A minimal bungalow & café: Motho Homestay is a wooden bungalow on the hillside. The mini-homestay has excellent value. It also has a café with a picturesque outlook.
Stay with a stunning view: A secret I’m going to share with you when you arrive here: There are two things you will see only here that others don’t have.
Never Too Late to Get Away
Motho Homestay Style: The accommodation provided by the Karen community of Ban Nong Lom features a well-thought-out design that caters to a wide range of travelers.
It began as a local community shop, which then evolved into a café with a scenic view. Later, they added private accommodations along the hillside and expanded the café to welcome more visitors.
Motho Homestay Rates
This rate is effective from November 2026 to February 2027. Subject to change without prior notice.
Facilities
- Access WiFi
- Air Condition
- Closet and clothes hangers
- Electric kettle
- Drinking water
- Hair dryer
- Hot shower
- Refrigerators
- Toiletries and towels
- TV
Food and beverages
Breakfast for the guests is served from 7:00 to 10:00 AM. Then, the cafe is available from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM (flexible).
The restaurant opens at 11:00 AM, with the last order taken at 8:00 PM. Drinks from the refrigerator can be paid for in cash or added to your food bill.
Services of Motho Homestay
We now offer a 7 kW EV charging station.
For the shuttle service from Chiang Mai, please notify us in advance when booking your accommodation.
Laundry service and Karen’s Handicraft Corner (soon)
Just Book It
You can book via Booking.com or book-directonline.com. Including communication via telephone and email for more info.
Parking lot
Motho Homestay may have limited parking. We recommend using a car service or contacting us for transportation.
Getting here from Chiang Mai
Located to the southwest of Chiang Mai City, within the territory of Doi Inthanon National Park, it is approximately 90 kilometers from Chiang Mai Airport—a drive of about 1 hour and 45 minutes.
You can choose from a variety of travel options—such as buses, cars, motorcycles, or tour packages—to suit your budget and travel style, all offering convenient access.
When to visit Motho Homestay
Mild weather from March to May is the least expensive, while in the city it’s going to be hot. June to September is the best time for the green mountains. And the partly cloudy, bluish sky after rain.
By the end of October, the rice fields will turn golden, and the rice harvest starts in November. November to February is the best time to visit, with cool weather.
Nearby attractions and getting around
- Admire birdwatching
- Discover the nature trails
- Experience the hill tribes
- Flower garden
- Relax with a massage (soon)
- Trekking tour
- Walking neighborhood
In fact, you can visit various attractions either before arriving here or after checking in; I have posted a 2-day itinerary for Inthanon if it is useful.
You can also combine this into your own travel plans—take a look at the “Example of a vacation trip” in the next section.
Example of a vacation trip
Doi Inthanon National Park is a major natural attraction in Chiang Mai, and a homestay in the area makes for an excellent overnight option.
A trip to Doi Inthanon can be done as a day excursion, typically covering 3–4 popular spots and including lunch.
Alternatively, a 2-day, 1-night stay allows you to experience all the highlights, giving you ample time at each location—with the added benefit of being able to time your visits to avoid the crowds.
Day 1: Chiang Mai—Doi Inthanon—Motho Homestay
Day 2: Pha Dok Sieo Nature Trail—Wachirathan—Waterfall—Chiang Mai
Creating Your Trip with the Mae Hong Son Loop
Motho Homestay can be added to your itinerary as either your first or last stop in relation to the Mae Hong Son Loop. Most travelers begin in Chiang Mai, heading toward Pai and continuing along the route to Mae Hong Son.
On the return, you can travel via Mae Chaem—passing by Doi Inthanon—and enjoy a relaxing stay here before completing the loop back in Chiang Mai.
Alternatively, if you are short on time, you might choose to stay here and then continue your journey toward the Mae Chaem area—a quieter, less-traveled destination—if that suits your preference.
In summary
You can find accommodation around Doi Inthanon, ranging from the base of the mountain to areas within the Karen and Hmong hill-tribe communities near the national park headquarters.
However, there is one particular place that perfectly illustrates why I consider it the absolute best location on Doi Inthanon: Motho Homestay.
