Mae Rim
แม่ริม · Chiang Mai Province
Population
25K
Budget / Month
$389
Internet
80 Mbps
Best Season
November to February
About Mae Rim
Mae Rim is a district and small town 20 km north of Chiang Mai city, sitting where the Chiang Mai valley meets the mountains. It has become the outdoor adventure hub of the Chiang Mai area — the Mae Sa valley is packed with zip-line courses, elephant sanctuaries, Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden, and Mae Sa Waterfall.
Beyond the activity strip, Mae Rim is the starting point for the Samoeng Loop, one of northern Thailand's most enjoyable motorcycle rides — a scenic 100 km mountain circuit through rice paddies, hill-tribe villages, and forest. Mon Cham (Mon Jam) has become one of Chiang Mai's most popular viewpoints, with mountain-top agricultural terraces, camping, and strawberry fields in cool season.
The town itself is a simple strip along Route 107, the highway north to Chiang Dao. Most interest lies in the valley and mountains to the west. Mae Rim is where Chiang Mai residents go on weekends for fresh air, adventure, and mountain views. Budget travelers typically day-trip from the city.
Historical Note
Mae Rim has historically been an agricultural district north of Chiang Mai. Its tourism industry grew around the Mae Sa valley's natural attractions and adventure activities, accelerating in the 2000s-2010s.
Best time to visit: November to February
At a Glance
Thai Name
แม่ริม
Province
Chiang Mai
Region
Northern
Population
25,000
Area
520 km²
Elevation
350 m
Postal Code
50180
Local Language
Thai, Kam Muang
Cost of Living
budget
/month14,000 THB
~$389 USD
comfortable
/month27,500 THB
~$764 USD
luxury
/month52,000 THB
~$1,445 USD
food
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Street food meal | 30 | 50 |
| Local restaurant meal | 45 | 80 |
| Coffee (mountain cafe) | 40 | 70 |
| Beer (local) | 50 | 80 |
| Water bottle (1.5L) | 10 | 15 |
| Fresh fruit smoothie | 30 | 50 |
accommodation
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Guesthouse | 400 | 800 |
| Mid-range resort | 1,000 | 3,000 |
| Mountain resort | 2,000 | 5,000 |
transport
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Motorbike rental (day) | 200 | 300 |
| Grab from Chiang Mai | 200 | 350 |
| Songthaew from Chiang Mai | 20 | 30 |
entertainment
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Elephant sanctuary (half day) | 1,500 | 3,000 |
| Zip-lining | 400 | 800 |
| Mae Sa Waterfall entry | 100 | 100 |
Internet & Connectivity
Speed Test Averages
vs Bangkok Average (200 Mbps)
40% of Bangkok speed
Providers
Coworking Spaces
0
Weather & Climate
November to February for cool weather, clear views, and strawberry season. Year-round for valley activities. Avoid heavy rain for the Samoeng Loop. March-April has burning season haze.
Burning Season Warning
March-April haze from agricultural burning obscures mountain views
| Month | High °C | Low °C | Rain (mm) | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 29 | 13 | 5 | 55% |
| Feb | 32 | 14 | 5 | 48% |
| Mar | 35 | 18 | 15 | 48% |
| Apr | 37 | 22 | 50 | 55% |
| May | 34 | 23 | 150 | 70% |
| Jun | 33 | 23 | 130 | 72% |
| Jul | 32 | 23 | 160 | 75% |
| Aug | 32 | 23 | 200 | 78% |
| Sep | 32 | 22 | 200 | 78% |
| Oct | 31 | 21 | 100 | 72% |
| Nov | 30 | 17 | 30 | 62% |
| Dec | 28 | 13 | 10 | 58% |
Things to Do
Mae Sa Waterfall
น้ำตกแม่สา
8-tier waterfall in Doi Suthep-Pui National Park with swimming pools at several levels and pleasant forest walks.
Samoeng Loop
Scenic 100 km motorcycle circuit through Mae Sa valley, over a mountain pass, through Samoeng town, and back. One of Chiang Mai's best day rides.
Mon Cham (Mon Jam)
ม่อนแจ่ม
Mountain-top viewpoint at 1,300 m with Royal Project terraces, strawberry fields in cool season, and stunning sunset views.
Elephant Sanctuaries
Several ethical elephant interaction centers in the Mae Sa valley offering observation and bathing programs.
Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden
สวนพฤกษศาสตร์สมเด็จพระนางเจ้าสิริกิติ์
Beautiful tropical garden with glasshouses at the upper end of the Mae Sa valley.
Mountain Cafe Hopping
The road to Mon Cham is lined with scenic hillside cafes serving coffee and Thai food with panoramic valley views.
Food & Dining
ข้าวซอย
Khao Soi
Northern Thai coconut curry noodle soup with crispy egg noodle topping, available at local restaurants along Route 107.
40-60
Restaurants along Route 107 and Mae Rim market
ไส้อั่ว
Sai Oua
Northern Thai herb sausage with lemongrass and kaffir lime. Standard Chiang Mai area fare.
30-50
Mae Rim morning market and roadside stalls
สตรอเบอร์รี่โครงการหลวง
Royal Project Strawberries
Fresh strawberries from Mon Cham and highland farms, available in cool season (December-February).
60-150
Mon Cham viewpoint and Royal Project shops
-
Mountain Cafe Treats
Thai-style cakes, pastries, and specialty coffee from the scenic cafes along the road to Mon Cham.
40-120
Hillside cafes on the Mon Cham road
Night Markets
- Mae Rim morning market
Accommodation
Hostel Dorm
250 - 500
THB / night
Budget Hotel
400 - 800
THB / night
Mid-Range
1,000 - 3,000
THB / night
Luxury
5,000 - 15,000
THB / night
Studio /mo
4,000 - 8,000
THB / night
1BR /mo
6,000 - 12,000
THB / night
Best Areas for Tourists
Best Areas for Long Stay
Booking Tip
Many resort options in the Mae Sa valley. Four Seasons Chiang Mai (in Mae Rim) is one of Thailand's finest luxury properties. Budget travelers usually stay in Chiang Mai city.
Getting There from Bangkok
Flight to Chiang Mai + songthaew/Grab
1.5 hours + 30 minutes
1,500-4,000 THB
Getting Around
Motorbike rental
LimitedEssential for the Samoeng Loop, Mon Cham, and valley exploration.
200-300/day
Songthaew from Chiang Mai
LimitedFrom Chang Phuak Gate heading north on Route 107.
20-30
Grab from Chiang Mai
LimitedConvenient for getting to Mae Rim town.
200-350
Neighborhoods
Mae Sa Valley
Adventure playgroundThe main attraction corridor running west from Route 107 toward the mountains. Activity centers, resorts, and the waterfall.
Best for: Activities and resort stays
Mon Cham / Mountain Area
Cool highland escapeHigh-altitude zone with viewpoints, camping, Royal Project farms, and scenic cafes reached by a steep road.
Best for: Views, camping, and mountain cafes
Festivals & Events
Strawberry Season
Mon Cham and highland farms open for strawberry picking. Popular weekend activity for Chiang Mai residents.
Flower Season
Royal Project fields and Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden at their most colorful during cool season.
Practical Info
Hospital
Chiang Mai hospitals (20-30 minutes south)
Best SIM Provider
AIS
ATM Availability
Common
Language Tip
Thai at local spots. English at tourist activity centers and resorts.
Drinking Water
Bottled water only
Tipping Culture
Not expected at local restaurants. Tips appreciated at activity centers.
7-Eleven Density
Common
Emergency Numbers
Tourist police 1155, Emergency 191
Day Trips
Samoeng Loop (full circuit)
100 km motorcycle loop through Mae Sa valley, mountain pass, Samoeng town, and back via Hang Dong.
Chiang Dao
Impressive limestone caves and Chiang Dao mountain (Thailand's third highest peak), continuing north on Route 107.
Nearby Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mae Rim worth staying in or just a day trip?
Day trip for most visitors. Stay if you want a mountain resort, Mon Cham camping, or need multiple days for activities.
What is the Samoeng Loop like?
100 km motorcycle loop. The north side has attractions, the mountain pass is scenic, and Samoeng is a sleepy town. Any scooter can do it. Allow 4-6 hours.
Which elephant sanctuary should I visit?
Elephant Nature Park is the original and most reputable. Look for 'no riding' policies. Book in advance as popular ones fill up.
How steep is the Mon Cham road?
Steep and winding. A 125cc scooter struggles, especially with two riders. 150cc+ motorbike or car recommended. Slippery in rain.
When is strawberry season?
December to February at Mon Cham and highland farms. Popular weekend picking activity.
Is there good food in Mae Rim?
Northern Thai basics along Route 107, plus scenic mountain cafes on the Mon Cham road that are popular weekend destinations.