River trips and hill tribes
Mae Wang is a district of Chiang Mai province, as well as a river, valley and national park, but there isn’t actually a town or village of that name. The most important town (well, large village) and commercial centre for the Mae Wang valley is Ban Kat, often mistakenly identified as Mae Wang village.
Ban Kat itself is a good spot to stop at if you’re on your way up the Mae Wang Valley and it’s even worth the minor detour if you’re travelling on Route 108 between Chiang Mai and Chom Thong/Inthanon. The small market is lively and interesting and you may glimpse some Karen or Hmong women from nearby villages in their traditional clothes. There’s a good coffee shop and plenty of simple restaurants.
The district of Mae Wang lies south of the provincial capital, with Sanpatong to the east, Doi Lo and Chom Thong to the south and Hang Dong to the north. It includes the picturesque Mae Wang Valley – a big favourite of both rafting backpackers and picnicking Thais -- and the spectacular scenery of the eponymously named national park in the foothills of Doi Inthanon.
Bamboo rafting, tubing and kayaking are all popular on the Wang River while the surrounding hills, home to traditional Hmong and Karen villages, hold excellent trekking possibilities. Ban Kat, at the foot of the valley, is just 30 kilometres from Chiang Mai so the valley, national park and unusual Ganesh Museum make for a convenient day trip from the big city. However there are a couple of fine spots to stay overnight if you want to experience the tranquillity of this scenic area once the daytrippers have all gone home. Bear in mind that on fine weekends and Thai holidays Mae Wang can ... Travelfish members only (Full text is around 500 words.)
Please sign in to read the rest of this page. The full text is around 500 words.
Log in nowChoose from a free two-day pass right through to a lifetime membership.
Find out more36 other destinations in Northern Thailand
Caves and mountains
Clouds amid the karsts
Busy trekking centre
Quite a view
Thailand’s northern capital
Famous for the Kok River trip
Plenty to see and do
Least Thai town in Thailand
Gateway to an impressive waterfall
Well worth the side trip
An ancient fortress
An ancient Thai capital
Spectacular mountain scenery
Ancient satellite of Sukhothai
Ancient salt mines and mountain views
Remote border region
Bucolic mountain outpost
Bustling on the Burma border
Scenic stopover
Elephants and horse carts
Launching point for Doi Phuka
Thailand’s highest peak
The history runs deep
Undisturbed forest
Tranquil temple town
Odd name, great scenery
A sleepy historic centre
A popular border town
Take a load off by the river
Steeped in history
P’lok will do just fine
The Golden Triange
Sunflowers and a waterfall
Infamous border town
A low-key river town
Cool off in Hot