If you are looking for things to do in Mae Rim, Chiang Mai, you have found the right guide. Mae Rim is a hidden gem sitting just 20 kilometers north of Chiang Mai city center — a peaceful district where jungle-covered mountains, local markets, roadside cafes, and authentic Thai culture blend into one of the most rewarding day trips or short stays in all of northern Thailand. Unlike the bustling Old City or the trendy Nimman area, Mae Rim offers a quieter, more genuine experience with fewer crowds and lower prices. Whether you are into nature hikes, temple visits, local food, or treating yourself to a proper beauty and wellness session, Mae Rim delivers on all fronts.
Nature & Adventure in Mae Rim
Mae Rim's biggest draw is its stunning natural scenery. The district sits at the foot of the Doi Suthep-Pui mountain range, and the opportunities for outdoor exploration are endless. Here are the top nature attractions and adventure activities that make Mae Rim a must-visit destination in Chiang Mai.
- Mae Sa Waterfall — One of the most popular waterfalls near Chiang Mai, Mae Sa features eight tiers of cascading water surrounded by lush tropical forest. It is located inside the Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, just 15 minutes from Mae Rim Plaza. Entry is ฿100 for foreigners and ฿20 for Thais. Pack swimwear — the natural pools at the lower tiers are perfect for cooling off.
- Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden — Thailand's first and largest botanic garden spans over 3,500 rai (560 hectares) of research forest and curated gardens. The canopy walkway suspended 20 meters above the forest floor is a highlight. Admission is ฿100. Plan for at least two to three hours to explore the greenhouses, waterfall trails, and themed gardens.
- Mon Cham (Mon Jam) — A mountain-top viewpoint and Royal Agricultural Research Station about 30 minutes above Mae Rim town. The terraced hillsides offer breathtaking panoramic views, especially at sunrise and sunset. There are small restaurants and cafes at the top, and the cool mountain air is a welcome escape from the valley heat. Entry is ฿50.
- Zip-lining and ATV tours — Several adventure parks operate along the Mae Rim-Samoeng road (Route 1096), offering zipline courses through the jungle canopy and ATV trails through muddy mountain terrain. Prices range from ฿1,500 to ฿3,500 depending on the course length and operator.
- Tiger Kingdom — Located right on the main Mae Rim road, Tiger Kingdom lets visitors get up close with tigers of various sizes. It is one of the area's most recognizable landmarks and sits just a short drive from Mae Rim Plaza and local services.
Temples & Culture
Mae Rim and the surrounding area are home to several beautiful temples and cultural experiences that most tourists overlook in favor of the more famous sites inside Chiang Mai city.
- Wat Phra That Doi Kham — Often called the "Temple of the Golden Mountain," this hilltop temple offers spectacular views of the Chiang Mai valley and is far less crowded than Doi Suthep. The large golden Buddha statue at the top is a striking sight, and the temple grounds are beautifully maintained. Locals consider it a powerful place for making wishes.
- Local markets — The Mae Rim morning market is a fantastic place to experience everyday Thai life. Open from around 5:00 AM to 8:00 AM, it sells fresh produce, grilled meats, northern Thai sausages (sai ua), sticky rice, and handmade snacks at prices far below tourist-area markets. On weekends, a small walking street market appears near the main road with handicrafts and street food.
Food & Cafes in Mae Rim
The food scene in Mae Rim is one of the best-kept secrets in the Chiang Mai area. Along the main highway and especially along Route 1096 (the Mae Rim-Samoeng road), you will find a growing collection of restaurants, coffee shops, and roadside eateries that rival anything in the city — often at half the price.
Local restaurants serve authentic northern Thai dishes like khao soi (curry noodle soup), sai ua (Chiang Mai sausage), laab (spiced meat salad), and som tam (green papaya salad). A full meal at a local restaurant costs ฿50 to ฿120 per dish. For something more upscale, several farm-to-table restaurants along the 1096 road serve creative Thai-fusion dishes with mountain views, typically priced at ฿150 to ฿350 per plate.
The cafe culture on Route 1096 has exploded in recent years. Dozens of beautifully designed coffee shops dot the winding mountain road, each competing to offer the best views, the most photogenic interiors, and the finest locally grown Arabica coffee. A specialty coffee runs ฿60 to ฿120, and many cafes also serve cakes, pastries, and light meals. Some popular stops include No.39 Cafe, The Giant Chiangmai, and numerous smaller independent roasters.
Beauty & Wellness in Mae Rim
After a day exploring waterfalls and temples, treat yourself to some pampering. Mae Rim has a growing beauty and wellness scene, anchored by salons and massage shops that cater to both locals and the area's international community.
The standout destination for beauty services in Mae Rim is Wawa Hair Salon & Nails Spa, located at 399 Mae Rim Plaza. Run by Wawa, a certified professional stylist, the salon offers a complete range of hair, nail, and spa services at prices that make city-center salons look expensive. Haircuts start from just ฿200, professional nail art from ฿200, and relaxing spa treatments from ฿350. The salon has served over 5,000 happy clients and is a favorite among expats, digital nomads, and tourists exploring the Mae Rim area.
| Service | Wawa Salon Price | City Center Average |
|---|---|---|
| Women's Haircut | ฿200–400 | ฿400–1,000 |
| Men's Haircut | ฿200–300 | ฿300–800 |
| Nail Art | ฿200–500 | ฿400–1,200 |
| Spa Treatment | ฿350–799 | ฿800–2,500 |
| Hair Color | ฿1,000–2,000 | ฿2,000–5,000 |
Wawa Salon welcomes walk-ins and also accepts bookings via WhatsApp and LINE. English-speaking staff make it easy for international visitors. Check out their gallery of recent work to see examples of haircuts, color transformations, and nail designs. To get directions or book an appointment, visit the contact page.
Beyond the salon, Mae Rim also has several traditional Thai massage shops scattered along the main road. A one-hour Thai massage typically costs ฿200 to ฿300 — significantly cheaper than the ฿300 to ฿500 you would pay inside Chiang Mai city. Oil massage, foot massage, and herbal compress treatments are also widely available.
Where to Stay in Mae Rim
Mae Rim offers a range of accommodation options that suit every budget and travel style. For a luxury experience, the Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai is located in the Mae Rim valley and is consistently ranked among the best hotels in Southeast Asia. Boutique resorts and eco-lodges along Route 1096 provide mid-range options with stunning mountain views, typically priced at ฿1,500 to ฿4,000 per night.
Budget travelers will find clean guesthouses and homestays in Mae Rim town starting from ฿400 to ฿800 per night. Several Airbnb properties in the area offer private bungalows surrounded by rice paddies and gardens. Staying in Mae Rim rather than the city center means quieter nights, fresher air, and easy morning access to all the nature attractions before the day-trippers arrive.
How to Get to Mae Rim from Chiang Mai
Getting to Mae Rim from Chiang Mai is straightforward and affordable. Here are the most common options:
- Grab taxi — The most convenient option. A Grab ride from Chiang Mai Old City to Mae Rim Plaza costs approximately ฿200 to ฿300 and takes 20 to 30 minutes. Book through the Grab app.
- Songthaew (shared red truck) — The cheapest option. Red songthaews heading north depart from Chang Phueak Gate and cost around ฿30 to ฿50 per person. Tell the driver "Mae Rim" and they will drop you along the main road. The ride takes 30 to 45 minutes depending on stops.
- Rental scooter or motorbike — Renting a scooter in Chiang Mai costs ฿150 to ฿300 per day. The ride north on Route 107 is scenic and straightforward — just follow the highway signs to Mae Rim. An international driving permit is technically required.
- Rental car — Available from ฿800 per day at Chiang Mai Airport or through agencies in the city. A car gives you the most flexibility to explore the winding 1096 road and reach remote attractions like Mon Cham.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Mae Rim from Chiang Mai?
Mae Rim is approximately 20 kilometers north of Chiang Mai city center. By car or Grab, the drive takes 20 to 30 minutes via Route 107. By songthaew, expect 30 to 45 minutes. It is close enough for a comfortable day trip yet far enough to feel like a different world from the busy city streets.
Is Mae Rim worth visiting?
Absolutely. Mae Rim offers a more authentic, less touristy side of the Chiang Mai area. You get stunning natural attractions like Mae Sa Waterfall and Mon Cham, excellent local food at low prices, beautiful mountain cafes, and quality services like professional beauty salons — all without the crowds and higher prices of the city center. Many expats consider Mae Rim the best-kept secret in northern Thailand.
What is the best time to visit Mae Rim?
The cool season from November to February is the most pleasant time to visit Mae Rim, with temperatures ranging from 15 to 28 degrees Celsius and minimal rainfall. This is peak season for Mon Cham viewpoint and outdoor activities. The hot season (March to May) can be warm but the waterfalls are still enjoyable. The rainy season (June to October) brings lush green landscapes and fewer tourists, though some mountain roads may be slippery.
Are there beauty salons in Mae Rim?
Yes. The most well-known beauty salon in Mae Rim is Wawa Hair Salon & Nails Spa, located at Mae Rim Plaza. They offer professional haircuts from ฿200, nail art from ฿200, spa treatments from ฿350, and hair coloring from ฿1,000. The salon is popular with both locals and international visitors and has English-speaking staff. Contact Wawa Salon here.
Can I do Mae Rim as a day trip from Chiang Mai?
Yes, Mae Rim is a perfect day trip from Chiang Mai. A typical itinerary might include Mae Sa Waterfall in the morning, lunch at a local restaurant, a coffee stop on Route 1096, Mon Cham viewpoint in the afternoon, and a relaxing salon visit or massage before heading back to the city. You can comfortably see the highlights in six to eight hours.
Mae Rim is one of the most rewarding things to do near Chiang Mai — a place where waterfalls, temples, incredible food, and genuine Thai hospitality come together just 20 minutes from the city. While you are in Mae Rim, stop by Wawa Hair Salon & Nails Spa at Mae Rim Plaza for a professional haircut, nail art session, or spa treatment at prices that will surprise you. With haircuts from ฿200 and spa services from ฿350, it is the perfect way to recharge after a day of exploring. View the full service menu or get in touch to book your visit.