Chom Thong Travel Guide

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.

Costs
Affordable with nature options
US$25-50/day for guesthouses, markets and park fees.
Safety
Generally safe, tourist-oriented
Low crime; standard caution on mountain roads and at night.
Best Time
Cool dry season November-February
Clear weather ideal for Doi Inthanon and hiking.
Local Time
6:46 AM
GMT+7
Weather
Overcast 76°F
Overcast
Population
12,488
Infrastructure & Convenience
Roads to Doi Inthanon, parking, visitor centres; limited English in villages.
Popularity
Attracts hikers, birdwatchers and visitors to Doi Inthanon National Park.
Known For
Doi Inthanon National Park, Thailand's highest peak, waterfalls, hill-tribe villages, coffee farms, trekking, mountain temples, cool mountain climate
Doi Inthanon, Thailand's highest mountain, is located within Chom Thong district.

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

All Attractions ›

Chom Thong Bucket List

Don't Miss
  • 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.
Hidden Gems
  • 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.
Day Trips
  • 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.

Hot Season
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.
Rainy Season
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.
Cool Season
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.

Best Time to Visit Chom Thong #

Climate

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.

Best Time to Visit
FebruaryJanuaryDecember
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
42°
Warmest Month
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

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.

95 Ideal

Comfort

22°
Feels Like Mild
22°C
Temperature
14° 29°
65%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

3 mm
Rainfall
0.7 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.4
UV Index
High
11.0h daylight

February

February is warm with highs of 33°C and lows of 16°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.

97 Ideal

Comfort

24°
Feels Like Warm
24°C
Temperature
16° 33°
54%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

8 mm
Rainfall
0.8 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.7
UV Index
Very High
11.4h daylight

March

March is warm, feeling like 28°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.

85 Excellent

Comfort

28°
Feels Like Warm
28°C
Temperature
19° 36°
49%
Humidity
Comfortable

Weather

19 mm
Rainfall
1.0 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.9
UV Index
Very High
11.9h daylight

April

April is the hottest month, feeling like 31°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm).

77 Very Good

Comfort

31°
Feels Like Hot
30°C
Temperature
23° 37°
53%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

62 mm
Rainfall
1.2 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.1
UV Index
Extreme
12.4h daylight

May

May is hot, feeling like 33°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (145 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

61 Good

Comfort

33°
Feels Like Hot
29°C
Temperature
24° 34°
73%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

145 mm
Rainfall
1.2 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.1
UV Index
Extreme
12.9h daylight

June

June is hot, feeling like 32°C due to high humidity. Regular rainfall (100 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

61 Good

Comfort

32°
Feels Like Hot
28°C
Temperature
24° 32°
79%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

100 mm
Rainfall
1.1 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.9
UV Index
Very High
13.1h daylight

July

July is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (108 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

61 Good

Comfort

31°
Feels Like Hot
27°C
Temperature
23° 31°
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

108 mm
Rainfall
1.1 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.9
UV Index
Very High
13.0h daylight

August

August is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (157 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

57 Acceptable

Comfort

31°
Feels Like Hot
27°C
Temperature
23° 31°
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

157 mm
Rainfall
1.1 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.8
UV Index
Very High
12.6h daylight

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.

57 Acceptable

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
23° 31°
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

173 mm
Rainfall
0.7 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.8
UV Index
Very High
12.1h daylight

October

October is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 22°C. Significant rainfall (117 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

63 Good

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
22° 31°
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

117 mm
Rainfall
0.7 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.6
UV Index
Very High
11.6h daylight

November

November is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 19°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm).

87 Excellent

Comfort

24°
Feels Like Warm
24°C
Temperature
19° 30°
80%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

45 mm
Rainfall
0.8 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.5
UV Index
Very High
11.2h daylight

December

December is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 15°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.

95 Ideal

Comfort

22°
Feels Like Mild
22°C
Temperature
15° 28°
73%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

10 mm
Rainfall
0.7 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.4
UV Index
High
10.9h daylight

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.

By Air

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.

By Train & Bus

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 #

Chom Thong town (Chiang Mai province) is compact and easy to walk around the central area. Local transport includes songthaews, motorbike taxis and local buses that connect to Chiang Mai city and nearby attractions; short rides usually cost several dozen baht. If you plan to visit Doi Inthanon or surrounding temples, hire a car or join an organised tour for convenience and flexibility.

Where to Stay in Chom Thong #

Budget
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Mid-Range
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Luxury
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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.

Thai
Chicken
Diner
Grill
Local
Pizza
Soy Milk
Coffee Shop
Fried Chicken
Italian Pizza

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.

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.

Nearby Cities #