After spending the first half of our Chiang Mai trip in the city, we decided to slow things down and head into the mountains. For two nights, we stayed at Onsen @ Moncham, a Japanese-inspired luxury hotel located in Mae Raem, Mae Rim District, about an hour from Chiang Mai city.
This stay was not budget-friendly by any means, but it turned out to be the highlight of our entire trip. From service to food to thoughtful details, it stood out as one of the best luxury stays we've experienced—not just in Thailand, but overall.
The Journey to Mae Rim
We started early after breakfast at Novotel Chiang Mai and drove toward Mae Rim. The drive itself felt like a transition—from city energy to misty mountains and greenery. On the way, we made a short stop at Rroon Café for a light lunch. The café is tucked away in the hills and offers beautiful views. Food options are limited, but the setting makes it worth stopping, especially for photos and a quiet break.
By the time we reached Onsen @ Moncham, it had started drizzling. The light rain made the property look even more beautiful and added to the calm, mountain atmosphere.
First Impressions & Room Experience
The property is inspired by old Japanese architecture, and everything—from the pathways to the interiors—reflects that aesthetic. The staff welcomed us warmly and personally showed us to our room.
We stayed in the Grand Terrace Suite with Outdoor Onsen, which was the best decision we made on this trip. The room was spacious, extremely comfortable, and very kid-friendly. The private terrace opened to uninterrupted mountain views, and the outdoor onsen overlooked the hills—perfect for slow mornings and quiet evenings.
The welcome snacks were traditional Japanese sweets, beautifully packed in a bento-style box wrapped with furoshiki cloth. Small details like these made the stay feel thoughtful and intentional.
We had also requested a small birthday decoration for our one-year-old, and the team went above and beyond to make it special. Nothing felt rushed or generic.
Even the bathroom experience felt luxurious—yes, including the warm toilet seat, which made us joke that we were living our royal Japanese life in the middle of Chiang Mai's mountains.
Onsen Experience: The Highlight
The hotel has separate public onsens for men and women, along with a private couple onsen, which we opted for in the evening. It was cold and drizzling that day, and soaking in hot mineral water while mist rose around us felt unreal.
The private onsen experience was calm, intimate, and deeply relaxing. With the dark sky, gentle rain, fog from the hot springs, and absolute silence around us, it felt like time slowed down completely. This was slow travel at its best.
Dinner at the In-House Restaurant
After the onsen, hunger kicked in—as expected. We had dinner at the hotel's restaurant and ordered a fairly long list, including:
- Garden salad with ginger sesame dressing
- Oyako don
- Saba teriyaki
- Chicken and bacon spaghetti
- Braised lamb shank
- Tenzaru soba
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Every dish was thoughtfully prepared and tasted excellent. It was one of those meals where you don't rush, don't check your phone, and just enjoy the food and the moment.
We ended the day with full hearts, full stomachs, and one of the best night's sleep of the trip.
Breakfast & Attention to Detail
Breakfast at Onsen @ Moncham deserves its own mention. Instead of a buffet, everything is ordered fresh from a set menu. We had fish congee, grilled mackerel set, muesli, and taiyaki (Japanese fish-shaped pancake).
The congee was surprisingly elegant for such a simple dish—it became my personal favorite. Even the fruit plates were beautifully cut and arranged. The attention to detail here is consistent and intentional, and it shows in every experience.
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Why Onsen @ Moncham Is Worth It
This stay wasn't about sightseeing or ticking places off a list. It was about slowing down, resting, and enjoying the space. The property itself felt like a destination.
From private onsens and mountain views to thoughtful service and exceptional food, Onsen @ Moncham is ideal for couples, families with young kids, and anyone looking for a luxury escape away from the city.
If you're planning a Chiang Mai trip and want to experience the quieter, more refined side of Northern Thailand, spending a couple of nights in Mae Rim—especially here—is absolutely worth it.
Read our full 6-day Chiang Mai itinerary to see how we planned the trip.
FAQs – Onsen @ Moncham
Is Onsen @ Moncham suitable for families with kids?
Yes. The rooms are spacious, staff are accommodating, and the overall environment is calm and safe for families traveling with young children.