as the basis for preparing "mieng," a local delicacy. Over the years, the mieng market collapsed, and the need to diversify agricultural production became evident and urgent.

In order to increase the income of mountain families, the Thai government launched two projects: the first involves the establishment of a royal agricultural station for coffee farming experiments; the second focuses on the development of ecotourism. Families are encouraged to offer a product, activity, or cultural tradition. The approach has been successful. Many visitors staying in Mae Kham Pong commend this innovative tourism approach, emphasizing participation, solidarity, and friendship.

Mae Kham Pong: a burgeoning ecotourism village

Located in the Mae On district, about fifty kilometers from the province of Chiang Mai, is the lush and flowery village of Mae Kampong. It had about five hundred inhabitants in 2018. Peasant society is dominant. The practice of subsistence farming and cash crop cultivation is the norm, contributing to shaping the landscape. Clean air, the cooing of birds, and scenes of plowing or harvesting in the rice fields are a guarantee of a certain change of scenery. For your next vacation in Chiang Mai, come with your children or loved ones to share the magic of this place.

Things to see and do on site

For lodging and accommodation in Mae Kham Pong, there's only one option: homestay accommodation. You'll discover what the interior of a rural home looks like, savor farm products, and can help with chores like taking care of poultry, picking tea leaves, herding buffaloes into the barn, etc. Besides being a hub of ecotourism, this small village in Chiang Mai is famous for the kindness and hospitality of its inhabitants.

Apart from this rural immersion, there's a sanctuary and a waterfall to visit, as well as annual festivals that the entire village celebrates with joy.

Natural heritage

Mae Kampong waterfall, located on the outskirts of the village, holds economic importance as the river irrigating the rice paddies and orchards originates from it. From a tourist standpoint, the waterfall is a popular excursion destination. Scenes of rural life unfold during the walk. Once there, tourists will enjoy relaxing by the waterfall, listening to the rustling of birds and butterflies behind the foliage. Swimmers will enjoy the natural pool, sometimes in the company of elephants!

Religious heritage

Kanta Prueska Sanctuary: the Buddhist temple is roughly the same age as the village. Don't miss its adorable chapel reflecting in the clear waters of a pond. The polished teak wood walls, the three-tiered golden roof, and the artisanal sculptures reveal all the characteristic features of Lanna art.

Cultural festivals

• Songkran Festival: The New Year's celebration takes place in April. On this occasion, villagers strive to relive the Lanna lifestyle, creating, for example, a sand pagoda within the temple grounds.
• Sibsongpeng festival: This festival is set on the 15th day of the lunar month, usually falling in September. The crowd is called upon to meditate on charity and devotion to ancestors who are no longer with us.

Good food is inseparable from these festivities. In the evening, the family gathers around a grand classic meal, which is also served on a classic round tray—the famous "khan-toke." Unique recipes, known only to the Lanna people, are savored.

When to go?

Like other mountain resorts in the north, Mae Kampong experiences a peak of humidity between June and October. But even for the rest of the year, the climate remains cool and rainy. The first three months of the year and December are the most suitable for outdoor visits.

How to get to Mae Kampong?

To get to Mae Kampong, the easiest way is to book a flight to Chiang Mai, then reach the mountain station by hiring a private car, scooter, or motorcycle. You can also opt for red or yellow songthaews. It's a cheaper mode of transportation but not suitable for impatient or overly demanding travelers.