Rating: 3/5 (6 votes)

Open Days: Daily (access and services depend on individual operators and weather conditions)

Opening Hours: Vary by area and service provider (recommended to check in advance before traveling)

 

Doi Mon Jam is a mountain destination located along the ridge near the Hmong village of Nong Hoi in Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai Province. The journey from Chiang Mai city takes around 40 minutes, making it a popular choice for travelers looking for a “close but truly mountainous” escape. In the past, this area was known locally as “Kiew Suea” and was once dense forest before being cleared for farming during an earlier period of highland settlement. Eventually, the Royal Project Nong Hoi acquired the land and integrated it into a structured highland development program.

 

Once incorporated into the Royal Project framework, land use gradually shifted from farming practices that placed heavy pressure on forests to the cultivation of suitable highland crops and alternative agriculture. In the late 2000s, the Mon Jam area was further developed into a nature-based tourist destination, featuring camping-style accommodations and resort facilities. Its official launch in November 2009 marked a major turning point, bringing Mon Jam into wider public awareness.

 

Mon Jam is known for its cool climate throughout the year and frequent morning mist, especially between October and February, which is considered the best season to visit. From the ridge viewpoints, visitors can enjoy sweeping panoramas of layered mountain ranges stretching to the horizon. On the opposite side, the landscape reveals cultivated plots and cold-climate crops of the Royal Project, making a visit here more than just scenic sightseeing—it also offers a glimpse into the everyday agricultural life of highland communities.

 

On the eastern peak lies “Mon Long Viewpoint,” a cliff-edge lookout ideal for viewing sea-of-mist scenes and gaining a broad perspective of the Royal Project Nong Hoi area. Some sections of the access road are unpaved dirt tracks rather than asphalt or concrete, and after rainfall the route can become slippery and uneven. Visitors are advised to use vehicles appropriate for the conditions and drive with caution. On the southern slope of Mon Jam, the terrain opens toward views of the Nong Hoi Hmong village and surrounding development center, with fields dedicated to cold-climate vegetables and seasonal agricultural research.

 

Restaurants are available on Mon Jam, typically featuring dishes prepared with locally grown ingredients and Royal Project produce. Operating hours generally run from 09:00–19:00 during the rainy season and extend to around 09:00–21:00 during the main tourism season. Accommodation options include camping-style stays and resorts across various price ranges, suitable for travelers wishing to stay overnight to experience early-morning mist as well as those seeking a closer connection to mountain life.

 

Getting There From Chiang Mai city, travel toward Mae Rim District, then continue along Highway 1096 (Mae Rim–Samoeng Road). At Ban Pong Yaeng, turn toward the Royal Project Nong Hoi and follow the route up to Mon Jam. Most of the road is paved, allowing access by private cars and vans. Travelers who prefer not to drive can hire local songthaews (shared pickup taxis) from Chiang Mai city or take a taxi from the airport or downtown area.

 

To ensure a respectful and pleasant visit, travelers are encouraged to keep noise to a minimum in the early morning, dispose of waste properly, avoid entering cultivated plots or private land, and ask permission before photographing local residents or their homes. Mon Jam is not only a viewpoint but also a living and working landscape for highland communities.

 

 

A: October to February generally offers cooler weather and the best chance of seeing morning mist, but checking the weather forecast before traveling is recommended.

 

A: Yes, the main access road is paved and suitable for small cars and vans, though drivers should be cautious on curves and during rainy or foggy conditions.

 

A: Some sections are unpaved and conditions vary by season, so visitors should assess road conditions on arrival and choose a vehicle appropriate for the terrain.

 

A: Respect local communities by keeping noise down, not littering, avoiding cultivated areas, and asking permission before photographing residents or private homes.

 

A: Contact the Royal Project Nong Hoi Development Center or the Royal Project Public Relations Office using the phone numbers listed in the summary table.