One Day in Mon Jam: Cafés, Viewpoints & Hidden Gems
Less than an hour north of Chiang Mai, Mon Jam (Mon Chom) is one of northern Thailand's most scenic mountain escapes. Known for its panoramic viewpoints, cool weather, luscious gardens, and cafés overlooking rolling hills, it's the perfect place to slow down and spend a day outside the city and get a few spectacular Insta pics.
Whether you're renting a scooter, driving yourself, or hiring a private driver, here's how I'd spend one perfect day exploring Mon Jam (in no particular order).
Driving from Chiang Mai
Mon Jam is roughly a 45-60 minute ride from the old city. I’d recommend departing around 8:00 am-9:00 am to bypass crowds. There are several ways to reach Mon Jam, depending on your budget and comfort level:
Rent a Scooter or Motorbike
Renting a scooter is one of the most affordable and flexible ways to visit Mon Jam, especially if you enjoy exploring at your own pace. The route is relatively easy for most of the drive, but the final stretch up the mountain is steep, with several long inclines and sharp curves.
One thing many visitors don't realize is that not all scooters have enough power to comfortably make the climb—especially if you're riding with a passenger. If possible, rent at least a 125 cc scooter, as smaller 110 cc models can struggle on the steepest sections and may require you to slow down significantly. If you're traveling with two people, opting for a more powerful bike will make the ride much safer and more enjoyable.
Only choose this option if you're confident riding on mountain roads. Wear a helmet, take the corners slowly, and avoid riding in heavy rain, as the roads can become slippery.
I’ve heard great reviews about Mango Scooter Rental where you can get a 125 cc scooter for as little as 250 baht/per day.
Hire a Private Driver (my recommendation)
If you'd rather sit back and enjoy the views, hiring a private driver is the most comfortable choice. You'll have the freedom to stop at viewpoints, cafés, and other attractions around Mae Rim without worrying about navigating the mountain roads. This is a great option if you're traveling with family or a group.
Spacious vans seating around 10 pax comfortably runs about 2500 baht per day (8 AM-5 PM).
Take a Grab (an option, but I don’t recommend)
Grab can be a convenient way to get to Mon Jam, although availability for the return trip may be limited since there are fewer drivers in the area. If you plan to use Grab, it's a good idea to arrange your ride back in advance or be prepared to hire a local taxi.
One way, a Grab bike or car can run 500-800 baht, easily.
Songthaew (Shared Red Truck)
For a more local and budget-friendly experience, consider taking a songthaew — the iconic red shared trucks you'll see throughout Chiang Mai. You can usually flag one down on the street (it's often easiest to find one that's parked or waiting for passengers) and negotiate a fare directly with the driver.
If you're heading all the way to Mon Jam, it's a good idea to have your destination ready in Thai or on Google Maps, as not all drivers may be familiar with the exact location. Before agreeing on a price, check the Grab app to get a general idea of what a private ride would cost. This gives you a helpful benchmark when negotiating and helps ensure you're paying a fair fare.
Keep in mind that while songthaews are often the most affordable option, they're also the least predictable. Depending on the driver and route, you may need to transfer vehicles or wait for additional passengers before departing. If you have a flexible schedule and don't mind a bit of spontaneity, it's a fun way to experience local transportation.
Personally, I hitched a ride with the sweetest Egyptian guy I met on a travel app via motorbike. To each their own.
Coffee at WTF Camp
Before heading farther up the mountain, make your first stop at WTF Camp, one of Mon Jam's most unique cafés. Tucked into the hillside, it's the perfect place to ease into the day with a drink and enjoy the cooler mountain air before the area gets busier.
Whether you're a coffee lover or not, there's something for everyone here. The menu features specialty coffee, ceremonial-style matcha, fresh fruit smoothies, and other refreshing drinks and dishes, making it a great stop no matter your preference.
One of the things that makes WTF Camp stand out is its natural setting. A small waterfall runs through the property, adding to the peaceful atmosphere and creating plenty of scenic spots to sit and relax (even lay down and take a nap!). Wander along the paths, take in the mountain views, and enjoy the sound of the water before continuing your adventure. I could honestly stay here for easily half of the day.
Be prepared to pay a 100 baht entry fee (includes a 50 baht coupon that can be applied to your drink). Hours 9:00 am-6:00 pm M-F, 7:00 am-6:00 pm on Sat / Sun.
Head to the Alpaca Sheep Farm
There are multiple alpaca / sheep farms in the area but I like this one the best (the name is Alpaca Sheep Farm). It’s a pretty big property with an amazing view, beautiful flowers, a cafe and plenty of photo ops (including a swing). You can also pay extra to feed the alpacas and sheep, but be ready for them to get verrrrry excited and possibly corral and jump on you.
While doing some research for this blog post, I saw they added an enormous slide you can go down via tube so you might also see me back here.
Admission cost is around 200 baht/pp. Hours 8:00 am-5:30 pm Mon-Sun.
Wander Through Jin Ju Orange Farm
Jin Ju Orange Farm is a picturesque hillside orchard that's become one of the most popular stops in the Mon Jam area. With rows of bright orange trees set against sweeping mountain views, it's easy to see why visitors love spending an hour or two here.
The farm is designed for leisurely strolls, with scenic walking paths winding through the orchard and plenty of beautifully curated photo spots along the way. During orange season (fall - winter), you'll find the trees heavy with fruit, making it an especially beautiful time to visit. Even outside of peak harvest, the mountain scenery and peaceful atmosphere make it a worthwhile stop.
Before you leave, don't miss the café, where you can cool off with freshly squeezed orange juice, orange-inspired desserts, or a light snack while overlooking the orchard.
Admission is 80 baht/pp. Hours 8:00 am-5:30 pm Mon-Sun.
Take in the Views at Plai Fa Strawberry Farm
No trip to Mon Jam is complete without a stop at Plai Fa Strawberry Farm. Again, there are strawberry fields galore but I really enjoyed this one. Perched on the mountainside, this charming farm is known for its sweeping valley views, colorful flower gardens, and rows of strawberry plants stretching across the hillside. I truly felt like I was at the top of the world.
While many visitors come hoping to pick their own strawberries, availability depends on the season and the farm's current harvest. During the cooler months (typically from late November through February) you'll have the best chance of seeing ripe berries. If strawberry picking isn't available during your visit, the farm is still well worth the stop for its scenery alone.
As you wander through the grounds, you'll find several scenic viewpoints, whimsical photo spots, and plenty of places to take in the mountain landscape. One of the highlights is the bamboo skywalk and viewing platforms including a giant hand overlooking the rolling hills, making it one of the most photogenic stops in the Mon Jam area.
There’s (of course) a cafe on site. So if it’s a bit chilly all the way up there, a nice hot tea is available!
To note: The farm sits on a steep hillside, and the final walk up can be a bit challenging. If you'd rather skip the climb, local motorcycle taxis are usually available at the bottom of the hill for a small fee, making it easy to get to the entrance.
Admission is around 40 baht/pp. Hours 7:00 am-6:00 pm Mon-Sun.
Eat Farm-to-Table at Nong Hoi Royal Project Restaurant
If you're looking for a meal that's as fresh as it gets, make a stop at Nong Hoi Royal Project Restaurant. Located within the Nong Hoi Royal Project Development Center, this casual hillside restaurant serves traditional Thai dishes made with organic vegetables, herbs, and produce grown just steps away from the kitchen.
Beyond the delicious food, dining here supports an important mission. The Royal Project was established to provide sustainable livelihoods for Thailand's hill tribe communities by encouraging alternative agriculture, improving education, and creating opportunities for local farmers. Many of the ingredients served at the restaurant are sourced directly from these community farms, allowing visitors to enjoy fresh, seasonal dishes while supporting the people who grow them.
The menu is simple, affordable, and full of local favorites, with generous portions and beautiful mountain views. Don't miss the fresh mixed salad, made with seasonal Royal Project produce harvested from the surrounding gardens.
$. Hours 8:00 am-5:00 pm Mon-Sun.
Explore Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden
If you have a little extra time before heading back to Chiang Mai, make a stop at Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden. Spanning more than 500 acres in the Mae Rim mountains, it's one of Thailand's largest botanical gardens and a peaceful place to slow down after a morning of sightseeing.
One of the biggest highlights is the Canopy Walk, an elevated walkway suspended above the treetops that offers beautiful views of the surrounding forest. The garden is also home to impressive glasshouses filled with orchids, cacti, tropical plants, and other rare species, along with scenic walking trails and a small waterfall.
The garden is much larger than it looks, so plan to spend at least 2–3 hours if you want to explore more than just the Canopy Walk. If you're short on time, head straight for the glasshouses and canopy walkway—they're the highlights of the park.
Admission is 150 baht/pp. Hours 8:30 am-4:30 pm Mon-Sun.
Add Some Adventure at Pongyang Jungle Coaster
If you're looking for a break from cafés and viewpoints, Pong Yang Jungle Coaster & Zipline is one of the most exciting attractions in the Mon Jam area. The gravity-powered coaster winds through the jungle, letting you control your own speed as you twist and turn down the mountainside.
Beyond the coaster, the adventure park offers ziplining, giant swings, and several other activities for visitors looking to add a little adrenaline to their day. There's also an on-site café where you can relax and enjoy the mountain scenery if you'd rather watch than ride.
Weekends and holidays can get busy, so visiting on a weekday, or earlier in the day, usually means shorter wait times and a more relaxed experience. Also, note the weight limits!
There are different packages available but each activity runs about 200 baht/pp. Hours 8:30 am-5:00 pm Mon-Sun.
Relax and Unwind at R Roon Café
If you're looking for one of the most picturesque cafés in the Mon Jam area, R Roon Café is well worth a stop. Surrounded by colorful flower gardens and panoramic mountain views, it's the kind of place where you'll want to slow down, grab a drink, and soak in the scenery.
The café serves a variety of coffee, tea, smoothies, and light bites, but the real highlight is the dreamy atmosphere. Wander through the flower fields, find one of the many photo spots overlooking the valley, or simply relax on the terrace with a view of the surrounding mountains. If you're visiting during the cooler months, the blooming flowers make the landscape even more spectacular.
Admission is 50 baht/pp. Hours 7:00 am-6:00 pm Mon-Sun.
Enjoy a meal at River Rock Café
For a meal with a view, make a stop at River Rock Café, one of the most scenic restaurants in the Mon Jam area. Perched on the mountainside, the café offers panoramic views of the surrounding valleys, making it the perfect place to relax and recharge during your day of exploring.
The menu features a mix of Thai favorites, Western dishes, coffee, fresh fruit smoothies, and refreshing drinks, so there's something for everyone. Whether you're stopping for a full meal or just a coffee and dessert, the peaceful setting is reason enough to visit.
One of the highlights of River Rock Café is its spacious outdoor seating, where you can enjoy the cool mountain breeze while taking in the rolling hills above a flowing river. It's an ideal spot to slow down, enjoy the scenery, and appreciate everything that makes Mon Jam such a special escape from Chiang Mai.
To note: Everyone has to walk across a hanging bridge to access the Cafe so it may not be accessible for everyone.
$. Hours 9:00 am-6:00 pm Mon-Sun.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're planning a full day of exploring or simply looking for a peaceful escape from Chiang Mai, Mon Jam is one of those places that invites you to slow down. Between the mountain views, cozy cafés, local farms, and scenic attractions, it's easy to spend an entire day here without feeling rushed.
If your ideal day is a little more low-key, grab your laptop and settle into one of the many cafés overlooking the hills. With a good cup of coffee, cooler mountain air, and panoramic views, Mon Jam is one of my favorite places to spend a few hours working remotely or simply enjoying the scenery.
Not ready to leave? Consider extending your stay. The area is home to beautiful boutique hotels, charming cabins, and luxury glamping accommodations, many of which offer private terraces, outdoor bathtubs, and breathtaking sunrise views over the mountains. Waking up above the clouds is an experience that's well worth adding to your northern Thailand itinerary.
No matter how you choose to experience it, Mon Jam offers a different side of Chiang Mai — one that's even quieter, slower, and deeply connected to nature. It's the perfect reminder that some of the best travel experiences happen when you venture just beyond the city.
