Pa Bong Piang
Tucked into the mountains of Mae Chaem district, Pa Bong Piang is a scenic viewpoint and rice terrace landscape that draws comparisons to the terraced hillsides of Vietnam and the Philippines, yet carries a distinctly northern Thai character. Local farmers channel water from Mae Parn Waterfall down through stepped fields on the mountainside, creating a working agricultural landscape that is as visually striking as it is culturally rooted. The air is clean, the surroundings are peaceful, and the remoteness keeps the atmosphere unhurried and largely free from commercial tourism.
Visitors can expect a raw, nature-immersed experience rather than a polished attraction. The road to Pa Bong Piang is steep, narrow, winding, and moss-covered in places, with sections that deteriorate significantly after rain into rocky, sandy terrain. Fog is common due to high humidity, and the drive in from the west is particularly demanding. That said, travellers who arrive prepared consistently find the journey worthwhile.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Pa Bong Piang, round out your day in Chiang Mai with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
Must visit place. Farmers manage water from Mae Parn Waterfall to rice field on the mountain. Be careful on driving on small, curve, steep and wet road due to high humidity and lots of fog. Moss grows on the road during this green season.
If you like nature it is! No electricity but not lack of 4G internet ^_^ , very good air. Some part of the roads very narrow but it's worth.
Would've love to make it all the way to the property, but NO ONE barely mentions how the roads turns into a rocky, sandy mess... especially after rainy season. not the greatest for most vehicles, maybe for tall trucks, atvs, motorcycles and rentals (just not yours) but be careful and goodluck if you do!! Less than 10 km away, and had to turn around, even with multiple routes leading to the property.
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 132 reviews on Google.
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Pa Bong Piang: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pa Bong Piang worth visiting?
Pa Bong Piang holds a 4.6★ rating from 132 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated activities & tours in Chiang Mai.
What are the opening hours of Pa Bong Piang?
Pa Bong Piang is open 24 hours a day — see the full day-by-day schedule in the location info on this page. Hours can change on Thai public holidays, so check ahead for holiday visits.
When is the best time to visit Pa Bong Piang?
The best months to visit Chiang Mai are November – February, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in December – January & Songkran (April) — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: March – May (smoke & heat).
Where is Pa Bong Piang located?
Pa Bong Piang is at Unnamed Road Tambon Chang Khoeng, Amphoe Mae Chaem, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50270, Thailand, in Chiang Mai. Getting around Chiang Mai: Red songthaews (shared pick-up trucks); Grab (available in city centre).
Location Info
Unnamed Road Tambon Chang Khoeng, Amphoe Mae Chaem, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50270, ThailandVisitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: March – May (smoke & heat)
Rainy season
June – October
Avg. temperature
15°C – 36°C(59°F – 97°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – January & Songkran (April)
Getting there
Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) has direct flights from Bangkok (1 hr), Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur. Overnight sleeper trains from Bangkok take ~12 hrs.
Getting around
- •Red songthaews (shared pick-up trucks)
- •Grab (available in city centre)
- •Motorbike rental (฿150–250/day)
- •Tuk-tuks (negotiate price first)
Where to stay near Pa Bong Piang
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Tips for Visiting Activities & Tours
Vet Elephant Sanctuaries
Only visit sanctuaries that prohibit riding, use no chains or bullhooks, and let elephants roam freely. Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai set the standard. If a place offers painting shows or circus tricks, walk away.
Book Popular Activities Online
Booking platforms like GetYourGuide give you instant confirmation and, on many activities, free cancellation — and you can read recent reviews before committing. Compare with local agencies for multi-day trips where negotiation might save more.
Do Outdoor Activities in the Morning
Heat and humidity peak from noon to 3 PM. Schedule jungle treks, cycling tours, and outdoor cooking classes for early morning. Water activities are more flexible since you're in and out of the sea.
Nearby Places
Ban Rabiang Na Pa Bong Piang
Rice terrace retreat and scenic countryside escape in the remote Mae Chaem highlands of Chiang Mai.
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Lumphini Park
Bangkok's green lung, free to enter, and full of water monitor lizards the size of your leg.
Where to stay near Pa Bong Piang
Find hotels in Chiang Mai on the booking sites travellers trust most.
- Compare prices across sites
- Filter for free cancellation
- Secure checkout on the partner site
Compare rates on Booking.com
Largest selection
Compare rates on Expedia
Bundle & save
Compare rates on Hotels.com
Member prices
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Location Info
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: March – May (smoke & heat)
Rainy season
June – October
Avg. temperature
15°C – 36°C(59°F – 97°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – January & Songkran (April)
Getting there
Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) has direct flights from Bangkok (1 hr), Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur. Overnight sleeper trains from Bangkok take ~12 hrs.
Getting around
- •Red songthaews (shared pick-up trucks)
- •Grab (available in city centre)
- •Motorbike rental (฿150–250/day)
- •Tuk-tuks (negotiate price first)