Mae Kampong village is one of those unique places in Thailand that aims to preserve the essence of the northern rural lifestyle as it once was. This village, now transformed into an eco-tourism destination without international chains or hotels, is located in a beautiful and relatively accessible area.
Most people visit it while staying in Chiang Mai, but if you’d like to go there from Thailand’s capital, here’s how to get from Bangkok to Mae Kampong in a straightforward way.
With over 700 kilometers separating Bangkok and Mae Kampong, traveling by air is the most convenient option, although it’s not the only one and may not be the most scenic either. Regardless of your choice, you will need to go through Chiang Mai to reach this charming village.
The fastest way to travel from Bangkok to Mae Kampong is to first fly to Chiang Mai from Bangkok. Remember that Bangkok has two airports: the main one, Suvarnabhumi (BKK)(map) and Don Mueang (DMK)(map), which is primarily used by low-cost airlines. Getting to either airport costs about the same from the main areas of the city.
For a smooth transfer from Bangkok to Mae Kampong, we recommend that your flight to Chiang Mai lands between 7 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., as this timing aligns with the availability of minibus services to the mountain village. Pre-booking your minibus is highly recommended, and you can easily do so on 12GoAsia.
To reach Talad Warorot from Chiang Mai airport, the best option is to take a taxi using apps like Bolt or InDrive, costing around 150 baht and taking roughly 15 minutes. The minibus from Talad Warorot to Mae Kampong takes less than two hours.
While the quickest journey from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is by plane, we always recommend taking the train for the most enjoyable experience, even though it takes longer. You can also use this option when traveling to Mae Kampong.
Reaching Chiang Mai by train takes around 12 hours, which is why we suggest booking a second-class sleeper berth, usually priced at about 25 euros. This way, you can save on a night’s accommodation while traveling in a more eco-friendly manner. Train tickets can also be purchased on 12GoAsia.
To reach Mae Kampong from Bangkok via the train to Chiang Mai, opt for the 8 p.m. departure, which will have you arriving in the northern city at 8 a.m. From there, head to Talad Warorot, where the minibuses to Mae Kampong depart. Although it’s about a 30-minute walk from the train station, taking a taxi is a more convenient option. Remember to book your train tickets in advance.
The most budget-friendly way to travel is by road, and while it’s a couple of hours faster than the train, it lacks the comfort of a sleeping berth. If you plan to get from Bangkok to Mae Kampong by bus, you’ll need to leave the capital at night to connect easily in Chiang Mai.
Book a bus trip from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, and for a more comfortable journey, consider paying a little extra for a VIP bus, with prices ranging from 15 to 20 euros. We recommend traveling at night, around 9 p.m., to ensure you can make your connection to Mae Kampong in the morning. Book your bus tickets on 12GoAsia.
If you depart Bangkok at 9 p.m., you’ll arrive in Chiang Mai around 7 a.m., giving you plenty of time to reach Talad Warorot and catch the minibus to Mae Kampong, which takes less than two hours. The walk from the bus station is a little over 30 minutes, but you can also take a taxi, which is faster.
Now that you know how to get from Bangkok to Mae Kampong, consider staying for a night or even two in this mountain village. Some locals offer homestay accommodations, giving you the opportunity to fully experience life in a northern Thai village.
