When you’re in Chiang Mai, one of the best day trips you can take is a day trip to Mon Jam Mountain. This local village offers breathtaking views, scenic trails, and charming resorts that you’re guaranteed to love.
If you’re looking for a travel guide to Mon Jam from Chiang Mai, you’ve come to the right place.
This guide provides all the information you need to embark on your next outdoor adventure. With details on the top activities in Mon Jam, as well as tips on what to bring and how to prepare, you’ll be ready to go in no time. Let’s dive in!
Mon Jam – Overview
Before going through the main topic like the things to do in Mon Jam, let’s discuss the essentials, such as how to get there from Chiang Mai and everything else you must know when visiting.
What is Mon Jam?
Mon Jam (ม่อนแจ่ม in Thai) is a village located in Northern Thailand, around 1 hour away from Chiang Mai city. It’s known for its ethnically diverse Hmong Tribes people and the cold weather, complemented by magnificent mountain vistas.
This village is the perfect place to get away from Chiang Mai for a day or for the weekend and experience a different way of living. Mon Jam is the place for you if you’re looking for an authentic cultural experience.
Where is Mon Jam?
Mon Jam is located in the Mae Rim District of the Chiang Mai Province of Thailand, about an hour north, or 37km away, from downtown Chiang Mai. It is accessible by car, motorbike, or bus.
How to Get to Mon Jam?
To get to Mon Jam, you can either rent a car or a motorbike (I recommend a powerful motorbike, not a scooter) and drive to Mae Rim. Once in Mae Rim, just follow the road signs and you’ll get to Mae Rim in around 20 minutes. There is no direct bus from Chiang Mai to Mon Jam.
However, you can take the bus from Chang Phueak Bus Terminal to Mae Rim, which costs 30THB (about $1) and takes 30 minutes.
Once you get to Mae Rim, you can take a taxi to Mon Jam, which will take about 20 minutes. As a side note, if you decide to rent a car and drive to Mon Jam by yourself, you’ll want to remember the writing in Thai or ask locals as the road signs are pretty confusing, even for Thais, check below.
It’s worth noting that most locals around Mon Cham do not speak English and it may be difficult to get there.
For this reason, I recommend booking a transfer from Chiang Mai as it will not only allow you to visit the Thai countryside but also travel with a local guide that knows everything about the region.
What is the Weather Like in Mon Jam?
The weather is pretty hot during the day and quite cold during the night. For this reason, I highly recommend bringing a jacket or sweater if you’re planning on spending any time in the village.
Also, while the viewpoint in Mon Jam is stunning, you won’t be able to see anything during the burning season, from mid-February to early April, so you’re warned.
Want to know more?
Check out this guide about planning
the top activities in Chiang Mai.
Where to Stay in Mon Jam
There are a few accommodation where to stay around, but these below are the ones I recommend staying for a night or more.
Note that Mon Jam is famous for their rounded tents, which are not only beautiful but so Instagram-worthy, if you’re after beautiful shots, and you’ll have a glimpse here below.
Phu Morinn Cafe&Camping
Set in Mon Jam, Phu Morinn offers garden-view accommodations with a garden, terrace, free parking, and WiFi. Each room features a patio with mountain views, a desk, private bathroom with walk-in shower, slippers, hair dryer, and toiletries.
On-site, there’s a family-friendly restaurant and coffee shop. You can enjoy local walking tours, with Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden not far away, which is nice to visit when coming to Mon Jam Chiang Mai.
Phu Fahsai Homestay
In Mon Jam, Phu Fahsai Homestay boasts a garden, terrace, city views, hot tub, and free WiFi. Rooms come with an electric tea pot, private bathroom, and some offer balconies and mountain views.
The resort is close to various attractions, including Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden and Mae Jo University. Chiang Mai Airport is 27 miles away, and you can get to the airport easily.
ภูสกาย โฮมสเตย์
Located in Mon Jam, ภูสกาย โฮมสเตย์ offers a garden, bar, terrace, free parking, and WiFi. Rooms feature balconies with mountain views, private bathrooms with baths, and standard amenities.
What to Do in Mon Jam and Mae Rim
A lot of people come here for the incredible views over Northern Thailand, but there’s so much more to it. Being so close to Mae Rim, you can enjoy all the activities the neighborhood offers – here are all the things to do in Mon Jam.
Camping in Mon Jam
One of the best things to do in Mon Jam is camping. You can set up your tent and enjoy the incredible views in a few different spots. Just make sure you bring everything you need with you as there are only local shops in Mon Jam, which tend to be quite pricey.
For an added experience, you can also visit nearby strawberry farms and pick your own strawberries, a fun activity especially for families with children.
Skywalk Mon Jam
The skywalk provides some of the best views over Mon Jam. It’s not a long walkway but hangs off the mountain side, offering incredible views over the mountains.
Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden
The Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden is one of the best places in Mae Rim. Covering an area of about 1000 hectares, it’s one of the largest botanical garden in Thailand and home to over 100,000 species of plants.
Pongyang Jungle Coaster Zipline
For an adrenaline rush, head to the Pongyang Jungle Coaster Zipline. It’s one of the longest ziplines in Thailand and takes you through the jungle, over a river, and all the way down to the Mae Rim Valley.
Mae Sa waterfall
Another must-visit spot in Mae Rim is the Mae Sa waterfall. It’s a beautiful, natural spot where you can cool off with a swim or just enjoy the views.
Elephant POOPOOPAPER Park
If you’re looking for something unique to do, head to the Elephant POOPOOPAPER Park. It’s a paper mill that uses elephant dung as one of its main ingredients! You can tour the factory and even make your own paper from elephant poop.
Enjoy the Cafes in Mae Rim
Last but not least, Mae Rim is home to some incredible cafes. There’s nothing better than enjoying a coffee or cake with a view, and there are plenty of spots where you can do just that.
Best Cafes in Mae Rim
Mae Rim is full of incredible cafes that are sure to please your IG grid or to bring nice memories once you’re back home. Here are my favorite ones:
Photos of Mon Jam
More Thailand Travel Guides
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- Thailand Itinerary for 1 Week to 1 Month
- 11 Incredible Things to Do in Chiang Mai
- How to Get to Doi Suthep from Chiang Mai
Final Thoughts About Mon Jam Chiang Mai
Mon Jam is an incredible spot in Northern Thailand that offers breathtaking views, unique experiences, and plenty of activities to keep you busy. Whether you’re looking to stay in a luxury resort or learn about traditional Hmong life, there’s something for everyone in Mon Jam. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!
