Rating: 3.4/5 (9 votes)

Open Days: Generally daily (recommended to check the latest announcements before visiting, as hours may change depending on site management)

Opening Hours: Generally daytime – late afternoon (some sources note around 08:30 – 16:30; please confirm before you go)

 

Mai Muang Nao Arboretum in Bo Sali Subdistrict, Hot District, Chiang Mai, is a nature stop that suits people who appreciate a “high-quality stopover.” Simply park and take a slow walk, and you’ll be in a cool, calm highland forest atmosphere where pines and oak-like evergreen species blend together. It feels more naturally wild than a staged photo attraction. The real strength of this arboretum is its purpose: it was established to collect and enrich local plant species and high-altitude trees that thrive in cooler conditions, supporting conservation and botanical learning. That makes it ideal both for travelers who want a mental reset from the city and for anyone who enjoys observing the “face of the forest” in detail—without needing long hikes or heavy trekking.

 

The Mai Muang Nao Arboretum was established in 1994 (B.E. 2537) with a clear mission: to cultivate plant species suitable for higher elevations and to gather rare, beautiful local flora as a base for learning and research. The site was therefore selected in forest areas near Mae Sanam Village and Ban Mai Thung Son within Bo Sali Subdistrict, where the existing forest conditions were strong and suitable for developing an arboretum. Official information notes the area at approximately 375 rai, which helps the landscape remain more “forest” than “landscaped garden.” That is exactly why visiting here often feels like stepping into a real natural scene rather than a destination built around activities.

 

In simple terms, the terrain is a series of hills and valleys on granite bedrock. That creates a natural rhythm of open patches and denser, shaded areas under taller trees. The dominant forest types are oak-dominated stands mixed with dry dipterocarp species, along with pine-associated dry forests. In some lower-lying valley sections, you may also find mixed deciduous forest with bamboo, plus pockets of lower montane evergreen forest scattered in places. This “patchwork” diversity is what makes slow walking rewarding here: you can start noticing why certain trees grow in clusters and why the mood changes so much from one corner to another, even within the same site.

 

Seasonality is another reason the arboretum is worth more than a one-time visit. Winter is the most comfortable season for walking: the air is cooler and drier, so it feels easier to explore and photos often look crisp without much editing. In the rainy season, the forest becomes greener and feels most alive, but you should expect slippery ground, wet leaves, and more insects. In the hot season, it’s best to visit in the morning or later afternoon, because sunlight along Highway 108 can be intense on some days, and long midday walks may feel less pleasant than they should.

 

The appeal here isn’t about “one signature highlight you must check in at.” It’s a nature-learning space where you control the pace. Some visitors stop for 20–40 minutes to breathe, enjoy the air, take a few pine-forest photos, and continue onward. Others who love forests and details may stay 1–2 hours, walking slowly to notice leaf shapes, bark textures, and the way light filters through the canopy. Families can enjoy it too, though it’s wise to keep small children close—especially during the rainy season when paths may be more slippery than usual.

 

Getting There The Mai Muang Nao Arboretum sits along Highway 108 in the Hot District area of Chiang Mai. Location references place it around kilometer marker 50–51 (some sources describe it as 51–52). The simplest approach is to use navigation and follow Highway 108 south from Chiang Mai via Hang Dong – San Pa Tong – Chom Thong to Hot, then continue along the scenic mountain curves that follow parts of the Mae Chaem river corridor. Drive with extra care in the rainy season due to fog and slick surfaces. Overall, a private car is the most convenient option because it allows a smooth multi-stop day trip along the same route—for example, visiting the arboretum and then continuing to Ob Luang or the Bo Kaeo pine area in a single day.

 

If you want a day that feels “complete but not exhausting,” a great strategy is to use Mai Muang Nao Arboretum as a place to rest your eyes and reset your mood, then continue to a bigger highlight nearby. Ob Luang National Park offers dramatic cliffs and views over the Mae Chaem River, while Bo Kaeo Pine Garden has a distinctive atmosphere with neat rows of pines. Pairing them works well because you get both the quiet “forest feeling” and the stronger scenic “wow” moments, without needing long detours—and it suits travelers who don’t want a full day of heavy trekking.

 

 

A: Winter through early cool season is the most comfortable for walking. If you love lush greenery, the rainy season can be beautiful too—just be careful on slippery paths.

 

A: A short stop of 20–40 minutes is enough for the atmosphere and photos. If you want a slower nature walk and plant observation, plan for 1–2 hours.

 

A: Highway 108 is generally straightforward, but the Hot District zone has curves and slopes. Drive carefully, especially in the rainy season when fog or slick roads may occur.

 

A: No officially verified fee information was found in available agency details. If any policies change, follow the on-site notice.

 

A: Popular next stops include Ob Luang National Park, Bo Kaeo Pine Garden, and Doi Bo Luang (FIO). They are in the same Highway 108 zone and work well for an easy, unrushed day trip.