R1192 from Doi Inthanon to Mae Chaem offers fine views west, but be very careful of oncoming traffic on this narrow, twisting road! Narrow country lanes along the valley link pretty villages to the market at Mae Chaem town. Less affected by development than the main valley of the river Ping, the area offers some of the most picturesque rural scenes near Chiang Mai. The town offers only basic accommodation; the best is near Hot.

Huai Sai Luang & Mae Pan Falls

6km N 3km

The relatively inconvenient access mean these waterfalls are less visited. The Mae Pan Falls beyond Huai Sai Luang and the forest station (take the track that climbs) are more spectacular and there are several natural pools ideal for swimming. The area gets late afternoon sun and is pleasant for walking and camping.

Mae Chaem

The town is relatively unspoiled by development and the ways of the people are still traditional. Roads into the area have only recently been sealed. As a result the narrow valley has been isolated from mainstream development.

Mae Chaem is famous for its weaving, particularly of the sin tin chok which is a weaving technique for the decorative piece at the hem of women's tube-skirts.


Several small shops selling local woven cloths may be found on the road from the market to Doi Inthanon. Weaving villages are found at Ban Thong Fai (cross the river from the market and turn left after the bridge 1 km) and near Wat Yang Luang.

Tours out of the town in virtually any direction are interesting. Dirt roads lead to picturesque villages and terraced rice fields. In the hills to the west there are many Karen villages, but Hmong villages are also common, especially in the high ranges north of Doi Inthanon.

Rural Temples near Mae Chaem

Several old rural temples are located near Mae Chaem. The old viharn of Wat Pa Daet (R1088. West turn at sharp left hand bend 1 km south of junction with R1192) contains some 19th century murals, which are well preserved in parts. The viharn dates back to 1877. Wat Yang Luang is down a lane just to the north of the short track down to Wat Pa Daet. Across the river from Mae Chaem market to the north, Wat Putta En has a rare wooden ubosot set on posts in a lotus pond. The temple dates back to 1868. Further along the same (unsealed) lane Wat Kong Kan (just over 7km from Mae Chaem) contains a large, old seated Buddha image. The dirt road that runs beyond Wat Kong Kan promises an interesting tour into remote countryside.

Mae Chaem to Hot

(68km south turn 2km from Mae Chaem)

R1088 eventually climbs to a plateau passing Karen vill ages which depend on vegetables grown on the upland plateau. The sharp descent into the valley again offers some fine views south.

Thepanom Hot Spr1ngs

(km9 approx. 39km from Mae Chaem)

A small geyser spouts hot water, but the site is not inspiring. Keys to the huts for mineral baths are available at the building uphill to the left of

Ob Luang National Park

(H108km174km east of junction of R1080 & H108)

The Mae Chem river thunders though a very narrow gorge. Footbridges across the river at the Krairaj Resort and high across the gorge 500m. downstream make a circular walk possible. A walk up from the downstream bridge passes an ancient burial site ('Land of Prehistoric Human'), the remains of which are in the National Museum in Chiang Mai.

Ancient drawings on rock beneath an overhang higher up are of questionable authenticity, but a fine view over the valley can be enjoyed from the rock outcrop above at Doi Pa Chang.

Rafting on the Mae Chem River

Mae Sot Conservation Tour (175/18 Ratchadamnoen Rd. C.M. 50000 Tel: 814424, 814505 Fax: 814505) runs one and two-day (inclusive from Chiang Mai) rafting tR1ps and tours in the Mae Chaem Vall ey. Participants spend about three hours per day in rubber rafts.

Where to Stay around Mae Chem and Hot

(Tour Routeg: Mae Chaem Tourists must enjoy the same facilities as the local people. The Mae Chaem Hotel is the only hotel in town. Local restaurants may be found in the market area and close early. Nong Dream food garden on the main street is one of less than half a dozen places open at night in this quiet place

Lai Hin Restaurant & Guest House 249 Mu 4, Tambon Tha Pha, Mae Chaem 25 km from Mae Chaem R1088 400 metres south of junction with R1192 Restaurant hrs 0900-2400 Functional concrete huts with clean rooms. The best rooms near Mae Chaem Tel: 828258.

Khao Krairaj Resort (H108 km 17 Hot-Mae SaR1ang Rd ) Refurbished plank wood rooms in lovely location by Ob Luang National Park. Tel: 01-2243818.

Hot Resort 479 Mu 1, Hot C.M.50000 H108 km4 Restaurant hrs 08:3002200 A-frame huts in relaxing riverside location. Tel: 46077O, 01-9501700 10.

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