📝 1. Overview
Huay Kaew Road is the main route connecting Chiang Mai’s urban core to Doi Suthep. It runs west from the MAYA Mall & Nimman area, passing universities, waterfalls, and hidden cultural gems. This is where locals study, monks meditate, and tourists shift from latte-sipping to nature-dipping. With cafés, temples, waterfalls, and student-friendly food, it’s perfect for travelers who want a mix of modern comfort and slow discovery.
🌟 2. Highlights
🌄 Doi Suthep Road Starts Here – Chiang Mai’s mountain route begins right here
🧘 Wat Suan Dok – Monastic calm, royal tombs & monk chat programs
🛕 Wat Pha Lat Hike Trail (Monk’s Trail) – Jungle walk to a hidden forest temple
💦 Huay Kaew Waterfall – Just 5 mins from the road, free & forested
🎓 Chiang Mai University (CMU) – Big campus, chilled lake, night market food
☕ Student Cafés & Bubble Tea Shops – Budget-friendly + tons of options
🎨 CMU Art Center – Local exhibits + creative campus energy
💡 3. Tips
📸 Best Photo Spots:
- Wat Pha Lat – Jungle temple with bridges and mossy stupas
- Doi Suthep viewpoint stop – Sweeping views over Chiang Mai
- Huay Kaew Waterfall rocks – Short hike, cool vibe
- CMU Lake at sunset – Peaceful student life scenes
🧭 Ideal time:
- Morning for temples or hiking, evening for student food zones
🚶♀️ Walkable near MAYA, but you’ll want a scooter to explore deeper
🛵 Monk’s Trail trailhead is at the end of Suthep Rd (bring water & decent shoes!)
🧴 Bring mosquito spray if heading into nature zones after 4 PM
🍽️ 4. Eats & Cafés in the Area
- Khao Soi Mae Sai
🍜 Iconic local spot for Chiang Mai’s signature dish
📍 Huay Kaew Rd
🕒 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
💸 ~50 THB - SS1254372 Café
🎨 Café meets mini gallery with artsy plating
📍 Just off Huay Kaew, near CMU
🕒 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM - Wawee Coffee @ CMU Lake
☕ Thai chain café with mountain & lake view seating
📍 Inside CMU campus
🕒 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
🛕 5. Temples & Trails
🛕 Wat Suan Dok
- Royal cemetery + massive golden chedi
- Home of monk chat programs (Mon–Fri, 5 PM–7 PM)
🌳 Wat Pha Lat (via Monk’s Trail)
- Serene forest temple
- 30–40 min hike from trailhead at end of Suthep Rd
- Free, peaceful, highly photogenic
🛕 Wat Umong (just beyond area)
- Tunnel temple, forest surroundings, fish pond
- Can be reached by scooter from Huay Kaew in ~10–15 min
🛍️ 6. Markets & Student Life
🎓 CMU Night Market (evenings)
- Popular among students
- Bubble tea, grilled meats, hot pot, cheap fashion
- Open 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
🍢 Ton Payom Market (morning)
- Local market for fruits, sticky rice, and breakfast snacks
- Less touristy, more homey
🚗 7. Access
📍 From Old City
🚕 10–15 min by taxi or songthaew from Suan Dok Gate
📍 From Nimman
🚶 Walkable (~10 min west from MAYA Mall)
📍 To Doi Suthep / Wat Pha Lat
🛵 Best by scooter or Grab
🥾 For Monk’s Trail – start at end of Suthep Rd near the zoo
🛏️ Stay at:
- Buri Siri Boutique Hotel – Near Nimman but quieter
- Guesthouses near CMU – Affordable + chill
- Airbnb in Huay Kaew Sois – Walkable to nature + food
