Maekampong: A Hidden Gem in the Mountains

Nestled amidst lush greenery and traversed by crystal-clear streams, Maekampong is a small village offering a tranquil escape into nature's embrace. The village's charm lies in its pristine environment, where the sound of gurgling water blends seamlessly with the vibrant life of the forest. Here, visitors can immerse themselves in the authentic lifestyle of the locals, who live in harmony with their surroundings.

Maekampong's accessibility, being conveniently located near Chiang Mai and boasting well-maintained roads, makes it an ideal destination for both overnight stays and day trips. Whether opting for a relaxing homestay by the stream or a quick visit, the village caters to diverse travel preferences.

This particular trip held special significance, as the journey was made possible by winning a round-trip flight for two between Bangkok and Chiang Mai. This unexpected prize aligned perfectly with the pre-existing plan to visit Maekampong, adding an element of serendipity to the experience. The opportunity to connect with fellow backpackers during the short trip further enriched the adventure, creating lasting memories.

The first day of the trip with Bangkok Airways was the best. The Bangkok Airway Lounge served the famous sticky rice wrapped in banana leaves, a must-try for anyone flying with this airline.

Travel by Bangkok Airways

Embark on a soaring journey to Chiang Mai.

After landing, we, two girls, took a van to Mae Kampong that we had booked for 11:40 AM. The van to Mae Kampong needs to be booked in advance. This van goes to San Kamphaeng Hot Springs - Mae Kampong. The journey is very easy and affordable, making it worthwhile for the destination. The fare is 150 baht per person. The round trip for two girls to Mae Kampong cost 600 baht for two people. The van to Mae Kampong can be boarded at two locations: Chang Phuak and Kad Luang or Warorot Market. We boarded the van at Kad Luang, opposite the flower market, where there is a queue for Chiang Mai-Lamphun vans. On the way back, the van will stop at the pick-up and drop-off point in Mae Kampong village. We booked the 1:20 PM slot to allow time for sightseeing in Mae Kampong. You can book a van to Mae Kampong or San Kamphaeng Hot Springs at https://www.facebook.com/Van.Hotsprings/. The van service was impressive, from booking to the return trip. I give it a perfect 10 out of 10. The service was very friendly.

At 1:20 PM, we arrived at our destination in Mae Kampong. After getting off the van, we took some photos and enjoyed the cool, refreshing air.

After a hike, we arrived at Baan Saichol Homestay, where we were warmly welcomed by Ice, the caretaker. The homestay is nestled amidst streams and waterfalls, offering a constant soundtrack of cascading water and a refreshingly cool atmosphere throughout the day. For nature enthusiasts, this is a true paradise, offering an immersive experience despite the long walk to reach it. The overall ambiance deserves a perfect 10/10. The hosts, including Ice and the kind housekeeper, provided exceptional service and genuine care. Accommodation options include rooms for 600 baht per person with dinner and breakfast, or tents for 500 baht per person with dinner and breakfast. For those seeking an authentic nature retreat, Baan Saichol Homestay is highly recommended. Contact Auntie Toi at 062-2989556 for reservations.

After packing our bags, we prepared to go for a walk. Before we set off to capture the atmosphere, we made friends who were also going to Mae Kampong Waterfall. Although we had just met, we quickly became close, as if we had come together. Thank you for the friendship. The three of us walked along the stream until we reached the waterfall, as it took less time to walk than the main road. Along the way, we felt like we were in a forest, with the sound of the waterfall. Let's take a look at the pictures along the way before we reach our destination, Mae Kampong Waterfall.

After descending from the waterfall, we walked back to Baan Sai Charl Homestay to wait for dinner. On the way, we stopped for a snack. Of course, we had to try the Khao Soi Nua, a local specialty.

The second day, we woke up early to enjoy the atmosphere and walked to the "Chom Nok Chom Mai" coffee shop, a fantastic coffee shop with a balcony overlooking the beautiful Mae Kampong village. This beautiful coffee shop is located in a valley, a small shop nestled in a large forest with abundant natural trees. It is pleasantly cool. Chom Nok Chom Mai is a very popular coffee shop that everyone who visits Mae Kampong likes to stop by. It is a must-visit spot for everyone. We arrived at the coffee shop before 8 am and had to wait for it to open, as it is open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. If you arrive early, you will have to wait, but you will be able to take pictures of the atmosphere because there are not many people around. The place is beautiful. The cakes here are homemade by the owner and are delicious. The view is also amazing. And coming to this shop, we also made friends, in the style of backpackers. We made friends along the way and shared experiences and tourist attractions that each of us had visited.

A popular landmark where everyone comes to take photos, but be careful, it's quite dangerous.

After that, we walked back to have breakfast prepared by the homestay and relaxed at the house, sipping drip coffee to the sound of the waterfall, surrounded by nature. We soaked up the happiness, knowing that good times like these don't come often.

Before leaving for Chiang Mai city on a van, we checked out of our accommodation around 11:00 AM. We then took a stroll, greeted the locals before leaving, and stopped by The After Taste coffee shop. The drip coffee there was delicious.

At noon, our stomachs began to rumble with hunger. We decided to stop for lunch at Khao Soi Kloy Jai Restaurant in Mae Kampong. The food was delicious and affordable. We enjoyed a variety of dishes, including khao soi, nam prik ong, fermented pork sausage, fried intestines, and grilled pork neck.

A two-day, one-night journey from Bangkok to Mae Kampong, leaving behind unforgettable memories and new experiences. The camaraderie on the trip was incredible, and it will never be forgotten. Please like and share the page trip2getherwithmary to support everyone.