Chom Thong City
City in Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chom Thong provides a mountain gateway to Doi Inthanon, temple visits, hill-tribe markets and waterfalls; motorists stop for roasted chicken and roadside coffee before climbing into cooler air.
Why Visit Chom Thong?#
South of Chiang Mai, Chom Thong is a draw for temple pilgrims and nature lovers. Historic sites like Wat Phra That Chom Thong and nearby Doi Inthanon National Park provide spiritual and mountain scenery, while hill-tribe markets offer woven textiles and seasonal produce. Short drives reveal waterfalls, hot springs and community-run homestays that make for an accessible rural escape from the city.
Best Things to Do in Chom Thong#
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Chom Thong Bucket List#
Wat Phra That Chom Thong - Important hilltop stupa with panoramic views and annual pilgrimage ceremonies.
Doi Inthanon National Park - Thailand’s highest peak with waterfalls, trails, and Hmong villages nearby.
Mae Klang Luang Village - Hmong community village offering coffee farms, local handicrafts, and guided walks.
Royal Project farms - Royal Project agricultural demonstration farms growing temperate fruits and vegetables.
Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail - Kew Mae Pan Trail for shaded forest walks and viewpoints atop Doi Inthanon.
Wachirathan and nearby waterfalls - Series of waterfalls within the park offering easy access and photo opportunities.
Chiang Mai city - Short drive to Chiang Mai for temples, Night Bazaar, and museums.
Doi Inthanon hill-tribe and waterfalls - Visit hill-tribe markets, waterfalls, and coffee farms scattered around Doi Inthanon.
Best Time to Visit Chom Thong#
Chom Thong benefits from northern Thailand’s cool season November-February, when mornings are crisp and skies clear. Hot pre-monsoon months get intense, while the monsoon drenches the hills June-October.
March - May
28-38°C (82-100°F)
Scorching plains and hot hillsides; best to hike early, visit highland temples before midday, and expect smoky air at times.
June - October
22-30°C (72-86°F)
Cloudbursts and slippery trails; waterfalls are spectacular and terraced fields glow, but road travel slows and some viewpoints fog in.
November - February
10-28°C (50-82°F)
Crisp mornings, chilly nights and clear views; excellent for hiking, temples and festivals-pack layers for early starts and higher elevations.
Chom Thong's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with hot summers (peaking in April) and warm winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 14°C to 37°C. Moderate rainfall (947 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 14°C. The driest month with just 3 mm and mostly sunny skies.
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February
February is warm with highs of 33°C and lows of 16°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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March
March is warm, feeling like 28°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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April
April is the hottest month, feeling like 31°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm).
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May
May is hot, feeling like 33°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (145 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is hot, feeling like 32°C due to high humidity. Regular rainfall (100 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (108 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (157 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 23°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (173 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 22°C. Significant rainfall (117 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 19°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm).
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December
December is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 15°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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How to Get to Chom Thong#
Chom Thong (Chiang Mai province) is conveniently reached via Chiang Mai city - either by flying into CNX or taking an overnight train from Bangkok. Local buses, songthaews and taxis cover the last mile to the district.
Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX): Chom Thong district in Chiang Mai province is best reached from Chiang Mai airport. Drive time from CNX to Chom Thong town is about 45-70 minutes depending on traffic; taxis typically cost 400-800 THB. CNX has regular domestic connections and some international flights.
Bangkok airports (BKK/DMK): If arriving from overseas you can fly into Bangkok then take a domestic flight to Chiang Mai and continue by road. Driving directly from Bangkok by road takes substantially longer (8-10 hours) and is less common for tourists.
Train: The State Railway of Thailand runs overnight and daytime services to Chiang Mai station; from there take a taxi or local bus to Chom Thong (roughly 45-70 minutes). Trains are a comfortable budget option for northern travel.
Bus / Minivan: Buses and minivans from Chiang Mai city to Chom Thong and nearby attractions run frequently; travel time is about 45-70 minutes and fares typically range 50-150 THB. Local songthaews and taxis handle short local trips.
How to Get Around Chom Thong#
Most visitors combine a flight or overnight train to Chiang Mai with a taxi or bus for the final leg to Chom Thong. For local exploration a rental car or motorbike works well, while public minivans keep costs down.
- Train to Chiang Mai + taxi (Train 200-1,200 THB; taxi 300-800 THB) - Overnight and daytime trains arrive at Chiang Mai station; after arrival, taxis or a booked transfer take you to Chom Thong. Trains offer sleepers for longer routes and are comfortable for overnight travel from Bangkok.
- Domestic flight to CNX + taxi (Flight 1,000-4,000 THB; taxi 400-800 THB) - Flights to Chiang Mai are frequent from Bangkok and other Thai cities. From Chiang Mai airport a direct taxi or airport transfer will get you to Chom Thong in under 90 minutes; useful if you prioritize time over cost.
- Bus / minivan (50-150 THB) - Local buses and minivans from Chiang Mai city are a cost‑effective way to reach Chom Thong and nearby temples. Minivans are frequent but can be cramped; buses are roomier and better for luggage.
- Motorbike taxi / songthaew (20-150 THB) - For short journeys within Chom Thong, motorbike taxis and songthaews are common. They are cheap and flexible but negotiate fares ahead of time and wear a helmet on motorbikes.
- Rental car (≈800-1,800 THB/day) - A rental car gives freedom to visit waterfalls, temples and rural areas around Chom Thong. Roads are generally good but expect narrow rural sections; an international driving permit is advisable for foreign drivers.
- Walking - Chom Thong’s town center and many temple sites are walkable; however, distances between attractions can be significant and hilly in places. Wear comfortable shoes and carry water.
Where to Stay in Chom Thong#
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Where to Eat in Chom Thong#
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Chom Thong’s restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Shopping in Chom Thong#
Shopping is local and practical: markets, small shops and stalls sell food, souvenirs and daily necessities. For larger markets or a wider shopping scene, travel up to Chiang Mai city.
Nightlife in Chom Thong#
Nightlife in Chom Thong is low-key. You’ll find modest bars and eateries, plus occasional temple fairs or local events with music, but no major nightlife venues.
