Mae Tha

Mae Tha (แม่ทา) is a mountainous district in eastern Lamphun Province, named after the Mae Tha River that flows through the area. Established as a minor district in 1939 and upgraded to a full district in 1958, it covers 763 km² of forested hills along the western flank of the Khun Tan Range. The district seat is Tha Sop Sao.

Mae Tha is one of Lamphun's least-visited districts, offering a glimpse of rural northern Thai life amid mountain scenery. The Khun Tan Range runs north–south through the district, creating a landscape of forested ridges, narrow valleys, and swift streams. Agriculture — mainly rice, longan, and corn — dominates the valleys. The climate follows the typical northern Thai pattern: cool (Nov–Feb), hot (Mar–May), and rainy (Jun–Oct). The cool season is the most pleasant time to explore the area.

The district is divided into six sub-districts (tambons) with a total population of around 40,000. The main settlement is a loose cluster of villages rather than a concentrated town centre.

By Plane

Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX), about 60 km northwest, is the nearest airport. A taxi to Mae Tha costs 600–900 baht and takes about 1 hour.

By Train

Lamphun Railway Station on the Northern Line is the closest rail access, about 30 km west. From Lamphun, local songthaews travel east into Mae Tha district.

By Car / Road

Mae Tha is accessible via rural roads that branch east from Highway 106. From Lamphun town, take Highway 106 south a short distance then turn east onto local roads towards Tha Sop Sao (about 30 km, 40 min). A car is the most practical way to reach Mae Tha, as public transport is infrequent. Songthaews connect the larger sub-district centres with Lamphun town.

A private vehicle is strongly recommended for Mae Tha. The district's villages are spread across winding mountain roads, and public songthaews run only a few times daily between the larger settlements. Motorcycle taxis are available in Tha Sop Sao but are limited.

• Khun Tan Range viewpoints — The mountain range that forms Mae Tha's backbone offers several scenic viewpoints over forested valleys. The most accessible are along the road between Tha Sop Sao and Tha Kat.

• Mae Tha River — The namesake river runs through the district's central valley, lined with bamboo groves and rice terraces. It is especially scenic during the rainy season (Jun–Oct) when the water levels rise.

• Traditional hill-tribe villages — Scattered Karen and Hmong communities live in the higher elevations of the district. Their villages are accessible by rough roads; a local guide is recommended.

• Tha Kat hot springs — Natural hot springs near the village of Tha Kat, popular with locals for a soak. Basic facilities are available.

• Hill-trekking in the Khun Tan Range — The forested slopes offer moderate trekking opportunities, with trails connecting villages and mountain viewpoints.

• Longan orchard visits — Mae Tha's valleys are planted with longan trees. During July–August, farmers welcome visitors for fruit tasting.

• Mountain biking — The quiet, hilly roads are suitable for mountain biking, though the terrain is challenging in sections.

• Birdwatching — The Khun Tan Range forests host a variety of bird species, including hornbills, laughingthrushes, and leafbirds.

Mae Tha's dining options are simple village restaurants and noodle shops.

• Tha Sop Sao market restaurants — A handful of shops near the district office serve khao soi, kuaytiao (noodle soup), and rice dishes for 35–50 baht.

• Grilled meat stalls — Evening stalls in the larger villages sell moo ping (grilled pork skewers) and sai oua (northern Thai sausage), often with sticky rice.

• Local coffee — Highland villages in the eastern part of the district grow small amounts of Arabica coffee; look for locally roasted beans at village shops.

Tap water is not safe to drink. Bring bottled water from Lamphun or Chiang Mai.

Accommodation in Mae Tha is very basic. A few homestays operate in the larger villages, typically 300–500 baht per night. Most visitors with private transport choose to stay in Lamphun or Chiang Mai and explore Mae Tha as a day trip.

• Homestay in Tha Sop Sao — Simple rooms with shared bathroom, no English spoken. Contact through the district office.

Shopping options are very limited in Mae Tha. The small morning markets in Tha Sop Sao and Tha Kat sell basic groceries, snacks, and seasonal fruit (especially longan in July–August). For handicrafts or souvenirs, visit Lamphun or Chiang Mai.

• Lamphun (30 km west, 40 min by car) — Ancient Hariphunchai capital with Wat Phra That Hariphunchai, Wat Kukut, and the Hariphunchai National Museum.

• Ban Hong (25 km south, 40 min) — Rural district with old Lanna temples, Wat Phra Chao Ton Luang, and the monumental Wat Phra Bat Huai Tom.

• Li (50 km south, 1 hr) — Southernmost district of Lamphun, gateway to Mae Ping National Park and Ko Luang Waterfall.

• Lampang (45 km east, 1 hr via mountain roads) — Charming city on the Wang River, famous for horse-drawn carriages and Wat Phra That Lampang Luang.

• Chiang Mai (60 km northwest, 1 hr 15 min) — Northern Thailand's cultural capital, with Doi Suthep, the Old City moat, and vibrant night markets.