Day Trip: Mae Kampong Village & Kimono cafe in Chiang Mai

During our trip to Chiang Mai, we decided to take a day trip to Mae Kampong, a charming village just 1.5 hour's drive away.

En route back, we stumbled upon Nekoemon Cafe, a Japanese-themed café that beautifully pairs our love for food with serene gardens and traditional kimono rentals.

Join me as I share the highlights of our adventure in this delightful corner of Thailand.

What is Mae Kampong

Nestled about 50 km northeast of Chiang Mai, Mae Kampong is an eco-tourism village that has managed to preserve its traditions, culture, and stunning natural surroundings.

This small community of 120 families, totaling around 500 residents, spans approximately 6.22 square kilometers and is cradled by lush mountains, forests, and waterfalls.

With an elevation of 1300 meters above sea level, the village enjoys a cool climate year-round, making it an inviting retreat for nature lovers.

How to Get There

• Public Transport: Hop on a red bus or ‘Songthaew’ from the Chiang Mai bus station. Be prepared to negotiate with the drivers, as a round trip typically costs around 800-1200 THB.
• Driving: Google Maps showed 1.5 hour drive, but we took 2 hours due to multiple pit stops along the way.
• Private Driver: For a hassle-free experience, consider booking through Klook.

Claai Cafe

As we climbed towards Mae Kampong, we decided to stop at Claai Cafe & Eatery, a delightful spot right next to a creek.

Although this café is popular among locals, parking was not located directly outside the cafe. We had to park our car at a nearby lot and take the provided free shuttle ride (about 3 mins) to reach the café.

The atmosphere was incredibly calming, featuring seating areas nestled along the stream. Despite the crowd, we still managed to find a peaceful spot due to the scattered seating.

Teen Botanical Gardens

Another gem we discovered along the way was the Teen Tok Royal Project, a government-funded botanical garden established in 1981.

The expansive garden is beautifully arranged with a stream flowing through and traditional huts that showcase local living practices.

There’s no entrance fee, and the vibe is chill and peaceful. You can also have lunch here at the onsite restaurant.

While we didn’t venture too far into the forested areas beyond the garden, we saw a diverse array of flora, so if you have time, I’d recommend exploring them.

Mae Kampong Village

Next, we drove into the heart of Mae Kampong village. While it has become somewhat commercialized, offering numerous eateries, souvenir shops, and homestays, it still retains its rustic charm.

Parking: If you’re visiting for a day trip, be prepared for parking challenges. We spent about 10 minutes waiting for a spot as there’s limited parking for day-trippers.

Walking Tips: Bring shoes with good traction; the roads are steep in some areas.

We strolled through the main walking street and stopped at various cafés, capturing numerous photos against the backdrop of the village’s lovely architecture. The shops and cafés are beautifully situated by the riverside, allowing for stunning views at every turn.

Mae Kampong Waterfall: Located further up from the walking street, the waterfall is another attraction. Unfortunately, we skipped it due to heavy rain and the risk of landslides.

Despite its touristy aspects, Mae Kampong retains its appeal. The surrounding greenery and rivers create a relaxing atmosphere, ideal for a day trip or a one-night stay. It’s also not overly tourist-trappy, with reasonable prices compared to other destinations.

However, I’d recommend limiting your stay to a day or a single night as the activities are limited to exploring the shops and waterfall.

Nekoemon Japanese Cafe

Wrapping up our Mae Kampong adventure, we made an impromptu stop at Nekoemon Cafe on our drive back to Chiang Mai. Although it was slightly off the main course, the detour was well worth it.

Nekoemon isn’t just any Japanese-themed café—it feels like an entire experiential park spread over vast grounds.

Kimono Rental: Near the parking lot, you can rent traditional Japanese outfits for about 200B. The staff even styled my wife’s hair to complete her look.

Japanese Gardens: We then embarked on a leisurely exploration of the extensive Japanese gardens.

I was genuinely impressed by how Japanese the space felt. The manicured trees and bushes, complete with a charming bamboo forest, torii gates, red bridges, and a koi pond, came together to create an immaculate zen environment.

We spent an hour exploring the grounds in our outfits. It wasn't crowded during our visit, which enhanced the experience.

Cafe: The café itself maintained the Japanese theme, featuring both indoor and outdoor seating. The indoor area has tatami mats and low chairs, which might be uncomfortable for taller individuals. Luckily, we had no issues and enjoyed the cozy ambiance.

Food: The menu offers both Japanese and Thai dishes. We opted for a Japanese parfait, which was delightful. While prices are on the higher side for Thailand, they’re still reasonable, especially considering the ambiance.

This cafe feels like a hidden gem. We mostly saw locals during our visit, but I’ve heard weekends can get crowded, so I recommend visiting on a weekday afternoon.

Things to bring

• Cash (no ATMs here)
• Jacket or Cardigan (it gets chilly)
• Sunscreen
• Umbrella (in case it rains)
• Proper shoes (as you'll cross wet rocks)

Final Thoughts

Reflecting on our day trip to Mae Kampong, I can confidently say it was an memorable experience, especially with the stops we made along the way.

If you’re someone who enjoys nature-focused travel, Mae Kampong and Nekoemon Cafe are worth adding to your Chiang Mai itinerary, alongside Mon Jam and Huay Thung Thao Reservoir.

Have you visited Mae Kampong or Nekoemon Cafe? Share your experiences or ask any questions in the comments!