Blog
Pieces written over the years about the country around the lodge — where to drive, what it costs to live here, what the weather really does — and what has changed here lately.
Mountains, caves and water
The hills, the cave, the hot springs and the reservoir — all of them an hour or less from the gate.
Doi Inthanon | Baanpong Lodge, San Kamphaeng
A day trip to Doi Inthanon from San Kamphaeng: 2–2.5 hours via Highway 108 and Route 1009, the waterfalls, Kew Mae Pan trail, twin pagodas and park fees.
Doi Suthep | Baanpong Lodge, San Kamphaeng
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep from San Kamphaeng: about 50 minutes via Routes 1006 and 1004, the 306-step Naga stair, what to wear, opening hours and entry fees.
Doi Ngom | Baanpong Lodge, San Kamphaeng
Doi Ngom in Mae Takhrai National Park: a steep 4–7 km loop with 400–500 m of climbing, 15–25 minutes from the lodge. Trailhead, best season and what to carry.
Doi Ton | Baanpong Lodge, San Kamphaeng
The Doi Ton reservoirs, 10–15 minutes from the lodge in San Kamphaeng’s Lake District: getting there, when to go, what to bring, and the lack of facilities.
Mon Jing Mountain | Baanpong Lodge, San Kamphaeng
The Mon Jing loop over Doi Nang Mo from Mae Pha Naen Reservoir: 4.9–8 km, 500–600 m of climbing, 20–40 minutes from the lodge, and what to bring.
Crazy Horse Buttress Rock Climbing | Baanpong Lodge, San Kamphaeng
Crazy Horse Buttress in Mae On: 150–200 sport routes from 5.6 to 5.13c, the approach road, when to go, what to bring and how to get a guide.
Jungle Treks and Hiking | Baanpong Lodge, San Kamphaeng
Walks from Baanpong Lodge: the Huai Lan Reservoir shoreline about 1 km away, shaded forest loops and the climb to Doi Ton at 882 m, with seasons and kit.
Huai Lan Reservoir | Baanpong Lodge, San Kamphaeng
Huai Lan Reservoir, 5–10 minutes from the lodge: shore walks, 5–11 km forest loops to Huay Pa Rai, fishing, camping, the dam at sunset, fees and facilities.
Muang On Cave | Baanpong Lodge, San Kamphaeng
Muang On Cave, 5–10 minutes’ drive from the lodge: 180-odd steps up a Naga staircase, a lit reclining Buddha inside, about 30 THB entry. Go early.
San Kamphaeng Hot Springs | Baanpong Lodge, San Kamphaeng
San Kamphaeng Hot Springs, 10–15 minutes from the lodge: geysers, boiling eggs in the spring, foot soaks, private baths, opening hours and entry fees.
Days out
Golf, the umbrella village, the markets, and what to do with a week in Chiang Mai.
Alpine Golf Course | Baanpong Lodge, San Kamphaeng
Alpine Golf Resort, a 27-hole Ron Garl course under 10 minutes from the lodge: how the A, B and C nines play, green fees, hours, and tips for an early round.
Chiangmai Highlands Golf Course | Baanpong Lodge, San Kamphaeng
Chiangmai Highlands, 15–20 minutes from the lodge: 27 Schmidt-Curley holes, fast TifEagle greens, compulsory carts and caddies, and when to book.
Bo Sang Handicraft Village (Umbrella Village)
Bo Sang umbrella village, 10–15 minutes from the lodge: watching saa-paper parasols made at the Umbrella Making Centre, opening hours, free entry and timing.
Shopping in Chiang Mai
Tailors, the Night Bazaar, Warorot Market, the Sunday Walking Street and the San Kamphaeng craft villages, with opening times and how to bargain.
Things To Do In Chiang Mai
Things to do from a base in San Kamphaeng: cooking classes, temples, markets, golf, the pool bar’s happy hour, and guides to Huai Lan, shopping and weather.
Chiang Mai for the Older Traveller
An older traveller’s stay 30 km east of Chiang Mai: Muang On Cave, the San Kamphaeng hot springs, golf, airport transfers, and the best months to come.
Living in Chiang Mai
Weather, costs, doctors, getting about, and what land and building actually run to.
Living in Chiang Mai
What a long stay out at San Kamphaeng actually involves — the three seasons, getting around without a car, hospitals, markets, and what it costs. Written for people thinking about months, not nights.
Chiang Mai Weather, Season by Season
Chiang Mai’s three seasons for a winter or long stay: cool Nov–Feb at 27–30°C, hot and hazy Mar–May up to 37°C, then short afternoon rain Jun–Oct.
Living Expenses in Chiang Mai
A single retiree’s costs in Chiang Mai in 2026: rent, food, transport, bills, healthcare, the retirement visa, and three monthly budgets from $900 to $2,500.
Medical Care in Chiang Mai
Chiangmai Ram and Bangkok Hospital Chiang Mai for older expats: departments, rough 2025–26 prices against home, and getting to them from San Kamphaeng.
Getting Around Without a Car
Airport transfers, Grab and Bolt fares into Chiang Mai, songthaews, day-trip drivers and why to skip the scooter, from a base 25–30 km east of the old city.
Land/Property Value in Chiang Mai
2026 asking prices for land, villas, townhouses and condos around Chiang Mai, what is pushing them up, and the leasehold and condo routes open to foreigners.
Construction in Thailand
Building a house near Chiang Mai as a foreigner: leases and superficies, permits, foundations for clay soil, materials, contractor payments and per-m² costs.
Come and see it for yourself
Everything here is within an easy drive of the lodge. Tell us when you are thinking of coming and we will come back with a price.