Khampanna Cafe Resort & Nature, Chiang Dao: The Best Stay and Thai Food in Chiang Dao’s Rice Fields

lovetakesyouto
6 hours ago
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View of rice fields in Chiang Dao, and mountains of Chiang Dao. Khampanna Cafe Resort & Nature

Few places stay with you long after a trip ends, but the emerald rice fields of Chiang Dao — and our stay at Khampanna Cafe Resort & Nature — remain etched in our memory. Nestled at the foot of Doi Chiang Dao, one of Thailand’s most iconic mountains, this hidden gem blends nature, hospitality, and unforgettable Thai cuisine in a way that feels almost dreamlike.

The Rice Field Views at Khampanna Cafe

When we arrived at Khampanna Cafe in Chiang Dao, we stood in awe, admiring the view from the restaurant's terrace. We had to take a moment before we could even say a word. Before us lay one of Thailand's most iconic and picturesque landscapes. The background is Doi Chiang Dao Mountain, covered by lush forest, which frames an endless plain perfectly molded by the expert hands of farmers who for centuries have cultivated rice, the quintessential food of Thai cuisine. Observing the emerald-green rice fields of Chiang Dao is like gazing at a painting by a master in an art museum. The rice fields of Chiang Dao are one of the most striking examples of collaboration between nature and man.

The Restaurant at Khampanna Cafe Resort & Nature in Chiang Dao

Still in shock, we asked to see Kim, the café’s owner, who had corresponded with my wife about the accommodation. “Kim will be here shortly,” said a man in his early thirties with a welcoming smile, who introduced himself as Kim’s brother and the chef. “Chef? Perfect!” we replied. We had not eaten since morning and were hungry. Kim’s brother brought the menu, and frankly, we wanted to order everything. We opted for Pat Thai and Yellow Curry. And since the dessert was on display and had caught our attention, why not? We requested a double serving of the coconut pie that (no kidding!) could compete for the World Pie Championship and win first prize. Between a bite and another of the savory food prepared freshly by Kim’s brother, our eyes were enchanted by the rice field view, the majestic Doi Chiang Dao Mountain, and the sunlight of a late afternoon.

Accommodation at Khampanna Cafe Resort & Nature in Chiang Dao

Then Kim came. My wife recognized him from a picture she had seen on Facebook, and I from his resemblance to the chef. The café does not have a website – at least as of now – and its business relies on a page on Facebook and word of mouth. How did my wife find this place? I don’t know, but she did, and I am glad she surprised me one more time on our travels.

After a brief introduction, Kim led us to our accommodation. We walked along a wooden path to our cabin, immersed in nature, facing a limestone mountain and bordered by a bed of blooming pink flowers. The cabin was decorated with elegant taste, a 360-degree view of the surroundings, and a private patio. The bed faced the rice field view, with no obstruction from a large, clear window sliding door. To say we felt suspended in heaven may sound like a cliché, but you must see it in person to understand what we mean. No video on YouTube can claim to give you an idea.

It was almost sunset. With a full stomach, smiling inside and out, mesmerized and in disbelief, Viktoria and I looked at each other, took it all in, and, without saying a word, we watched the sun disappear behind the mountain.

Cabins at Khampanna Cafe Resort & Nature Chiang Dao

The cabins at Khampanna Cafe Resort & Nature not only offer a pristine view of the rice field but also pay attention to the smallest detail, which is why Kim and his staff are devoted to ensuring the coziest, style-conscious stay. The bed is comfortable, the linens are soft and fresh, the bathroom is spacious and well furnished, and the patio has relaxing wicker chairs that blend well with the natural setting. The bar has coffee and water, and if you are inspired, a writing desk to fill your traveling diary with memories.

Kitties and Frogs at Khampanna Cafe Resort & Nature Chiang Dao

Let's not forget the kitties. During our stay at Khampanna Cafe Resort & Nature, we met a charming family of five cats living their best life at the edge of the rice field. The parents watched over their three playful kittens as they all enjoyed the gentle pace of country Thai days. Their owners often shared bits of Thai dishes, and the cats basked in the warm weather. Sometimes, they likely encountered frogs resting in the bushes after an energetic night singing in the water paddies.

When we travel, and I encounter a cat, I often end up calling it “micino,” which means “little cat” in Italian. I even speak Italian to them, and they seem to understand, as cats all over the world are multilingual. One of the Khampanna Cafe Resort & Nature family cats was more outgoing than the other, and I pet it; another one jumped from the owner’s motor scooter, which it uses as its personal throne, and I wonder how many times it has pressed the horn with its paw to remind the owners that it was time for supper. Meanwhile, another kitty adopted my wife, weaving perfect figure‑eights around her legs like a furry little dancer. There is no question that, for cat lovers like us, the family of kitties at Khampanna Cafe Resort & Nature made our stay even more memorable and gave us a moment of self-service cat therapy.

Breakfast at Khampanna Cafe Resort & Nature Chiang Dao

In the morning, the timid daylight woke us, surrounding us with mysterious fog. The fields seemed to pause, stretching and yawning before starting a new day. Around 8:00 am, we went to the café for breakfast. Kim was already up with some staff, preparing our food. The kitchen smells assured us we were in good hands. What more could we want than local experts cooking Thai cuisine, one of Viktoria’s and my favorites? If you think you had Thai food in the United States, you need to come here to experience its full flavor.

On the first morning, we had delicious yellow curry, dumpling soup, sticky rice, and grilled pork. The second morning: rice porridge, steamed buns, fresh fruit, and meat dumplings. All beyond delicious.

Terrace at Khampanna Cafe Resort & Nature Chiang Dao

The restaurant is open to overnight guests and to the public. At the entrance, there is a terrace that accommodates several tables, but one can opt to dine on a second terrace, situated in the middle of the fields and accessible by a suspended wooden path. Here you can relax on reclining floor mattresses, eat your meal, or meditate quietly facing the mountain. If you are disposed, you can also engage in conversation with fellow travelers. One afternoon, we met a young man who shared our view and had heard about the café by word of mouth. He agreed that the Café was uniquely positioned and that its atmosphere was one-of-a-kind. We agreed with him, and we still think that staying at Khampanna Cafe Resort & Nature was one of the highlights of our trip to Thailand.

The young man was a musician. “Will you write a song about the rice field?” I asked him. “Perhaps, I will. I never know how my songs turn out. The experience I had here will contribute to demonstrating the beauty of Thailand and its welcoming people.” Indeed, if Thailand is called the "Land of Smiles," it is for good reason. Especially here in Chiang Dao, we felt the warmth of the Thai people, their politeness, and the social harmony that characterizes their culture.

Book your stay at Khampanna Cafe Resort & Nature Café in Chiang Dao.

Interested in booking your stay at Khampanna Cafe Resort & Nature Café? Contact Kim on their Facebook page link here.

Once you arrive at the café, don’t forget to order that heavenly coconut pie in addition to their selection of Thai food, all delicious and freshly made. And please say hi to Kim, the staff at K Café, and a special “hi” to the kitties.

Khampanna Cafe Resort & Nature as Your Base To Explore Chiang Dao

The café is not only the perfect place to enjoy the sweeping emerald-green rice fields, but it also serves as an excellent base for exploring the Chiang Dao area. One of our favorite nearby spots was Wat Tham Pha Plong, a tranquil hilltop temple nestled in the jungle, where we enjoyed a peaceful visit without any crowds. Another highlight was TATA Chiang Dao Cafe, a charming, rustic cafe offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. From Chiang Dao, we also visited Elephant Nature Park—renowned as one of the region’s most ethical elephant sanctuaries, with no bathing, feeding, or touching allowed. Spending hours observing and learning about the elephants was a deeply rewarding experience. While many visitors join tours from Chiang Mai, Chiang Dao is actually just as close, and having your own transportation gives you added flexibility. We also explored Wat Tham Chiang Dao cave, which was interesting. On the drive back to Chiang Mai from Chiang Dao, we made a stop at Bua Tong Waterfalls (also called Sticky Waterfalls)—a playful and unique adventure, but do expect crowds, especially in December.