Farm stays have gained in popularity in Asia, recently. There are more farmers opening their farms to more diverse streams of income, so now travelers can find a wider choice of farm stays for a vacation with a purpose. In Chiang Mai, there are at least ten farm stays that offer travelers a different kind of experience and a broad range of themes and activities, such as culinary, farming, bird watching, elephant trekking, and camping. Check out these one-of-a-kind options for where to stay in Chiang Mai before you plan another stay in hotels or hostels in Chang Mai.
1. Kowit Maechaem Farmhouse – terraced paddies (from USD 56)
Reasonable pricing for a rustic farm stay with included meals.
Basic bamboo-thatched huts, no wifi, cold showers, and serene natural surroundings.
Located in a remote valley with stunning paddy terrace views near Inthanon.
Delicious local dinner and breakfast included, made with fresh farm ingredients.
This farm offers private rooms for travelers who want to be away from civilization. The friendly host, Kowit, and his family are ready to serve you with generous helpings of the very traditional food. During the day, take as many pictures as possible and let the night’s starry sky send you to sleep.
KowitFarmstay
Address: 98 Moo 1 Ban Samsob, Tha Pha Sub-District chiang Mai
Accommodates: 4
Parking Pets allowed Garden Terrace Non-smoking rooms Airport shuttle Family rooms Free parking
2. The Doi Villa - elephants and the National Park
Mae Wang elephant camp is just a 5-minute drive from The Doi Villa. Doi Inthanon National Park is 60 km (37 miles) away, while Khun Wang Sai is 20 km (12 miles) away. Take an elephant ride or simply visit the National Parks during your staycation at the villa.
The Doi Villa
Address: 84 Moo 6 Mae Win, Mae Wang, Chiang Mai, Mae Wang 50360, Thailand (see map)
Contact: +66 876 564 775
3. Newtau Drum Home - Bamboo craft, Thai/Lanna culinary skills
The host is a Thai-German family with two kids, Woo and Aod. Here, they offer to teach you how to farm organically, including permaculture. You will learn how to build huts, make musical instruments using bamboo and other natural materials, and learn how to cook traditional Thai/Lanna cuisine. They are also available to teach you how to change skins on djembes and play the drums. This is a great option for where to stay in Chiang Mai.
Newtau Drum Home
Address: 116M 8T Mae Sap Samoeng Chiang Mai 50250
4. BMP Farmhouse – Elephant Care Project
BMP Farmhouse is a family run business and has over 20 years experience. They are located on a remote, pristine farm just outside Chiangmai, with beautiful natural surroundings. Travellers can assist in their Elephant Care Project. There are choices of half-day, one-day or two-day-one-night tours that include elephant care and elephant trekking.
BMP Farmhouse
Address: 174 M.3 Baan Chang, A.Maetaeng, Chiang Mai, Thailand (see map)
Contact: +08 1951 0398, 08 7557 2992, 08 1594 2235
5. Thung Dong Farm Stay
Thung Dong Farm is a working farm set amid the tranquil highlands of northern Thailand and is only an hour’s drive from Chiang Mai. Surrounded by national parks and jungle-clad mountains, it is located in a peaceful valley. Besides producing a variety of crops including coffee and orange, the farm also takes care of various types of animals. It is a best place to stay in Chiang Mai for relaxation, trekking or simply assisting in caring for the animals on the farm.
Thung Dong Farm
Address: 90 Moo 5 ,TCho Lae , A. Mae Taeng, Chiang Mai, 50150 Mae Taeng, Thailand
6. Chomthong Farmstay and Camping - camping and more (from USD 8)
Situated in Chom Thong in the Chiang Mai province region, 45 km (28 miles) from Samoeng, Chomthong Farmstay and Camping boasts a barbeque and sun terrace. Hang Dong is 39 km (24 miles) from Chomthong Farmstay and Camping, while Ban Pong is only 42 km (26 miles) away. Travellers can live in camps and join the nearby activities.
Chomthong Farmstay and Camping
Address: Pa Village, Doi Hua Sue, Moo 14, Ban Luang, Chom Thong, Chiang Mai
7. Hmong Hilltribe Lodge – local hilltribe culture
Every evening, performers from the nearby Hmong village of Mae Khi stage a cultural show for guests. The show incorporates a series of dances and performances that portray traditional Hmong lifestyle, including a wedding ceremony, a shamanic ritual and the custom of throwing ‘makong’ (the cotton ball) on Hmong New Year.
Hmong Hilltribe Lodge
Address: 111 Moo 4, Tambon Mae Raem, Amphur Mae Rim, Chiang Mai, Thailand
8. Khoom Kam Kaew Farm and Resort - mountain climbing and zip lining (from USD 12)
This farm resort offers activities for the adventurous, such as mountain climbing and zip lining - you can make arrangement after checking in. Alternatively, you may simply visit the elephant camps, hot springs and national parks. Motorbikes and bicycles are available for hire for those who want to explore the area.
Khoom Kam Kaew Farm and Resort
Address: Khoom Kam Kaew Farm & Resort, 203 Moo 1 Tambon Pa Nai, Phrao District, Chiang Mai
9. Yang Tone Farm Stay – bird watching, fireflies and fruit trees (from USD 25)
Reasonable pricing for basic accommodation in tranquil countryside setting.
Comfortable rooms, hot showers, and accommodating staff. No WiFi or television.
Tranquil environment with mountain views, great for hot springs and nature walks.
Simple but good breakfast, accommodating dietary requirements, real coffee would enhance the dining experience.
This place to stay in Chiang Mai offers a stunning view of the garden and surroundings. Fruit trees are all around for your plucking pleasure, be sure to get the host’s guidance! Bicycles are ready for you to go further into nature - remember to bring along your binoculars for bird watching. Watch the fireflies at night while enjoying the fruits picked during the day - is this the kind of vacation you dreamt of?
Yang Tone Farm Stay
Address: 208 Rong Wua Soi9, Moo12, Chiang Mai
Accommodates: 4
Parking Restaurant Garden Terrace Non-smoking rooms Free parking Cycling Designated smoking area
Where to stay in Chiang Mai
Farm stays in Chiang Mai can be both fun and educational and can give you that ‘off the beaten path’ experience certainly very unique from the usual hotels in Chang Mai. Each farm stay has its own characteristics - pick one that gives you the experience you prefer. If you fancy a stay in Chiang Mai or simply want to connect with the rural heritage, take a closer look into each of these ten farm stays before you decide.
Have fun!