Suppose you want to get out from the hustle and bustle and get closer to nature or explore a bit as a change from city life in Chiang Mai. To begin with, below are five ideas for short trips from Chiang Mai that are usually just around two hours drives from Chiang Mai and that are suitable for staying over the night. Click on the blue coloured links in the list for more details about each place.

Links to five short trips from Chiang Mai

• Mae Kampong, Chiang Mais Takayama.
• Mae Klang Luang, The Ubud of Thailand.
• Rabaeng Tree House Resort in Mae Taeng.
• Chiang Dao – The City of Stars
• Obkhan National Park

---

Mae Kampong, embedded in greenery on steep and narrow mountain roads. This little village introduces itself as a fairytale. Then working hard on preservation and filled with nice cafes and Bed and Breakfasts. Extremely popular among the Thai crowd during the colder months of the year, an Instagram – hotspot.

Mae Klang Luang

Once covered in mountain forests and more recent history, the slopes have been turned into rice fields by the hill tribes. Not exactly Ubud or Longji, but still scenic. Mae Klang Luang is easily accessible from Chiang Mai by car; it is on the way when you drive to the top of Thailands highest mountain Doi Inthanon. Stay at a local homestay, relax your eyes on the rice paddies and do some local hiking.

The Rabaeng Treehouse

Also, explore the Rabaeng Treehouse, located by a small stream surrounded by teak forests, not far from cast stone caves, red dunes, the sticky waterfall and the Mae Ngat dam. Plenty of things to explore; the colourful Wat Ban Den temple is also nearby and well worth a visit. But if you want to relax, you can very much enjoy this place by itself—absolutely unique accommodation in Northern Thailand.

Chiang Dao

With a few cosy resorts, excellent panoramic views of the Doi Luang Mountain, hiking opportunities and caves to explore, Chiang Dao is a perfect getaway for a night or a good starting point for a scenic drive over the foothills of Himalaya to Chiang Rai.

Ob Khan National Park

Lastly, head towards Mae Wang or Doi Inthanon. Here you find a relaxed small canyon with a small river beach and cool freshwater. There is an accessible entrance, and then also some hiking chances, as well as the possibility to camp for a night.

There are other recommendations for short trips from Chiang Mai if you scroll through the archives of the blog.