Chom Thong
,Chom Thong is a district located in the province of Chiang Mai in northern Thailand. It is known for its picturesque landscape, surrounded by lush green mountains and fertile agricultural land. The district is home to traditional Thai villages where visitors can experience the local way of life.
Chom Thong is also famous for its temples, including the impressive Wat Phra That Si Chom Thong, which houses a revered Buddha relic.
- "Sawasdee" - Hello
- "Khop khun" - Thank you
- "Chai" - Yes
- "Mai" - No
- "Tao rai?" - How much?
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $15 - $50
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $3 - $10
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $20 - $40
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $10 - $30
Day plans
Spend a day exploring around
Explore Nature's Wonders
morning
:Start your day by visiting Doi Inthanon National Park, where you can hike to the stunning waterfalls. Breathe in the fresh mountain air and enjoy the lush greenery around you.
afternoon
:Have a picnic lunch in the park while taking in the serene views. Explore the trails further and discover the unique flora and fauna native to the area.
evening
:Return to Chom Thong and enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. Relax and recount your day's adventures while soaking in the local atmosphere.
Culture and Tradition
morning
:Visit Wat Phra That Si Chom Thong, an iconic temple that showcases traditional Thai architecture. Spend time admiring the intricate details and peaceful surroundings.
afternoon
:Take part in a local cooking class to learn how to prepare authentic Thai dishes. Enjoy your culinary creations as lunch and share them with fellow travelers.
evening
:Wander through the night market to shop for souvenirs and local crafts. Enjoy street food delicacies as you soak in the vibrant evening atmosphere.
Highlights
Good
- Scenic beauty with lush mountains and nature surrounding the area.
- Rich cultural heritage with local temples and traditions.
- Less touristy compared to other regions, offering a more authentic experience.
- Access to local markets and street food, showcasing traditional Thai cuisine.
- Friendly and welcoming local community.
Bad
- Limited access to modern amenities and infrastructure.
- Fewer entertainment and nightlife options compared to larger cities.
- Transportation might be challenging with fewer public transport options.
- Language barrier may exist as English is not widely spoken.
- Potential for extreme weather conditions in certain seasons.
Outdoor Activities
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Trekking in Doi Inthanon National Park
Explore the diverse flora and fauna while trekking through the lush trails of Thailand's highest peak. Enjoy stunning views and the cool mountain air.
Visiting Mae Ya Waterfall
Experience the beauty of Mae Ya Waterfall, one of the tallest and most beautiful waterfalls in Thailand, ideal for photography and relaxation in nature.
Bird Watching
Chom Thong and the surrounding areas are known for rich biodiversity, making it a great place for bird watchers to spot various species in their natural habitat.
Cycling around the Countryside
Rent a bicycle and explore the scenic countryside, passing through local villages, rice paddies, and enjoying the serene landscapes of Chom Thong.
Visit Local Markets
Explore the local markets for fresh produce, traditional crafts, and authentic Thai street food. It's a great way to experience local culture.
Adventures
Uncover the best of Chom Thong with these unforgettable adventures.
Attractions
Visit one of these nice places.
Doi Inthanon National Park
The highest peak in Thailand offers stunning views over the forest and cloud layers, as well as beautiful waterfalls and diverse flora and fauna.
Wat Phra That Si Chom Thong
A beautiful temple with intricate architecture and a serene atmosphere, providing excellent photo opportunities of traditional Thai culture and design.
Mae Ngat Somboon Chon Dam
A picturesque reservoir surrounded by mountains, perfect for photography at sunrise or sunset, as well as activities like kayaking.
Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail
Offers breathtaking views of the valleys and peaks, and showcases seasonal flowers and unique landscapes, ideal for nature photography.
Ban Khao Soi
A charming local village with traditional stilt houses and scenic rice fields, presenting unique cultural photography opportunities.
Cuisine
Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Khao Soi
A must-try dish in Chom Thong, Khao Soi is a coconut curry noodle soup topped with crispy noodles and often served with chicken or beef. Visit local eateries such as Khao Soi Lamduan for an authentic taste.
Must-Try!
Gaeng Hang Lay
This aromatic and mildly spiced pork curry is a local favorite. It's typically prepared with a blend of Burmese and northern Thai flavors. For a delicious serving, head to restaurants like Baan Suan Restaurant.
Nam Prik Num
A spicy green chili dip served with an array of fresh vegetables, Nam Prik Num is a popular snack in Chom Thong. You can find it at street food stalls and local markets.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Chom Thong better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Chom Thong Market
This bustling market is a treasure trove of local culinary delights. From aromatic curries to fresh tropical fruits, Chom Thong Market offers an immersive street food experience.
Wualai Walking Street
Every Saturday evening, this vibrant walking street comes alive with food vendors selling an array of local dishes, snacks, and desserts. It's a great place to sample a variety of street foods.
Weather
How To Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Respect for the Monarchy
In Thailand, the monarchy is highly revered. It is important to speak respectfully about the royal family and to stand for the national anthem, which is played in public places, including malls and cinemas.
Buddhist Etiquette
As a predominantly Buddhist country, visitors should show respect when visiting temples. This includes dressing modestly, removing shoes before entering sacred areas, and refraining from loud behavior.
Greetings with a 'Wai'
The traditional Thai greeting is called a 'Wai', where palms are pressed together in a prayer-like gesture. It is polite to use this greeting, especially when meeting someone for the first time or when showing respect to elders.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Chom Thong with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping & Payment
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping
In Chom Thong, Thailand, tipping is not a common practice, but it is becoming more accepted, especially in tourist areas. Local customs suggest rounding up the bill or leaving small change as a gesture of appreciation for good service. In more upscale restaurants, a tip of around 10% may be more standard, although it is still not mandatory.
Payment
Payment practices in Chom Thong typically include cash as the primary method, especially in local markets and smaller establishments. However, credit and debit cards are accepted in larger restaurants and hotels. Mobile payment apps are gaining popularity, particularly among the younger population and in tourist areas. It is advisable for visitors to carry sufficient cash, as ATMs may be limited in some regions.
Best Activities
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Chom Thong.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Cool season (November - February)
This is the best time to visit Chom Thong. The weather is cooler and drier, with average temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C. Ideal for outdoor activities, trekking, and exploring the local attractions.
Hot season (March - May)
During this season, temperatures can soar up to 35°C or higher. It's a good time for early morning or late afternoon activities, but be prepared for the heat. Some tourists may find it less comfortable for extensive outdoor exploration.
Rainy season (June - October)
The rainy season brings heavy rainfall, especially in August and September. While the landscape becomes lush and vibrant, travel can be hindered by muddy roads and occasional flooding. It's a quieter time for tourism, but expect to encounter fewer crowds.
Nightlife
Hiking Spots Nearby
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Doi Inthanon National Park
Home to Thailand's highest peak, Doi Inthanon offers numerous trails with stunning views, waterfalls, and rich biodiversity.
Chom Thong Trail
A scenic trail that winds through the lush forests and mountains near Chom Thong, perfect for a day hike.
Huai Nam Dang National Park
Located slightly north of Chom Thong, this park provides various hiking routes with beautiful vistas and diverse wildlife.
Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail
A popular trail in Doi Inthanon National Park known for its breathtaking viewpoints and rich plant life, ideal for nature enthusiasts.
The Royal Project Hiking Trails
Explore agricultural and ecological projects while hiking through well-maintained trails with educational insights about sustainable practices.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Chom Thong through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports Nearby
How to reach Chom Thong by plane.
Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX)
The nearest major airport to Chom Thong, located approximately 60 kilometers away, serving both domestic and international flights.
Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)
Thailand's main international airport located about 700 kilometers from Chom Thong, serving numerous international destinations.
Don Mueang International Airport (DMK)
Another major airport in Bangkok, approximately 700 kilometers away, primarily handling low-cost domestic and international flights.
Mae Hong Son Airport (HGN)
A smaller airport located about 130 kilometers from Chom Thong, offers limited domestic flight services.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Thai
The predominant ethnic group in Chom Thong, representing the majority of the population.
Lao
A significant ethnic minority, particularly in the bordering regions with Laos.
Burmese
A smaller community mostly composed of migrant workers and refugees from Myanmar.
Chinese
A historic ethnic group in Thailand, involved primarily in trade and business.
Karen
An indigenous group living in the mountainous regions, known for their distinct culture and traditions.
The Soul of Chom Thong
Discover the essence of Chom Thong through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Muay Thai
A traditional form of kickboxing originating from Thailand, known for its emphasis on strikes using elbows, knees, shins, and fists.
Football (Soccer)
A widely popular sport in Thailand, played at both professional and local levels, often bringing communities together.
Volleyball
A team sport that enjoys popularity in schools and community events in Thailand, often played on beaches and courts.
Badminton
A popular racket sport in Thailand, with many players participating in local clubs and competitions.
Sepak Takraw
A traditional Southeast Asian sport similar to volleyball but played with a rattan ball and using feet, head, knees, and chest.
Basketball
Gaining popularity, especially among the youth, with many schools having teams and community tournaments being organized.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
While meat-based dishes are prevalent, many restaurants and cafes in Chom Thong offer vegetarian and vegan options. Look for dishes like Pad Thai, Som Tum (papaya salad), and Tofu Stir-Fry for plant-based choices.
Gluten-free Options
Gluten-free options may be available at some eateries, but it's advisable to communicate your dietary needs clearly to ensure a safe dining experience. Opt for rice-based dishes and inquire about ingredient details when dining out.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Chom Thong with these cultural adventures.
