My Mon Jam Mountain 2D1N Glamping Experience

One of my favorite memories from my trip to Chiang Mai was my 2D1N glamping adventure in the Mon Jam mountains.

If you haven’t heard of Mon Jam, it’s a quaint area perched on the ridge of a mountain near Mong Nong Hoi Village in Mae Rim District. It’s only about 40–50 minutes away from Chiang Mai city, but it feels like an entirely different world. The weather is cool year-round, probably because of its elevation—on a mon. (Fun fact: Mon is a Northern Thai word for hill.)

We chose Mon Jam for this trip because it’s famous for sunrise and sunset views over its rolling hills. A day trip simply wouldn’t have been enough to soak it all in, so we decided to stay overnight.

This glamping trip was part of our 4D3N Chiang Mai adventure, which also included a visit to Mae Kampong. But Mon Jam quickly became the highlight of our trip.

The Weather at Mon Jam

At 1,300 meters above sea level, Mon Jam offers cool temperatures, especially during start and end of the year.

We visited in November, and the air was brisk and dry— a refreshing escape from the usual heat and humidity of Thailand.

If you’re planning to visit, I’d say November to February is probably the best time. But don’t forget to check the weather forecast; rain could dampen the experience.

Chiang Mai to Mon Jam

To reach Mon Jam from Chiang Mai, you have just two options: drive yourself or book a private car or taxi. Public transportation is not available to ascend the mountain.

Taxis will cost around 1,000 THB per way, so for roughly the same price, we decided to drive ourselves and get more flexibility in our itinerary.

The journey took about an hour, mostly smooth sailing until we reached the last 30% of the drive, where the roads became steep. Thankfully, our rented Honda City handled the incline just fine.

As we neared the campsite, the roads got rougher and narrower, requiring a bit more caution, especially as we wound along the mountainside.

Pong Yaeng Jungle Coaster & Zipline

On the way up, we spotted a jungle park called Pong Yang Jungle Coaster & Zipline and decided to check it out. It’s tucked in the middle of the forest and has activities like zip-lining, a jungle coaster, and some obstacle courses.

We opted for the jungle coaster—a manual ride where you control the speed yourself. It cost 150 THB per person, which felt a bit pricey for a ride that lasted only 1–2 minutes, but it was fun nonetheless.

The park also offers adventure packages that include multiple activities, but at 2,200+ THB, we decided to skip those.

After our quick pit stop, we drove another 10 minutes up to reach our glamping site.

Arrival at Ton Ya Glamping Site

We pulled up to Ton Ya Homestay in the early afternoon.

There are plenty of glamping options here, with the most popular being Phu Doi. But we went with Ton Ya because it’s smaller and quieter. I wanted a more peaceful experience without too many people around, and this place delivered.

The tents were adorable—teepee-style structures set on elevated wooden platforms.

Each came with its own private toilet and a small deck with chairs and a table. Inside, there was a cozy double bed with pillows and thick blankets, perfect for the cool weather.

The site itself was surrounded by lavender and daisy flower beds, making the whole area feel even more magical.

Other amenities included a communal eating area where breakfast was served in the morning.

After checking in and settling down, we were eager to start exploring.

Exploring Mon Jam

We spent the afternoon wandering around the area. There wasn’t a specific itinerary; we just took a leisurely walk along the hillside.

The weather was cool, the views were stunning, and it was so peaceful. No crowds, no rush—just us, the fresh air, and the mountains.

Dinner: Mookata Under the Stars

As dusk fell, we returned to our tent for dinner. The staff brought over a mookata set—Thai BBQ—for us to enjoy on our deck.

I have to say, eating mookata in the cool mountain air, with the sounds of nature (aka insects 😆) around us, was quite a memorable experience.

After dinner, we took a hot shower in our private toilet. We wouldn't be able to have hot showers if we were doing traditional camping.

We woke up early, hoping to catch the sunrise, but the weather had other plans—it was cloudy 😭. Even without the sunrise, the early morning was serene, with mist rolling over the hills.

Breakfast was a traditional Thai meal like Khao Tom served at the campsite’s dining area. After fueling up, we checked out and continued exploring other parts.

Mon Jam Activities: Strawberry Farm

Our first stop was Plai Fa Strawberry Farm, just a 5-minute drive from the campsite. The farm was charming, with fields of strawberries and colorful flower beds. It’s built along a cliff, offering gorgeous mountain views.

We didn’t pick any strawberries since most weren’t ripe yet, but it was fun walking around. If you’re interested, they charge 40 THB per 100g of strawberries you pick.

Mon Jam Activities: Sky Walk

Adjacent to the strawberry farm was the Sky Walk. When we visited, we had the place entirely to ourselves since most visitors flocked to the strawberries. The entrance fee was just 20 baht per person—a modest price for a short bamboo boardwalk along the cliff.

Honestly, there wasn’t much to see beyond the breathtaking views. I believe the entrance fee has since increased to 40 baht per person. There’s also a coffee shop along the Sky Walk where you can sip your drink while enjoying the scenery.

As we entered this area, we noticed a fun wooden cart activity where you can sit on wooden carts and roll down the hill, allowing gravity to do its work. I was keen to try it, but the queue was long, and we couldn't be bothered to wait.

A small market nearby offered cute northern-style clothing, and I picked up a blouse for my mom.

Mon Jam Activities: Waterfall Cafe

Afterward, we drove 20 minutes down the mountain to a unique spot my wife discovered—a waterfall café!

This café, called WTF Coffee Camp, is located within a resort that was surprisingly empty when we visited.

The open-air coffee shop sits beside a small river and a picturesque waterfall. We relaxed with our coffee, soaking in the chill vibe and snapping fun photos.

If you visit Mon Jam, I highly recommend making the drive down here before you leave. It’s also near the Pong Yaeng Elephant Sanctuary, and you can pair them for a perfect half-day trip.

Wat Pa Dara Phirom Phra Aram Luang

On our way back to Chiang Mai city, we made a stop at Wat Pa Dara Phirom Phra Aram Luang.

This beautiful temple complex showcases outstanding Thai Buddhist architecture with meticulously manicured gardens.

It was a hidden gem, not overly popular with tourists, making for a peaceful visit. Best of all, there was no entrance fee—a must-visit on our Chiang Mai trip!

Recommendations for a Trip to Mon Jam

Was there anything challenging about our trip or visit? Not really. The one-hour drive was easy, but I recommend taking it slow as the roads can be rough and narrow as you approach the hills

The glamping site provided everything we needed, so there was no need for extensive preparation. It felt more like a budget hotel experience than traditional camping, which was a pleasant surprise.

One last tip: check the weather before you go. We were fortunate to enjoy two rain-free days, but rain could dampen the views and make driving treacherous.

Final Thoughts

Mon Jam has become one of our favorite places in Chiang Mai. The 2D1N glamping experience was comfortable, with the cool weather providing a refreshing escape from Thailand's humidity.

If you plan to visit Mon Jam, don’t expect a packed itinerary. It’s more about soaking in the scenery, appreciating nature, and simply enjoying the chill life.

I'd love to hear your thoughts—share your own glamping stories or ask any questions in the comments below!