Chiang Mai's countryside escape to the north — resorts, mountain views, the Mae Sa valley and the Prem international-school belt, 25–40 minutes from the city.
Mae Rim is the green, resort-flavoured countryside north of Chiang Mai, where rice fields and foothills rise toward the Mae Sa valley and Doi Suthep-Pui National Park. It is a favourite for families and lifestyle buyers who want mountain air, space and privacy over urban convenience.
The district is home to Prem Tinsulanonda International School and a cluster of resorts, elephant sanctuaries, botanic gardens and weekend attractions along the Mae Sa road. Housing leans toward villas, country houses and boutique moo-baans set among gardens and views rather than condos.
It is the most rural of Chiang Mai's main residential areas — you will drive everywhere and the city centre is 25–40 minutes away — but for those prioritising nature, cooler air and a true escape from traffic, Mae Rim is unmatched in the province.
Families & boarding-school parentsNature & mountain loversVilla & country-house rentersPrivacy seekers
Indicative long-term monthly rents in Mae Rim, by unit size. Ranges reflect the spread from older or smaller stock to new, high-spec properties — short-term and high-season rates run higher. Verify current asking prices on individual listings.
| Unit | Monthly rent (THB) |
|---|---|
| 1-bedroom | ฿7,000 – ฿14,000 |
| 2-bed house | ฿13,000 – ฿26,000 |
| 3-bed villa | ฿20,000 – ฿45,000 |
| Luxury pool villa | ฿40,000 – ฿110,000 |
Mae Rim is a landed-home and villa market, not a condo one. Buyers seek country houses and pool villas with mountain or valley views; rental demand is thinner and more seasonal than in town, led by school families and lifestyle long-stayers, so location and quality matter for letting.
Route 107 (to city) · Mae Sa valley road (1096) · Private car (essential) · Grab (limited / book ahead) · Chiang Mai Airport (~30 min)
Mae Rim is rural and entirely car-dependent — there is no transit and ride-hailing is patchy this far out. Route 107 connects to the city in about 25–40 minutes depending on where you live and traffic at the Mae Rim junction; the airport is roughly 30 minutes.
Pin locations are approximate. Tap any coloured pin to draw walking & driving directions from "this residence"; use the controls to see what’s within a 15–30 min walk or drive.
Mae Sa Waterfall · Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden · Doi Suthep-Pui National Park · Mon Cham viewpoint & Mae Sa valley
Mae Sa resorts & spas · Elephant sanctuaries · Tweechol Botanic Garden · Country cafes & farms
Valley-view restaurants · Farm cafes · Local Mae Rim markets · Resort dining
Prem Tinsulanonda Int'l (boarding) · Nakornpayap International · Christian German School Chiang Mai
Mae Rim Hospital (public) · Bangkok Hospital Chiang Mai (~30 min) · Chiang Mai Ram Hospital
Mae Rim is Chiang Mai's countryside escape to the north — mountain views, the Mae Sa valley, waterfalls, botanic gardens, resorts and elephant sanctuaries, plus Prem Tinsulanonda International School. It is popular with families and nature lovers.
Indicative long-term rents run roughly THB 7,000–14,000 for a one-bedroom, THB 20,000–45,000 for a three-bedroom villa and THB 40,000–110,000 for a luxury pool villa with views.
It suits people who prioritise nature, cooler air, space and privacy over urban convenience, and families with children at Prem or other northern schools. It is rural and car-dependent, with the city centre 25–40 minutes away.
About 25–40 minutes by car via Route 107, depending on where in the district you are and traffic at the Mae Rim junction. The airport is roughly 30 minutes.
Yes. There is no public transport and ride-hailing is limited this far from the city, so a car is essential for school runs, shopping and getting into town.
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Compare it with other areas, browse homes, and run the numbers before you commit.
Indicative information and pricing, not legal, tax, immigration or financial advice. Rents vary by season, building and condition — confirm current details on individual listings or with licensed professionals.