Mae Hia is the sub-district between the airport and the foothills of Doi Suthep-Pui, south-west of the city. It has the hilltop temple of Wat Phra That Doi Kham, the gardens of Royal Park Rajapruek, Chiang Mai Night Safari, rice fields with mountain-view cafes and a morning market, all within a few kilometres, and almost none of the Old City traffic.
Who should stay here
Stay in Mae Hia if you are travelling with children, arriving late or leaving early, or on a second visit when you have already done the Old City. Skip it if you want to walk out of your hotel into bars and walking streets; for that, stay inside the moat or in Nimman.
Pros and cons
- Pros: 15 minutes to the airport, three of Chiang Mai's biggest family sights within 10 minutes, mountain views, quiet nights, lower prices than Nimman.
- Cons: you need Grab or a car for the Old City (25 minutes), fewer restaurants after 21:00, no nightlife.
What is here
- Wat Phra That Doi Kham: the hilltop temple with the 17-metre Buddha and a view straight down the runway. Free, 06:00 to 18:00.
- Royal Park Rajapruek: 80 hectares of royal gardens from the 2006 exposition; the winter flower show runs December to February.
- Chiang Mai Night Safari: tram rides through open enclosures after dark; the best evening activity for children.
- Mae Hia rice fields and cafes: green from July, gold in November, with cafes facing the mountain.
- Mae Hia community market: a real morning market, 06:00 to 09:00, for khao soi and sticky rice before the sights open.
- Liang Dong ritual ground: the ritual ground for the Pu Sae Ya Sae spirit ceremony, held once a year in the ninth northern month, around June.
- Chiang Mai International Exhibition and Convention Centre: hosts fairs and the winter horticultural events, with the Night Safari and Rajapruek next door.
Every place above is on the map of Mae Hia.
Getting there and around
Grab from the airport is 100 to 150 THB and 15 minutes. From the Old City allow 25 minutes and 150 to 200 THB. Inside Mae Hia the sights are 5 to 10 minutes apart; a scooter or a car is useful, and most hotels can call a driver for the day for about 1,500 THB.
Where to stay
Mae Hia has resort-style hotels on the Rajapruek road, serviced apartments near the Convention Centre and guesthouses in the villages behind the rice fields. Expect 800 to 1,500 THB for a clean guesthouse, 1,500 to 3,500 THB for a pool resort. Book December to February early; the flower show fills the area.
Compare with other areas
Nimman is 20 minutes north with cafes and malls at twice the price. The Old City is 25 minutes east and better for a first visit without children. Hang Dong, directly south, is similar to Mae Hia but further from the airport. See all areas.
Guides for a Mae Hia stay
- Things to do near Chiang Mai airport
- One day in Chiang Mai
- Chiang Mai with kids
- Doi Suthep, the full guide
- Doi Inthanon, the full guide
- The best things to do in Chiang Mai
- Choosing an ethical elephant sanctuary
FAQ
Where is Mae Hia in Chiang Mai?
South-west of the city, between the airport and the mountains, about 25 minutes from the Old City.
Is Mae Hia a good place to stay?
Yes for families, slow travellers and anyone with an early flight. No if you want nightlife on foot.
What is there to do in Mae Hia?
Doi Kham temple, Royal Park Rajapruek, the Night Safari, rice-field cafes and the morning market, all within 10 minutes of each other.
How far is Mae Hia from Chiang Mai airport?
About 15 minutes by car, which is closer than most of Nimman.
Do I need a car in Mae Hia?
A scooter, a hired driver or Grab is enough. Grab cars arrive within a few minutes most of the day.
