Aerial view of camping grounds and tents on Doi Mon Cham mountain in Mae Rim, Chiang Mai province, Thailand.

© Pierrick Lemaret / Getty Images

Mon Cham

Chiang Mai Province


An agricultural wonderland at 1400m, Mon Cham draws mostly domestic tourists for its crisp air, camping opportunities and jaw-dropping views of multicolored crop terraces. The area has become a destination thanks to the Nong Hoi Royal Project, which promotes the growth of sustainable, high-income crops, including strawberries, cabbage, herbs and lavender, by local Hmong people.

The area also features a local market at the top of the ridge, some informal restaurants, a lovely flower garden (per adult/child 20/10B) and bamboo pavilions overlooking the stunning scenery.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Chiang Mai Province attractions

1. Queen Sirikit Botanic Gardens

1.65 MILES

At Queen Sirikit Botanic Gardens, 227 hectares have been set aside for plantations, nature trails and vast greenhouses full of exotic and local flora…

2. Nam Tok Mae Sa

3.14 MILES

Off Rte 1096, only 6km from the Mae Rim turn-off, Nam Tok Mae Sa is part of Doi Suthep-Pui National Park. The cascade is a picturesque spot to picnic or…

3. Elephant Poopoopaper Park

5.23 MILES

At this crafty, eco-friendly little park to the north of Chiang Mai, visitors are walked through the fascinating art of converting elephant dung fibers…

4. Doi Suthep-Pui National Park

5.8 MILES

Often bearing a crown of clouds, sultry Doi Suthep (1676m) and Doi Pui (1685m) are two of northern Thailand's most sacred peaks. A dense cloak of jungle…

5. Dara Pirom Palace

5.96 MILES

Dara Rasmee, the last princess of the Lanna kingdom, lived out her days in this handsome 19th-century residence, built in classic Thai-colonial style,…

6. Huay Teung Thao Reservoir

6.73 MILES

For Thais, a reservoir is not just a water store, it's a place for some serious R&R. At this expansive body of water just west of Mae Rim, families gather…

7. Bhubing Palace

8.49 MILES

The serene grounds of the royal family's winter palace are open to the public (when the royals aren't visiting). The unusually strict dress code requires…

8. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

9.2 MILES

Overlooking the city from its mountain throne, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is one of northern Thailand's most sacred temples, and its founding legend is…