We list only seven grounds in Chiang Rai so far, but they cover the province's familiar images: the Phu Chi Fa ridge where people wait for the morning mist, the tea terraces of Doi Mae Salong, Doi Chang–Wawi on the Mae Suai side, and creekside camps near town.
Fees are low: about ฿30 per person at the Phu Chi Fa and Doi Mae Salong grounds, ฿100–150 per person per night at private camps. Facilities are basic — every ground has toilets, just over half have showers, and fewer than a third have electricity.
Counted across the 7 campsites shown on this page, ordered by how many list each one.
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Phu Chi Fa is on the province's far eastern edge: the ground sits on the ridge, so you wake and walk straight up to the viewpoint. Doi Mae Salong in the north is a ground among tea terraces, and Doi Chang–Wawi in Mae Suai is coffee country, with a hilltop ground that charges nothing to pitch. For flat land and water, Wiang Pa Pao has a camp with a stream through the middle, and near Chiang Rai town there are creekside grounds where children can paddle.
November to February is mist season at Phu Chi Fa — very cold on the ridge, and busiest around New Year. Doi Mae Salong's wild cherry blossom comes around late December to January. The rains turn the hills green and thin the crowds, though cloud can hide the view all day. The hot season is thick with haze and is not the time for viewpoints.
Bring your own tent and gear — only one of the seven grounds rents equipment — plus lighting and a power bank for the sites without electricity. Most hilltop grounds have no restaurant, so shop in the district town before climbing. Phu Chi Fa and Doi Mae Salong are on opposite sides of the province, hours apart: take them one at a time.
About ฿30 per person at the Phu Chi Fa and Doi Mae Salong grounds; ฿100–150 per person per night at private camps.
Yes — there is a ground on the ridge. Pack enough warm layers, and walk up to the viewpoint before dawn.
Rarely — only one ground in our list rents gear. Bring your own tent.
